Catalyst Magazine

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 1

The

CATALYST CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY ALUMNI MAGAZINE FALL 2018

Dr. William Montfort explores the myriad aspects of nitric oxide Page 20

Donald Upson Alumni Association Professional Achievement Awardee Page 3

2

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF CBC@UA!

I

t has been another year of growth for CBC! For the second year in a row, we have brought in over 35 new graduate students into our PhD programs, as compared to only ~25 graduate students per year in the previous five years—wow!

The number of undergraduate majors has also grown with 325+ students choosing Chemistry as their major (BS/BA), and 650+ students in the Biochemistry degree program (BS/ BA). To help our undergraduate majors build their resumes and gain experience in industry, we are launching the BRIDGES program in Summer 2019 to provide internships to rising seniors who have worked in an academic research laboratory, but want to expand their skill set before entering the workforce. The BRIDGES summer internship positions are being provided by several of our Industry Associates Program (IAP) partner companies located here in Tucson.

As I look back on my five-year tenure as the CBC Department Head, which ends in June 2019, it is amazing to me how much the department has changed. Our Industry Associates Program has grown to 15 partner companies since inception in 2014, the Careers in Chemical Sciences (CiCS) graduate student mentoring program was established in 2016, and we initiated the Catalyst Awards to recognize faculty excellence in applied chemical sciences based on numbers of patents filed, license agreements signed, and start-up companies launched. Moreover, we hired three tenure-track Assistant Professors (Marty, Gianetti, Tomasiak), a tenured Associate Professor (Lee), and two tenured Full Professors (Page, Peti), all of whom have their labs up and running and are training CBC students. The Aspinwall, Monti, and Pyun labs have moved or soon will move out of the Old Chemistry build-

ing into newly renovated labs in the Marvel and Chemical Sciences buildings. In addition, CBC has renovated seven biochemistry labs in the Biological Sciences West building, upgraded three shared cold rooms in BSW, and added a brand new Tuttnauer autoclave in partnership with the EEB department.

On the education front, CBC has entered the digital age with two online biochemistry courses (Bioc 384/385), in which 625 students enrolled in just the first two years. Organic chemistry lectures will come online next year (Chem 241a/241b), and online general chemistry lectures go live in Fall 2020 (Chem 141/142). Students in these online courses continue to take all lower-division chemistry labs in-person, which can be done at a local community college. Lastly, we established the CBC Departmental Breakfast, which includes a White Lab Coat ceremony for incoming graduate students, the CBC Oktoberfest Family Picnic at Reid Park, and the CBC HomeBrew Contest that kicks off with a “How to Brew” workshop taught by Scott Dreisbach and Amy Graham. If the next five years are anything like the last five years, the next CBC Department Head will be very busy indeed!

The CBC Leadership Team, consisting of myself, Associate Department Head Andrei Sanov, RSS Director Ken Nebesny, Academic Services Director Dee Belle-Oudry, and Business Manager Amy Tary, along with Executive Assistant Tiesha Glover, invite you to join us in pushing the boundaries of Chemistry & Biochemistry in the areas of research, teaching, and outreach by helping support CBC@UA! with your taxdeductible donation.

Roger L. Miesfeld CBC Department Head Distinguished Professor

L to R: Andrei Sanov, Amy Tary, Dee Belle-Oudry, Tiesha Glover, Ken Nebesny, Roger Miesfeld

Be sure to see the full PDF version of the Catalyst magazine posted on the CBC Alumni News website.

Visit cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 3

DONALD UPSON

2018 Alumni Association Professional Achievement Awardee Since 1943 the University of Arizona has granted awards to recognize alumni for outstanding achievement and/or distinguished service to the University of Arizona, the Alumni Association, their communities, and/or their professions. This fall, we are pleased to honor CBC alumnus Donald A. Upson, the recipient of the 2018 Professional Achievement Award.

Congratulations, Don, on winning this prestigious award!

Donald A. Upson PhD Chemistry, University of Arizona, 1975 27-year industrial career spanning Photography, Medical Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Wood Products. Ten years on University of Oregon faculty teaching graduate-level Chemistry, and Business Entrepreneurship; Thomas E. Stewart Distinguished Faculty Member, University of Oregon, 2011.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Donald Upson, 2018 Alumni Association Professional Achievement Awardee . . . . . . . . . . 3 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Barbara Golder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Donna Wiedemann . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Robyn McKee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ric Gonzalez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Wendy Ingram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Cover Image: Model of drug binding to the nitric oxide receptor. Courtesy: Dr. William Montfort

Frank Aylward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Outreach Activities . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Industry Associates Program . . . . 19

Careers in Chemical Sciences (CiCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

William Montfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Faculty and Staff Awards . . . . . . . 22 New Faculty and Staff . . . . . . . . . 22

Undergraduate Peer Mentor Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Students’ Research, Internships, Conferences, Study Abroad, and more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

2017–18 Student Awards . . . . . . . 24

CBC Scrapbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Retirees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

2017–18 Commencement . . . . . . 25

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

4

ALUMNI NEWS Thomas Arana – BS Biochemistry, 1951

I am retired from Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett, MA. I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Edward Andres – BA Chemistry, 1960

Kathryn Tominey – BS Chemistry, 1968

I went on to earn an MBA degree at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. I am retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (managed by Battelle Memorial Institute).

Michael Bissell – BS Chemistry, 1969 (3)

I am a retired general surgeon and a candidate for Congress.

Retired in 2014 from directing the Toxicology Laboratory at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

Roger Bate – BS Chemistry, 1960; MS Chemistry, 1962

Matthew Krause, Jr – PhD Chemistry, 1969

I am retired from Merichem Company; moved to Florida in 2017.

Kenneth Zahn – BS & MS Chemistry, 1960 (1)

For a summary of my past activities, see the the Fall 2016 issue of The Catalyst. I am currently the 1st Vice President of the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies. MORE ONLINE

Eugene Seymour – BS Chemistry, 1961 (2)

My beloved Arizona Bride, Jan Parker Krause UA 1967, Phi Beta Kappa 1966, died while on tour in China Black Friday 2015.

Armando Angel – MS Chemistry, 1970; PhD Chemistry, 1972; MD 1977

We have two great-grandkids, Harland and Calvin. I established the Estrella Consultant Group for evaluating radioactive issues.

I’ve had a wonderful career as a practicing physician, medical school professor and CEO of two public companies in the antiviral space. Life is great with a wonderful wife, 3 children and 6 grandchildren. MORE ONLINE

Jerry Crawford – MS Biochemistry, 1970; PhD Biochemistry, 1976

John Kaczynski – MS Chemistry, 1966

I am retired from Longview Community College. I have 6 grandchildren, all living in Tucson.

Our granddaughter received an award for her science project in the physics category for fifth graders. She studied how heat affects the magnetic shield around a mag-lev train. MORE ONLINE

Norman Buck – BS Chemistry, 1967

Robert Jones – BS Chemistry, 1971; MA Science Teaching, 1973

I retired from working full time in 2011 after about 38 years of service in the UA’s Department of Entomology, but I still work a few hours a week.

Harry Edwards – PhD Chemistry, 1967

After 41 years at CSU, I retired in 2007. Presently, I am a member of the City of Fort Collins Air Quality Advisory Board, and I am coordinator for Financial Peace University at Timberline Church in Fort Collins. MORE ONLINE

Curtis Schilling, Jr – PhD Chemistry, 1967 My wife Betty passed away in March.

Jim Foster – PhD Chemistry, 1968

I am gliding along in a very pleasant retirement. I cut a few gems from time to time (a Zen experience), give tours at Lotusland, travel, cook, and have fun with my friends and my wife Sandy. MORE ONLINE

Barry Haymore – BS Chemistry, 1968

I went on to earn an M. Sc. from Brigham Young University and a PhD from Northwestern University, Evanston. Now I am retired from ChemLink International.

I am retired from the Agricultural Research Service where I was a Technology Transfer Coordinator.

Eugenia Eide Stoker – BS Chemistry, 1970; MD, 1974

I am a hospital chaplain in Los Angeles.

Siegfried Lodwig – PhD Chemistry, 1971

I’m getting to know more surgeons than I want to know. Old age is not for the weak.

Dennis Savage – PhD Chemistry, 1971

I retired from the Eastman Kodak Co. in 2004. Since then I have been at the University of Rochester doing organic synthesis in the laboratory of Prof. R.K. Boeckman, Jr.

Larry Schwartz – PhD Chemistry, 1971

Still running my consulting business which includes business and technical analysis based on intellectual property, and my wife Leslie, (UA Nursing 1972) is head nurse at a family health clinic. MORE ONLINE See more online for all the full stories! cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

1

2

3

Kenneth Zahn

Eugene Seymour

Michael Bissell

J. Steven Schwarting – BS Chemistry, 1968

Throughout my medical career I have always kept chemistry as an avocation.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 5

Robert Small – PhD Chemistry, 1971 (1)

Roxane Gardner – BA Chemistry, 1978 (7)

Don Stevenson – PhD Chemistry, 1971

Mark Mittelstaedt – BA Chemistry, 1978

Since retiring in 2004 I did consulting work for the semiconductor industry until 2016. I travel around much of the world, doing volunteer work for the HSSA and in my community of Civano. MORE ONLINE I am retired from Dow Chemical.

Most of my time is spent at Center for Medical Simulation where I am the Sr. Director of Clinical Programs, Director of the Simulation Fellowship and International Scholars Program, and Co-Director of the Labor and Delivery Program. MORE ONLINE Tucson was good to me, but I couldn’t take the heat anymore; retired to the mountains east of Albuquerque.

David Bear – BA Chemistry, 1972

I retired from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, where I served as Chair of Cell Biology and Physiology, Associate Dean of Admissions, and Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. MORE ONLINE

Tim Krupa – MS Chemistry, 1979 (8)

Sheldon Clare – PhD Chemistry, 1972

I have been the Medical Director and Chief of Staff since 2011, overseeing nearly 1,000 physicians, two hospitals and 25 medical offices serving 600,000 members.

After retiring from the University of Pittsburgh, I have taught part-time at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College. I am a widower with 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Kenneth Ehler – PhD Chemistry, 1972

Since Sept., 2002, I have been the volunteer manager of “Second Hand Prose”, a used bookstore run entirely by volunteers for the express purpose of raising funds for the Eugene Public Library. MORE ONLINE

Daniel Chang – PhD Chemistry, 1974 (2) I am retired and living in San Diego.

Robert Keesee – BS Chemistry, 1975 (3)

After a long career in clinical development, I am enjoying a second career with Cibus US LLC in the AgBio sector.

Nancy Gin – BS Chemistry, 1982; MD 1986

Patricia Hill – PhD Chemistry, 1982

I retired in 2014 and moved to Southern Utah. Now I focus on horseback riding and competing in reining and going on bicycling trips around the world with my husband.

Charles Eck – MS Chemistry, 1983; PhD Chemistry, 1991

Just continued the process of retiring by moving back to Tucson. My wife, Alice Whittaker, is a UA alumna (BSN, ‘75, MSN, ‘82) and has just retired from teaching at Creighton University College of Nursing. MORE ONLINE

I officially retired Sept. 1, 2018 after 27 years at U Albany, Dept of Atmospheric & Environmental Sciences (and 9 years at Penn State Univ. before that). MORE ONLINE

Carlos Fabara – MS Chemistry, 1983

Andy Campbell – BA CHEM & Philosophy, 1976; MS CHEM, 1979 (4)

Robin Humphreys – BS Biochemistry, 1983

Currently I am Deputy Director of Siting, Licensing & Environmental Analysis at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Michael Routh – PhD Chemistry, 1976 (5)

I am currently serving on the Boards of Directors of In-Situ, ANDalyze, Symbios, and Climate Restoration Technologies.

As of 2018 I am Professor Emeritus from Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador.

I am Senior Director of Pharmacology at Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

4

5

Andy Campbell

Michael Routh

Walter Rudzinski – PhD Chemistry, 1977 (6)

Retired in 2017 after 38 years of teaching and research at an institution that grew from a 16,000 student, regional university to a nearly 40,000 student institution designated as one of 8 upcoming research universities in Texas.

1

2

3

6

7

8

Robert Small

Daniel Chang

Robert Keesee

Walter Rudzinski

Roxane Gardner

Tim Krupa

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

6

ALUMNI NEWS, CONT.

Millicent Firestone – MA Chemistry, 1988

Meg Collopy LeVier – BS Chemistry, 1983

Retired but still consult for mining companies. Volunteer at the Douglas County Sheriff Office in the warrants group.

Leslie Clark Romanyshyn – BA Biochemistry, 1983

My career includes 20 years of analytical chemistry supporting drug metabolism drug discovery and 15 years (and going...) supporting clinical trials as a CRA.

William Struthers – BS Biochemistry, 1983; MD, 1987

I am now practicing at United States Anesthesia Partners.

I received a doctorate in chemistry (1993) at Northwestern University. In 2013 I moved to Los Alamos National Laboratory where I was made a strategic hire for soft matter. MORE ONLINE

Kevin Zavadil – PhD Chemistry, 1989 (4)

I am a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories.

Jani Ingram – PhD Chemistry, 1990 (5)

I received the American Chemical Society 2018 Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences in March.

Alan Smrcka – PhD Biochemistry, 1991

Soonya McDavid – BS Chemistry, 1984 (1)

I am employed at W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. as a Quality Leader.

I took a position as Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

David Arney – PhD Chemistry, 1992 (6)

Lisa Farrell – BS Chemistry, 1986 (2)

Celebrating 23 years with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Environmental Quality Division.

I have held the position of Global Laboratory Manager for the Powertrain Solutions Lab in the 3M Automotive & Aerospace Division since 2016.

Stephen Andruski – PhD Chemistry, 1987

Michael Ruane – BS Chemistry, 1994 (7)

I am employed at US Pharmacopeia.

Ginny Beal – BS Chemistry, 1987

I have earned tenure in the chemistry department at Texas Lutheran University and started my first year as Department Chair of Chemistry. I have made significant progress on a new stereospecific method to generate pyranones. MORE ONLINE

MORE ONLINE

Elizabeth Atkinson – PhD Chemistry, 1995

I recently completed 16 years evaluating science education programs funded by the NSF focusing on particle physics.

David Mangelsdorf – PhD Biochemistry, 1987 (3)

Currently I am Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Linfield College.

Leah Ellingboe O’Brien – PhD Chemistry, 1987

I am Director of R&D Program Management at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and have spent the past 19 years working on the Cystic Fibrosis Research portfolio at Vertex. I am enjoying being the mother to three daughters. MORE ONLINE

Since 1993 I have been at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, where I currently am Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology. I am a member of the National Academy of Sciences. MORE ONLINE I have been married for 32 years to Jim O’Brien, whom I met and married while a grad student at UA. We have two wonderful daughters, Christine and Emily. In 2012 I was named an ACS Fellow.

Heather Houston Clark – MS Chemistry, 1995 (8)

4

5

6

Kevin Zavadil

Jani Ingram recognized

David Arney

Anjan Bhattacharyya – PhD Biochemistry, 1988

I work for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Public Health/Radiation Control Branch.

1

2

3

7

8

Soonya McDavid

Lisa Farrell

David Mangelsdorf

Michael Ruane (far right) and students

Heather Houston Clark and family

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 7

Paula Ray – PhD Chemistry, 1996 (1)

Jennyfer Faridy Cocco – BA Biochemistry, 1999; MD, 2004 (5)

Jason Chruma – BS Chemistry, 1997 (2)

Susanne Rafelski – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 1999

Deepa Wadhwani Whipple – BS Biochemistry, 1997 (3)

Adrienne Roehrich – BS Chemistry, 1999

Completing twenty years at P&G is a milestone worth celebrating and made possible by 5 years in Tucson learning with some of the best. Our Midwestern lives continue, with our youngest child entering college this fall. MORE ONLINE After seven years as an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia, my family and I moved to Chengdu, China, where I am a full Professor and Assistant Dean (International Affairs) in the College of Chemistry at Sichuan University. MORE ONLINE My career began at Accenture, where I got to travel to fun places (Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila, Bangalore). I eventually left consulting and hired on to Ross Stores, Inc. where I now work out of our Buying Office in NYC. MORE ONLINE

Chandra Savage Marsden – BS CHEM, 1998; PhD CHEM, 2004

I am the Team Leader for Tritium Research, part of the Gas Transfer Systems group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. My team conducts tritium function tests of R&D gas transfer systems. MORE ONLINE

Brian Schmidt – MS Chemistry, 1998

Currently I am a Professor of Physical Science at the College of Southern Nevada.

Laurie Wood – PhD Chemistry, 1998

I just completed 15 years working at Beckman Coulter.

Charlie Chen – MS Biochemistry, 1999 (4)

Currently I am a Senior Research Investigator at Icagen-T Inc.

After completing medical school, I moved to Texas for residency in plastic surgery. I now have my own solo practice in Dallas.

In 2015 I met the love of my life and now have a son and two step-sons. MORE ONLINE I started my independent research lab in the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology at UC Irvine in 2012. I then moved to the brand new Allen Institute for Cell Science in Seattle in 2016 - see www.allencell.org.

I am the Associate Manager of the NMR Facility at the University of Washington.

Allison Shepherd – BS Chemistry, 1999 (6)

I recently received the Laboratory Analyst of the Year award for 2018 from the AZ Water Association, the Arizona Section of the American Water Works Association.

Jessica Yingling – BS Biochemistry, 1999 (7)

I earned my PhD in biomedical sciences from UC San Diego.

Seven years ago, I started Little Dog Communications, which provides small biotechs assistance with PR and communications. MORE ONLINE

Tim Sikorski – BS Chemistry, 2001 (8)

I moved to Stuttgart, Germany and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. My new job is working as Deputy Chief of Plans for Information Operations at the United States Africa Command.

Francisco Villa – BS Biochemistry, 2001

Currently I am a clinical professor at Northern Arizona University – Yuma Branch Campus. My wife and I have twin 9-year-old daughters and a 7-year-old son. MORE ONLINE

See more online for all the full stories! cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

1

4

5

6

Paula Ray and family

Charlie Chen

Jennyfer Faridy Cocco

Allison Shepherd

2

3

7

8

Jason Chruma and family in Thailand

Deepa Wadhwani Whipple and family

Jessica Yingling

Tim Sikorski and family

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

8

ALUMNI NEWS, CONT. Melanie Boshens – BS Chemistry, 2002 (1)

I am employed at Tucson Water, where I recently was promoted to Chemist Supervisor for the Inorganic Unit in the Water Quality and Operations Laboratory. MORE ONLINE

Jonathan Brekan – BS Chemistry, 2002 (2)

I received a PhD in Organic Chemistry from University of Buffalo, SUNY. I currently work at Daubert Cromwell developing corrosion prevention packaging. I married Shevawn Leahy, and we have 2 children, Jack (4) and Josephine (1). MORE ONLINE

Tara Garrison Bunag – BS Chemistry, 2002 (3)

My 2-year-old daughter loves looking through chemistry books and asking what everything means.

Tracey Newlove – BS Biochemistry, 2002; MD, 2008 I currently am in practice at Tucson Dermatology.

Ben Fish – BS Chemistry, 2003 (4)

I currently am employed by Bank of America.

Dana Gilmore – BS Biochemistry, 2003

Tally Largent-Milnes – BS BMB, 2005

In 2014, I was recruited back to the UA, where I started my lab in Medical Pharmacology. My husband and I have a 2-year-old child and enjoy gardening, hiking, and being back in Tucson in general. MORE ONLINE

Andrew Lemieux – BS BMB, 2005; MS Biochemistry, 2006

I am living in the Netherlands and work at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement.

Raymond Moellering – BS BMB, BS Chemistry, 2005

In 2017/2018 I was awarded a Research Scholar Award from the American Cancer Society and the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award. I currently am an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago.

Wendy Hyatt – BS Chemistry, 2006

I am celebrating 12 years with ALS, where I am now Client Service Manager. I am in charge of the lab and client services. I enjoy the work that I do and hope that I can continue it through my own retirement. MORE ONLINE

Sarah Statt – BS BMB, 2006

I am a Senior Scientist at Asuragen.

I have been working at Arizona Department of Public Safety since 2008 working in serology, DNA and now Toxicology. I have testified over 80 times on blood alcohol analysis for DUI cases. MORE ONLINE

Bryan Thacker – BS Mechanical Eng, BA Biochemistry, 2006

Cornel Popescu – BS Biochemistry, 2003; MPH 2014

Dominique Leitner – BS Biochemistry, 2007 (7)

Currently I am a medical student with UA College of Medicine Phoenix.

Stephanie Slater – BS BMB, 2003; MS Biochemistry, 2004 (5)

I currently am working as a project scientist at a start-up biotech company in San Diego. My family consists of my wife and three boys. MORE ONLINE I am a research scientist at New York University (NYU) in the Department of Neurology where I evaluate the etiology of epilepsy and its implications in SUDEP and SUDC. MORE ONLINE

I am engaged to get married in October 2018!

Retsina Meyer – BS BMB, 2004 (6)

I have been working in neuroscience for over a decade. I have been nominated for the Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Boston Business Journal Women to Watch in Science and Technology, and 40 under 40. MORE ONLINE

See more online for all the full stories! cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

3

4

6

Tara Bunag’s daughter preps for CBC@UA

Ben Fish

Retsina Meyer

Gilmar Salgado – PhD Biochemistry, 2004

Currently I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Bordeaux in France.

1

2

5

7

Melanie Boshens

Jonathan Brekan and family

Stephanie Slater and fiance

Dominique Leitner

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 9

Sukeshi Roberts – BS Chemistry, 2007

My husband and I moved to Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2016 after he graduated medical school. I work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an ORISE Fellow.

Joe Farmer – BS BMB, 2010 (4)

MORE ONLINE

After teaching chemistry at Rincon High School in Tucson for 4 years, I enrolled in a master’s degree program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and graduated with an Ed.M. in Mind, Brain, and Education in the spring of 2018. MORE ONLINE

Thomas Schultze – BS Chemistry, 2007

Keeper Sharkey – BS Chemistry, 2010; PhD Chemistry, 2015 (5)

I am working at SPEX Certiprep.

Alan Wang – BS BMB, BS Math, 2007

I graduated from neurology residency in 2017 from Thomas Jefferson and then held a fellowship in epilepsy at the University of Miami. I am a faculty member at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Christina Birch – BS BMB, BS Math, 2008 (1)

I took a position at Caltech as a STEM Writing Specialist/Lecturer in Engineering. I am training and racing full-time as part of TEAM USA (in the sport of Track Cycling). My goal is to make the World Championships and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Teams.

MORE ONLINE

Michael Ferracane – BS BMB, BS Chemistry, 2008

Currently I am working as an Assistant Professor at University of Redlands, a small liberal arts college located in Southern California.

Shang-U Kim – PhD Chemistry, 2008 (2)

I am a principal engineer at Samsung Display, and a general manager of FA lab in quality and reliability organization.

Guy Pilkington – PhD BMCB, 2008 (3)

I joined ImQuest BioSciences as the Director of Molecular Virology and Hepatitis Research. I run a division where we focus on the development and application of novel assays for the in vitro evaluation of treatment options for Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus. MORE ONLINE

I accepted a position in Spokane, WA at Imprezzio, Inc. working as a Research Analyst on the Data Science Team in the Engineering Dept. I am also Director of Research Innovations with MichaelLogic Administration based in Chicago, IL. MORE ONLINE

Triza Brion – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011 (6)

I am an Outcomes Researcher at ICON.

Jessie Brown – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011 (7)

I graduated and received my PhD from the Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at NYU Langone Health in January 2018 and took a postdoctoral position at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in July 2018.

Andrea Hartzell – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I successfully defended my PhD in neuroscience at UCSD and am beginning a postdoc in neuroscience at Scripps in San Diego.

My husband Stefano and I welcomed son Luca in June.

MORE ONLINE

Ashley Head – PhD Chemistry, 2011

I just started a new staff scientist position at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, NY.

Diogenes Placencia – PhD Chemistry, 2011 (8)

I assumed a new position as Science Director for the Office of Naval Research Global, stationed in São Paulo, Brazil. My charge is to engage researchers/military personnel across Latin America.

MORE ONLINE

Hemant Badgandi – PhD Biochemistry, 2009

I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Vanderbilt University.

3

4

5

Guy Pilkington

Joe Farmer

Keeper Sharkey and family

Brian Bode – BS BMB, BA Linguistics, 2009

Worked as a doctor in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in my FY1 year (in Trauma and Orthopaedics) and moved to Inverness, Scotland in August to complete my FY2 year.

1

2

6

7

8

Christina Birch

Shang-U Kim

Triza Brion

Jessie Brown

Diogenes Placencia

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

10

ALUMNI NEWS, CONT.

Spencer Carey – BS Chemistry, 2013

Amanda Davis Roca – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I just received my PhD in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University. My husband (who also graduated from UA) and I moved to Seattle where I am a postdoc at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute. MORE ONLINE

Ashley Mason Zappia – BS BMB, 2011

I am employed at the Roche Diagnostics Corporation.

Adele Zhou – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I completed my PhD in genetics, genomics, and development from Cornell University in 2018 and moved to the DC area where I am working as a postdoc in medical writing for a large pharmaceutical/drug development company.

Niharika Changavalli – BA Chemistry, 2012; MA Chemistry, 2013 I am employed at Vivacity Engineering in Australia.

Lindsey Leve – BA Chemistry, 2012

I just graduated with my PhD from the University of Washington and will start a postdoc at the Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin this fall.

Daniel Dokuchitz – BS Chemistry, 2013

Recently I began a new job with Linde developing analytical chemistry methods for their Electronic Gases and Specialty Products business. Most of the work is done to support customer requirements for the semiconductor industry. MORE ONLINE

Nicholas Nelson – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2013

I graduated from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in May 2018 and accepted a position as a pharmacy practice resident.

Carly Schnoebelen – BS Biochemistry, 2013

I graduated from Purdue University with my PhD in Chemical Education in May 2018 and am now a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California San Diego.

Aishan Shi – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, BA English, 2013

I am in my final year of medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, and I am applying to Internal Medicine residency programs.

I am working at Wintergreen Digital Media.

Laura Stratton – PhD Chemistry, 2012

Married Vinnie Maniola in a SCUBA wedding in Mexico in October 2017.

