Chemistry/Physics Summer Research Program 2005

    The Chemistry/Physics Summer Research Program is designed to foster interest in the sciences and advanced study, create a community of undergraduate researchers, and encourage collaboration between the chemistry and physics departments. Undergraduates conduct research under the direction of individual faculty mentors.  Merck, National Starch & Chemical Company, faculty research grants, and The College of New Jersey provide financial support for the program.  Below, faculty mentors describe their research interests and undergraduates highlight their individual contributions.

Name: Dr. Bradley

Area of Research: "In my research group, we are looking at the development of new methods to synthesize heterocyclic compounds.  Of particular interest is the synthesis of bicyclic molecules via an intramolecular ring-opening reaction of an aziridine compound (a 3-membered ring containing a nitrogen atom).  We are also considering similar reactions of azetidine systems (4-membered rings containing nitrogen) in order to form the analogous ring-expanded intermediates.  A second project in the group has centered on mechanistic studies of electrophilic substitution reactions of benzamide compounds.   These studies have provided us with interesting and unexpected regioselectivity observations in the metalation reactions of these compounds. These projects are designed to give undergraduate research students the opportunity to search the literature, develop advanced synthetic organic laboratory techniques, and to learn how to characterize organic compounds through a variety of spectroscopic techniques."

                             Link to undergrad research.

Name: Dr. Ochoa

Area of Research: "I have two areas of research.  The first involves using a helium/neon laser to trap and manipulate the position of 6 micron polystyrene spheres.  The second uses computer modeling to study the fracture precursors in amorphous silica.  We hope to find a way to predict where the silica will break with a precision that is on the atomic scale."

Link to undergrad research.

Name: Dr. Allison

Area of Research: "My research is in the area of applications of tools and concepts of Chemistry to areas of interest in Forensic Science. I would like to continue projects currently underway in my lab in the following areas: 1. Analysis of colorants using non-invasive techniques, particularly fiber-optic reflectance UV and Visible spectroscopy. This can prove to be the basis for a rapid method for determining the authenticity of items such as paper currency and passports. 2. Analysis of pigmented inks, such as those used in inkjet printers, using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. We currently have a proposal submitted to the National Institute of Justice concerning this project. If funded it will provide support for two students for two years. 3. Chemical aspects of latent fingerprint identification. Forensic investigators frequently use ‘superglue fuming’ to locate fingerprints. The chemistry behind the application is not understood. 4. Laser Desorption Spectroscopy of Automobile Paints. We have just started negotiating a collaboration between TCNJ and the NJ State Police scientist Vincent Desiderio on this project."

Link to undergrad research.

Area of Research:  "My research projects center on the design and synthesis of novel organic compounds. Among them are ones that can be used as ligands for metals which are then evaluated for biological activity. Research efforts have centered on the synthesis of organic molecules and some of the target compounds are natural products. Relevant systems include heterocyclic nitrogen compounds, such as imidazoles or pyridines, and seven-membered ring derivatives. The target organic compounds themselves can be biologically active and may produce a synergistic effect with the metal.  Additional studies are carried out in order to understand and to modify the biological activity of these compounds."

Link to undergrad research.

Area of Research: "Metal complexes and organic radicals work in tandem to catalyze the production of commercial plastics and to synthesize the essential biochemical building blocks within our bodies.  My research is focused on the creation of a model system to examine the pair-wise magnetic interactions between metal complexes and organic radicals using electron spin resonance (ESR).  These magnetic interactions are a rich source of structural and mechanistic information.  This information can, in turn, lead to improvements in commercial processes and human health."

Link to undergrad research.