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I received my bachelor of science degree in Chemistry in 2003 from Northland College, a small environmentally focused liberal arts college, and I earned my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009. My graduate studies were focused on Physical Organic Chemistry research probing the reaction mechanisms of organolithium species utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. After I completed a brief postdoctoral position and a stint as a Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin, I was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA from 2010-2012 before joining the Siena community.

Degree Program University
Ph.D. Organic Chemistry University of Wisconsin, Madison
B.S. Chemistry Northland College

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

As an instructor, I strive to encourage student self-discovery and development of critical evaluation skills while serving as a model for a critical thinker and perpetual learner. I believe instructors should be dedicated to reflective teaching and find ways to be adaptable to student abilities and encourage their progress while maintaining academic standards. An active scientific research program can also make productive contributions to students’ educational experiences and lead to a fulfilling, enriched educational experience that provides students with marketable skills and preparation for either a career in industry or studies beyond their undergraduate education.

What I Love About Siena

I love that Siena is an active scholarly community with a friendly and engaged student population that strives for success.

My Favorite Courses to Teach

General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

My Professional Experience

Year Title Organization
2014 - Now Instrument Center Director Siena College
2012 - 2014 Visiting Assistant Professor Siena College
2010 - 2010 Lecturer University of Wisconsin
2010 - 2012 Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry Franklin and Marshall College

Articles & Book Reviews

  • Introducing NMR Spectroscopy Using Guided Inquiry and Partial Structure Templating
    Journal of Chem. Ed., vol. 96
    2019
  • Synthesis of tetraarylmethanes via a Friedel-Crafts cyclization/desulfurization strategy
    Tetrahedron Letters, vol. 59
    2018
  • Self-Assembly of Isomeric Mono-Functionalized Thiophenes.
    Langmuir, vol. 28
    2012
  • Mechanistic Studies of the Lithium Enolate of 4-Fluoroacetophenone: Rapid-Injection NMR Study of Enolate Formation, Dynamics, and Aldol Reactivity.
    Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 133
    2011
  • Structure and Dynamics of α-Aryl Amide and Ketone Enolates: THF, PMDTA, TMTAN, HMPA and Crypt Solvated Lithium Enolates, and Comparison with Phosphazenium Analogs
    Journal of Organic Chemistry, vol. 75
    2010
  • Solution Structures of Lithium Enolates of Cyclopentanone, Cyclohexanone, Acetophenones and Benzyl Ketones. Triple Ions and Higher Lithiate Complexes
    Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 131
    2009
  • Stabilization of Ketone and Aldehyde Enols by Formation of Hydrogen Bonds to Phosphazene Enolates and Their Aldol Products
    Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 130
    2008
  • Unexpected Crystallization of 1,3-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)propan-2-one in Paratone Oil
    Acta Crystallographica Section E, vol. E63
    2007