Dan Whitfield – BS BMB, 2012 (1)

Currently I live in Germany, working in Engineering at a Berlin FinTech startup as a QA analyst and automation engineer. I also work part time in Bioinformatics for the Berlin Center for Genomic Diversity (BeGenDiv). MORE ONLINE

Garrett Yagade – BS Chemistry, 2012 (2)

Got married November 4, 2017 and honeymooned to the Bahamas to watch the Wildcats play in the battle for Atlantis.

My younger sister also decided to attend the UA.

Benjamin Zarin – BS Chemistry, 2012 (3)

I am currently pursuing graduate studies in Polymer Science at the University of Oregon. In addition, I remain employed fulltime with Polymer Chemistry Innovations.

Christa Bockisch – BS Chemistry, 2013 (4)

I completed my PhD in hydrothermal organic geochemistry at ASU and have since moved to Oregon, where I will be working as a Process Engineer at Intel Corporation. MORE ONLINE

Duyen Vo – BS Biochemistry, BS Chemistry, BS MCB, 2013 (5)

After completing an MS degree in Medical Science at the University of Vermont, I was accepted to 4 MD schools and am attending the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

MORE ONLINE

Matthew Bigler – BS Chemistry, 2014

Got an MS in Material Science Engineering; pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science.

Lauren Dominic – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2014

I am currently in my 4th year of medical school and planning on pursuing a residency in combined internal medicine and pediatrics.

Eric Figueroa – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2014 (6)

I am a third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. I am working on developing the molecular pharmacology of volume-regulated anion channels.

See more online for all the full stories! cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

1

2

3

4

5

6

Dan Whitfield

Garrett Yagade and wife

Benjamin Zarin

Christa Bockisch

Duyen Vo

Eric Figueroa

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 11

Matt Hettinger – BS Chemistry, 2014

I have worked at Hexcel and Kreysler & Associates formulating thermoset resin matrices for a variety of applications within the composites industry. I am currently working as a polymer chemist at Kreysler & Associates, a custom fiberglass fabrication shop. MORE ONLINE

Lawrence Hill – PhD Chemistry, 2014

I am finishing my second year as an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, and my first student graduated with his master’s thesis. I married Estie Lynn Carlson in July 2018!

Meagan Johnson – BA Chemistry, 2014 (1)

Currently I am a 4th-year medical student at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. I am traveling between Texas, Arizona and Chicago this year for elective rotations. I am going to specialize in pediatrics and plan to further specialize in neonatology.

Aaron Pejlovas – BS Chem, 2014; MA Chem, 2017; PhD Chem, 2018

I began working at Clariant in Tucson, AZ as a development chemist for the oil and mining services business unit. Rhianna Hastings, (a CBC alumna) and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first child.

Kameron Rodrigues – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2014 (2)

I was recently awarded the Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation! I am beginning my 2nd year of graduate school at Stanford University, within the Computational and Systems Immunology program. MORE ONLINE

Estefania Lopez – BS Biochemistry, BA Spanish, 2015

I was hired by Cord Blood Registry as a Clinical Research Assistant. I moved to Phoenix and am in the Pathway Scholars Program earning a Master’s in Medical Studies with conditional admission to the UACOM-P next year. MORE ONLINE

Casey Miller – BA Biochemistry, 2015

I am a Data Analyst at the University of Arizona.

Elizabeth Nguyen – BS Chemistry, 2015

In the past year, I’ve moved from Houston, TX to Seattle, WA. I was fortunate enough almost immediately after moving to land my job working as a research technician for the chemistry group at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Samantha Calle – BS Chemistry, 2016

After working at the USDA Honeybee Research Lab in Tucson, I have moved to Phoenix to work as a Chemist in the semiconductor and automotive industry at AnalysisNow! MORE ONLINE

Valeria Valdez – BS Chemistry, 2016 (4)

I am an Auxiliaries Officer in the United States Navy.

Udeep Chawla – PhD Biochemistry, 2017

I have been a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky since August 2017.

Iman Daryaei – PhD Chemistry 2017 (5)

I am currently employed at NuvOx Pharma.

Gloria Le – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2017

Madison Dawn – BS Chemistry, 2015 (3)

I have moved to Scottsdale, adopted three dogs, and began working for the Phoenix Tribology Division of ALS Laboratory Service USA. I have visited Rome, Ireland, Iceland, Mexico and Canada. MORE ONLINE

I accepted a research associate position at Ventana Medical Systems in Systems Integration. Although the research I perform is different from that in academia, the principles remain the same.

Summer Gardner – BS Biochemistry, 2015

Bret Maughan – PhD Chemistry, 2017

Currently I am serving two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa. I am a part of the Community HIV/AIDS Outreach Program (CHOP), working with a drop-in center for vulnerable children and orphans in the community. MORE ONLINE

Haley Kent – BS Biochemistry, 2015

I re-located to Kentucky to pursue a career in forensics. I have 3 cats, 2 dogs and 15 chickens on 10 acres.

MORE ONLINE

Recently hired as a Chemistry and Materials Scientist at Space Dynamics Laboratory.

David Renner – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2017

I recently started at the University of Pennsylvania in their Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) PhD program, focusing on Microbiology, Parasitology and Virology (MVP).

Mehrdad Shadmehr – PhD Chemistry, 2017 (6)

Currently I am working at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

MORE ONLINE

1

2

3

4

5

6

Meagan Johnson

Kameron Rodrigues

Madison Dawn

Valeria Valdez

Iman Daryaei

Mehrdad Shadmehr

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

12

ALUMNI NEWS, CONT.

Ramya Ramesh – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018 (4)

Matthew Stagg – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2017

I hope to obtain a graduate Certificate of Population Health Management from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health by medical school matriculation in 2019. MORE ONLINE

Matthew Varga – PhD Chemistry, 2017

Currently I am a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University.

Kimberly Widrick – BS Biochemistry, BS Math, 2017

Transferred from the Master’s program to the PhD program in Biomedical Engineering at the UA. Recently hired as a graduate research assistant in the Center for Gamma Ray Imaging (CGRI).

Adam Kai Aragaki – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018 (1)

I am attending Johns Hopkins University’s pharmacology program. In my spare time, I enjoy petting cats and creating complicated spreadsheets to help me with trivial decisions.

I plan to attend medical school, but I will be working as a scribe during my year off.

Jose Rios-Monterrosa – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018 (5)

I started my first year of medical school at the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa, where I am a medical student ambassador and a peer mentor to pre-health students.

I recently got engaged to my beautiful fiancée Madison.

Anthony Schwenker – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018 (6)

I plan to work in the chemistry field. I feel confident and prepared for this new step. MORE ONLINE

Lawrence Sun – BA Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018 (7)

In my free time, I like long-distance running, singing, and learning how to cook “safely”. I am studying for my first MCAT, and I am hoping to get admitted into the University of Washington School of Medicine in the class of 2023. MORE ONLINE

Jason Sweet – BA Biochemistry, 2018 (8)

MORE ONLINE

Danielle Barrientes – BS Chemistry, 2018 (2)

I joined the staff at the ALEC facility on the UA campus as a research technician, where my job is to perform various chemical analyses for samples submitted to the facility. MORE ONLINE

Brandon Goldenberg – BS Biochemistry, 2018

After gaining research experience in the biotech industry for a year, I would like to attend a PhD program in the genetics/genomic medicine field. MORE ONLINE

Sean Lansey – BS Chemistry, 2018 (3)

I am a chemical technician for Global Solar, a company that manufactures CIGS solar cells. My goal is to contribute in some meaningful way to the R&D into solar technology. MORE ONLINE

Christopher Marshall – BS Chemistry, 2018

Three weeks after graduating with a BS in chemistry, I started my first job as a full-time formulation associate at Accelerate Diagnostics in Tucson, AZ.

I am the first in my family to earn a college degree. I recently took a position at the UA’s Defense and Security Research Institute, where I will act as the Human Performance and SOF representative. MORE ONLINE

Josephine Uong – BA Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

While taking a year off of school, I will be working at a retirement home as a server, then with a pharmacist. I will also be working on my applications for pharmacy schools.

Dane Evan Zambrano – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

I am pursuing an MD/PhD with a focus on Biochemistry at the University of Washington through their Biological Physics Structure and Design (BPSD) Program. MORE ONLINE Send your news to Olivia Mendoza at omendoza@email. arizona.edu to be included in next year’s magazine!

4

5

6

Neal Patel – BA Biochemistry, 2018

Working as a clinical research coordinator for Honor Health in Scottsdale, Arizona. Applying for dental school admission and looking to enroll in Fall 2019.

Ramya Ramesh

Jose Rios-Monterrosa and fiancée Madison

1

2

3

7

8

Adam Kai Aragaki

Danielle Barrientes

Sean Lansey

Lawrence Sun

Jason Sweet

Anthony Schwenker

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 13

A STRING OF CAREERS

By Barbara Golder | BS Chemistry, 1972

I

t seems that the most important things in my life happen almost by happy accident. I ended up at the University of Arizona (the other end of the world from my Florida home) because of a wonderful summer experience spent there as a rising senior in high school as an NSF scholar. I ended up a chemistry major when it became obvious to me that majors in anthropology—my first choice of fields—had distinctly limited economic prospects, and my Organic Chemistry professor—Dr. Lee Jones—helped me apply for a scholarship that made it possible for me to stay in school. My training at the UA prepared me very well for a career that has been unique, multifaceted, and very rewarding. It just hasn’t been in chemistry.

The Bradenton Herald, March 21, 1983

Book signing in Telluride

That does not mean that my training has been wasted. Learning the discipline and science of chemistry is more than accumulating a set of facts and principles. It’s learning a way to approach problems from a particular, and in my experience, particularly effective, scientific perspective. And that was something I could not have appreciated as a wide-eyed 18-year-old sitting in the front row of a lecture hall listening to the finer points of carbon compounds.

After graduating, I went on to study tumor biology at the University of Florida, ultimately getting my medical degree. I specialized in pathology, hematopathology, and forensic pathology, which were obvious extensions of my chemistry training.

Not so obvious was how that training prepared me to practice as a health care lawyer after getting a law degree from Stetson College of Law, but it did. Casting my mind back to my UA professors—Dr. Quintus Fernando and Dr. W. Ronald Salzman leap to mind—I found I had quite a repertoire of ways to explain fairly complicated medical concepts to people with little or no medical training. That repertoire came in handy once again when I filled in as

a high school chemistry and biology teacher for a couple of years, much to my daughter’s distress. Having Mom around school is not an unalloyed blessing, especially when she is one of the “tough” teachers.

After nearly twenty years carving out a career as a health-care lawyer and in medical politics and lobbying, I shifted gears again to become the Director of Medical Quality Assurance for a large disability insurer. Nights and weekends, I was working on the first novel in what became the award-winning Lady Doc series of mysteries. It features a female physician-attorney who not only solves mysteries but delves deeply into the spiritual side of life in the bargain. And chemistry finally came out front and center in my alter-ego’s life. In the most recent installment, the heroine has to track down not one but two obscure poisons: applied chemistry at its best.

Most recently, I assumed the mantle of the Editor-in-Chief of The Linacre Quarterly, the journal of the Catholic Medical Association and the longest continuously published journal of Catholic bioethics in the country. It’s a challenge to integrate the principles of science with the demands of moral thought.

It’s clearly the farthest afield I have travelled from my roots as a chemistry major. But I have no doubt that I will find those roots will nourish whatever I do. Chemistry, it seems, has settled in my very bones—thanks to an exceptional experience at the UA.

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

14

ENVIRONMENTALLY AWARE CHEMISTRY

By Donna J. Wiedemann | BS Chemistry, 1984

I

t was at Santa Rita High School that I got my first taste of chemistry, and I knew I had found my career. I was lucky to be selected for a new class called the Professional Internship Program, in which the student does volunteer work in the community. I was fortunate enough to work in Dr. George Wilson’s lab at the University of Arizona doing research on micro-immunodiffusion. This experience led me to yearn for a doctorate in chemistry. While attending the UA I had the honor and privilege of doing research in Dr. Q. Fernando’s lab. He was a mentor to me both as an undergraduate and graduate student and provided invaluable guidance in my pursuit of chemistry. In his lab I helped developed techniques to measure zinc and lead ore concentrations during the refining process.

After graduating from the UA, I was employed doing in-field soil vapor

A smokey opening to a chemical demonstration show

analysis for the detection of VOCs. Field work made me more aware of environmental issues and has had a life-long impact on how I practice chemistry. In 1986 I began to pursue a doctorate in chemistry at Indiana University with Dr. R. M. Wightman. I studied Dopamine neurotransmission in the rat brain using Fast-scan Cyclic Voltammetry to assess the acute and chronic effects of psychoactive compounds as they are related to Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia. I earned my doctorate in chemistry and began working at Procter and Gamble in 1991.

ized the details of the product formulation. On the 10th anniversary of the brand I was recognized for my efforts in sustainability, and I narrated a short video on the creation of the Tide Cold Water formula. I went on to invent the first formulations of Tide with Febreze and Tide Advanced Power. I won the 2008 CEO award in recognition of how my formulation work has built the Tide brand. In 2011 I moved from Laundry to the Baby Care organization. I currently have responsibilities for the emollient lotions applied to Diapers, Baby Wipes and Feminine products.

Procter and Gamble (P&G, Cincinnati, OH) has given me the opportunity to explore many different areas of chemistry. I started in the Soap and Detergent Division, Analytical Chemistry Group.

Over the next ten years some of my responsibilities were leading the enzyme analysis, microscopy, spectroscopy and wet chemistry laboratories. This helped me build a diverse set of analysis skills that serves me well to this day. In 2001 I moved to a formulation role for the Liquid Tide brand. The mid-2000s was an opportune time for proliferation of new premium Tide formulations. Utilizing principles of surfactant chemistry, I invented the first formulation of Tide Cold Water. After thirteen years it has enabled millions of people to save energy by washing clothes without heating water.

As a 33-year member of the American Chemical Society (ACS), I have been doing public outreach for National Chemistry Week and Earth Day for 20 years and have led our local Section’s Earth Day Event for more than ten years.

In 2017 I was elected to Second Vice Chair of the Cincinnati Section of the ACS, and this year hold the post of Vice Chair-Chair Elect. I am grateful for the opportunity to chair my local Section in 2019.

This work led to several unexpected accolades: In 2005 I was interviewed

by Chemical and Engineering News. Later the P&G Company Historian memorial-

On the personal side: I was born in England into a military family and lived out west during my formative years. I now live in Indiana with my husband of 25 years, John Walser. Our daughter Keelin, a sophomore at Indiana University, is studying anthropology. Is the UA in her future? My hobbies include formulating essential oil blends, hiking and gardening. The connection to my Arizona roots drives our passion to grow a large variety of chili peppers from mild to blistering hot.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 15

A TEACHER IN DISGUISE

By Roberta (Robyn) McKee | PhD Biochemistry, 1987

I

f someone would have told me back in 1985 when I was a Biochemistry PhD student that I would have the professional career I’ve had, I wouldn’t have believed them.

It’s not like I knew exactly what I would do for the next 30+ years, but when I completed my PhD, I thought I had a pretty good idea of where I was going. I enjoyed research and working in labs, but I really saw myself teaching in the University setting. Growing up, I admired educators and had several respected role models. It seemed pretty clear. Academia would be my path.

A funny thing happened on the way to academia… Like most PhD candidates, I pursued thesis work that sparked my scientific interests. While there were many interesting studies in the Biochemistry department at the time, there was something about Victor Hruby’s lab that got my attention. Primarily filled with chemists doing peptide synthesis, as a biochemist I found a unique spot Robyn with husband Brian

where I could play a complementary role. My lab mates designed and synthesized peptide analogs, and I focused on assessing their functionality. My academic circle extended beyond chemists to pharmacology and medicine, and I gained a strong appreciation for the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Six years after coming to UA I was ready for the post-doctoral experience.

Beyond developing further as a research scientist, there were additional considerations. You see, while being a PhD student requires dedication and focus, I also found balance on the personal side.

I met and married the love of my life, Brian (BS EE, UA 1987), and we started our family – Alex, followed three years later by Katie. As such, any decision I would make was clearly a family one, and this one was no exception. Victor’s extensive network introduced me to the pharmaceutical company, Merck. I hadn’t considered the industrial postdoc route, but it sounded interesting and was a good fit with my skills. In addition, it was a stable opportunity to support the family while Brian explored prospects in the Philadelphia area. Little did I know then that this decision would change the course of my professional career.

Discovering a whole new world… What happened over the next 28 years was rewarding beyond expectations. The post-doc was fantastic, yielding 13 publications in two years. But the bigger “aha” occurred upon my entry into the manufacturing side of the business. As a scientist motivated to solve technical

problems, I found it highly challenging, fast-paced and a place I could have tangible impact. After solving the cause for a serious manufacturing interruption, we received a letter from a grateful mother thanking us for making that life-saving drug available to her son.

That closed the deal for me. I found this applied science environment to be an energizing setting where I could make a meaningful difference. Even better was the opportunity to lead and mentor teams focused on our common mission.

In many ways, I felt like the “teacher” I always wanted to be. I’m very grateful to Victor for opening this door.

Coming home… While Brian and I headed east 30 years ago to start our careers, we always knew we would come back. In 2015 the signs were there, and back to Tucson we came. I continue to be engaged in Pharma, serving as a consultant and working with clients across a variety of technical and organizational topics. Even more rewarding was finding my way back to CBC. I now co-chair the CBC Advisory Board, and since 2016 I have worked with Roger Miesfeld and CBC colleagues launching CiCS (Careers in Chemical Sciences)—a program designed to inform and mentor students considering non-academic roles. It is a joy to get back on campus and connect with students. And who knows, maybe that teaching role that I once had my eye on might just come up.

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

16

LOVE, HONOR, LOYALTY TO UA

By Ricardo Rene (“Ric”) Gonzalez | PhD Chemistry, 2001

I

feel honored and privileged to be asked by our alma mater to write about my experience as a student at the University of Arizona, the impact on my life because of my experience there, and my subsequent professional and personal life since. I am constantly thinking about all my interactions with the faculty at the UA who profoundly affected my life. Therefore, I will share some thoughts that come to mind: Dr. Vicki Wysocki and Dr. Arpad Somogyi (now at Ohio State University) — I gained invaluable lifelong expertise in mass spectrometry from Vicki in the classroom (e.g., Quantum electrodynamics, i.e., QED theory, to predict fragmentation in tandem or MSn as well as the consequential mass spectral predictive and interpretive knowledge/skills) and in practice with Arpad in the laboratory utilizing a variety of instruments with low and high resolution mass analyzers for qualitative analyses.

(I was a graduate staff member in the Mass Spectrometry Facility during my last 3 years there).

Dr. Michael Francis Burke (deceased) — My deepest gratitude belongs to Mike, my Research Advisor and my Greatest Mentor. He truly was a genius. He taught me everything that I know about chemical separations, and it’s been invaluable to this day along with the mass

spectrometry expertise I gained at the UA. Mike wouldn’t let me graduate until I could teach him; he truly refined me and made me the scientist I am today.

Mike, I love you so deeply, and I miss you as I miss my own father. I will be forever indebted to you. I hope to see you in heaven.

Please read my entire article online to see my commentary about Dr. Neal Armstrong, Dr. Quintus Fernando, Dr. Jeanne Pemberton and Dr. Bonner Denton.

I graduated in December 2001 with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. While writing my dissertation, I received an extremely lucrative job offer from Altria, a large CPG holding company which owned Philip Morris USA and International, Kraft Foods, Nabisco, Oscar Meyer and Miller Beer. Altria waited 8 months for me to graduate, at which time I accepted their offer of a scientific leadership role in Analytical Chemistry.

I am presently a Research Fellow and the Senior Director of Analytical and Applied Sciences for Conagra Brands,

Inc. I’ve been here almost 9 years, and I am very happy and fulfilled in my career at this great company that is one of North America’s leading branded food companies dedicated to making nutritious food in a responsible way that fosters stronger communities and a better planet.

I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Susan. We have 5 grown children and 6 grandchildren (with one on the way!). We own and live on a horse ranch with 62 animals, and our basement is decked out in UA memorabilia.

I’m a proud UA Alumnus, and Susan and I are active in alumni events every year.

Above all, my heart and soul after God, my family, and the USA belong to the people in my life from the University of Arizona. I would not have the happiness, security and deep satisfaction in my career and personal life if it weren’t for the UA, where I learned to BEAR DOWN, to NEVER QUIT, and to strive for EXCELLENCE with integrity, honor, loyalty, grace, generosity and the pursuit to help others.

Spot Wildcat Fan Ric at the end of this PAC-12 video: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=o83C9CqydC8

For the full story, see the online Catalyst! cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 17

USING THE MIND TO KNOW ITSELF

By Wendy Marie Ingram | BS Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics, BS Psychology, 2007

T

he brain is the most personal and important organ in our bodies. It determines our intelligence, our emotions, our decisions, and behaviors. And while we can amputate or transplant all manner of other parts of our bodies (arms, hearts, livers), we cannot damage or replace the brain and still be “us.”

Growing up in Scottsdale, AZ, I was captivated by the human brain. When it came time to go to college, I wanted to become a psychiatrist. Dr. William Grimes easily convinced me to pursue a double degree in Psychology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics at the UA. At the BMB BBQ my first semester, I fatefully sat across from Dr. Tom Baldwin who generously offered to meet with me and discuss how to “get me into a lab.” I became fascinated by Dr. Matthew Cordes’ protein evolution research and begged to work with him. That year, I began learning protein design, expression, purification, and structural assays in Bio Sci West. I affectionately remember late nights napping between protein inductions and purifications and cooling off from the summer heat in the cold room while checking on my proteins in dialysis.

I spent summers working in the lab, earning an Honors College grant and then the Beckman Scholars Fellowship. I loved encouraging others to do research, too, as a College of Science and Biochemistry Department ambassador. My senior year I became active in advocating for underrepresented people

in science as co-president of Women in Biological Sciences and a member of Women in Science and Engineering. At the same time as my love for research grew, my psychology studies had me concerned about the lack of understanding about the human mind and its diseases. By my senior year, I decided to pursue a PhD to equip myself to study and understand the molecular underpinnings of diseases of the brain. I contributed to 4 publications, delivered the student address at the College of Science graduation, and spent one year in a schizophrenia mouse model research lab. Then, I was off to California.

I joined the labs of Dr. Michael Eisen and Dr. Ellen Robey at the University of California, Berkeley in the Molecular and Cell Biology Department to pursue a joint project that I had proposed studying the brain parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, supported by a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. This fascinating single-celled organism causes mice to lose their innate hard-wired aversion to cat urine as part of its multi-host life cycle, and my work showed that it does so permanently. This work gave me insights into neuroimmunology, behavioral genetics, and infectious disease.

Next my interest in brain diseases led me to pursue my postdoctoral studies at a hospital. I am now a joint psychiatric epidemiology fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Geisinger Health, training with Dr. Peter Zandi. I work with neurosurgeons to study single cell transcriptomics of glioblastoma and with psychiatrists to investigate the predictors of therapeutic response to

Wendy, with Joe Miller, Liberty Wildlife’s head eagle handler, and Aurora electroconvulsive therapy. I use medical informatics and computational biology to study the electronic health records and genetics of patients to better understand the causes and treatment courses of depression.

I am also passionate about mental health advocacy and scientific communication. As Dr. Baldwin says, “It doesn’t count until someone reads it.” My graduate research article has been viewed over 38,000 times and was covered by 50+ popular news outlets globally. I have also helped co-found graduate student groups at UC Berkeley and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, dedicated to cultivating mental health literacy and discussions on graduate student mental health. I regularly correspond with science writers about psychiatric research (Scientific American, XMradio) and graduate student mental health (Science Magazine), and will co-host the American Medical Informatics Association’s new “Women in AMIA Podcast” where we discuss inspiring topics in informatics and healthcare with medical informatics leaders.

In my free time, I love world travel, meditation and Eastern philosophy, running marathons, volunteering, and playing mandolin. Next on the horizon for me is a desert wedding where I will be marrying another UA alum, Christopher Bauer (PhD BMB, 2011), at a wildlife rehabilitation foundation my parents founded, Liberty Wildlife. We will both be on the academic job search this next year, and perhaps we’ll even end up back in Wildcat Country!

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

18

THE WILD LIFE OF THE MICROBIAL PLANET

By Frank Aylward | BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, BS Molecular & Cellular Biology, 2008

I

was raised in a rural area in southern Arizona, where my parents ran a small local restaurant in which I often worked growing up. There were few schools near where I lived, so I was home-schooled for most of my childhood. When we weren’t working my family and I would often hike in the Rincon, Catalina, and Santa Rita mountains, where I grew to appreciate the amazing plant and animal life of the Sonoran desert. I spent a lot of time in nature, and when I went to college my original plan was to become a field biologist and study animal behavior in the wild.

When I started at the UA I majored in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EEB), and in my Sophomore year I worked in Rick Michod’s lab studying the evolution of multicellularity in Volvocine algae. I was fascinated by patterns of evolution, and I soon became interested in the molecular mechanisms that gave rise to the amazing biodiversity we see in the natural world. I added a Biochemistry major and began studying protein dynamics and metabolism in more detail, graduating with a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. I was ultimately one course short of an EEB double major when I graduated, but my interest in questions at the interface of biochemistry, ecology, and evolution continued to be a strong driver of my research throughout my subsequent studies.

In my last two years at the UA I worked

in the lab of Howard Ochman, focusing on microbial genomics and evolution. I did not have any background in microbiology at that point, and I was amazed to learn that the majority of the diversity of life on earth was microbial. I also became fascinated with the amount of information encoded in microbial genomes and the sophisticated bioinformatic methods that could be used to reconstruct the evolution and metabolism of entire organisms. After graduation I entered the Microbiology Doctoral Training Program in the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I found a way to combine my interests in microbiology, evolution, and genomics by studying symbiotic bacteria associated with leaf-cutter ants. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to study at UW-Madison, where I was able to develop my molecular biology wet-lab skills, learn how to code and perform bioinformatic analyses, and participate in field work in the tropical forests of Panama.

After I received my PhD I went first to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and then to the University of Hawaii-Manoa to research marine microbial diversity as a post-doc. Marine microbes drive many biogeochemical cycles on the Earth and are crucially important for shaping the climate, yet their diversity and physiological capabilities are not well-understood. I analyzed the composition and activities of microbes in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, the largest biome on the planet, and one that is currently expanding due to climate change. My work focused on metagenomic approaches in which DNA

is extracted and sequenced directly from seawater in order to reconstruct the genomes and metabolic capabilities of resident microbes. These approaches require the development of sophisticated bioinformatic tools that can handle large quantities of sequencing data, and so my work incorporated a large computational component.

