Undergraduate Research

in Chemistry and Biochemistry at KU

Kutztown University's chemistry and biochemistry faculty include undergraduates in their research pursuits. Research can be used to satisfy electives within the structure of the curricula, and can provide significant educational benefits which allows students to:

  • Enhance problem-solving skills
  • Gain independence in the laboratory
  • Hone data interpretation skills
  • Focus on one large problem in more depth than coursework allows
  • Improve scientific communication skills through presentations or publications
  • Develop more responsibility, patience, grit, and teamwork
Hand pipetting liquid into flask

Dr. Darren Achey (Inorganic)

  • Photophysical effects of Ru(bpy)3 embedded in MOF's
  • Changes to the intramolecular isomerization reactivity of azobenzenes on ZrO2 nanoparticles

 Dr. Susan Barrows (Organic)

  • Development of inquiry-based laboratories
  • Ethanol in Gasoline

 Dr. Tom Betts (Analytical)

  • Fluorescence characterization of dyes trapped in metal-organic framework (MOF)
  • Fast Analysis using LC-MS/MS
  • Herbicides and insecticides in bat guano
  • Homemade instruments for fluorescence polarization measurements

 Dr. Dan Blanchard (Organic)

  • Synthesis of an Insect Pheromone: trans-conophthorin
  • Low Molecular Mass Gelators

 Dr. Matt Junker (Biochemistry)

  • Apoptosis - Programmed Cell Death
  • Protein Dimerization

 Dr. Lauren Levine (Bioinorganic)

  • Multivalent inorganic complexes with biological systems

 Prof. Joann Monko (General and Organic)

  • Development of inquiry-based laboratories
  • Ethanol in Gasoline

 Dr. Rolf Mayrhofer (Physical)

  • Potential Energy of Ar interacting with Ethylene
  • Potential Energy of Ar interacting with HCN
  • Vibrational Eigenfunctions of HO2

 Dr. Julie Palkendo (Environmental)

  • Pesticides in fruits and vegetables by LC-MS/MS
  • Drugs in wate water by LC-MS/MS
  • Air Quality -  Particulate Matter
  • Heavy Metals in Soil