In the Fall of 2017 I moved to Blacksburg, Virginia to start as an assistant professor in the department of Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech. My lab group continues to focus on exploring the vast diversity of microbes on Earth using metagenomic and bioinformatic approaches, in particular focusing on cryptic microbial groups that are difficult to study using traditional methods.

We are also employing evolutionary genomic methods to study how microbial life has evolved in the ocean, and how we might expect microbial diversity to respond to continued disturbances driven by climate change. In the Spring of 2018 I was fortunate enough to receive an Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship in Ocean Sciences, which will be invaluable in establishing my lab group. In between a busy schedule of research and teaching I still enjoy many hobbies I picked up in Arizona like playing tennis and hiking (this time in the Appalachians instead of the Catalinas). I continue to be grateful for the opportunities that I had as a student at the UA, which provided me with a solid foundation in the Life Sciences that continues to shape my work today.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 19

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATES PROGRAM

T

he Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is excited to develop closer relationships with small businesses and large corporations that are seeking ways to interface with leading academic researchers and highly trained students in the fields of nanomaterials, synthetic organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry, protein structure and function, computational biophysics, and drug design.

These corporate relationships are fostered through our Industry Associates Program (IAP), which provides an opportunity for companies to become partners with a top tier Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at a world class Research I University located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona. A company’s annual gift of $5,000 initiates the IAP partnership.

A primary benefit of an IAP partner company is a close relationship with our students for the purpose of workforce development. The CBC Careers in Chemical Sciences (CiCS) program is for graduate students and postdocs, whereas the undergraduate BRIDGES program provides summer internships for students between their junior and senior year who have experience in an academic research lab. In addition, IAP partner companies enjoy preferred technical access and con-

sultation services with our CBC scientific staff in the Research Support Services (RSS) unit, which includes expertise in 10 specialized areas of chemistry and biochemistry including analytical services and research design. Up to six employees of an IAP partner company will become University of Arizona Designated Campus Colleague (DCC) associates of CBC, which includes online access to all electronic journal subscriptions and library databases.

For more information on our growing list of IAP partner companies and the Industry Associates Program, visit the IAP web page:

cbc.arizona.edu/industry

Calley Eads, Chemistry PhD candidate

IAP PARTNER COMPANIES

20

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

DISCOVERY OF AN DRUG-BINDING PO

By William Montfort, PhD

M

y group and I recently uncovered the binding site for a promising new drug that lowers blood pressure and shows great potential for treating cardiovascular disease. Our search for this site began with wondering how a blood-feeding insect can trap, protect and deliver a toxic free-radical molecule to potential victims, using a simple heme-containing protein.

I’ve always had broad interests in science. Chemistry, biology and physics were all my friends growing up in rural Michigan.

My family subscribed to the Time-Life Science Library when I was very young (still available interestingly enough at Amazon for $264.48), and our local library would loan me numerous copies of Science Digest even though I was invariably late in returning them. As a youngster, science was very exploratory for me. Could the growth hormone in my chemistry set stimulate bean plants to grow faster? The data indicated yes before the cat ate the experiment. Could pyramid power preserve hamburger? Seemingly so (I can’t explain how). Could copper wire, a diode and an earphone lead to a functioning radio? Yes, indeed. It’s the open-ended exploration of the natural world that I enjoy the most and remember best.

I came to the University of Arizona because much of science and many of the arts were located together on one compact campus. When I arrived, I hoped I would explore questions spanning biology and chemistry and perhaps spill over into astronomy, medicine, physics and more. This has largely come true. My training is in structural biology—X-ray crystallography in particular—and I love to think about life’s mysteries at atomic resolution. My group and I wandered into the biology and biophysics of nitric oxide (NO) about 20 years ago, and this two-atom molecule has paved the way

for explorations into basic science, applied mathematics and medicine. We’ve studied how blood-feeding insects acquire a blood-meal (unfortunately at our expense), how nanosecond protein fluctuations modulate NO release, and how this tiny molecule influences blood pressure, memory formation, wound healing and more.

Nitric oxide is produced in most animals to regulate blood pressure, fight infection and assist in neural function. How it does all of these things is not clear and the subject of extensive investigation. We’ve studied proteins called the nitrophorins that are used by the kissing bug and the bedbug to carry NO from their salivary glands to the tissue of a victim, where its release induces local vasodilation and inhibits inflammation and wound healing. We have focused most recently on the NO receptor, a protein called soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), and how NO binding to heme leads to sGC activation, enhanced catalytic activity and downstream signaling, including smooth muscle relaxation and lowered blood pressure.

NO signaling fails in many people, leading to cardiovascular disease. A compound that stimulates sGC was discovered in the early 1990’s by a Japanese group looking to prevent platelet activation in atherosclerosis. Numerous pharma-

Montfort Research Group

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 21

ANCIENT OCKET ceutical companies have modified this compound in the search for new tools in the fight against cardiovascular disease. One such compound, riociguat, is now approved for treatment of pulmonary hypertension and others are in early-phase clinical trial. Yet where these drugs bind to sGC and how they stimulate the protein remains unknown.

We recently discovered the binding site is in the heme domain of sGC, using a combination of photoactive chemical labeling, tandem mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and sGC from the hawkmoth, which uses NO for odor detection. From these studies an atomic resolution picture of binding is coming together, allowing for improved compounds to be developed.

We don’t yet know, however, how drug or NO binding leads to sGC activation, so important discoveries are yet to be made. What seems clear so far is that similar tricks in trapping NO at the heme surface appear to be in play for both sGC and the insect nitrophorins.

But answering how sGC works won’t be the end of our NO chase. We have two new questions underway that are leading us to new corners of campus. The first is to understand how inappropriate levels of NO can drive tumor metastasis, as seems to be the case in breast cancer.

Here, NO binding to sGC appears to be antitumorigenic and tumor suppression of sGC may lead to poor outcomes. The newly discovered sGC stimulators may, therefore, have a second role in cancer treatment. While sGC is downregulated in these tumors, high-level expression of tumor promoting genes is induced by excess NO production and understanding why this is provides an exciting new direction for our studies. This question also has us spending much time in the Cancer Center north of Speedway.

Our second new question involves cyanobacteria, the organisms that first oxygenated our planet. The primordial NO receptor first appeared in cyanobacteria several billion years ago, in the early days of life on earth. The role for this primordial protein is unknown but likely important, and we have begun studies in microbiology to unravel this mystery. Interestingly, these ancient proteins also bind the new sGC-targeted drugs. This project in particular brings me back to my early love of discovery-based science. I’ve had the great fortune of finding wonderful students and colleagues willing to come along for this ride, which makes our search all the more exciting. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

MIND IN MOTION I like to walk. I love being outdoors – sleeping under the stars, ice skating on fresh-scrapped ice, canoeing, kayaking and more. But mostly I walk. There’s something about a long walk at a slow pace that opens the mind. Nature all about: how does it work? Walking helps me gain perspective and generate new ideas; my best ideas come while walking (some of the worst too). Seeking survival while walking can also clear the mind: I’ve met grizzly bears above the arctic circle—wolf cubs too. I’ve skied Backpacking in Colorado too close to a moose calf with mama nearby. Recently, I had a complete boot blowout on a 13,000foot pass (duct tape saved the day).

When I’m done walking, I like to eat. My wife Martha and I grow tomatoes, Martha and heirloom tomato basil and harvest many other vegetables. And we bake bread. These slow-paced traditional activities also free the mind and spirit. A little wine and music help too.

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

22

FACULTY AWARDS FOR 2018

STAFF AWARDS FOR 2018

Roger Miesfeld Distinguished Professor

Megan Cunnington McNair Staff Award

Jon Njardarson Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship

Tiesha Glover College of Science Star Award for August, 2018

Jeff Pyun Innovator of the Year (with Robert Norwood), Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards

Laura Lustro McNair Staff Award

Steven Schwartz University of Arizona Regents Professor Marc Tischler 2018 Faculty Mentoring Award

McNair Staff Award Winners L to R: Laura Lustro, Megan Cunnington, and Lan Vu

Lan Vu McNair Staff Award Mark Yanagihashi College of Science Classified Staff/AP Excellence Award & Dean’s Best of the Best Award

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF RETIREES 2018 Bianka Bedoya, Associate Accountant Connor Cerato, Instructional Specialist, Senior Colleen Kelley, Manager of Instructional Laboratories

Bianka Bedoya

Connor Cerato

Colleen Kelley

Christopher Koch

Neil Jacobsen Beth Vinson Zhiping Zheng

Christopher Koch, Laboratory Coordinator Makayla Rascon, Office Specialist Rachel Matsuo Saindon, Administrative Assistant Thomas Tomasiak, Assistant Professor

Neil Jacobsen

Dale Woolridge, Professor (joint appointment with Emergency Medicine) Read more online about our new faculty and staff. cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends Makayla Rascon

Rachel Saindon Beth Vinson

Thomas Tomasiak

Dale Woolridge Zhiping Zheng

Read more online about those we’ve lost. cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 23

IN MEMORIAM —PEOPLE WE HAVE LOST Joan Elizabeth Fornara, BS Chemistry, 1948; d. March 29, 2016

Tiffany Mealman, PhD Chemistry, 2013; d. January 28, 2018

Edward E. Genser, BS Chemistry, 1957; d. June 23, 2015

Joseph Motyl, MS Chemistry, 1967; d. May 24, 2018

Patricia Lindberg Gripke, BS Chemistry, 1949; d. March 13, 2018 Richard Hartline, MS Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, 1961; d. April 21, 2018

Joan Elizabeth Fornara

Richard Hartline

Tiffany Mealman

Karen Page, BS Chemistry, 2000; d. July 29, 2018 Anthony (Tony) Ruggiero, BS Chemistry, 1979; d. March 1, 2018 Alan Russell, BS Chemistry, 1957; d. August 8, 2018

Joseph Motyl

Tony Ruggiero

PRESIDENT HENRY KOFFLER Professor Emeritus October 1, 1922 – November 12, 2016 Former UA President Henry Koffler Dies at 95 As the first UA alumnus to serve as president, he oversaw the University’s ascension to the top ranks of major research universities. External research funding more than tripled during his tenure.

University of Arizona President Emeritus Henry Koffler, who led the UA as president from 1982-1991 and oversaw its ascension to the top ranks of major research universities, died Saturday, March 10. He was 95. Koffler is survived by Phyllis (Pierson) Koffler, his wife of more than 71 years.

Koffler entered the UA to study agricultural chemistry in 1940.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from the UA in 1943, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1944 and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in 1947. He joined the faculty of Purdue University and became a distinguished microbiologist and biochemist who earned a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Eli Lilly Award in Bacteriology and Immunology. One of the youngest full professors at Purdue, he became the head of the Department of Biological Sciences and is credited with bringing the department to international renown.

An able academic administrator, he then served as senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Minnesota in 1975, chancellor for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1979 and president of the UA in 1982.

In 1991, the Arizona Board of Regents appointed him president emeritus. The Henry Koffler Building was named for him in 2000. The 127,000-square-foot building features 22 chemistry labs, 17 biology labs and three lecture halls, all for teaching undergraduate chemistry and biology classes.

Koffler was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1922. He was 5 when his father died, and his mother raised him to appreciate Vienna’s music, theater and artistic offerings. He came to the U.S. from Austria alone at age 17, after the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1939. His mother followed two months later. At his suggestion, they settled in Prescott, Arizona, of which he knew from German writer Karl May’s Western adventure books.

Koffler met his wife, Phyllis, at a concert at the UA and they married in 1946.

After his retirement, Koffler conceived of—and created—the Arizona Senior Academy and Academy Village, a retirement community for people interested in lifelong learning and intellectual and artistic pursuits. It has been described as a place “for people who wanted to retire from work, not life.”

—University Communications, March 12, 2018

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

24

2017–18 STUDENT AWARDS UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS CBC Outstanding Freshmen Daniel Wieland - Biochemistry Emma Potter - Chemistry CBC Outstanding Sophomores Steven Fried - Biochemistry Sara Lee Jones - Chemistry CBC Outstanding Juniors Tala B. Shahin - Biochemistry Carter Bosse - Chemistry Chemistry and Biochemistry Excellence in Research Dane Evan D. Zambrano Biochemistry CBC Outstanding Senior Jose L. Rios-Monterrosa Biochemistry ACS Hach Scholar 2017-2018 Jessy Forelli ACS Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry 2017 Leo Hamerlynck Charles Hoyt Scholar Hiromi Fukuzaki AZ Society for Coatings Technology Scholars 2018 Lindsey Holmen Sean P. Lansey Royal Society of Chemistry Certificate of Excellence Award Carter Bosse Excellence in Biological Sciences Scholars Makayla Marie Freitas Steven Fried David Lasansky Tala B. Shahin Michael A. Wells Research in Biological Sciences Scholars Steven Fried David Lasansky Andrea Peralta Lela E. Booher Memorial Scholars David Lasansky Tala B. Shahin CBC Outstanding Thesis Anne Cambrelin Ramya Ramesh

CBC Outstanding Student Peer Mentors Jessica Diesing Marisela Rodrigues

Dr. Wayne Cody Scholars in Medicinal Biological Chemistry Christopher Foley Rachel Utterback

H.J. & Signe Bonnevie Scholars Helen Rose Barto Sadie Keesler Huynh Jennifer Ngoc

Ronald Gonzalez Wildcat Spirit Awardee Steven Le

Hypercube Scholar Calley Eads

Paul G. & Elise M. Koch Memorial Scholar Samantha Macklin-Isquierdo

GALILEO CIRCLE SCHOLARS Undergraduate Students Adam Kai Aragaki Danielle Marie Barrientes Dez Coleman Skyler Cully Tyler J. Espinoza Makayla Marie Freitas Leo Hamerlynck James McNamara Victor & Patricia Hruby Scholar

Miguel Esteban Pacheco F. Ann Walker Scholar

Ramya Ramesh Jose L. Rios-Monterrosa Benjamin J. Rounseville F. Ann Walker Scholar

Tyler Russeth Charis Elyse Springhower Guangzhe (Lawrence) Sun Dane Evan D. Zambrano Graduate Students Matthew Humphries Rami Musharrafieh Jonathan L. Sanchez Maggie Scavello David Smith Xuemin Wang Michael Cusanovich Scholar

Kristen Watts

GRADUATE AWARDS Carl S. Marvel Scholar David Smith David O’Brien Graduate Fellow Matthew Bienick Victor P. Thalacker Chemistry Graduate Fellows Alyssa Ellsworth Matthew Humphries Herbert E. Carter Scholars Shannon Collins Taylor Gee

First Year Excellence in Graduate Research Nathan Bamberger Second Year Excellence in Graduate Research Mark Burton Kayla Clary Outstanding Graduate Students Outstanding Scholarship David Smith Outstanding Teaching Christopher Blackstone COS and CBC Outstanding Service Melissa Fairley

Sigma Phi Epsilon Educational Foundation, Epsilon Scholar 2018 James McNamara Benjamin & Bio De Casseres Scholar 2017-2018 Aaron D. Thomas Olson, Marion & Hazel Memorial Scholar 2017 - 2018 Aaron D. Thomas Family/Community Medical Scholar 2017–2018 Aaron D. Thomas CBC Undergraduate Poster Fair

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Senior Thesis 1st: Anthony Schwenker 2nd: Jose L. Rios-Monterrosa

UA ARCS Foundation Scholar Matthew Humphries

Biological Sciences Advanced 1st: Tyler J. Espinoza 2nd: Stefan Koester

Maria Teresa Velez Diversity Leadership Scholarship Lindsay Guzman

Biological Sciences Emerging 1st: Lauren Wilson

2017 Oustanding UBRP Graduate Student Mentor Lindsay Guzman

Physical Sciences Advanced 1st: Katrina Konopka 2nd: Steven Fried

NIH Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity Fellow Lindsay Guzman

Physical Sciences Emerging 1st: Angelina Condarcure 2nd: Olivia Herpfer

CBC Graduate Research Symposium Poster Awards 2017 Drew Farrell James Siegenthaler Jessica Wales

Biological, Engineering, Chemical Undergraduate Research Conference Poster Fair Winners Tyler J. Espinoza Stephen Fried Sameera Khan Caroline Plecki Jose L. Rios-Monterrosa Max Staskauskas Dane Evan D. Zambrano

UA Dean of Students, Robie Gold Medal Award Jose L. Rios-Monterrosa Native American Student Affairs Outstanding Undergraduate 2017 -2018 Meucci Watchman Ilunga Pillars of Excellence Katrina Konopka Charles, Charles Jr., & Anthony Vomaska Scholar Sadie Keesler

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 |25 25

2017–18 COMMENCEMENT

T

he 2017-2018 CBC Awards and Commencement Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the Student Union Memorial Grand Ballroom from 9:00 to 10:30 am. Over 400 attendees included 2017-2018 CBC graduating students, student award recipients, student ambassadors, faculty, staff, family members and friends of the department.

The program began with Dr. Roger Miesfeld, Distinguished Professor and CBC Department Head, who welcomed everyone to the event, followed by Keynote Speaker Dr. Christopher Impey, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy and Associate Dean of the College of Science. CBC Associate

Department Head Dr. Andrei Sanov then presented the undergraduate awards; Distinguished Professor of Physics and College of Science Associate Dean Dr. Elliott Cheu presented the Galileo Circle Scholars; and Dr. Miesfeld presented the Graduate Awards. Drs. Miesfeld and Sanov gave the calling of the CBC Graduates, and closing remarks were given by the CBC Outstanding Senior and UA Robie Gold Medal Awardee Jose L. Rios-Monterrosa, who was introduced by his research mentor, Dr. Victor J. Hruby.

The 2018-2019 CBC Awards and Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at the Student Union Memorial Grand Ballroom from approximately 9:00 to 10:30 am.

Jose Rios-Monterrosa

Hunter Pitts and Lindsey Holmen

Dane Zambrano, CBC Excellence in Research Recipient, and Jose Rose-Monterrosa, CBC Outstanding Senior

CBC Graduate Student Galileo Circle Scholar Winners

Back row: Grace Benitez, Charis Springhower, Anthony Schwenker.

Front row: Dane Evan Zambrano, Aramis AyĂĄla, Meilani Liu

Erle Jones, Sara Lee Jones, and Joy Jones

26

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

OUTREACH—USING SCIENCE AS A VERB

by Paul Lee, CBC Outreach Co-Chair

I

’m with Neil DeGrasse Tyson, my favorite line in the movie The Martian is when Matt Damon’s character says, “I’m going to have to science the sh** out of this.” That movie turned the word science into a verb, and that’s what we do. We science.

We have a passion for chemistry and biochemistry, and outreach puts that passion into action. It is the tool we have to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Outreach extends the education mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBC) beyond our campus.

With outreach, CBC takes our science to the community with activities that are entertaining, inspirational, and that create a “teachable moment.”

The Department hosted a summer science camp in the 1980’s called “Chem Camp” for middle school students. The take away message from the camp was the official motto—“Chemistry Can Be Fun!” When I do a demo show, this is what I hope my audience remembers. I hope they walk out thinking “Chemistry is fun.” Unfortunately, Chem Camp didn’t last as long as had hoped, but that was due to a lack of funding rather than a lack of interest. It was a little ahead of its time.

These days science camps are a staple of summer break.

I learned a lot from now-retired CBC staff members Steve Brown and Dr. Wayne Adickes. They had the vision to set up a “Demo Lab” to support outreach development. Outreach is an important aspect of what we do, and I continue to support this as Co-Chair for Outreach for CBC. Our outreach program is an ad hoc association of a number of groups that work independently to provide activities ranging from science demonstrations to professional development to community involvement. I have to give credit to these groups and programs, because they represent us in the community, and the department is most appreciative of their efforts. Our outreach group and activities include:

CHEMISTRY CLUB/SMACS Chemistry Club is our undergraduate student club organization made up of CBC students and is affiliated with the American Chemical Society (ACS). Their outreach efforts earn them a trip to the annual National ACS Meeting. In addition to the travel, the local chapter of the ACS helps out with

funding the club. They also collaborate with the ACS Women in Chemistry Group (WCG). Other outreach activities include: participating in the College of Science’s outreach activities, theater productions such as Calculus the Musical, and Curie Me Away, as well as their Fall and Spring Chemistry Science Magic Shows. They also visit schools and community organizations to provide chemistry demos and science fair judging, and they participate in the Pima County household chemical waste program. Altogether they managed to cover an impressive 44 events this past year.

ALPHA CHI SIGMA, BETA TAU CHAPTER AXS is the Chemistry Professional Fraternity, which includes graduate and undergraduate students. AXS has been involved in several outreach events this past year, such as the Tucson Festival of Books Science City, “Careers in Chemistry” speeches at BASIS Tucson North School, “SciCafe” Adult Seminar Series: “Shining a Light on Chemistry” and demos for Flandrau Science Center’s Fusion Summer Camp as well as local schools.

BIOCHEMISTRY UNDERGRADUATE CLUB (AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY STUDENT CHAPTER) The Biochemistry Club is made up of students interested in outreach and professional development. The club manages several outreach events such as the Biological, Engineering, and Chemical Undergraduate Conference (BECUR), a research conference for undergraduates to showcase their research.

The club also runs BLASTOFF!, a middle school science day camp for one week each summer. The club continues these traditions and is developing other outreach projects.

CBC STUDENT AMBASSADORS Chemistry and Biochemistry Ambassadors are a select group CBC Ambassadors are a select group of distinguished undergraduates who participate in CBC events including undergraduate recruiting, convocation, orientation, and outreach activities. The Ambassadors are sponsored by the department and usually are juniors and seniors. They are CBC majors with a high level of academic achievement with research experience. This program is now in its 14th year.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 27

PROGRAM TO ADVANCE WOMEN SCIENTISTS (PAWS) PAWS is a university-wide club organization with a mission to empower women in the sciences through education, leadership, mentoring, and support. The organization was founded by CBC graduate students. Their outreach activities include Science City at the Tucson Festival of Books, visits to Mansfeld Middle School to work with the Girls in Engineering, Math and Science (GEMS) program, participating in Expanding Your Horizons conferences, as well as visiting local schools with hands-on activities. PAWS also hosts a public speaking workshop every spring semester and sponsors monthly seminars.

In addition to those activities we do within CBC, there are also some others worth mentioning that are collaborations within our university community:

COLLEGE ACADEMY FOR PARENTS Drs. Vicente Talanque, Brooke Massani, and I work with the UA Office of Early Academic Outreach, helping them with their College Academy for Parents program, which provides information to parents in the Sunnyside School District to help them prepare their middle school students for college while at the same time entertaining them with science.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT CHEMISTRY KNOWLEDGE BOWL Drs. Amy Graham, Hamish Christie, Brian Zacher, and I, along with the CBC Ambassadors, assisted the Admissions Office with their High School Advanced Placement Chemistry Knowledge Bowl Competition, where high school teams competed for scholarship money.

METROPOLITAN EDUCATION COMMISSION’S (MEC) 21ST ANNUAL KEY TO EMPLOYMENT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY SYMPOSIUM Back row: Alyssa Ellsworth, Meghan Hamilton, Kayla Clary, Mark Burton, Fabiola Vazquez.

Front row: Steven Petritis, Kathryn Kuna, Kristin Watts

CHEMISTRY DISCOVERY (CHEM396D AND CHEM596D) Chemistry Discovery is a chemistry course and outreach program taught by CBC Prof. Elisa Tomat in collaboration with several CBC faculty members. Students are exposed to the rewarding experience of promoting chemistry among younger students from local middle schools. The main objective of the course is the design, development, and presentation of a series of workshops for schools that visit the UA’s Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium.

VISITNG SCHOLARS (BIOC 396D) In 2013 the Biochemistry Club established the Visiting Scholars program, in which UA students visit Tucson area high schools to talk about the research opportunities available at the UA and to answer questions high school students have about the college experience.

More information about our outreach groups can be found online: cbc.arizona.edu/outreach

AXS, PAWS, Chemistry Club, Ambassadors, and the CBC Advising Office participated in this Tucson Community event.

Over 400 students and educators from high schools throughout Pima County attend this annual event designed to introduce students to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) career options, and to increase their knowledge of the education, training, and skills required to be marketable in these industries.

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? The CBC Department has worked at improving how we interface with the community. Demonstrations, science fair judges, and tours of CBC facilities can now be requested online. We have received more than 50 requests for chemistry science magic shows, facility tours, and science fair judges for the 2018-19 academic year. We are always striving to improve our outreach efforts and to secure funding for these programs. Investment in outreach is an investment in the future.

Support CBC’s Outreach Activities by making your taxdeductible donation today! www.uafoundation.org/ NetCommunity/donations/CBCOutreach

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

28

CAREERS IN CHEMICAL SCIENCES

C

BC@UA seeks to be recognized as a top department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at a research public university. As such, CBC@UA focuses on fostering a vibrant community of scholars who conduct cutting-edge research to advance knowledge and technologies that benefit society. Moreover, we strive to provide rich and varied learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in academic and non-academic settings.

Careers in Chemical Sciences (CiCS) was conceived to specifically prepare PhD level students for post-graduate careers. The three CiCS program objectives are: 1) expand awareness of students to post-graduate career options in industries and organizations that hire PhD-level scientists, 2) prepare students for successful interactions with potential employers, and 3) connect industry to the strengths of CBC@UA and the readiness of our students.

The CiCS Program offers two events each year: • a Fall career workshop event • a Spring employer networking event In addition to these two events, the CiCS Mentoring Program matches experienced mentors from non-academic professions (private industry, government, business, law, etc.) with graduate student and post-doc mentees in a oneon-one setting for guidance and advice to help navigate career transitions.

As students approach their final years of study and prepare for their first post-graduate role outside the univer-

UNDERGRADUATE PEER MENTOR PROGRAM The Undergraduate Peer Mentor Program, first started in the Department of Biochemistry, is now in its 13th year. In this program, juniors and seniors are selected as peer mentors to incoming CBC freshmen and transfer students. These peer mentors serve as role models, guiding and sharing their experiences and wisdom with the students they mentor. In Fall 2018, CBC matched 308 incoming students with 112 peer mentors.

sity setting, access to scientific professionals in non-academic roles for guidance and advice can be extremely valuable in identifying relevant opportunities and positioning themselves for successful navigation of the hiring and onboarding processes.

Every year one or more peer mentors are chosen to receive the CBC Outstanding Peer Mentor Award. Nominated by the peer mentees, this award recognizes the contributions made by peer mentors, as well as their academic achievements and professional development. Jessica Diesing and Marisela Rodrigues were selected as the 2018 Outstanding Peer Mentors.

The CiCS Mentoring Program serves to provide a framework for these interactions. In turn, it is expected that CBC graduate students and post-doctoral fellows participating in the CiCS Mentoring Program will have greater confidence in their career direction, identify more opportunities of interest, be better prepared for pursuing available roles, and successfully secure jobs of choice.

“As a mentee, I was able to connect with an upperclassman who I could rely on to help me if I needed it. It was very reassuring to have that resource available, especially upon first beginning college. Now that I am a CBC mentor, I hope to provide that same kind of support and help to students who are new to the university or to the department.”

—Emma Potter, Chemistry Class of 2021

We are increasing connections between CBC and industry to create a pipeline of job opportunities for our students and to increase the number of Industry Associates Program (IAP) partner companies. For more information about the CiCS program and how you might contribute as a company sponsor mentor, visit the CiCS web page: cbc.arizona.edu/cics

Emma Harrell, sharing her mentor experiences at the CBC Annual Fall Peer Mentor Workshop

For more information, please contact Peer Mentor Coordinator Olivia Mendoza.

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 29

See more online for the student stories! cbc.arizona.edu/ alumni_friends

Kathia Antillon

Tianna Bengtson

STUDENTS’ RESEARCH, INTERNSHIPS, CONFERENCES, STUDY ABROAD, AND MORE Kathia Antillon – UROC/McNair Achievement Program Tianna Bengtson - UA Global MedCats — Mi Vida Española Carter Bosse – Study Medical Biotechnology & Drug Development in Scandinavia Emma Harrell – UBRP Summer Research Aurora Hurtado Olivas – Research Experience at Notre Dame Dylan Hutchison – Fulbright Scholar, Research in Poland Nadia Ingabire – Beat the Heat and Hit the Bench in the Bay Kathryn Kuna – Russian Summer Heber Lara – Experience as a SURF at Mayo Clinic

David Lasansky – UA Jazz & Research Madeline Morrow – Maddie in Paris Klariza Ochoa – UA Wildcats in Mexico Leah Ortega – UA Global MedCats Study Abroad in Spain Angela Rivera – Going Green at UNC Soraya Sandoval – Arizona in Paris Sujin Seo – Study Abroad in Italy Tala Shahin – Through the Eyes of Ghana Alejandro Villalobos – UROC/WAESO Research Award Sara Zachritz – My Summer Studying & Traveling Europe

Carter Bosse Sujin Seo Leah Ortega Emma Harrell

Nadia Ingabire

David Lasansky Tala Shahin

Aurora Hurtado Olivas

Kathryn Kuna

Madeline Morrow

Angela Rivera Alejandro Villalobos

Dylan Hutchison

Heber Lara & Dr. Hu Zeng

Klariza Ochoa and Maya Rivera

Soraya Sandoval

Sara Zachritz

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

30

CBC SCRAPBOOK OKTOBERFEST Nathan Rundhaug, Lindsey Holmen, Kathia Davila and Steven Smith, and family

Sara Lee Jones, Leah Ortega and Kathryn Kuna

OUTREACH AND ACTIVITIES

2018 Club Fair | Maddie Morrow, VP Biochemistry Club, and Adrian Sacripanti

AXE at Chess and Science Fest @Flandrau Science Center | Anthony Baldo, Alicia Swain, and James Stanfill

Tucson Festival of Books | Steven Le and Kathryn Kuna serving ice cream

Program to Advance Women Scientists (PAWS)

Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) | Beta Tau

BECUR

David Lasansky

CBC POSTER FAIR

2018 CBC Poster Fair Winners

CBC AMBASSADORS Soraya Sandoval presenting

Christine Gronowski, CBC Advisor

Steven Fried

Katrina Konopka and Christian Boettcher

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 31

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

SALSA CHALLENGE

Megan Cunnington, Alexis Montoya and Christine Gronowski

2018 Salsa Challenge winners

2018 BLASTOFF!

CHEMISTRY CLUB SCIENCE MAGIC SHOW

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Alyssa Ellsworth, Anupama Peiris, Wenmo Sun

Rachel Utterback, Steven Petritis, Clayton Curtis, Iva Habensus, Ameen Ghavam

Leo Hamerlynck and Fabiola Vazquez

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS

Lindsay Guzman, Natasha Cornejo, Holly Sofka, Anna Eitel

GRADUATE STUDENT AWARDEES

Rachel Utterback, Victor P. Thalacker Fellow; Tristan Kleine, Carl S. Marvel Memorial Scholar; Kristen Watts, David F. O’Brien Fellow

CBC BREAKFAST White Coat Ceremony

Julia Townsend, Lauren Ostopowicz, Arthur Gibson, Rodolpho Souza Amado de Carvalho, Mark Burton, Kellen Schneider, Beverly Ru

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TUCSON AZ PERMIT NO. 190 PO Box 210041 Tucson AZ 85721-0041

CBC@UA! To view and download the expanded version containing more exciting CBC Alumni News visit

cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

Send your news to Olivia Mendoza at omendoza@email.arizona.edu to be included in next year’s magazine!

SUPPORT AND FUNDING Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today to help make a difference: • CBC Department Fund to support student activities, staff awards, and faculty enrichment

SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE MONTHLY ISSUES OF THE

• CBC Outreach Activities to support UA student outreach to K-12 classes and community events

CATALYST E-NEWSLETTER

• CBC Graduate Student Scholarships to provide enhanced research opportunities for students

cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends/newsletters or text CBCATUA to 22828

• CBC Undergraduate Support to provide funding for the May CBC Commencement Event Find out more about supporting CBC@UA! cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends/guide-giving

PLANNED GIVING Remembering CBC@UA in your will or estate plan is an ideal way to plan for your future and realize immediate tax benefits. For information on how to make your planned gift, contact Cheryl Tomoeda at cherylt@email.arizona.edu or (520) 621-1787.

The

CATALYST

Editor-in-Chief: Olivia Mendoza Associate Editors: Ellie Warder and Roger L. Miesfeld Design/Production: Lisa Stage Contributors: Frank Aylward, Barbara Golder, Ric Gonzalez, Wendy Ingram, Paul Lee, Robyn McKee, William Montfort, Donna Wiedemann 520.621.6354 | alumni@cbc.arizona.edu www.cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Arizona on Facebook

ONLINE EXTRAS

ALUMNI NEWS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 33

MORE

Thomas Arana – BS Biochemistry, 1951

I am retired from Whidden Memorial Hospital in Everett, MA. I have 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.

Edward Andres – BA Chemistry, 1960

I am a retired general surgeon and a candidate for Congress.

Roger Bate – BS Chemistry, 1960; MS Chemistry, 1962

I am retired from Merichem Company; moved to Florida in 2017.

Kenneth Zahn – BS & MS Chemistry, 1960

For a summary of my past activities, see the 125-year Alumni Reunion special. Currently the 1st Vice President of the Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies, and organization of ~ 82 gem and mineral clubs and 6,000 members in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Northern Utah. Still active in mineral collecting and advocacy work for improved access to Federal lands for partially disabled elderly and military retirees.

Kenneth Zahn

Eugene Seymour – BS Chemistry, 1961

I’ve had a wonderful career as a practicing physician, medical school professor and public company executive. I’ve been the CEO of two public companies in the anti-viral space. Now retired but still ski and ride my bike in the hills of Colorado. Heading back to UCLA to pick up courses I never took during my college years. Life is great with a wonderful wife, three adult children and six grandchildren.

John Kaczynski – MS Chemistry, 1966

I am retired from Longview Community College. I have 6 grandchildren, all living in Tucson.

Norman Buck – BS Chemistry, 1967

I retired from working full time in 2011 after about 38 years of service in the UA’s Department of Entomology, but I still work a few hours a week.

Harry Edwards – PhD Chemistry, 1967

After 41 years at CSU, I retired in 2007. Presently, I have two volunteer jobs. I am a member of the City of Fort Collins Air Quality Advisory Board, and I am coordinator for Financial Peace University at Timberline Church in Fort Collins. I enjoy attending live musical events with my companion Pamela, participating in a regular exercise program at University of Colorado Health, and spending time with friends. I especially enjoy participating in the various alumni events organized by CBC and the UA Foundation.

Curtis Schilling, Jr – PhD Chemistry, 1967 My wife Betty passed away in March.

Jim Foster – PhD Chemistry, 1968

I am gliding along in a very pleasant retirement. I cut a few gems from time to time which is a Zen experience, give tours at Lotusland in Montecito, California (home of a horrific debris slide) which is one of the top gardens on Earth, travel, cook, have fun with my friends and especially spend time with my wife Sandy. Life is good and I am very lucky.

Barry Haymore – BS Chemistry, 1968

I went on to earn an M. Sc. from Brigham Young University and a PhD from Northwestern University, Evanston. Now I am retired from ChemLink International.

Eugene Seymour

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

34

J. Steven Schwarting – BS Chemistry, 1968

Throughout my medical career I have always kept chemistry as an avocation.

Kathryn Tominey – BS Chemistry, 1968

I went on to earn an MBA degree at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. I am retired from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (managed by Battelle Memorial Institute).

Michael Bissell – BS Chemistry, 1969

Retired in 2014 from directing the Toxicology Laboratory at the Ohio State University Medical Center.

Matthew Krause, Jr – PhD Chemistry, 1969

My beloved Arizona Bride, Jan Parker Krause UA 1967, Phi Beta Kappa 1966, died while on tour in China Black Friday 2015.

Michael Bissell

Armando Angel – MS Chemistry, 1970; PhD Chemistry, 1972; MD 1977

We have two great-grandkids, Harland and Calvin. I established the Estrella Consultant Group for evaluating radioactive issues.

Jerry Crawford – MS Biochemistry, 1970; PhD Biochemistry, 1976

I am retired from the Agricultural Research Service where I was a Technology Transfer Coordinator.

Eugenia Eide Stoker – BS Chemistry, 1970; MD, 1974

Our granddaughter received an award from SARSEF (Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair) for her science project in the physics category for fifth graders. She studied how heat affects the magnetic shield around a mag-lev train. She and her dad built the train and track with ceramic magnets and wood. The sleeve of magnetic shielding material was damaged by heat in the same range as summer heat in the desert, so a practical application there! (The shielding protects passengers who have pacemakers.)

Robert Jones – BS Chemistry, 1971; MA Science Teaching, 1973 I am a hospital chaplain in Los Angeles.

Siegfried Lodwig – PhD Chemistry, 1971

I’m getting to know more surgeons than I want to know. Old age is not for the weak.

Dennis Savage – PhD Chemistry, 1971

I retired from the Eastman Kodak Co. in 2004. Since then I have been at the University of Rochester doing organic synthesis in the laboratory of Prof. R.K. Boeckman, Jr.

Larry Schwartz – PhD Chemistry, 1971

Still running my consulting business which includes business and technical analysis based on intellectual property. Additionally use domain expertise in biobased, and biodegradable materials, formulation and radiation crosslinking of polymers to assist product development in companies worldwide. Recently coauthored several articles on business management, particularly focused on new product development. Wife, Leslie, (UA Nursing 1972) is head nurse at a family health clinic. Daughter Rachel completed her residency in radiology at UCSD June, 2018. Younger daughter Randee manages a business in Santa Cruz, CA.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 35

Robert Small – PhD Chemistry, 1971

Since retiring in 2004 I did some consulting work for the semiconductor industry up until 2016. Other activities include traveling around much of the world, doing volunteer work for the HSSA and in my community of Civano, and trying to “tame” my yard with its weeds.

Don Stevenson – PhD Chemistry, 1971 I am retired from Dow Chemical.

Robert Small

David Bear – BA Chemistry, 1972

46 years after receiving a BS in Chemistry at the UA, and having retired from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine where I served as Chair of Cell Biology and Physiology, Associate Dean of Admissions, and Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, I have joined the faculty of the University of Arizona in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. I am teaching molecular genetics and genomics to medical students and graduate students. My interests focus on RNA metabolism and trafficking in muscle cells and neuromuscular diseases.

Sheldon Clare – PhD Chemistry, 1972

After retiring from the University of Pittsburgh, I have taught part-time at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College. I am a widower with 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Daniel Chang

Kenneth Ehler – PhD Chemistry, 1972

Since Sept., 2002, I have been the volunteer manager of “Second Hand Prose”, a used bookstore run entirely by volunteers for the express purpose of raising funds for the Eugene Public Library. As a student at the UA and throughout my life I have always relied on public transportation and mostly my bicycle for transportation. I continue this lifestyle into my retirement years; however, in retirement, I have committed to using only walking and my bicycle for transportation.

Daniel Chang – PhD Chemistry, 1974 I am retired and living in San Diego.

Robert Keesee – BS Chemistry, 1975

I have just retired from the University at Albany, State University of New York, Department of Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences after 27 years. I had also worked at the National Science Foundation, Pennsylvania State University and NASA Ames Research Center since obtaining my PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Colorado in 1979. A significant event in shaping my career was when the late Dr. Jarvis Moyers visited our chemical instrumentation class, being taught by Prof.

Bonner Denton, to advertise a summer job opening. I was hired and that work got me interested in atmospheric chemistry and it was Jarvis who encouraged me to go on to graduate school. Eventually I had the opportunity to work with Jarvis again in the atmospheric chemistry program at NSF in the late 1980s.

I am also grateful to Prof. Walter Miller for suggesting that I take Russian to fulfill the foreign language requirement. With my smattering of Russian I had formed some connections with Russian scientists, and that’s how I met my wife.

Attached are two photos taken in Ekaterinburg, Russia last month. One is in the city’s Shartash Forest Park and the other is from the observation deck atop Vysotsky Tower.

Andy Campbell – BA CHEM & Philosophy, 1976; MS CHEM, 1979 (4)

Currently I am Deputy Director of Siting, Licensing & Environmental Analysis at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Robert Keesee

Robert Keesee Andy Campbell

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

36

Michael Routh – PhD Chemistry, 1976

I am currently serving on the Boards of Directors of In-Situ, ANDalyze, Symbios, and Climate Restoration Technologies.

Walter Rudzinski – PhD Chemistry, 1977

Retired in 2017 after 38 years of teaching and research at an institution that grew from a 16,000 student, regional university to a nearly 40,000 student institution designated as one of 8 upcoming research universities in Texas.

Michael Routh

Roxane Gardner – BA Chemistry, 1978

Degrees & activities since graduating from University of Arizona: 09/1978 – 06/1982 MD, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) 07/1982 – 06/1986 Internship/Residency, Ob/Gyn, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 09/1990 – 06/1992 MPH, Public health, health policy and management, Harvard University School of Public Health (HSPH) 09/2002 – 06/2010 DSc, Health policy and management; (David Bates, M.D. – advisor), HSPH 09/2014 – 06/2016 MSHPEd, Health Professions Education, Massachusetts General Hospital/Institute for Health Professions (MGHIHP) Academically, I’m an Assistant Professor of Ob/Gyn at Harvard Medical School, faculty member of the Ob/Gyn Dept at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Division of Pediatric & Adolescent Gyn at Boston Children’s Hospital; and Educator in the Dept of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Most of my time is spent at Center for Medical Simulation where I am the Senior Director of Clinical Programs, Director of the Simulation Fellowship and International Scholars Program, and Co-Director of the Labor and Delivery Program. I have 10 years of experience as Assoc. Medical Director-Obstetrics for Patient Safety at the Controlled Risk Insurance Company (CRICO) of Harvard-affiliated institutions, overseeing development, implementation and management of obstetrical patient safety initiatives.

Perinatal patient safety, simulation and evaluation of teamwork behaviors and team performance are the focus of my research.

Walter Rudzinski

Mark Mittelstaedt – BA Chemistry, 1978 Roxane Gardner

Tucson was good to me, but I couldn’t take the heat anymore; retired to the mountains east of Albuquerque.

Tim Krupa – MS Chemistry, 1979

After a long career in clinical development, I am enjoying a second career with Cibus US LLC in the AgBio sector.

Nancy Gin – BS Chemistry, 1982; MD 1986

I have been the Medical Director and Chief of Staff since 2011, overseeing nearly 1,000 physicians, two hospitals and 25 medical offices serving 600,000 members.

Mark Mittelstaedt’s NM home

Patricia Hill – PhD Chemistry, 1982

I retired in 2014 and moved to Southern Utah. Now I focus on horseback riding and competing in reining and going on bicycling trips around the world with my husband.

Charles Eck – MS Chemistry, 1983; PhD Chemistry, 1991

Just continued the process of retiring by moving back to Tucson. My wife, Alice Whittaker, is a UA alumna (BSN, ‘75, MSN, ‘82) and has just retired from teaching at Creighton University College of Nursing after earning an EdD at the College of St. Mary in 2014.

Tim Krupa

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 37

Carlos Fabara – MS Chemistry, 1983

As of 2018 I am Professor Emeritus from Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador.

Robin Humphreys – BS Biochemistry, 1983

I am Senior Director of Pharmacology at Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

Meg Collopy LeVier – BS Chemistry, 1983

Retired but still consult for mining companies. Volunteer at the Douglas County Sheriff Office in the warrants group.

Leslie Clark Romanyshyn – BA Biochemistry, 1983

My career includes 20 years of analytical chemistry supporting drug metabolism drug discovery and 15 years (and going...) supporting clinical trials as a CRA.

William Struthers – BS Biochemistry, 1983; MD, 1987

I am now practicing at United States Anesthesia Partners.

Soonya McDavid – BS Chemistry, 1984 (1)

I am employed at W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. as a Quality Leader.

Soonya McDavid

Lisa Farrell – BS Chemistry, 1986 (2)

Celebrating 23 years with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, Environmental Quality Division.

Stephen Andruski – PhD Chemistry, 1987 I am employed at US Pharmacopeia.

Ginny Beal – BS Chemistry, 1987

Recently completed 16 years evaluating science education programs funded by the NSF focusing on particle physics. This career phase followed work as a chemist at IBM, chemistry instructor at UA, program director for science teacher programs in chemistry at UA, and astronomy at NOAO; also specialize in yoga instruction and yoga therapy.

Lisa Farrell

David Mangelsdorf – PhD Biochemistry, 1987 (3)

Since 1993 he has been at UT Southwestern, where he currently is Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He holds the Raymond and Ellen Willie Distinguished Chair in Molecular Neuropharmacology, in Honor of Harold B. Crasilneck, PhD and the Alfred G. Gilman Distinguished Chair in Pharmacology, and he is a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Leah Ellingboe O’Brien – PhD Chemistry, 1987

I have been married for 32 years to Jim O’Brien, whom I met and married while a grad student at UA. We have two wonderful daughters, Christine and Emily. In 2012 I was named an ACS Fellow.

Anjan Bhattacharyya – PhD Biochemistry, 1988

I work for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Public Health/Radiation Control Branch.

David Mangelsdorf

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

38

Millicent Firestone – MA Chemistry, 1988

After leaving UA I received a doctorate in chemistry (1993) at Northwestern University in Evanston IL under the direction of Professors Tobin J. Marks and Mark A. Ratner.

Following Northwestern, I did a 2 year post doc at UIUC. From 1996 until 2013 I was at Argonne National Laboratory where I lead a group in biomolecular materials. I moved to Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2013 where I was made a strategic hire for soft matter. On a personal note, I have a wonderful 16 year old son who loves living in the southwest.

Kevin Zavadil

Kevin Zavadil – PhD Chemistry, 1989

I am a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Sandia National Laboratories.

Jani Ingram – PhD Chemistry, 1990

I received the American Chemical Society 2018 Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences in March.

Alan Smrcka – PhD Biochemistry, 1991 Jani Ingram recognized

I took a position as Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

David Arney – PhD Chemistry, 1992

I have held the position of Global Laboratory Manager for the Powertrain Solutions Lab in the 3M Automotive & Aerospace Division since 2016.

Michael Ruane – BS Chemistry, 1994

David Arney

I have earned tenure in the chemistry department and started my first year as Department Chair of Chemistry at Texas Lutheran University. Over the summer, I supervised three undergraduate students and made significant progress on a new stereospecific method to generate pyranones.

Elizabeth Atkinson – PhD Chemistry, 1995

Currently I am Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Linfield College.

Heather Houston Clark – MS Chemistry, 1995

Michael Ruane (far right) and students

Heather is Director of R&D Program Management at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and has spent the past 19 years working on the Cystic Fibrosis Research portfolio at Vertex, which has resulted in three marketed drugs to date and several more drug candidates in late stage clinical development.

She recently gave birth to her youngest daughter Emily and is enjoying being the mother to three daughters.

Paula Ray – PhD Chemistry, 1996

Heather Houston Clark and family

The years after the UA stretch on, but the memories of the desert are still bright for me. Completing twenty years at P&G is a milestone worth celebrating and made possible by 5 years in Tucson learning with some of the best. Our Midwestern lives continue, with our youngest child entering college this fall. My husband’s drone photography business is ‘taking flight’ successfully. And there is a growing world population that needs shampoo, toilet tissue, and diapers.

Paula Ray and family

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 39

Jason Chruma – BS Chemistry, 1997

While at UA, I wrote an honors thesis describing undergraduate research performed with Prof. Robin Polt. This began a career in academic research. I earned my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania in 2002 (with Organic Letters Editor-in-Chief, Amos B. Smith, III), followed by an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University from 2003-2005 with the late Ronald C. Breslow.

Jason Chruma and family in Thailand

After seven years as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, my family and I moved to Chengdu, China in 2012 to take a professorship at Sichuan University. Currently, I am a full Professor and Assistant Dean (International Affairs) in the College of Chemistry at Sichuan University.

My research program is focused on the development of environmentally-benign methods for the generation and use of 2-azaallyl species in natural product total synthesis and medicinal chemistry. See more at my university webpage.

Deepa Wadhwani Whipple – BS Biochemistry, 1997

After graduating, I immediately began working at Accenture, where I got to travel to fun places (Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila, Bangalore) and moved around quite a bit (Phoenix, New York, Augusta, San Francisco). I eventually left consulting and hired on to my last client, Ross Stores, Inc. where I worked out of our corporate office in CA. A few years ago, I relocated to our Buying Office in NYC. Going on these fun travels with me are my loving husband, two wonderful daughters, and two playful dogs. While I haven’t done any biochemistry since I graduated, I use what I learned around analysis and problem-solving at my job every day!

Chandra Savage Marsden – BS CHEM, 1998; PhD CHEM, 2004

I am the Team Leader for Tritium Research, part of the Gas Transfer Systems group at Los Alamos National Laboratory. My team is responsible for conducting tritium function tests of R&D gas transfer systems, including setup, data acquisition, and gas analysis. We also study the interaction of tritium with various materials, analyze gas mixtures via high resolution mass spectrometry, and serve as technical experts for the operation of a DOE Hazard Category 2 nuclear facility. I was recently promoted to Scientist 4, which LANL defines as a “Discipline Authority” and “Laboratory/National Leader”. Don’t believe anyone who says that there are no good jobs in P-Chem!

Deepa Wadhwani Whipple and family

Brian Schmidt – MS Chemistry, 1998

Currently I am a Professor of Physical Science at the College of Southern Nevada.

Charlie Chen

Laurie Wood – PhD Chemistry, 1998

I just completed 15 years working at Beckman Coulter.

Charlie Chen – MS Biochemistry, 1999

Currently I am a Senior Research Investigator at Icagen-T Inc.

Jennyfer Faridy Cocco – BA Biochemistry, 1999; MD, 2004

After completing medical school, I moved to Texas for residency in plastic surgery. I Happy to report, my major in Biochemistry was a good foundation for medical school at UA. I then moved to Texas for residency in plastic surgery. I now have my own solo practice in Dallas where I live and enjoy trying to make the world a better place. In 2015 I met the love of my life and I have a son and two step-sons—a family I adore.

Susanne Rafelski – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 1999

I started my independent research lab in the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology at UC Irvine in 2012. I then moved to the brand new Allen Institute for Cell Science in Seattle in 2016 - see www.allencell.org.

Jennyfer Faridy Cocco

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

40

Adrienne Roehrich – BS Chemistry, 1999

I am the Associate Manager of the NMR Facility at the University of Washington.

Allison Shepherd – BS Chemistry, 1999 (6)

I recently received the Laboratory Analyst of the Year award for 2018 from the AZ Water Association, the Arizona Section of the American Water Works Association.

Jessica Yingling – BS Biochemistry, 1999 (7)

I earned my Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from UC San Diego. My dissertation was focused on using a mouse model to dissect a human neuro-developmental disorder, called lissencephaly. Along the way, I also learned about stem cells in the brain. I enjoyed working at the bench but found that I liked learning and talking about the science more than doing it. (When I miss bench work, I cook!) I also found that I really enjoy figuring out how to translate and explain science.

Allison Shepherd

In my last year of graduate school, I did a lot of exploration and networking. I taught biology at a local community college, but I found it did not keep me engaged. What I loved about doing research was being on the front edge of new innovation. So I did a number of informational interviews and networked to find a job that interested me.

Jessica Yingling

I talked with a fellow graduate student who completed her doctorate the year before me. She had taken a position at a PR/IR agency that only did public and investor relations for biotech and life science companies. As I was finishing up my doctorate, she reached out because she was going on maternity leave, and the agency was looking for someone to fill in for her.

So I started working as an account executive at Porter Novelli Life Sciences. My Ph.D. gave me the necessary background and education, and the agency provided the training necessary to actually apply all that knowledge towards helping companies translate their science to their different audiences.

I went on to work in the development office at The Scripps Research Institute, and eventually took a position as director of corporate communications at Fate Therapeutics. The company’s core science revolved around adult stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Here, I put all my education and training together and, as an early employee in Fate, helped build the brand and communications platform for the company.

Seven years ago, as part of a company layoff, I was rather unexpectedly without a job, but not without options. That is when I started Little Dog Communications. I had the experience both from the agency and working in-house to understand what small biotechs needed from a PR and communications perspective. I also knew that not all companies had the resources to either hire an agency or an internal person.

But that didn’t mean that they didn’t need PR help.

I also knew I wanted to work with the “little dogs” in the fight. Little doesn’t necessarily mean small. It is more a frame of mind. To me, Little Dogs are companies, both big and small, that are at the front edge of innovation developing tomorrow’s medicines and technologies to improve healthcare.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 41

At Little Dog Communications, we help our clients communicate their story to all their different audiences, whether that be externally to investors, reporters, partners, patients, advocacy groups or, internally to employees, board members, collaborators – it all depends on what are the goals and needs of the company at that time. Then we determine what is the vehicle for those communications – is it a press release, newsletter, social media, video, presentation, interview or meeting – and then we help them strategize, prepare, and execute on those tactics. We also listen to the client’s audiences and communities. Our overall goal is to find the best way to tell a client’s stories either themselves or through a third party or champion.

Tim Sikorski – BS Chemistry, 2001 (8)

I moved to Stuttgart, Germany and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in the Army. My new job is working as Deputy Chief of Plans for Information Operations at the United States Africa Command.

Francisco Villa – BS Biochemistry, 2001

I completed my MS and PhD at the University of California, San Diego in chemistry. I next completed a 3-year post-doctoral fellowship in natural product chemistry and immunobiology at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography with the NIH/NIGMS IRACDA program. While in this program I co-taught courses at San Diego State University. In 2010 I started a faculty position in chemistry at Arizona Western College and then in 2012 Tim Sikorski and family transitioned over to Northern Arizona University - Yuma Branch Campus as an associate clinical professor of biological and ecological sciences. In 2015 I had an NSF S-STEM proposal funded that provided scholarships and support for students to complete their science degrees at our institution. Currently I am a clinical professor and lead faculty for my program. My wife is also a graduate of UA (BS, Material Science Engineering) and UCSD (MS and PhD, Bioengineering) and is a faculty member in biology at Arizona Western College. We have twin 9 year old daughters and a 7 year old son.

Melanie Boshens – BS Chemistry, 2002 (1)

I was promoted to Chemist Supervisor at Tucson Water. I started as a Chemist for Pima County right after graduation from UA. Then I went to work for Tucson Water as a Water Quality Analyst, then Chemist for 10 years. In 2017 I was promoted to Chemist Supervisor for the Inorganic Unit in the Water Quality and Operations Laboratory.

Melanie Boshens

Jonathan Brekan – BS Chemistry, 2002 (2)

After receiving my B.S. in Chemistry from the UA, I went on to graduate school and received a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University of Buffalo, SUNY. My advisor was Huw M. L. Davies and I studied rhodium catalyzed C-H activation and its application towards the total synthesis of diterpene natural products. I moved to Northwestern University and held a postdoctoral position for 3 years. I entered industry with a startup company Elevance Renewable Sciences in Illinois. We utilized cross-metathesis to obtain novel specialty chemicals from plant-based oils. My job was to develop laboratory data to justify market needs for these new molecules. The markets we served were engineered polymers, lubricants and additives and specialty care.

After 5 years, I moved to my current job with Daubert Cromwell. We develop corrosion prevention packaging. My job is to identify new chemistries and apply them to rust prevention packaging products. In addition I lead the technical/customer interface. This allows me to visit customer sites, solve problems and present research findings at local and national corrosion conferences.

I married Shevawn Leahy (University of Wisconsin, Madison) and we have 2 children, Jack (4) and Josephine (1).

Jonathan Brekan and family

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

42

Tara Garrison Bunag – BS Chemistry, 2002

My 2-year-old daughter loves looking through chemistry books and asking what everything means.

Tracey Newlove – BS Biochemistry, 2002; MD, 2008 I currently am in practice at Tucson Dermatology.

Tara Bunag’s daughter preps for CBC@UA

Ben Fish – BS Chemistry, 2003

I currently am employed by Bank of America.

Dana Gilmore – BS Biochemistry, 2003

I have been working at Arizona Department of Public Safety since 2008 working in serology, DNA and now Toxicology. I have testified over 80 times on blood alcohol analysis for DUI cases. I hope to continue training in Toxicology analyzing blood for the presence of drugs and their metabolites.

Ben Fish

Cornel Popescu – BS Biochemistry, 2003; MPH 2014

Currently I am a medical student with UA College of Medicine Phoenix.

Stephanie Slater – BS BMB, 2003; MS Biochemistry, 2004 I am engaged to get married in October 2018!

Retsina Meyer – BS BMB, 2004

Retsina Meyer has been working in neuroscience for over a decade producing over 40 articles, abstracts, and lectures. Her recent discoveries have gained international press and earned her a speaking engagement at the local TEDx conference. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Meyer is an alumna of MassBIO’s MassCONNECT program and SpringBoard’s Life Sciences Accelerator. She went on to advance Resilience through the OneStart America’s competition awarded by GSK’s SR One and Oxbridge Biotech Roundtable, emerging as the winner of the #1 emerging life science company.

Notably, she has been nominated for Ernst Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Boston Business Journal Women to Watch in Science and Technology, and 40 under 40.

Stephanie Slater and fiance

Dr. Meyer obtained a Neuroscience Ph.D. at MIT where she earned 5 named fellowships and was a Presidential Fellow, Imperial College of London Global Fellow, and a Graduate Woman of Excellence. While in academia, Retsina served as a science advocate with the Science Policy Initiative, attained over a million dollars in grants, fellowships, and awards during her academic career, consulted for local startups, and mentored numerous scientists from undergraduate to post doctoral level.

Prior to her work at MIT, Dr. Meyer was a Fulbright Scholar, serving as a representative of the US State Department to Norway, where she worked in the lab of 2014 Nobel Prize winners Drs. May-Britt Moser and Edvard Moser. She holds Bachelors degrees in Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, and Biopsychology from the University of Arizona and worked in the laboratories of Dr. Matt Finkbeiner and Dr. Janet Nicol, Dr. David Rowe, Dr. Carol Barnes, and Dr. Bruce McNaughton.

Gilmar Salgado – PhD Biochemistry, 2004

Currently I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Bordeaux in France.

Retsina Meyer

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 43

Tally Largent-Milnes – BS BMB, 2005

Following my BS, I stayed at the UA to pursue a Ph.D. in Medical Pharmacology. From there, I completed an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship in Physiology/Pharmacology at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland OR. I was recruited back to the UA in 2014, where I started my lab in Medical Pharmacology. Scientifically speaking, we are interested in the dynamic regulation of the blood brain barrier as both an obstacle that can be overcome for drug delivery and as an active participant in central nervous system pathologies. Outside of work, my husband and I have an almost 2-yr old and enjoy gardening, hiking, and being back in Tucson in general.

Andrew Lemieux – BS BMB, 2005; MS Biochemistry, 2006

I am living in the Netherlands and work at the Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement.

Raymond Moellering – BS BMB, BS Chemistry, 2005

In 2017/2018 I was awarded a Research Scholar Award from the American Cancer Society and the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award. I currently am an Assistant Professor at the University of Chicago.

Wendy Hyatt – BS Chemistry, 2006

I have been with ALS since I was hired after graduation in 2006. I am celebrating my 12 year anniversary. I have worked my way up in the lab from an Analyst, to Senior Analyst, Scientist, Supervisor, Project Chemist, and now Client Service Manager. I am in charge of the lab and client services. I expect to reach the title of Lab Director within a year. I enjoy the work that I do and hope that I can continue it through my own retirement.

Sarah Statt – BS BMB, 2006

I am a Senior Scientist at Asuragen.

Bryan Thacker – BS Mechanical Eng, BA Biochemistry, 2006

I received an MS in Bioengineering in 2008 and a PhD in Biomedical Sciences in 2014 at the University of California, San Diego. I currently am working as a project scientist at a start-up biotech company in San Diego. My family consists of my wife and three boys.

Dominique Leitner – BS Biochemistry, 2007

Dominique Leitner is a research scientist at New York University (NYU) in the Department of Neurology where she is evaluating the etiology of epilepsy and its implications in SUDEP and SUDC. Previously, she completed postdoctoral training at Mt. Sinai Icahn School of Medicine, where she studied the use of stem cell therapies in Parkinson’s disease. She received her Ph.D. in neuroscience from Penn State University in the Department of Neurosurgery, where she studied the effects of neuroinflammation and iron status in the context of cerebral malaria, iron deficiency, and multiple sclerosis. Prior to graduate school, she studied biochemistry as an undergraduate at the University of Arizona and as a post-baccalaureate IRTA fellow at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Sukeshi Roberts – BS Chemistry, 2007

My husband and I moved across the country to Atlanta, Georgia in the summer of 2016 after he graduated medical school. In Atlanta, I have been able to further my career in public health, working at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an ORISE Fellow, where I help foster public health diplomacy, communicate public health policy, and develop strategies for engaging public health partners at the Center for Global Health. We love Atlanta, and I hope to be able to continue my career at the CDC.

Dominique Leitner

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

44

Thomas Schultze – BS Chemistry, 2007

Christina Birch

I am working at SPEX Certiprep.

Alan Wang – BS BMB, BS Math, 2007

I graduated from neurology residency in 2017 from Thomas Jefferson and then held a fellowship in epilepsy at the University of Miami. I am a faculty member at Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Christina Birch – BS BMB, BS Math, 2008

After completing my PhD in Biological Engineering at MIT, I joined the Bioengineering faculty at the University of California, Riverside for one year before taking a position at Caltech as a STEM Writing Specialist and Lecturer in Engineering.

I am currently training and racing full-time as part of TEAM USA (in the sport of Track Cycling) and recently represented the USA in the World Championships Scratch Race in the Netherlands. My goal is to make the World Championships and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Teams. USA Cycling profile.

Michael Ferracane – BS BMB, BS Chemistry, 2008

Currently I am working as an Assistant Professor at University of Redlands, a small liberal arts college located in Southern California.

Shang-U Kim – PhD Chemistry, 2008

I am a principal engineer at Samsung Display, and a general manager of FA lab in quality and reliability organization.

Shang-U Kim

Guy Pilkington

Guy Pilkington – PhD BMCB, 2008

Since graduation from UA, I spent a few years at the National Cancer Institute doing a post-doctoral fellowship on post-transcriptional regulation of viral RNA. Subsequent to the post-doc I joined ImQuest BioSciences as the Director of Molecular Virology and Hepatitis Research. ImQuest BioSciences is a preclinical contract research and development organization (CRO) that provides services to evaluate the potential of new and novel pharmaceutical products for the treatment and prevention of viruses, bacteria, cancer and inflammatory diseases. I am responsible for any new molecular assay development for our clients’ needs, particularly with newly emerging viruses and ESKAPE pathogens. As the Director of Hepatitis Research I run a division within ImQuest where we focus on the development and application of novel assays for the in vitro evaluation of treatment options for Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus.

Hemant Badgandi – PhD Biochemistry, 2009

I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Vanderbilt University.

Brian Bode – BS BMB, BA Linguistics, 2009

Worked as a doctor in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary in my FY1 year (in Trauma and Orthopaedics) and moved to Inverness, Scotland in August to complete my FY2 year.

Joe Farmer – BS BMB, 2010

Joe Farmer

After graduation I went on to spend four years teaching chemistry at Rincon High School in Tucson, AZ. During this time, I discovered a passion for education and began to explore the neurological and psychological basis of teaching and learning.

As a result of this questioning, I enrolled in a master’s degree program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and graduated with an Ed.M. in Mind, Brain, and Education in the spring of 2018. My studies focused on the intersection of neuroscience (primarily fMRI based), cognitive psychology, education, and data analytics. I hope to use the intersection of these fields to create better educational theories and practices that can trace their origin to rigorous interdisciplinary lab science. I think that the application of neuroscience and cognitive science to education will provide avenues to great advancement in both disciplines!

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 45

Keeper Sharkey – BS Chemistry, 2010; PhD Chemistry, 2015

After completion of postdoc in Physics studying meta-stable and metallic states of hydrogen at Washington State University in Pullman, WA end of 2017, I accepted a position in Spokane, WA at Imprezzio, Inc. working as a Research Analyst on the Data Science Team in the Engineering Dept., January 2018. Utilizing econometrics and matrix mechanics, I turn data into information, information into insight, and insight into business decisions. Responsibilities include lifecycle analysis including gathering of data, algorithm development, monitoring performance, and identifying improvements for quality control on sequential marketing programs for enterprise insurance companies. As of July 2018, I am also involved with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and matrix manipulation projects as Director of Research Innovations with MichaelLogic Administration based in Chicago, IL.

Keeper Sharkey and family

Picture: My family, Erastus 8 months old, Pullman, WA, Halloween 2017.

Triza Brion – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I am an Outcomes Researcher at ICON.

Jessie Brown – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I graduated and received my PhD from the Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at NYU Langone Health in January 2018 and took a postdoctoral position at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in July 2018.

Triza Brion

Andrea Hartzell – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I finished my PhD in May this year and am now a post doc in neuroscience at The Scripps Research Institute. On June 13th my husband Stefano and I welcomed our son Luca Wrenn into the world. He is a healthy and perfect little guy!

Ashley Head – PhD Chemistry, 2011

I just started a new staff scientist position at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory in Long Island, NY.

Diogenes Placencia – PhD Chemistry, 2011

I assumed a new position as Science Director for the Office of Naval Research Global, stationed in São Paulo, Brazil, My charge is to engage researchers/military personnel across Latin America. I will maintain this role until 2021, when I expect to return to the Naval Research Laboratory.

Amanda Davis Roca – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I just received my PhD in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University. My husband (who also graduated from UA-Philosophy and Economics) and I are moving to Seattle where I will start a post-doc at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Institute.

Jessie Brown

Ashley Mason Zappia – BS BMB, 2011

I am employed at the Roche Diagnostics Corporation.

Adele Zhou – BS BMB, BS MCB, 2011

I completed my PhD in genetics, genomics, and development from Cornell University in 2018 and moved to the DC area where I am working as a postdoc in medical writing for a large pharmaceutical/drug development company.

Niharika Changavalli – BA Chemistry, 2012; MA Chemistry, 2013 I am employed at Vivacity Engineering in Australia.

Lindsey Leve – BA Chemistry, 2012

I am working at Wintergreen Digital Media.

Diogenes Placencia

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

46

Laura Stratton – PhD Chemistry, 2012

Married Vinnie Maniola in a SCUBA wedding in Mexico in October 2017.

Dan Whitfield – BS BMB, 2012

Currently I live in Germany, working in the Engineering at a Berlin FinTech startup as a QA analyst and automation engineer. I also work part time in Bioinformatics for the Berlin Center for Genomic Diversity (BeGenDiv), in partnership with the Bundesanstalht für Materialforschung und prüfung. This was after a short stint at the Center for Applied NanoBioscience and Medicine (ANBM). Published in fields Biochemistry, Computer Science, and Nanotechnology.

Dan Whitfield

Garrett Yagade – BS Chemistry, 2012 (

Got married November 4, 2017 and honeymooned to the Bahamas to watch the Wildcats play in the battle for Atlantis. My younger sister also decided to attend the UA.

Benjamin Zarin – BS Chemistry, 2012

I am currently pursuing graduate studies in Polymer Science at the University of Oregon. In addition, I remain employed full-time with Polymer Chemistry Innovations.

Garrett Yagade and wife

Christa Bockisch – BS Chemistry, 2013

Benjamin Zarin

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I went on to Arizona State University to pursue a doctorate. There, I studied hydrothermal organic geochemistry – organic reactions that occur in high temperature, high pressure, liquid water. Interesting and unexpected organic chemistry takes place under hydrothermal conditions. I chose to focus on mechanisms of these reactions, and potential applications the reactions may have industrially. Recently, my paper titled “Kinetics and Mechanisms of Dehydration of Secondary Alcohols Under Hydrothermal Conditions” was accepted to ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. I completed my PhD in May of 2018, and have since moved to Oregon, where I will be working as a Process Engineer at Intel Corporation.

Spencer Carey – BS Chemistry, 2013

I just graduated with my PhD from the University of Washington and will start a postdoc at the Fritz-Haber Institute in Berlin this fall.

Daniel Dokuchitz – BS Chemistry, 2013

Recently I began a new job with Linde developing analytical chemistry methods for their Electronic Gases and Specialty Products business. Most of the work is done to support customer requirements for the semiconductor industry as well as Linde’s production processes across North America.

Christa Bockisch

Nicholas Nelson – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2013

I graduated from UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in May 2018 and accepted a position as a pharmacy practice resident.

Carly Schnoebelen – BS Biochemistry, 2013

I graduated from Purdue University with my PhD in Chemical Education in May 2018 and am now a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California San Diego.

Aishan Shi – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, BA English, 2013

I am in my final year of medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, and I am applying to Internal Medicine residency programs.

Christa Bockisch in the lab

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 47

Duyen Vo – BS Biochemistry, BS Chemistry, BS MCB, 2013

I completed a 1-year MS degree in Medical Science at the University of Vermont in 2016 before working for a year as a phlebotomist and medical scribe at the University of Vermont Medical Center and applying to medical school. I was accepted to 4 MD schools and chose to attend the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, for which I will begin my medical education fall of 2018.

Matthew Bigler – BS Chemistry, 2014

Got an MS in Material Science Engineering; pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science.

Lauren Dominic – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2014

I am currently in my 4th year of medical school and planning on pursuing a residency in combined internal medicine and pediatrics.

Duyen Vo

Eric Figueroa – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2014

I am a third-year PhD candidate in the Department of Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. I am working on developing the molecular pharmacology of volume-regulated anion channels.

Matt Hettinger – BS Chemistry, 2014

I am currently working as a polymer chemist at Kreysler & Associates, a custom fiberglass fabrication shop. UA helped me get into polymer chemistry through the undergrad research lab with Dr. Hall. I have now worked at Hexcel and Kreysler & Associates formulating thermoset resin matrices for a variety of applications within the composites industry.

Lawrence Hill – PhD Chemistry, 2014

I am finishing my second year as an assistant professor at Western Kentucky University, and my first student graduated with his master’s thesis. I married Estie Lynn Carlson in July 2018!

Eric Figueroa

Meagan Johnson – BA Chemistry, 2014 (1)

Currently I am a 4th-year medical student at A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ. I am traveling between Texas, Arizona and Chicago this year for elective rotations. I am going to specialize in pediatrics and plan to further specialize in neonatology.

Aaron Pejlovas – BS Chem, 2014; MA Chem, 2017; PhD Chem, 2018

I began working at Clariant in Tucson, AZ as a development chemist for the oil and mining services business unit. Rhianna Hastings, (a CBC alumna) and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first child.

Meagan Johnson

Kameron Rodrigues – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2014 (2)

I was recently awarded the Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation! I am beginning my 2nd year of graduate school at Stanford University, within the Computational and Systems Immunology program. I am excited to begin my research journey within the labs of Stephen Montgomery and Sidd Jaiswal (my co-mentors).

Madison Dawn – BS Chemistry, 2015 (3)

Since graduating from the University of Arizona, I have moved to Scottsdale, adopted three dogs, and began my career. I started out as a server for a portion while I worked on figuring out which of the path I wanted to take (to either start working in a lab, or to further my education). I decided that working in a lab was the right fit.

Kameron Rodrigues

Madison Dawn

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

48

In April of 2017 I applied and started working for the Phoenix Tribology Division of ALS Laboratory Service USA. It was amazing to put my science skills to use again and really enjoyed every minute of it. Sometime later there was promotion within the company and I was asked to apply for the Supervisor position which I succeeded in getting. For about 4 months now I have been supervising the day to day operation of the lab. I do not get to do as much hands on work, but I have been able to learn how to program and take apart an FTIR and a Varian model ICP. Both fantastic opportunities to expand my knowledge and utilize some pf what I have already learned in school.

On the fun side of things I was also able to travel the world, I have visited Rome, Ireland, Iceland, several quick trips to Mexico and finally Canada. All worthwhile places to visit but if you only have time for one, Iceland is a must. I will be back visiting Tucson very soon as my youngest sister has enrolled for her undergraduate degree.

Summer Gardner – BS Biochemistry, 2015

Currently I am serving two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa. I am a part of the Community HIV/AIDS Outreach Program (CHOP), working with a drop-in center for vulnerable children and orphans in the community. I am working under PEPFAR to bring evidence based programs to the community to better the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS, caregivers of orphans, and orphans and children (18 years and younger), while also assisting the community in other social drivers of the epidemic and other social issues.

Haley Kent – BS Biochemistry, 2015

I re-located to Kentucky to pursue a career in forensics. I have 3 cats, 2 dogs and 15 chickens on 10 acres.

Estefania Lopez – BS Biochemistry, BA Spanish, 2015

I got hired at Cord Blood Registry as a Clinical Research Assistant, and I’ve learned a lot! 2.5 years later with plenty of support from family and work, I have now moved to Phoenix and am in the Pathway Scholars Program earning a Master’s in Medical Studies with conditional admission to the UACOM-P next year.

Casey Miller – BA Biochemistry, 2015

I am a Data Analyst at the University of Arizona.

Elizabeth Nguyen – BS Chemistry, 2015

In the past year, I’ve moved from Houston, TX to Seattle, WA. I was fortunate enough almost immediately after moving to land my job working as a research technician for the chemistry group at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Samantha Calle – BS Chemistry, 2016

Valeria Valdez

After graduating, I spent an additional year working for Dr. Gloria DeGrandi-Hoffman Ph.D. at the USDA Honeybee Research Lab in Tucson. At this lab we investigated the seasonal effects on honeybee nutrition, and I am a co-author of the publications currently being processed on our findings. Recently, I moved to Phoenix and am working as a Chemist in the semiconductor and automotive industry at AnalysisNow!

Valeria Valdez – BS Chemistry, 2016

I am an Auxiliaries Officer in the United States Navy.

Udeep Chawla – PhD Biochemistry, 2017

I have been a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky since August 2017.

Iman Daryaei – PhD Chemistry 2017

I am currently employed at NuvOx Pharma.

Iman Daryaei

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 49

Gloria Le – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2017

I accepted a research associate position at Ventana Medical Systems in Systems Integration. Although the research I perform is different from that in academia, the principles remain the same. Thank you to the UA for giving me the training required to succeed in this new, exciting chapter of my life!

Bret Maughan – PhD Chemistry, 2017

Recently hired as a Chemistry and Materials Scientist at Space Dynamics Laboratory.

David Renner – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2017

I recently started at the University of Pennsylvania in their Biomedical Graduate Studies (BGS) PhD program, focusing on Microbiology, Parasitology and Virology (MVP).

Mehrdad Shadmehr – PhD Chemistry, 2017

I started my Ph.D. program at CBC in 2011 as an international graduate student, and I officially joined Dr. John Jewett’s research group in 2012 as one of his first graduate students. My graduate research was mainly about design and synthesis of Triazabutadiene-based coumarins and their applications for fluorescent labeling of Tyrosine residue of proteins as well as design and synthesis of bifunctional triazabutadiene including synthesis of cyclooctyne triazabutadiene, triphenylphosphine triazabutadiene, for tyrosine modification of proteins and triazabutadiene-NHS ester for surface modification of glass surface.

After I received my Ph.D. in December 2017, I accepted a postdoctoral position in Dr. Cliff Stains’ group, a CBC alumnus who earned his PhD in Neel Ghosh’s lab, in the chemistry department of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As a postdoctoral research associate in Stains’ lab, I am working on design and synthesis of photoactivable fluorogenic prodrug fluorophores as a novel drug delivery system for anticancer small molecules as well as design and synthesis of second window near-infrared fluorophores.

I would like to give a huge thank you to the CBC department for giving me an opportunity to pursue my education, and I also want to thank my excellence advisor, Dr. John Jewett, Lori Boyd, Dr. Anne Padias, Dr. Hamish Christie, Dr. Bobbi Anglin, and all of my friends in the Jewett group and CBC for their help and support while I earned my PhD at the UA.

Matthew Stagg – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2017

I am still located in Macon, GA where I work closely with Mercer University School of Medicine to gain entry into medical school. I also am hopeful to obtain a graduate Certificate of Population Health Management from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health by medical school matriculation in 2019. I am heavily involved in volunteer work such as with RAM and Mercer University Athletic Department, and I have recently started looking at improving youth literacy in Bibb County, GA through sports associations and with the amazing help of my mentor, Dr. Keisha Callins, MD. I remain active in the Mercer University Athletic Department and First Presbyterian Church as well.

Matthew Varga – PhD Chemistry, 2017

Currently I am a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University.

Kimberly Widrick – BS Biochemistry, BS Math, 2017

Transferred from the Master’s program to the PhD program in Biomedical Engineering at the UA. Recently hired as a graduate research assistant in the Center for Gamma Ray Imaging (CGRI).

Mehrdad Shadmehr

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

50

Adam Kai Aragaki – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

During my time at the University, I enjoyed extracurricular opportunities such as serving as secretary for the Undergraduate Biology Research Program Ambassadors, being a peer mentor to incoming CBC freshman, and researching heteromultivalent ligands in the lab of Dr. Ronald Lynch. I will attend Johns Hopkins in the fall, where I will enter the pharmacology program. In my spare time, I enjoy creating complicated spreadsheets to help me with trivial decisions and petting cats.

Danielle Barrientes – BS Chemistry, 2018 Adam Kai Aragaki

I graduated in May with my B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Health and Human Values from the Honor’s college. After taking a brief summer break, I joined the staff at the ALEC facility on campus as a research technician. My job will primarily be composed of performing the various chemical analyses for the wide range of samples submitted to the facility. This laboratory serves many departments on campus, primarily those of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, Veterinary Science, and Public Health. I am so happy to be back on the UA campus and begin a career doing the things I love!

Brandon Goldenberg – BS Biochemistry, 2018

Danielle Barrientes

The Chemistry and Biochemistry department at The University of Arizona provided me the foundation of someday hopefully becoming a leader in the science community. Whether in the classroom, or in a research laboratory, I was given the opportunity to learn the ropes of how to someday make a difference in the various science and medical professions. Getting a Bachelors of Science degree is only a stepping stone in my educational endeavors. After gaining research experience in the biotech industry for a year after graduating, I would like to attend a Ph.D. program in the genetics/ genomic medicine field. There, I would want to tackle prominent research issues with the goal of becoming a trained scientist that think critically and complete novel research projects that translate to the clinical setting.

Sean Lansey – BS Chemistry, 2018 Sean Lansey

After graduating with my BS in Chemistry and my minor in biochemistry, I became a chemistry technician for Global Solar. This company manufactures CIGS solar cells, which are thin and flexible solar cells that have additional applications than the traditional solar panels commonly seen on roofs. What I enjoy most about this company is the continuing research and development by the scientists into solar technology. My goal is to contribute to this process in some meaningful way.

Christopher Marshall – BS Chemistry, 2018

Three weeks after graduating with a BS in chemistry, I started my first job as a fulltime formulation associate at Accelerate Diagnostics in Tucson, AZ.

Neal Patel – BA Biochemistry, 2018

Working as a clinical research coordinator for Honor Health in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Applying for dental school admission and looking to enroll in Fall 2019.

Ramya Ramesh

Ramya Ramesh – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

I plan to attend medical school, but I will be working as a scribe during my year off.

Jose Rios-Monterrosa – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

I started my first year of medical school at the Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa, where I am a medical student ambassador and a peer mentor to pre-health students. I recently got engaged to my beautiful fiancée Madison.

Jose Rios-Monterrosa and fiancée Madison

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 51

Anthony Schwenker – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

I plan to work in the chemistry field after graduation, I feel confident and prepared for this new step. The friends I made in the last four years have made me more confident, the classes I took gave me the information I need and Dr. William Montfort gave me the training to succeed.

Lawrence Sun – BA Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

My name is Guangzhe Sun, everyone knows me as Lawrence. I graduated this May from the University of Arizona with honors in Molecular Cellular Biology and with a B.A. degree in Biochemistry. During my time at the UA, I have served as a preceptor for Dr. Amy Graham for three years, in which I help engage students with class discussions and tutor after classes. In addition, I have been an ambassador and a peer mentor of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and the Honors College, which I help the incoming students better adapt to their first year in college. In my free time, I like running long-distance, singing, and learning how to cook, “safely”. I am currently studying for my first MCAT, and I am hoping to get admitted into the University of Washington School of Medicine as the class of 2023.

Anthony Schwenker

Jason Sweet – BA Biochemistry, 2018

I am the first Sweet in the history of my family to earn a college degree. As if all odds were against me at times, I’ve learned to become comfortable existing and operating under this pressure.

After leaving GCU in 2008 after my 2nd semester on a full-ride baseball scholarship to try out to become a USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) in my father’s footsteps, I shipped off to basic military training (BMT) in October of 2008. After graduating BMT, I began the 10 week Pararescue Indoctrination Course, also known as “Superman School” or “INDOC” with 100 other Airmen all telling themselves they’d “Never Quit.” Only three weeks later, there were only 28 Airmen remaining. 72 Airmen of the original 100 had quit and a month hadn’t gone by since we started the journey. 15 of us graduated INDOC and would embark on 2 additional years of PJ school in which one could quit or fail at any time before earning our coveted maroon berets and the title of a USAF PJ. After graduating on April 18th 2011, I was a combat SCUBA diver, an EMT/SOCOM paramedic, skilled in mountaineering/climbing, trained in high altitude parachuting day/night on land/water, and much more. In the spring of 2012, my PJ team and I conducted over 60 combat missions in southern Afghanistan as the first-ever GATR (Guardian Angel Tactical Response) team.

Lawrence Sun

After returning from Afghanistan, I tested into the lowest chemistry class Pima Community College would offer. After securing an AA degree from Pima with a 3.7 GPA and transferring to the UA, I successfully made the UA football team. After a historic 2014 season that ended with 10 wins, being ranked in the top 10 in the country, and securing a Fiesta Bowl appearance, I tore my ACL and meniscus and was forced to drop out of school to pay for surgery expenses.

Upon re-enrolling, I changed my major to Biochemistry, as it is a competitive pre-med major to have on a resume, but knew little about it. After developing a passion for the biochemical processes that drive the various functions of life at the cellular level, it was certain to me that a major in biochemistry was where I needed to be.

Lawrence Sun

Jason Sweet

Jason Sweet

52

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

I will be using this degree to strengthen this great nation and all you that make it so great. As the owner of SOCOM Athlete LLC, I conduct career events, 1-on-1 and group development, social medial promotions, Q & A, mentoring, etc. for candidates pursuing careers in Special Operations Forces (SOF) (NAVY SEALs, USAF Pararescue Jumpers (PJs), etc. ) By recently taking a part-time position at the University of Arizona DSRI (Defense & Security Research Institute), I will act as the initiative’s Human Performance & SOF representative. It’s an honor to stay close to home and be around the family & support network that has developed over my last four years as a wildcat.

BearDown!

Josephine Uong – BA Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

While taking a year off of school, I will be working at a retirement home as a server, then with a pharmacist. I will also be working on my applications for pharmacy schools.

Dane Evan Zambrano – BS Biochemistry, BS MCB, 2018

The Biochemistry program at the University of Arizona through the Honors College has taught me to value all experiences – good and bad. I would not have been able to realize my passion for research, outreach and made lifelong friendships if I dismissed my bad run-ins with another department. In turn, the sum of all my experiences has led me to learn things about myself that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. For example: I love research just as much as I love learning about science. To foster this love, I am pursuing an MD/PhD with a focus on Biochemistry at the University of Washington through their Biological Physics Structure and Design (BPSD) Program.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 53

LOVE, HONOR, LOYALTY TO UA ONLINE VERSION

By Ricardo Rene (“Ric”) Gonzalez | PhD Chemistry, 2001

I

feel honored and privileged to be asked by our alma mater to write about my experience as a student at the University of Arizona, the impact on my life because of my experience there, and my subsequent professional and personal life since. I am constantly thinking about all my interactions with the faculty at the UA who profoundly affected my life. Therefore, I will share some thoughts that come to mind: Dr. Vicki Wysocki and Dr. Arpad Somogyi (now at Ohio State University) — I gained invaluable lifelong expertise in mass spectrometry from Vicki in the classroom (e.g., Quantum electrodynamics, i.e., QED theory, to predict fragmentation in tandem or MSn as well as the consequential mass spectral predictive and interpretive knowledge/skills) and in practice with Arpad in the laboratory utilizing a variety of instruments with low and high resolution mass analyzers for qualitative analyses.

(I was a graduate staff member in the Mass Spectrometry Facility during my last 3 years there).

Dr. Michael Francis Burke (deceased) — My deepest gratitude belongs to Mike, my Research Advisor and my Greatest Mentor. He truly was a genius. He taught me everything that I know about chemical separations, and it’s been invaluable to this day along with the mass

spectrometry expertise I gained at the UA. Mike wouldn’t let me graduate until I could teach him; he truly refined me and made me the scientist I am today.

Mike, I love you so deeply, and I miss you as I miss my own father. I will be forever indebted to you. I hope to see you in heaven.

Dr. Neal Armstrong – I left the departmental acceptance interview visit on a Sunday, and I didn’t think twice about wearing shorts during the visit (while other candidates were wearing long pants and ties). I was so appreciative

and inspired by my discussion with Neal in the lounge area near his, Jeanne Pemberton’s and Bonner Denton’s labs in the Gould-Simpson Building. I was quite candid, and instinctively felt I had nothing to lose by being completely transparent and honest about my aspirations and why I wanted to pursue advancement in my Analytical Chemistry education. I was in bed in Illinois when Neal called me three days later on a Wednesday night to tell me that The University of Arizona wanted me to come there for my graduate education.

I was ecstatic to say the least, and get emotional even now when I think about it. I’m thankful to Neal for teaching me advanced quantitative analysis, as well as CHEM 528 (instrumental analysis and material characterization). Neal is an exceptional mentor and teacher.

Dr. Quintus Fernando (deceased) – I’ll never forget my rotational interviews in my very first semester with professors to find the research group I wanted to join. Dr. Fernando started the conversation during my meeting with him: “You will not get your doctoral degree here; in fact, you’re probably not going to be here in a year from now. This program is in the top five on the entire globe in the science of Analytical Chemistry. The attrition rate is over 80%.” Well, I lost a lot of hair due to stress in my first year. Approximately 35 students started in my entering class…by 2004, only 8 in that class earned our doctoral degrees. I graduated with my BS Chemistry degree from The University of Illinois with highest honors. Despite leading the graduation procession summa cum laude, I was way over my head when I first attended the U; however, I was encouraged by all the faculty and staff to hang in there and try my hardest. My hair finally grew back.

Dr. Jeanne Pemberton – Jeanne gave me a deep understanding of surface science and analysis. She taught me applications of interfacial chemistry for

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

54

LOVE, HONOR, LOYALTY TO UA CONT. reactive (e.g. controlled electrochemistry) and nonreactive (e.g., adsorption and absorption) applications, including controlled surface modifications (e.g. self-assembled monolayers, Langmuir films, etc.). Importantly, she taught me about organic and inorganic crystal structure. Jeanne gave me a firm understanding of how electron & scanning probe microscopies as well as associated spectroscopies can be utilized (e.g., SEM-EDAX, AFM, STM, XRF, XPS, Auger spectroscopy, etc.). I’ve used this understanding of surface science and analysis to solve many problems in industry over the years. Because of Jeanne, I readily leverage these types of analytical methodologies confidently and successfully with scientists at a variety of institutions to quickly get the information we need.

Dr. M. Bonner Denton – Bonner taught me Advanced Instrumental Analysis.

He taught me about the fundamentals of electronics, operational amplifiers, exhaustively about diffractive, reflective, transmissive and absorptive spectroscopies across the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g. acoustic resonance, IR, NIR, Vis, UV, X-ray), applications of multivariate statistical tools in spectroscopy (“chemometrics”), charge transfer device (CCD and CID) detector technologies and intricacies in design, etc.… the list goes on and on, as all I learned from him seems endless. After I passed my oral examination, I recognized that

Bonner gave me more of his time, possibly because we thought alike. I used to cherish those times (countless times) that I’d walk by his office, he’d see me and yell: “Ric, come here! What do you think of this idea?” For example, back then, he was turned on to inventing portable ion mobility instruments for explosives detection…I talked him into lengthening the flight tube design, and it was awesome he wanted my thinking and feedback. Holy Moly! I’m truly convinced that Bonner is a genius. I’m proud to have worked alongside him.

I graduated in December 2001 with a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. While writing my dissertation, I received an extremely lucrative job offer from Altria, a large CPG holding company which owned Philip Morris USA and International, Kraft Foods, Nabisco, Oscar Meyer and Miller Beer. Altria waited 8 months for me to graduate, at which time I accepted their offer of a scientific leadership role in Analytical Chemistry.

I am presently a Research Fellow and the Senior Director of Analytical and Applied Sciences for Conagra Brands, Inc. I’ve been here almost 9 years, and I am very happy and fulfilled in my career at this great company that is one of North America’s leading branded food companies dedicated to making nutritious food in a responsible way that fosters stronger communities and a better planet.

I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Susan. We have 5 grown children and 6 grandchildren (with one on the way!). We own and live on a horse ranch with 62 animals, and our basement is decked out in UA memorabilia. I’m a proud UA Alumnus, and Susan and I are active in alumni events every year.

Above all, my heart and soul after God, my family, and the USA belong to the people in my life from the University of Arizona. I would not have the happiness, security and deep satisfaction in my career and personal life if it weren’t for the UA, where I learned to BEAR DOWN, to NEVER QUIT, and to strive for EXCELLENCE with integrity, honor, loyalty, grace, generosity and the pursuit to help others.

Spot Ric at the end of this PAC-12 video as he cheers on the Wildcats at the College World Series in Omaha.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 55

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF Bianka Bedoya, Associate Accountant Bianka Bedova was born in San Diego, California, but raised in Tucson. She is a proud UA Alum! After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Management, she had the opportunity to travel the world as Bianka Bedoya a Delta Flight Attendant. That was rewarding, but there truly is no place like home, even if home means 120 degree summers. She loves watching the rain during monsoon season and long desert hikes. Currently, she is pursuing a Master of Science in Accounting and hopes to use her knowledge to become a strong member of the CBC Business Office and Department.

Connor Cerato, Instructional Specialist, Senior Connor Cerato graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences physiology in the spring of 2018. He currently is involved in the medConnor Cerato ical school application process for acceptance in the fall of 2019. In his free time he enjoys hiking, cycling, and snowboarding when the weather permits it.

Colleen Kelley, Manager of Instructional Laboratories Colleen Kelley started in June as the new Manager for Instructional Laboratories.

She received her Ph.D. in Organometallic Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State Colleen Kelley University and continued with a postdoctoral fellowship at the Universite Louis Pasteur with Professor Jean-Marie Lehn. Colleen was a tenured faculty member at Northern Arizona University with research focusing on metal toxicology and chemical education. Her teaching duties have spanned from graduate level courses all the way to high school courses. Most recently, she taught chemistry in rural Kenya. She is passionate about chemical education and how to create a profound and robust learning environment for all students. Colleen is thrilled to be at The University of Arizona and is excited to use her wealth of experiences towards the enhancement of every aspect of the instructional laboratories.

MORE

Christopher Koch, Laboratory Coordinator Chris Koch is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. He moved here about 5 years ago with his husband, and since then graduated from the U of A with a BS in Christopher Koch Biology Education. He worked for a year as a High School Science teacher, but decided to change career directions and work in higher education. He now supports the General Chemistry labs in the prep room as a Lab Coordinator and couldn’t be happier working for the CBC department!

Makayla Rascon, Office Specialist Makayla Rascon is a Tucson native. After working as a CBC student worker, she decided to join the Business office team as staff. Currently she spends most of her free time fixing up her new house and hanging out with her cats.

Makayla Rascon

Rachel Matsuo Saindon, Administrative Assistant Rachel Matsuo Saindon was born and mostly raised in Japan, but has lived in Tucson for the past 3 years. This fall she Rachel Saindon will also start attending the UA for Film and Television and Gender and Women’s Studies. She has one child, a rambunctious Shar-Pei mix named Tomo. Her hobbies include thinking of different ways to cook cauliflower and resisting the urge to go to Starbucks every day.

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

56

NEW FACULTY AND STAFF

CONT.

Thomas Tomasiak, Assistant Professor Thomas Tomasiak started his laboratory in January as an Assistant Professor. Before that, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California, San Francisco doing a combination of X-ray crystallograThomas Tomasiak phy and cryo electron microscopy. Prior to that, he earned a PhD in Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. He hopes to combine these two areas in his faculty career, using high resolution techniques to study mechanisms of nutrient uptake and drug resistance in diseases that include fungal infection and cancer.

IN MEMORIAM

MORE

Joan Elizabeth Fornara, BS Chemistry, 1948; d. March 29, 2016 Joan Elizabeth Fornara, 88, was born in Prescott, Arizona, on Sept. 10, 1927 to Fred and Dulcie Gegg and died on March 29, 2016.

Dale Woolridge, Professor (joint appointment with Emergency Medicine) Dale Woolridge recently joined CBC as a joint faculty member. He currently is a professor of Emergency Medicine in the College of Medicine, as well as the medical Dale Woolridge director of the Southern Arizona Children’s Advocacy Center in Tucson and the director of the Banner Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN program for the western region. He received his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Arizona under the auspices of Eugene Gerner in 1998.

She was an enthusiastic ambassador for the school. She loved her work there, especially the relationships with and impact she had on the students and the friendships she formed with her colleagues.

Joan Elizabeth

Joan grew up in Prescott and attended St. Fornara Joseph’s Academy, graduating in 1944.

She attended Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles for two years and returned to complete her education at the University of Arizona, earning a B.S. in Chemistry in 1948. Upon graduation, Joan moved to the San Francisco area working for Western Regional Research Lab in Emoryville. It was during these years that she rekindled a friendship with Prescott resident, Charlie Fornara, while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Joan and Charlie were married on June 25, 1952. They spent 62 years together in the Prescott area where they raised their family.

Joan served 26 years as the secretary at Sacred Heart School.

Joan possessed a deep faith and was a devout, life-long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish. She served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years and was often volunteering for various ministries as recently as a week before her passing.

When asked to help, she never declined to become involved.

Joan is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie; and her sisters, Winifred and Eleanor Gegg. Survivors are her children, Marilyn Wilcox (Reid), John (Kim), Jim, Chuck (Sarah) and Joe (Stacie). Joan adored her 10 grandchildren, Matthew and Brian Wilcox; Jason, Joel (Kaitey), Kristin, James, Will, Josie, Ava, and Leo Fornara. Joan is also survived by her sister, Marjorie Trengove (Ray) and their five children.

Donations can be made in her name to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 120 N. Summit Ave., Prescott, AZ 86301 or Sacred Heart Catholic School, 131 N. Summit Ave., Prescott, AZ 86301.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 57

IN MEMORIAM CONT. Edward E. Genser, BS Chemistry, 1957; d. June 23, 2015 Dr. Edward E. Genser, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Biochemistry, passed away June 23, 2015. He began his career at Cal State Hayward (East Bay) in September of 1970 as a lecturer and then continued on the tenure track in the fall of 1972. He retired in July of 1998 and participated in the Faculty Early Retirement Program (FERP).

His family has provided the following: Edward Easley Genser, Ph.D. 1962. June 23, 2015 in Oakland, CA. The son of Mathias Adelbert Genser and Helen Elizabeth Genser Edward was born in Joplin, MO July 2, 1935, the youngest of eight siblings. Growing up in Joplin he was a basketball star at St. Peter’s High School and went on to Rockhurst College at Kansas City. After the completion of his freshman year there, Edward, a member of the Chemistry Society and Phi Lambda Upsilon fraternity, went on to receive his B.S. degree in 1957 from the University of Arizona, at Tucson at which time he was accorded Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Recipient of a teaching fellowship at University of California at Berkeley, Edward received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley January, 1962 with his dissertation on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Dr. Genser went on to conduct research at JPL in Pasadena, CA and Shell Development in Emeryville, CA. Dr. Genser is listed as the inventor of record on a number of patents stemming from his research.

In 1970, Dr. Genser took the position as a Professor of Chemistry at California State University at Hayward, now Cal State East Bay. It was here that Dr. Genser recognized the need for different approach to teaching introductory chemistry in order to better address the needs of his students. To this end, he developed a curriculum that both more effectively engaged students as well as better conveyed the core principles of the subject matter. Well received, this course became known as, “Dr. Genser’s Popular Topics in Chemistry.” Dr. Genser presented this course not only at CSUH but also at UC Berkeley. The course remains part of the offered curriculum Upon his retirement from CSUH in 1998, Edward continued to refine his Popular Topics in Chemistry concepts as well as explore other areas of interest, notably environmental issues as well as the relationship between entropy and economics.

In his later years Edward continued to contribute to the sci-

ences by participating in a number of medical studies which unexpectedly took him back to his Berkeley roots.

One such instance found him involved in a study at UCB / LBL where he observed with amusement that the facilities had changed little since his time there. In a different study at UCSF he reassured the research scientist that he was quite familiar with the intense magnetic fields generated by the experimental ¬ research MRI machine. It was at this moment that the researcher realized that this was same Dr. Genser whose published research he had come across in his own work. They both had a good laugh.

Of course, no recounting of Edward’s life would be complete without mention of his good nature and especially his long¬lived love of music, notably jazz, sparked by his early years in Kansas City and its legendary jazz clubs. It was an interest, appreciation and affection that grew and matured throughout the years, especially later in life. Edward died on June 23, 2015 in the hills of Oakland, CA at the age of 79. He is survived by his son, Mathias, daughter, Leigh, two grandchildren, and five siblings.

Words from Dr. Ann McPartland, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: He taught large General Chemistry courses to freshman and sophomore students and was very well respected and liked by the students. He also taught upper division courses in Physical Chemistry and developed and taught a very popular General Education course for non¬science majors called Popular Topics in Chemistry. The latter course covered topics relating to chemistry from the news such as nuclear power and other types of alternative energy sources, nutrition and drug design. We still teach that course today.

Dr. Genser had come to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department from industry and was able to provide an industrial perspective for the students he taught. He was dedicated to teaching the students how to navigate their way through the Chemistry major. Alumni who visit the campus often mention how much they learned from Dr. Genser and how dedicated he was to helping students. One in particular, Vincent Alvarez, was a successful scientist at Clorox and later taught part¬time in our department.

Dr. Genser was a very amiable colleague and made lots of

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

58

IN MEMORIAM CONT. friends in the college. He is remembered for his humor, honesty and love of teaching.

cosmology, took up drawing and painting, played piano and rekindled his interest in music. He also enjoyed visiting former students, family and friends.

Patricia Lindberg Gripke, BS Chemistry, 1949; d. March 13, 2018

Richard was truly “a Renaissance man” who “made sense of the pieces.” He will be forever loved and missed by his wife and pet dog Bailey.

Richard Hartline, MS Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry, 1961; d. April 21, 2018

As the great Carl LaFong once said, “Farewell, fellow mariner of the Cosmos. Destination unknown.”

Beloved husband and respected mentor Richard Arlen Hartline, Ph.D., passed away on April 21, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz., where he spent the last 20 years with his wife, Ellen.

Tiffany Mealman, PhD Chemistry, 2013; d. January 28, 2018 Richard Hartline

He was born on July 21, 1932, in Reading; he was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Hartline and Mildred Undercuffler (Hartline) Rettew.

After graduating from Reading High School, he played clarinet and saxophone with Al Hudson’s traveling dance band. In 1952 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and played with the post band. He graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania in 1959. His education was supported by the G.I. Bill and playing music with a variety of local groups, including Ronnie Brown’s, Cool Winds and the Reading Sextet.

Richard received a Master of Science degree in biochemistry and organic chemistry in 1961 from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. in biochemistry, in the laboratory of Dr. Victor Rodwell, at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1965.

He was a United States Public Health Services (National Institutes of Health) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, working with the late Dr. I.C. Gunsalus at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He was appointed a professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he initiated the biochemistry program in 1967. He mentored students in research and published in premier scientific journals.

Richard was recognized with awards for his excellence in scholarship and teaching. He was a Fulbright Teaching Fellow at the University of Malta, teaching biochemistry to health science students. After an accomplished academic career, Richard retired to Tucson where he enjoyed travel, studied

On Sunday evening January 28th, Tiffany breathed her last breath on earth and her first in heaven. We thank God for the gift of life we enjoyed with her, and we remember her for her strength, joy, and Tiffany Mealman kindness. She faced many challenges, but in each she found God’s peace and grace and shared those with us. We miss her tremendously, but knowing that she is whole and radiant in God’s presence gives us great consolation.Tiffany requested that memorial gifts be made to her beloved church, Missio Dei (https://missiotempe.cloverdonations.com/camelback/). Thank you, dear friends, for your expressions of love, support, and generosity over these past five plus years.

In Christ alone, our hope is found.

Joseph Motyl, MS Chemistry, 1967; d.

May 24, 2018 Joseph J. “Joe” Motyl, age 85, passed away on Thursday afternoon May 24, 2018 at the Vines of Elgin. Joe was born in Chicago on January 12, 1933 and was the son of the late Jozef and Zofia (nee Joseph Motyl Ozarka) Motyl. From 1953-1955 he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Trieste, Italy. Joe was a 1958 graduate of Northern Illinois University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. In 1959 he earned his Master’s Degree in Education.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 59

IN MEMORIAM CONT. Joe was a resident of West Dundee for over 57 years and a former Biology Teacher at Dundee Community High School in Carpentersville from 1959-1967. In 1967, Joe left School District 300 and became a faculty member at Highland Park High School where he taught Biology. In 1980 he was appointed as Assistant Principal and served until his retirement in 1992. Between 1967 and 1982, Joe received several National Science Foundation Grants from several Universities and earned a second Master’s Degree in the Philosophy of Science from the University of Arizona.

Following retirement from Highland Park, Joe joined the faculty of Northern Illinois University and became one of the supervisors of Student Teachers in the area of Biological Sciences. He was a longtime faithful and active member of St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee. Joe was a former 12 year West Dundee Village Trustee having served from 19851997 and also a Dundee Township Cemetery Trustee for 13 years from 2003-2016.

Survivors include his wife of almost 33 years; Gail to whom he married on June 21, 1985.His children; Michael Motyl, Susan (Randy) Sokol and Jeanine Justis. His stepchildren; Robert (Chie) Petruska and Geri Ann (Mark) Shroyer. Other survivors include eleven grandchildren; Brenna ( Jeffrey) Martin, Dr. Kelsey Sokol, Ashley (Michael) Stanger, Andrew Motyl, Eric Motyl, Cameron Justis, Mackenzie Justis, Thomas Petruska, Christy Petruska, Alexis Shroyer and Nicole Shroyer. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded by his first wife of 24 years; Claire Ann Conlon Motyl on March 6, 1982. Masses would be appreciated or memorials may be made to either F.I.S.H. Food Pantry, 150 S. Kennedy Drive, Unit #15A, Carpentersville, IL 60110 or PADS of Elgin, Inc., 1730 Berkley St., Elgin, IL 60123.

—Published in Chicago Suburban Daily Herald on May 27, 2018 Karen Page, BS Chemistry, 2000; d. July 29, 2018 On Sunday, July 29th, 2018, after a five-year battle with cancer, Karen Page passed away at her home in Phoenix, Arizona, in the arms of her loving husband. She was only 43 years old. Karen will be remembered lovingly by those she left behind, including her husband, Daniel Valenzuela; her father, C.G. Page; two brothers, John, and Lindsay; four nephews, Alex, Jameson, Roland and Nathan and niece, Cassandra. She

was preceded by her mother, Sandra. Born in Tucson, Arizona on August 10th, 1974, Karen received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Arizona in December of 2000.

She worked at Ventana Medical Systems from 2001 to 2003, and then Protein Technologies Inc. until 2008. After relocating to Phoenix, she then worked at the Arizona Department of Agriculture and Department of Health until she could no longer work in 2013. She was an incredibly talented chemist, unafraid of accepting the many challenges presented to her in the laboratory. Karen lived life to the fullest.

She learned to play violin and piano as a young girl, but also had a continuous desire to learn new things throughout her life. This included learning to ride a motorcycle, taking sharpshooting classes, creating costumes for the Phoenix ComiCon, and even learning how to completely redo the plumbing and electrical in her house and remodel her bathroom. Karen was also as kind as she was curious; everyone who knew her appreciated how she shared her love wholly with animals and people alike. Her presence and sharp wit will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.

If you would like to make a donation in Karen’s name, please donate to the Arizona Animal Welfare League, or your own local no-kill shelter.

—Published in the Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 19, 2018 Anthony (Tony) Ruggiero, BS Chemistry, 1979; d. March 1, 2018 Dr. Anthony (Tony) Ruggiero, 62, died unexpectedly in Livermore, CA, on March 1, 2018. Tony is survived by his wife of 34 years, Cindi, sons Vincent and Joshua (Natalie), mother, Adeline Ruggiero, sisTony Ruggiero ter, Cindy (Buddy) Rifici, brother Michael Ruggiero, nephews Tony and Matt (Kara) Rifici as well as a large and loving extended family from Sioux Falls, SD. Tony was born in Cleveland, OH to Sgt. Anthony Ruggiero, Sr. and Adeline Ruggiero. He spent the next 20 years of his life there with his family until moving to Tucson, AZ where he earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona.

60

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM CONT. He went on to earn his doctorate in Physical Chemistry at the University of Oregon. During this time he married Cindi Kokenge, from Sioux Falls, SD, in Eugene, OR. Tony’s graduate work pioneered the use of short pulse lasers in time-resolved spectroscopy. His fellow graduate students remember him for the long hours he spent in the lab pushing his laser system to its limits and for his attachment to his dog Jason, a white German Shepherd.

After graduate school, Tony became a postdoctoral scholar with Dr. Graham Fleming at the University of Chicago. His love of lasers and the technical aspects of research in physical chemistry blossomed during this time. He developed two extraordinary laser systems to study some of the most fundamental events in chemistry. Together with Dr. Norbert Scherer, his new post-doctoral partner, a new type of laser system was developed for the study of chemical phenomena on femtosecond time scales. Their discoveries were the genesis behind several successful commercial lasers that more broadly embodied “regenerative amplification.”

In 1990 Tony began working at the University of California - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) where he performed research and development in various Directorates. He took great pride in his work in the Non-Proliferation, Arms Control and International Assessment (NAI), now called Global Security Directorate, where he applied his expertise in laser technologies, photonics and opto-electronics to become an inventor/co-inventor of several patents. He also authored a number of papers published in scientific journals. Tony built and inspired a dedicated team of engineers and technicians who went on to develop unique technical solutions for projects important to U.S. national security.

In March 2009, Tony left LLNL to launch Sierra Photonics, Inc. which developed novel communication system technologies. Over the next 5-1/2 years, Tony’s vision and leadership resulted in several successful technology demonstrations. In 2014, Alphabet (Google, Inc.) acquired Sierra Photonics where Tony continued his work on the development of high capacity, low-latency optical networks. His contributions to photonics and opto-electronics will continue to supply the science necessary for rapid deployment of technologies that can be used in areas impacted by disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes and wildfires. His teammates at Alphabet will continue work to realize his latest dream.

Throughout his life, Tony passionately pursued his goals. He was extremely well-read and informed. His passion for learning and continuing to absorb knowledge gave him a quick wit and no-nonsense approach to formalities. He lived his life based on principles and a strong moral compass, a testament to his early years growing up in Cleveland. Tony was always appreciative of his roots in Cleveland and beamed with pride when speaking of his family’s achievements as educators and mentors in that area. His loving family realized early on that his work would take him far from home, but understood and were his greatest supporters. Tony loved his family and he loved the mountains. He was especially proud of his sons.

From an early age, Vincent and Joshua accompanied him on excursions and hikes throughout the country and abroad with the recent completion of an ascent up Yosemite’s Half Dome.

The Bay Area became Tony’s home, and his love and appreciation for its cultural diversity and incredible beauty was the background of his finest work. He was a collector of menus and had a particular fondness for breakfast at Betty’s Diner in Berkeley and Thai restaurants. He was a true friend to many and a loving companion to his wife, Cindi. He could be seen on weekends walking his beloved German Shepherd, Sophie, throughout the Livermore hills. He will be missed by many.

Tony joyfully supported many charities; his favorites were Yosemite Conservancy and Doctors Without Borders Alan Russell, BS Chemistry, 1957; d. August 8, 2018 Alan Russell passed away on August 8, 2018 in San Diego, California. He earned his BS degree in Chemistry in 1957 from the University of Arizona.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 61

PRESIDENT HENRY KOFFLER Professor Emeritus October 1, 1922 – November 12, 2016 Former UA President Henry Koffler Dies at 95; Served From 1982-1991

A

s the first UA alumnus to serve as president, he oversaw the University’s ascension to the top ranks of major research universities.

External research funding more than tripled during his tenure.

University of Arizona President Emeritus Henry Koffler, who led the UA as president from 1982-1991 and oversaw its ascension to the top ranks of major research universities, died Saturday, March 10. He was 95. Koffler is survived by Phyllis (Pierson) Koffler, his wife of more than 71 years.

Koffler was the first UA alumnus to serve as president. During his tenure, the UA grew dramatically, increasing enrollment by 16 percent, hiring 700 additional faculty and staff, adding 24 new buildings and growing external research funding from $60 million to $192 million.

Under Koffler, the UA was elected to membership in the Association of American Universities in 1985. The AAU is comprised of the top 62 research universities in the U.S., Canada and Britain. Koffler also led the Century II Capital Campaign, the UA’s first major fundraising activity, with a goal of $100 million. The campaign yielded $198 million.

Koffler also is recognized for his contributions to expanding the general education and honors programs, implementing the first online student information system and investing in central computing capacity, facilitating collaborations with community colleges, and championing efforts to improve the enrollment rates and graduation rates of underserved students.

“I am so grateful that I was able to spend some time with President Koffler and learn from him as I joined the UA community,” said UA President Robert C. Robbins. “He was a superior intellect and a very sweet and caring man. We had the same physician, and I saw him often and greatly enjoyed our conversations and his handwritten letters. I tell people everywhere that we must instill a love of lifelong learning

in our students, and I can think of no better example than the way President Koffler pursued new ideas and forms of engagement through his entire life. His pilates regimen was impressive and his artwork is incredible, with an exhibit on display right now at the Tucson Jewish Community Center.

He did amazing things for the University, and he’s a great inspiration for all of us. I know he will be fondly remembered by the Wildcat family for years to come.”

Academic Career Koffler entered the UA to study agricultural chemistry in 1940. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the UA in 1943, a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1944 and a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in 1947.

He joined the faculty of Purdue University and became a distinguished microbiologist and biochemist who earned a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Eli Lilly Award in Bacteriology and Immunology. One of the youngest full professors at Purdue, he became the head of the Department of Biological Sciences and is credited with bringing the department to international renown.

An able academic administrator, he then served as senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Minnesota in 1975, chancellor for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1979 and president of the UA in 1982.

62

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

IN MEMORIAM CONT. In 1991, the Arizona Board of Regents appointed him president emeritus. The Henry Koffler Building was named for him in 2000. The 127,000-square-foot building features 22 chemistry labs, 17 biology labs and three lecture halls, all for teaching undergraduate chemistry and biology classes.

After his retirement, Koffler conceived of — and created — the Arizona Senior Academy and Academy Village, a retirement community for people interested in lifelong learning and intellectual and artistic pursuits. It has been described as a place “for people who wanted to retire from work, not life.”

Former UA Provost George Davis says Koffler’s defining characteristic was his ability to spot and identify talent in the people he hired and led.

“Henry Koffler believed that a life well lived does not end in retirement,” said Gary Fenstermacher, former UA dean of the College of Education and president of the services division of the Arizona Senior Academy. “He proudly would describe the Arizona Senior Academy as one of his greatest accomplishments. He was instrumental is assembling a community of creative individuals who are committed to continuing growth and sharing a productive and challenging life. And it is rewarding to know that this community ultimately served him and Phyllis well.”

“Henry believed that the core mission of a university requires recruiting, developing and retaining outstanding talent, and, at the same time, creating a working environment where talented people can be productive,” Davis said.

Personal Life Koffler was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1922. He was 5 when his father died, and his mother raised him to appreciate Vienna’s music, theater and artistic offerings.

In 2013, at age 90, Koffler became a digital artist, using his iPad to create abstract paintings inspired by biology and chemistry. He had five art shows, including two sponsored at the UA Tech Parks.

He came to the U.S. from Austria alone at age 17, after the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1939. His mother followed two months later. At his suggestion, they settled in Prescott, Arizona, of which he knew from German writer Karl May’s Western adventure books.

—University Communications, March 12, 2018

Koffler met his wife, Phyllis, at a concert at the UA and they married in 1946.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 63

STUDENTS’ RESEARCH, INTERNSHIPS, CONFERENCES, STUDY ABROAD, AND MORE Kathia Antillon – UROC/McNair Achievement Program In the past year, I have had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC) at the University of Arizona (UA).

This program, sponsored by the Graduate College, provides low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students the resources to become a competitive applicant for graduate school. As a consortium, there are many programs that fall under the UROC umbrella, but I was a part of their Ronald E. McNair Achievement program, a nationally recognized research program for undergraduate students funded by the US Department of Education.

As a part of the UROC McNair curriculum, I participated in a class that helped me to narrow my research focus and obtain a UA research mentor for both my summer research work and my Honors Thesis. During the summer, I was able to fully engage in the research experience through a 10-week summer program funded by the UROC McNair Program. It was during this time that I more fully outlined my research focus, finding alternative forms of pain treatment, with the graduate students in the lab and was able to actually begin researching. Having the opportunity to create my own project and work towards my goal under the guidance of my mentor and the other graduate students gave me a small taste of what graduate school was going to be like, and I knew that I was on the right path for my future.

Every lab experience, whether it be a good synthesis or an accidental failure, enriched my understanding of what research was and made me excited for my future.

At the end of the summer, each student participating in the UROC programs presented their research and findings in front of their cohort with an oral and poster presentation. Family, friends, and faculty are all invited to learn more about what everyone has done as a part of their summer research. In addition to these presentations, as a part of the McNair program, I and the rest of my cohort, had the opportunity to share our research with other scholars at the National McNair Scholars Conference at UCLA. Being able to share my research with a students from across the country, in addition to exploring a top-tier university and networking with others there, made participating in the conference an unforgettable experience.

I had thought my amazing experience with UROC would end after the Fall 2018 semester, where they helped me outline my personal statement and made my application the strongest it could be, but I was mistaken. The UROC program caught the attention of KGUN9, a local Tucson news source, and they wanted to feature some of their students in the research program. As the student chosen to be featured for their news special, I had the chance to share my research interests, as well as my short- and long-term goals with the Tucson community. I know that without the UROC McNair program, I would not have the resources or the knowledge on how

Kathia Antillon

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

64

to apply to graduate school and obtain my PhD in Organic Chemistry. Through their support, as well as the support of my family and friends, I will be able to attend graduate school, obtain my PhD, and hopefully come back to Tucson to teach at the UA and encourage others to pursue their dreams.

KGUN9 News Article Tianna Bengtson - UA Global MedCats — Mi Vida Española “Study abroad is a redefining college experience.” This is a phrase familiar to most of us students in higher education, yet entering this program was even more than that. For this past summer, I was fortunate enough to experience the UA Global Medcats program in Burgos, Spain through the Atlantis shadowing program. It was an enticing five weeks of exploration, learning, and personal and professional development.

Tianna Bengtson

This program embodied both shadowing of residents and doctors as well as discovering different parts of the country and culture. My fellow students and I were able to develop relationships with the residents at our hospital that developed into lasting friendships. Both during the weeks and on the weekends, we were able to experience concerts, festivals, nature, and even visit hometowns of our friends.

Obviously, these were the social highlights of the experience, but I gained so much more insight into my potential career path.

Throughout each week at the hospital, I was able to view different specialties in the hospital such as pediatrics, cardiology, or plastic surgery. One of the most special departments to me was otorhinolaryngology, because there was a very diverse group of patients and surgeries. As I was observing the removal of a tumor in someone’s inner ear, I confirmed that this is what I wanted to do. By the end of my five weeks, I had determined that I wanted to continue my education in the medical field in aspirations to becoming a surgeon. I hope to return back to Spain soon to visit my mentors and inform them of my progress in following in their footsteps.

Tianna Bengtson

Carter Bosse – Study Medical Biotechnology & Drug Development in Scandinavia

Tianna Bengtson

This past summer, I spent three weeks abroad studying medical biotechnology and drug development with DIS, the Danish Institute for Study Abroad. I was based in Copenhagen, Denmark, but also had the opportunity to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland with my class. I had a wonderful experience, not only with the class but also living in Copenhagen. Going in, I knew almost nothing about Denmark and I didn’t know anyone else doing the program, but I left with multiple new, very close friends and a firsthand experience of what it is like to live, and go to school in Copenhagen.

When I first arrived in Copenhagen, I quickly found out that my suitcase had been left in the United States; a bad start to an otherwise wonderful trip, but that issue was resolved within a few days. As soon as I left the airport, one of the first things I noticed about the city was how easy it was to find your way around. The architecture was so beautiful and unique that it was hard to forget where you were, making it the perfect place to explore with new friends. While there were a multitude of wonderful things to see, my favorite thing about Copenhagen was the network of canals that permeated the entire city. The canals provided beautiful places to go

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 65

grab a bite to eat, do some homework, or just relax and watch the very late summer sunsets. A few friends and I were even able to rent a boat to explore the city by water rather than on the streets.

There were so many different things to see within the city, including palaces, castles, parks, and museums. I made sure to squeeze in all of the must-see destinations, but I was also very fortunate to be in Copenhagen during a time when there were a few very special events happening. One of the only things that I heard Danes talking about in my first few days was the upcoming World Cup match against Peru. It was such a big deal that they were televising the event at the soccer (or should I say football?) stadium in Copenhagen. We decided it would be a once in a lifetime experience to go watch, and we were right. Being able to join in on the excitement as the locals watched their team win their first match was amazing. Not only did we get to experience the football craze, but we were also there during the Midsummer’s eve festival, which happens every year right after the summer solstice. During this event, large bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits.

While there weren’t any bonfires allowed this year due to a particularly dry summer, we still got to listen to the beautiful traditional songs that they sang.

Most of my time in Copenhagen was spent working on the class that I was enrolled in. One of the careers that I am interested in going into after I graduate is pharmaceutical research, so I thought it would be a great idea to learn about the drug development process. While the course was fairly demanding, I am very glad that I had the opportunity to learn more about the field, including what the entire process is like starting from an idea, all the way to clinical trials. As part of the course, we got to take a trip to Edinburgh, Scotland to visit multiple pharmaceutical companies based there. This allowed us to see not only the companies directly involved in research and development, but also those that help with data analysis and outsourcing of certain tasks. After completing this course, I really felt like I had a better idea of what a career in pharmaceutical research would be like, which is going to be incredibly helpful for me in the future.

Overall, my time in Copenhagen was amazing, and I was so fortunate to be able to go. It went by so quickly, but I will always look back on my experience with fondness and remember the fun times that I had in a wonderful new city, learning with wonderful new friends.

Emma Harrell – UBRP Summer Research This past summer, I worked in Dr. Rebecca Mosher’s plant science lab studying the evolution of protein components within the plant silencing pathway of small RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway. RdDM involves cooperative interactions between plant specific proteins called RNA polymerases IV and V, which evolved early in land plant evolution. Recently published work from Dr. Mosher’s laboratory provides evidence for the evolution of a novel sixth RNA polymerase protein with a distinct function in the grass family, Poaceae. I actively investigated protein-protein interactions between the proteins involved in RdDM to determine the evolutionary significance of the emergence of a sixth distinct polymerase in grasses.

This fall, I moved back into Dr. Jacob Schwartz’s biochemistry lab to continue investigating the native role of RNA-binding protein Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) in tran-

Carter Bosse at Stirling Castle in Scotland

Carter Bosse in Nyhavn, Copenhagen

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

66

Emma Harrell

scription and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that causes the breakdown of upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in eventual paralysis and death by respiratory failure. Numerous genetic mutations have been closely associated with or linked to the development of ALS; several of these mutations have been discovered in RNA-binding proteins. Fused in Sarcoma (FUS) is a nuclear RNA-binding protein that has been found to associate with the C-terminal domain (CTD) of human RNA polymerase II (RNAP2) and other transcriptional machinery. In the cell nucleus, RNA stimulates FUS to oligomerize with itself to form fibrous assemblies that interact with proteins such as RNAP2 to regulate transcription. In diseased cells, FUS is found in large toxic aggregates that have lost the ability to assemble and disassemble rapidly, preventing them from functioning as effective regulators of transcription. To completely understand the role of FUS in the development of ALS, I have been exploring the wildtype function of the protein as a regulator of transcription.

My ability to work in a research lab is made possible by the University of Arizona’s Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP). UBRP enhances undergraduate education by partnering with the research resources of the University of Arizona to provide opportunities for students to participate in mentored, self-directed work which contributes to the fund of new knowledge. Students’ projects involve inquiry, design, investigation, research, scholarship, discovery, and the presentation of experimental results. UBRP not only provides me with the opportunity to conduct research, but also fosters an accepting and inclusive environment for students in the program. This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Kartchner Caverns, volunteer at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and tour the Kitt Peak National Observatory.

Aurora Hurtado Olivas – Research Experience at Notre Dame I am a senior here at the University of Arizona. I am double-majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology as well as Biochemistry. My current ambition is to become a Chemistry teacher at the high school level while I fortify my resume and apply to medical school. Alongside my contribution as an educator, I want to encourage students, especially underrepresented minority students to pursue careers in STEM.

Aurora Hurtado Olivas

The highlight of my summer was being a part of a research group at the University of Notre Dame in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry under the guidance of Dr. Seth N. Brown. The heart of my research was to determine the mechanism to synthesize molecule the Os(ONO’)(ONS) as continuation of the work initially performed by Jacqueline Gianino, a graduate student that previously worked for Dr. Brown. To understand the mechanism, I synthesized a ligand complex similar to hers, but with a CF3 substituent, which was used as a marker to comprehend the osmium mediated carbon-sulfur bond cleavage in the reaction. My unsymmetrical ligand was then taken and reacted under various conditions to understand its chemical compositions, possible intermediates and preferred mechanisms when making the final product.

This research opportunity exposed many aspects of chemistry that I never thought possible. In learning new analytical methods and putting them to practice, I was able to better appreciate chemistry and more of its applications. Some examples of this are, growing my own crystals, collecting X-ray crystallography data, interpret-

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 67

ing what seemed to be endless 2-dimensional NMR spectra. This also exposed me to the blind reality of research that is mostly guided by curiosity, faith and perseverance.

The graduate school research program at the University of Notre Dame also provided us with workshops and a GRE preparation course to allow us an opportunity to score more competitively giving us a greater change of acceptance when applying to graduate programs. We also had weekly presentations to enlighten us with various work opportunities and guidance towards a successful future. This summer journey allowed me to solidify my plans after graduation, which is to pursue a career in chemistry education and apply to medical school.

Dylan Hutchison – Fulbright Scholar, Research in Poland I received my BS in Neurobiology in 2016, but completed my honor’s thesis (and a minor) in Chemistry with a strong environmental focus. That thesis and focus paved my way into a Fulbright scholarship research position in Czestochowa, Poland, where I worked on developing a novel environmental biosensor. This environmental project was an evolution of a project I’d been proposing to conduct at the UA, using skills I developed working within numerous research groups across disciplines as an undergrad. The combustion of coal takes the lion’s share of energy production for the Polish nation and, with irrefragable connections made between this fuel source and risk to the public health, I wanted to redesign some of my UA biosensor proposals to help create a device to measure the bioavailable fraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) in Poland’s agricultural soils to aid my literal “motherland” (my mother is a Polish immigrant). A Fulbright grant is awarded holistically; in addition to my research, I wanted to re-immerse myself in Polish culture and with its people, and thus there developed and conducted many academic and outreach programs primarily with local high schools (and many others across the country). Furthermore, the grant allowed me to explore my curiosities outside of Poland—including attending the first annual Global Sustainability Technology and Innovation Conference (G-STIC) in Brussels, becoming a mentor for a very bright, talented local high schooler to attend college in the US through EducationUSA, and travelling across the continent—principally to Italy and Portugal. While the professional awards from my Fulbright grant were immense—they’ve evolved myself so far beyond my post-BS self that the Fulbright alum title itself practically substitutes as a MS complete with 4 more publications to my name, I consider the personal growth from the year abroad to have been the greatest boon. No other experience in my life has allowed me to see so much and reflect upon my place in the world, as an American, as an Arizonan, and as a Tucsonan. A Fulbright grant is a rite of passage. We enter one end, bright, ambitious, confident, and emerge the other wiser, more balanced, worldlier and, though more focused, even more open-minded.

Nadia Ingabire – Beat the Heat and Hit the Bench in the Bay This summer, I had an amazing opportunity to be part of the AMGEN scholars program at the University of California, Berkeley. I worked full time in the lab of Dr. Matthew Welch, which studies host-pathogen interaction. With the help of Patrik Engström, a postdoc in Dr. Welch’s lab, I conducted a 10-week project that entailed

Dylan Hutchison presenting at EducationUSA conference

Dylan Hutchison in Tatry, Poland

Dylan Hutchison in Ortigia, Sicily, Italy

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

68

Nadia Ingabire

understanding how a bacterial pathogen Rickettsia avoids host cell recognition. Basically, the innate immune system has a well-established mechanism to recognize intracellular pathogens by labeling them with a protein ubiquitin for degradation, but interestingly Rickettsia has evolved mechanisms to evade host cell recognition.

Recent work in the lab has suggested that outer membrane protein B (OmpB) acts on the bacterial surface to block polyubiquitylation of multiple surface proteins including OmpA. To gain insights into the mechanisms of polyubiquitylation of the ompB mutant, I assessed what types of ubiquitin chains formed globally on the whole bacteria, and specifically on OmpA using western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques.

During my time at Berkeley, I had an incredible research experience, with support and mentorship. I also had a fantastic experience outside the lab. During the first few weekends, we explored San Francisco (Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Wood, etc), Monterey Aquarium and Santa Cruz Beach. The program also offered a variety of resources including GRE prep courses, graduate students who were very helpful in providing direct peer mentorship, and various opportunities to network with other faculty members, industry scientists, and other AMGEN scholars across the nation. Overall, I had a good time at Berkeley and built solid friendships with my fellow scholars. I thank the MARC program and AMGEN scholars program for their support, funding, and making this happen.

Kathryn Kuna – Russian Summer This summer, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Moscow, Russia, on the program Arizona in Russia. While I had already wanted to study abroad, it was amazing to find out it was actually possible. To make this more exciting, my eight weeks in Russia would concede with the FIFA World Cup. While I didn’t end up going to game, I remember the wild reactions of the city as Russia won against Spain.

The streets were filled with people cheering and honking. As a Chemistry/Russian major, it can be hard to balance both, so it was exciting to have a summer solely focused on Russian.

Kathryn Kuna

Kathryn Kuna and friends

My classes in Russia were largely focused on improving my Russian, as well as a culture class once a week. Learning Russian in Russia was very helpful, as I learned a lot about which contexts to use certain words and constructions. I also got a chance to practice my Russian every time I went to the grocery store, which forced me to ask for a bag or else try carry all my yogurts in my arms. During the culture class, the professor often stresses how similar Russia and America are. Many Russians are concerned about the growing tensions between the US and Russia, and want Americans to know that they are the stereotypical villains that are common in movies. For the program, breakfast and lunch were provided, so I got to try traditional foods like kasha and borscht. The woman who ran the cafeteria would yell, in Russian, “Eat, eat, why are you not eating?” if you weren’t eating enough.

When I wasn’t in the classroom, I was visiting museums and historical locations around Moscow. I was able to see a ballet at both the Kremlin theater and the Bolshoi theater, both of which were amazing. I took a day trip to a Vladimir, a suburb of Moscow, and got to see a 800 year old cathedral. Even though I spent eight weeks in Moscow, I still felt like I still had so much to see. These visits served as complement to my lessons, as I would try to puzzle out the vocabulary from an

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 69

exhibit on 400 year old icons.

One of the highlights of my time in Russia was celebrating Russia Day. Russia Day is a relatively new holiday, created in 1992 to commemorate the adoption of a new constitution. We visited Samovarfest, which featured free tea, and traditional Russian dancing. The instructors were very patient as we struggled to learn the group dances. After Samovarfest, we visited another celebration in Sokolniki Park, and by the time it was raining heavily. We ducked under a pavilion to find several babushkas singing classic Russian songs. They kept telling us to join in and sing but we didn’t know the words!

After my time in Russia, I was ready to go back to the US and see my family and friends. Plus, I missed chemistry. Visiting Russia was an amazing opportunity, and I feel like I truly understood more about the Russian mindset and culture. I do want to return to Russia someday to visit, but for now, I think I’ll focus on enjoying my senior year at the University of Arizona.

Heber Lara – Experience as a SURF at Mayo Clinic In late May, I packed my bag, got in a plane and landed in the southeast region of Minnesota. I was there to be a summer undergraduate fellow (SURF) for the Mayo Clinic. My task for the next ten weeks was to begin and conclude a research project and follow that with an oral and poster presentation.

This journey began last year in November when I got the opportunity to participate in the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS)—a national research conference for underrepresented students in science. At the conference, I searched for a summer program that would best build me into a training immunologist. There were hundreds of booths to see, but finally, towards the end of the day, I had developed a list of my favorites. As I took one final pass, walking the outskirts of the hall and seeing if I missed any programs (or sweet swag), I stumbled on the Mayo Clinic booth. To my surprise, they had a Ph.D. and an accompanying summer research program with an option for researching and learning immunology. The representative graduate student genuinely recommended it. Earlier this year, I applied to the full list of programs and received a handful of rejections and acceptance offers. After looking further into my choices, I considered which program would best aid my development as an immunologist. I ultimately choose the Mayo SURF program offer and soon after began my search for a mentor.

During my first week of the program, I was overwhelmed with a steady stream of events including grand rounds (some call them seminars), introductions to the culture of the Mayo Clinic, socials and journal clubs. All of these were on top of a normal lab day. As SURFs we had a choice on how to organize our days: spend more time in lab or explore what else was happening in the clinic. I got into the habit of attending certain events, especially those that were directed to Immunology SURFs, such as the introductory immunology course and faculty-led discussions.

My aim for the summer was to learn the most I could about immunology and then effectively communicate my project at the end. Throughout the process, I honed some lab techniques, like pipetting and QPCR, learned new techniques and engaged with primary literature because of interest as opposed to necessity. My experience at the Mayo Clinic gave me a stronger confidence to learn and ask questions.

Heber Lara & Dr. Hu Zeng

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

70

I also learned how to interrogate once intimidating scientific papers and systematically discover if they contained relevant information for answering my research question. The focus on teaching and genuine care for personal development set a great foundation for me to develop this confidence. In getting to know the culture behind the Mayo Clinic, I found a deep appreciation for their emphasis on work and life balance, ownership to display underrepresented diversity and unifying goal to lead cutting edge scientific research and medical treatment.

It was an honor to be mentored by Dr. Hu Zeng and the lab he leads. My research was in the exciting field of immunometabolism where it is believed that the metabolism within an immune cell plays a critical instructive role in cell differentiation.

Research in this field is a hot topic right now; defining these moments in differentiation could mean understanding why cancer continues to grow, unopposed by the immune system, or why autoimmune diseases occur. My work centered on the question: “how does an enzyme that is heavily involved in fatty acid synthesis regulate the function of an immune cell called the macrophage?” My pursuit of an answer ended up working towards the balance of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids that Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) mediated—the previously unnamed enzyme—and how that affected the macrophage’s function. This was exciting and unheard of research for me. In fact, at points in the process, I was skeptical it was even an accurate portrayal of what the cells were doing. I thought that the energy pathways I had learned about in Biochemistry had no role outside of energy usage and storage. It turns out the biological set-up is much more complicated. I try to approach science with open hands and a willingness to learn, but this stretched that posture out a little wider. I relished that unsettling yet comforting tremor.

The ten weeks flew by, and I am grateful for just about every hour. After lab, I would hang out with friends that I met or have some refreshing introverted time.

Rochester, MN as a city doesn’t have many options for the young and adventurous adult, but there were plenty of restaurants to visit, hikes to experience, board games to play, coffees to note, and opportunities to get to know new people. My experience there shaped me in beneficial ways and developed my character. I grew in patience while learning better to communicate. I found confidence in approaching difficult concepts and communicating my thoughts. I also learned to cherish my friends and work as time would soon move us away. This experience taught and allowed me to practice wisdom that I find high value in to this day.

David Lasansky – UA Jazz & Research Music has been a part of my life since my earliest memories. Both of my parents pursued music professionally - my mom plays flute and my dad plays clarinet and conducts. It was inevitable that I would spend a lot of my early years going to rehearsals with my parents as well as starting piano lessons at the age of 5. I took up a variety of different instruments as time went on, but eventually found one that really resonated with me which was the saxophone.

David Lasansky

When it came time for me to start college, I faced a very difficult decision which was whether or not I would pursue music, as well. I saw both of my parents struggle over the years with their profession, and knew that if I followed in their steps I would have to be completely committed to my art in order to succeed. Both of them are excellent musicians, and to see people I held in such high esteem suffer

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 71

for their career made me quite apprehensive.

I decided that I would go to college to study math and something to do with chemistry (I had no intentions on majoring in Biochemistry at first!). Math has always been my strongest subject throughout school, and I absolutely fell in love with chemistry during high school. However, not being able to play music was simply not an option, and fortunately through my connections I was able to audition for the University of Arizona’s Studio Jazz Ensemble. I have played baritone saxophone for 3 years in that band now and am now in my 4th and final year with the program.

Along with my majors and music, I have also been active in undergraduate research since September of my freshman year. Dr. Indraneel Ghosh let me in to his lab with no prior research experience one month into the beginning of my college experience. This has been one of the best parts of my time here at U of A, and I am still so grateful to Dr. Ghosh, Matt Bienick (Graduate student who supervises my work), and the rest of the Ghosh Lab for all the help, support, and training I have received.

David Lasansky

Juggling my music and my research has definitely been difficult at points, but I could not see my life any other way. I feel incredibly honored to be able to perform a concert in the jazz band one night and then go into my lab the next day and run experiments which are aiming to understand the roles of enzymes in cellular signaling. I really feel like my time at U of A has been a dream come true for the most part.

Madeline Morrow – Maddie in Paris This past summer, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Paris, France with the University of Arizona. I have always dreamed of one day studying abroad, but I never knew when or where I would. For the past few years, I have studied French alongside Biochemistry, and I wanted to really push my understanding of the language and the culture. With some hard work and help from the Department of French and Italian, I was able to obtain the funds and find a program that would suit my goals for French. Soon, I found myself waving good-bye to my parents, traveling out of the country for my first time. It was a whirlwind of emotions: I was over the moon with excitement and happiness, but I was also quite nervous for the journey and change in my lifestyle for the next 6 weeks.

Through my program, I was partnered with one of my classmates to live with the same host family. Our host parents were absolutely wonderful! They were extremely welcoming and understanding, making us feel right at home in their arrondissement (district). We shared breakfast every day and dinner three times a week with them. Over dinner, they helped us learn common phrases in French and improve our understanding of the language. They showed us some of their favorite French films as well as their favorite places to go eat. One of the best memories I have of my host family was when we all watched the World Cup semi-final match together. When it was announced that France was moving on to the World Cup Final, I remember hearing the world explode with sound as people sang and chanted from their windows down to the people in the streets below as everyone began celebrating. It was so exhilarating, and soon after my host parents, roommate and I joined

Madeline Morrow

Madeline Morrow

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

72

the crowds gathering in the street and celebrated the win.

Immersing myself in France for six weeks was an eye-opening experience. I learned so much in my time there, whether it be about the language, myself, or about the world outside of the United States. I fell in love with the culture and lifestyle, and while I was able to see so many historic and amazing places within Paris and the countryside, there is still so much that I have yet to experience in France. I really hope to go back in a year or two to spend about 6 months in the country and travel more through the countryside, as well as visit again with my host family.

Klariza Ochoa – UA Wildcats in Mexico

Klariza Ochoa and Maya Rivera

Since I was three years old, I have been dancing folklorico. I have been with the same dance academy since I started, but when I got to college I had to retire from that group and find a college-aged group. In the Spring 2018 semester at the U of A, I joined a folklorico here on campus named Groupo Folklorico Miztontli! We practice three days a week and often do performances on the weekends. The most memorable performance by far was in Veracruz, Mexico. We had been invited to a folklorico festival hosted in Huayacocotla in the middle of May. Huayacocotla is a very small town where dancing folklorico is a big deal. The group over there wanted to start a new tradition in their town and host their first-ever festival! By inviting us, we were able to represent the entire southern region of Mexico, and we were able to make their festival International! We were all so excited, but we only had three months to get the money to get us to Mexico. It was a very stressful time trying to raise the money, learn a bunch of new dances, and still do performances on the weekends. Fortunately, we were able to sell tickets to our spring showcase and use that money to get us to Veracruz! We were all very excited because no one had been there, and we were all anxious for a new adventure.

The day we got to travel was super nerve-wrecking. We took a Tufesa from Tucson to Hermosillo, MX, and then flew out of Hermosillo to Mexico City where our hosts picked us up, then drove about 6 hours to Huayacocotla. It was by far the longest day of my life, but the day didn’t stop when we got to Huayacocotla. From the moment we arrived, everyone was beyond nice. The host group had a private dinner party for us at the Professor’s house and fed us amazing food. We all felt so grateful they had done that for us.

The entire trip itself felt so surreal. Being able to represent Sonora, Mexico in Veracruz was amazing! I got to do what I love with hundreds of other dancers who share the same passion. There were groups from Chiapas, Coahuila, Mexico City, Oaxaca, and so many other regions. It was so great to see dancers dance from the regions I’ve done dances to. Being there made me more aware of the cultural differences between the parts of Mexico and really helped me get to know my heritage a lot better. We were able to have a “tourist” day and go to Teotihuacan and visit the pyramids there. Because of this trip, I was able to visit one of the top places on my bucket list! I am forever thankful I was even given this opportunity to able to travel to Mexico and do what I love.

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 73

Leah Ortega – UA Global MedCats Study Abroad in Spain For the summer before my senior year began, I had the opportunity to be a fellow in a program known as the Atlantis Fellowship. This program partnered with the University of Arizona Study Abroad Office to create what is known as the Global MedCats. Through the Global MedCats Program, a group of students travel to one of multiple locations around the globe to gain shadowing hours within the hospital at the specified location.

I was assigned Burgos, Spain for my program. During my five weeks there, I shadowed a different department each week. The departments I was able to explore were neurology, ophthalmology, intensive care, internal medicine, and the digestive department. Between each one, I learned valuable lessons, such as the types of patient-doctor relationships, the work ethics of the hospital staff, and I had the opportunity to practice my Spanish. Although I was unable to physically participate, each physician made sure that I understood the patient’s situation and welcomed me into their departments warmly.

Leah Ortega on the beach in Santander

with the doctors of Internal Medicine

When I was not shadowing in the hospital, my fellows and I would experience a more cultural activity. We had a site manager who would plan an excursion for us once a week. These excursions were supposed to teach us about other famous parts in Spain, mostly in the north. For instance, we went to Bilboa to visit the Guggenheim Museum. In addition, the weekends were also open for us to plan our own trips. I personally travelled to Seville, Santander, San Sebastian, and Vitoria-Gasteiz during my free time. Everyone in Spain was extremely kind and welcoming, and I cannot wait to return.

Angela Rivera – Going Green at UNC As an Arizona native, this summer research exchange was my first time living out of state. I flew out to North Carolina with only a carry on and my backpack to tide me through this incredible summer. While at UNC, I was housed in a dorm apartment, and was introduced to the infamous humidity for which the south is so well known. The gorgeous scenery was always a sight to behold, and the greenery seemed to find its way into every nook and cranny. It seemed as though everywhere I went, the scenery fit the description of any old fairytale I knew. The houses were charming, and for the first time, I saw what a firefly looked like.

I did research in the chemistry department and gave a poster presentation at the end of my time there. I was fortunate in being able to work in the Redinbo lab on a project aimed at reducing the toxicity of cancer drugs. The purpose of the program I was in is to inspire interest in the graduate programs the school has to offer.

When I wasn’t in lab, I was able to maintain my hobbies of ballroom dancing and horseback riding. With the close of this whirlwind summer, I am back in Arizona to complete my senior year of undergraduate studies.

Angela Rivera

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

74

Soraya Sandoval – Arizona in Paris This past summer I had the wonderful opportunity to study abroad in Paris, France.

My desire to study abroad began my freshman year of high school, after taking a trip to Spain and France with my school’s travel club. As a native Spanish speaker, I had an easy time communicating in Spain, but once I arrived to Paris I was completely lost and didn’t even know how to order a sandwich! This trip made me realize I absolutely had to learn French and return to the beautiful city of Paris one day. I was not sure how high my chances of returning were, but I began by enrolling in French classes. There were so many connections I was able to make between French, Spanish and English that I felt my writing and speaking skills continuously improved through my acquisition of a new language.

Soraya Sandoval Giverny Gardens

Once at The University of Arizona I decided to continue my French journey by declaring a minor. When I began taking my upper division French courses, the French department began promoting a summer abroad program called Arizona In Paris. I knew this was my opportunity to return to Paris and practice the language. I decided to apply, and the rest was a dream come true.

Arizona In Paris was a 6-week immersion program in which I took classes on French history and French cinema. I lived in the 14th arrondissement (district in Paris) with a host mother who taught my roommate and me several things about French culture. Living with a host mother gave us the opportunity to constantly practice our French and learn different things about French living such as the toilet is in a separate room from the bath and sink. I also learned I couldn’t take a shower between the hours of 10PM-6AM, the reason being that the buildings are very old, and the water would be heard throughout all the apartments. These were considered the quiet times in Paris although the sun didn’t set until about 10:30pm, which took some time to get used to.

Mont St. Michel

Every day we went on excursions to accompany the content we learned in class that day. We did excursions to the Louvre museum, the Renaissance museum, Arc de Triomphe, palace in Versailles etc. Some of my favorite excursions included some trips outside of Paris such as our day trip to the beautiful gardens of Giverny, and our trip to Brittany and Normandy. We got to stay overnight and enjoy the very cold beaches of Saint Malo in Brittany. We also got to see the beautiful Abbey Mont Saint Michel, in which at low tide we can walk to the abbey, but at high tide it’s an island. In Normandy we got to visit the American cemetery and beach memorials which was very emotional for most of us to remember those times. Overall, I got to learn a lot about the history of France in these 6 weeks.

The city was surrounded by amazing architecture, art, music, and nature. I enjoyed taking walks along the Seine River, or just stopping by a patisserie to enjoy a delicious dessert (my favorite!). During my last week, I got to enjoy the World Cup semi-final and Bastille Day. Usually when I walked out to the streets people were non-reactive to events that happened around them, but when France won the semi-final there was non-stop singing everywhere I went. Coincidently, this was also the week of Bastille Day in which they held a beautiful firework show at the Eiffel Tower.

I am thankful for the opportunity I had to return to Paris, practice the language, and learn much more about French culture. This experience has made me self-

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 75

aware of the culture here in Arizona and has opened my eyes to things I hadn’t realized before.

Sujin Seo – Study Abroad in Italy This past summer I had the privilege to go on a Study Abroad trip to Orvieto, Italy with the University of Arizona. I had been aware of this opportunity for several years, but the cost and scheduling conflicts had always held me back, so I was extremely fortunate to participate this summer on a full ride.

Since the seventh grade, I have studied the seven emperors of Rome and their downfalls, the Punic Wars and the collapse of the Roman Empire; I have conjugated verbs and declined nouns until they were permanently ingrained in my memory, but it has always been out of textbooks and lecture halls. Studying such subjects ignites an incredible desire to visit all of the sites, from the Roman Forum to the religious temples to the war monuments. I had never been to Italy before, so being able to visit all the historical monuments while being immersed in the Italian lifestyle was an unbelievable experience.

Sujin Seo

Some of my favorite experiences in Italy were the classes I took and the field trips we went on. These offered me a different perspective of Italy I wasn’t expecting, and I am very thankful for them.

My classes focused on analyzing Roman love poetry and its effects on modern literature, as well as studying the Aeneid, an epic poem by Vergil on Rome’s origins.

I appreciated knowing the history and background of different places, because it made visiting them on our class trips so much more meaningful. I could recognize and appreciate the significance behind certain historical landmarks, since I was able to connect textbook learning with the actual experience.

Sujin Seo

My favorite trips were to Naples and Pompeii. Although the history behind Pompeii’s destruction is well-known, seeing the ancient site in person, complete with displays of calcified human bodies, were truly eye opening. On the other hand, Naples, a popular modern city for tourists, had really good pizza.

This trip to Italy has truly opened my eyes to all of the beauty the country has to offer in its cities. I am extremely thankful for this amazing experience and I await the opportunity to return once more so that I can continue to learn more about Italy.

Tala Shahin – Through the Eyes of Ghana This past semester, I had the opportunity to travel abroad to Ghana to volunteer with Unite for Sight, a non-profit which partners with local ophthalmologists in underserved countries to identify community-specific barriers that impede effective eye care delivery for patients living in extreme poverty. During my time in Ghana, I worked with local optometrists and ophthalmologists to determine visual acuity, dispense and distribute eyeglasses and medications, and interact with 100-200 patients daily in villages, refugee camps, churches and schools.

Twi is the primary dialect spoken in southern and central Ghana. As I traveled to different cities such as Kumasi, Techiman and Tema, I spoke with the locals in my broken Twi and began to slowly learn some of the language. The Akan people of

Sujin Seo

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

76

Ghana frequently name their children after the day of the week they were born and the order in which they were born. These “day names” have further meanings concerning the soul and character of the person. While there, I was known as “Yaa,” meaning born on a Thursday. The Ghanaian people are among the kindest and most hospitable people I have ever met. By giving me this name, I was included in their cultural traditions and felt very welcomed.

Tala Shahin

Throughout the trip, we travelled to various historical sites and natural attractions while sampling local food and munching on tropical fruit (the best mangos and bananas I have ever had in my life!). One of the most memorable experiences was when we attended the Independence Day parade. On March 6th, everyone in the entire country leaves their homes and goes out into the streets to celebrate. Dancing with the locals, eating fufu soup with my hands and unsuccessfully trying to play the Kpanlogoon drums made the experience all the more memorable, and the friendly ambiance facilitated the formation of relationships with friends that I am still in regular communication with today.

Beyond the obvious cultural and linguistic differences, it was fascinating to learn about the different sociological discrepancies between the society I grew up in and the one I visited. In the US we have a monochronic society, where time is thought of as being linear. People are expected to do one thing at a time, and lateness of interruptions are not tolerated. The people of Ghana live in a polychronic society, where time is cyclical, and punctuality is not as highly stressed. As such, the people living there have more relaxed and laid-back attitudes and outlooks on life. Living in this more fluid lifestyle exposed me to a different perspective from what I was used to and allowed me to adopt parts of their lifestyle to my own to cope with the stresses and pressures of everyday life.

My experiences with the Ghanaian people’s humbling realities, vibrant culture and rich communal relationships stripped away all superficial notions of differences and reminded me that through understanding and tolerance, our human oneness becomes blatantly obvious. This trip reinforced my willingness to try new things and adapt to unfamiliar circumstances despite the discomfort and hesitation I had felt. I intend to take my experiences with individuals with differing views and backgrounds than my own to constantly remind me that though there are substantial differences in the way we live our lives and perceive the world, we are all ultimately similar. I will surely remember this trip to Ghana for the rest of my life.

See the video that I made of my trip.

Alejandro Villalobos – UROC/WAESO Research Award Alejandro Villalobos’ interest in science sparked in a small border town in Douglas, Arizona. Alejandro was a student athlete highly interested in chemistry, biology and basketball during his four years of high school. As a high school senior, he had to decide between playing basketball at a two-year college or attending the University of Arizona to major in biochemistry. Of course, his passion for science overcame everything else and decided to attend the UofA. As he started off college, his first year involved taking general chemistry with Dr. Amy Graham, which is where his passion for chemistry grew even more. Alejandro explains that Dr. Graham motivated him to do well in his classes and encouraged

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 77

him to help others by teaching the wonderful field of chemistry. Every time he prepared for exams, he would remember Dr. Graham saying that you don’t prepare for a marathon a day before. you start practicing way before the marathon, and that should be the same for school. His sophomore year had the most impact on Alejandro, as he had the opportunity to work as a UA chemistry tutor for think tank.

He also had the honor to become a member of Dr. Thomas Gianetti’s research lab, where his project focuses on novel organometallic anodes for direct alcohol fuel cells. His favorite class so far is organic chemistry, and he loves the fact that he can practice the skills gained in his classes, especially organic chemistry skills.

In addition, Alejandro had the opportunity to be a part of the UROC-MHD program under Holly Lopez during the summer 2018, where he enhanced his skills as a scientist and prepared himself for graduate school. The UROC-MHD program offered workshops and classes that helped him get a better understanding of what will be involved in graduate school and helped him complete the GRE, one of the requirements for graduate school. Throughout the summer, he had the opportunity to work under Dr. Wolfgang Peti where he conducted research on TEV (tobacco etch virus) proteases. The summer program helped Alejandro understand the role of a scientist much better, and realize that he was more passionate about the chemistry side of his biochemistry project. As the program came to an end, with the support of Dr. Wolfgang Peti, Dr. Thomas Gianetti, Holly Lopez, and Megan Cunnginton, he decided to change majors from biochemistry to chemistry.

As he started his junior year, he learned that WAESO (Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities), one of the groups that funds UROC, would award him a stipend for the lab’s research proposal entitled, “Novel Organometallic Anodes for Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells”. Alejandro was notified about an award for the fall semester and two upcoming conferences in Washington after his poster presentation at the UROC conference. He said that it is always awesome to be able to be a part of research, and that it is wonderful to be able to put everything we learn in class into practice.

Alejandro is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the summer program with UROC-MHD and wants to thank Holly Lopez, Cindy Neal, and Dr. Wolfgang Peti for their extensive support. He also wants to thank his supervisor, Gregory London, as well as Dr. Thomas Gianetti and the entire lab group for their absolute support, advice, and help in and outside of the lab. If there is any advice Alejandro could give to other students right now, it would be to pick a lab in the field you love and find a group that helps you become a better scientist and person. Become involved in your department and clubs, talk to your peers and especially your professors, as they have the best advice and the most amazing stories to share about chemistry and life.

Enjoy the life of a scientist!

Alejandro is expected to graduate in the spring of 2020 and hopes to enter a graduate program in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Congratulations again, Alejandro, on your success in the UROC-MHD program and on receiving the WAESO award. We look forward to hearing about your future pursuits.

Sara Zachritz – My Summer Studying & Traveling Europe I am a rising fourth-year student in LabMonti where we study the electronic properties of solids at the interface. Because LabMonti has a significant amount of

Alejandro Villalobos

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

78

collaborations in Europe, I spent the first half of my summer studying abroad in Kaiserslautern, Germany. This trip was made possible by the NSF International Collaboration Supplement grant.

I worked in the Aeschlimann group using sophisticated instrumentation to observe the lifetimes of electrons on different systems. The overall goal of the project was to understand a mechanism by which the electrons decay by using a pump-probe laser experiment. Because of the ultrafast laser, we are able to observe the lifetimes in the femtosecond regime. By developing an understanding as to how electrons are moving through an interface, it is possible to design devices which can be tailored based on their electronic properties. We are elucidating the fundamental processes that occur at an interface using state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Sara Zachritz and Lauren Humble

As well as studying the dynamics of electrons, I travelled to different parts of Germany and Europe during my weekends. I explored Kaiserslautern, Berlin, Heidelberg, and London. For my first adventure in Europe, I took the Deutschbahn to Berlin to visit a childhood friend. We ventured to the Brandenburger Tor, Tiergarten, Checkpoint Charlie, and Berliner Dom as well as watching the Karneval der Kultern (Carnival of Cultures). Berlin was a beautiful city with a magnificent diversity of cultures and delicious foods such as Curry Wurst.

The next weekend I explored Kaiserslautern and hiked to some castle ruins called Hohenecken. The castle was constructed in the 12th century and was last occupied in 1689 when it was destroyed by the French.

Sara Zachritz

The following weekend, I took the Deutschbahn to Heidelberg which was about an hour east of Kaiserslautern. Heidelberg is situated along the Neckar river in south-western Germany and is home to several notable universities, i.e. Max Planck Institutes and Heidelberg University. While there, I hiked first to the Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) and then to the top of Heiligenberg (Saints’ Mountain).

The Heidelberg Castle was built in 1398 and sits above the city of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley. In the 1600s, the castle was attacked by the French. To commemorate this event, the first weekend of every summer there is a huge fireworks display called Heidelberger Schlossbeleuchtung, or lighting of the castle, which was spectacular to see. The following day I hiked to the top of the Saints’ Mountain to visit the monastery which was built in the 900s. The mountain had been occupied by humans as far back as 400 BC by Celtics. This hike brought me through the main streets of Heidelberg, to Philosphers’ walk, and finally to the top of Saints’ Mountain which was home to both the monastery as well as an amphitheater called Thingsätte which was constructed by the Nazi Party in 1934. As well as history, I got my first taste of traditional German food!

My final adventure brought me the city of London. The first day there it was very beautiful and sunny! I explored Hyde Park and walked through the Wellington Arch to Buckingham Palace. The following day I went to one of London’s outdoor markets, Borough Market and the Tate Modern Art Museum. I walked along the River Thames to the Tower of London and crossed the Tower Bridge.

Heidelberg Castle

As travelling and science are both something that I am passionate about, this trip was spectacular and fulfilling. I had the opportunity to perform state-of-the-art science as well as to explore Germany and London, and hopefully I will be returning next summer!

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 79

CBC SCRAPBOOK

MORE

OKTOBERFEST

CBC POSTER FAIR

Arian Torabi, Soraya Sandoval, Katia Davila, Dr. Andrei Sanov and Lindsey Holmen

Dr. Michael Brown, Kyle Bonner and Leah Ortega

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Grant Varnau and Alicia Swain

Dr. Andrei Sanov, Adam Wallace and Chris Blackstone

SALSA CHALLENGE

Tommy Szeto, Salsa Judge

Billy Benson presenting to Dom McGrath

BECUR

Klariza Ochoa and Olivia Mendoza

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Grace Benitez, Aramis Ayala, Emma Harrell, Heber Lara, Charis Springhower, Anthony Schwenker, and Meliani Liu

Charis Springhower presenting

CBC AMBASSADORS

Back: Katia Davila, Katrina Konopka, Juliana Young; Front: Klariza Ochoa, Tommy Szeto, Fabiola Vazquez and Nadia Ingabire

THE CATALYST | CBC ALUMNI MAGAZINE

80

CBC SCRAPBOOK CONT. OUTREACH AND ACTIVITIES

PAWS: Lindsay Guzman, Chandi De Silva and Abigail Shepard at Science City

Program to Advance Women Scientists (PAWS) Back row: Steven Petritis, Melissa Fairley, Kate Klesner, Kayla Clary, Kendall Sandy, Lindsay Guzman, Siennah Miller. Front row: Malithi Fonseka, Rachel Utterback, Meghan Hamilton, Chandi De Silva, Sahila Perananthan.

PAWS: Kayla Clary, Meghan Hamilton, Lindsay Guzman, Ritika Gautam, at Mansfeld Middle School

Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE) | Beta Tau Back row: Christy Warner, Joe Schafer, Michelle Herridge-Bailey, James Siegenthaler, Jose Veleta. Middle row: Anthony Baldo, Kathia Antillon, Jessy Forelli, Holly Sofka, Marius Kostelic, Allison Smith, Rachel Utterback, Natasha Cornejo, Sarah Tyler. Front row: Jimmy Stanfill, Mark Burton, Jeff Ivie, Kara Saunders, Calley Eads, Amanda Johnson

CBC BREAKFAST

Julia Townsend, Lauren Ostopowicz, Arthur Gibson, Rodolpho Souza Amado de Carvalho, Mark Burton, Kellen Schneider, Beverly Ru

Biochemistry Club at Tanque Verde Elementary School

CBC ADVISING

Christine Gronowski, Wilma, Olivia Mendoza, Megan Cunnington, Klariza Ochoa

Cady Flohrshutz from Chemistry Club at Empire HS

ONLINE EXTRAS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY | FALL 2018 | 81

2018 GRADUATION

Grace Benitez and Charis Springhower (photo bombed by Aramis Ayala)

Wilma, James McNamara and Wilbur

Wilma, Honghao Wang and Wilbur

Wilma, Kellen Schneider and Wilbur