December 2015 - The Erlenmeyer Flask

Our second student spotlight for December is on Kelsey Dobesh, who hails from New Mexico but is currently living in Colorado and attending CSU.

Please share your background so we can get to know you better. What is your major? What inspired you to choose this path?

I am currently a pre-veterinary medicine student at Colorado State University. I grew up at the family vet hospital in New Mexico and had the privilege of watching my parents practice medicine from a young age. My great grandpa was a vet, my grandpa was a vet, and both of my parents are vets, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to pursue the career until my freshman year of college. I started freshman year as an Agricultural Business major, and about halfway through the year I really started to envision my future (as most college freshmen do.) I realized I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I know that I want to wake up and go to work as a veterinarian for the rest of my life, and I have never been so excited about the future!

How did you find our chemistry program? Any advice for us that would have made that process easier for you?

To be honest, I found OSU’s online chemistry program through a Google search. I was thrilled when I found out the credits would transfer to my university, and I signed up for classes the next day!

How have our online chemistry courses contributed to your career goals?

I am planning on applying to veterinary school early, and I needed to take General Chemistry II over the summer to help put me in that position. It worked out perfectly because I was able to go home, work full time, and still take classes.

What did you most enjoy about the course(s) you took with Dr. Myles?

Dr. Myles is an incredible instructor who genuinely cares about the success of his students. Prior to his class, I had never taken an online course, and I was initially worried I would not have any one-on-one contact with my professor or classmates. As the course progressed, however, I had more one-on-one contact with Dr. Myles than I had ever experienced in my lecture halls back home. He was prompt to respond to questions and offered numerous tools for success. I always knew his knowledge was a quick email away.

Although I was taking General Chemistry II (CH 232 and 233), I appreciated how Dr. Myles incorporated an introductory lesson of Organic Chemistry into the course. Consequently, my first few weeks of OChem back at Colorado State were essentially review and I felt miles ahead of most of my classmates.

Do you have any advice for other online students?

My main advice would be to put the time in. With online classes especially, you get out of them what you put into them. I found myself studying 40 hours a week for my one class, but the result was a newfound confidence on test day. If you just sit down and put the time in, all of your hard work will not be in vain.

What is next for you?

I am hoping to apply to vet school this coming summer. Woo hoo!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I enjoy reading, running, spending time with friends, and traveling. I’m also a bit of a news freak and like to keep current on politics and world events. Although I love exploring the world and temporarily living in Fort Collins, there is nowhere like the “Land of Enchantment,” as they call it. My ideal night would be sitting in the backyard with my family and watching a spectacular New Mexico sunset.

Many thanks to Kelsey for sharing her time and her story!

The Greenwall and Whitehall foundations are both accepting letters of intent for their January deadlines.

Greenwall Foundation

The Greenwall Foundation will fund the next cycle of its bioethics grants program, Making a Difference in Real-World Bioethics Dilemmas, to support research to help resolve an important emerging or unanswered bioethics problem in clinical care, biomedical research, public health practice, or public policy. Our aim is to fund projects that will have a real-world, practical impact. Priority for funding will be given to collaborative projects involving a bioethics scholar and persons working in other fields in which bioethics dilemmas arise, for example, clinical care, scientific research, technology innovation, or public service. Projects may be either empirical or conceptual/normative. Letters of intent are due January 8, 2016 by 12:00pm ET, for projects to begin on or after July 1, 2016.

For this cycle, priority topics are:

Ethical and policy issues in new approaches to protecting research participants.
Ethical and policy issues related to advances in biomedical research and the translation of research into clinical practice, including:

o The increasing use of big data and mobile health applications in clinical care and research;

o Advances in neuroscience and in research and clinical care of persons with degenerative brain diseases; and

o The impact of changes in the FDA regulatory process on access to new therapies and the safety of approved therapies.

Ethical and policy issues that are particularly salient in certain cultural, ethnic, and demographic communities, including dilemmas arising in health disparities research, in clinical and system interventions to reduce health disparities, and in clinical care. We are particularly interested in policies and procedures that, while neutral on their face, may have unintended adverse consequences in practice for certain groups.

The Greenwall Foundation will fund 10% indirect costs to the grantee institution for salary and benefits only. More than one applicant may apply from each institution, but principal investigators may submit only one letter of intent per funding cycle.

http://greenwall.org/making-a-difference.php

Whitehall Foundation

The Whitehall Foundation assists scholarly research in the life sciences through its research grants and grants-in-aid programs. It is the foundation’s policy to support those dynamic areas of basic biological research that are not heavily supported by federal agencies or other foundations with specialized missions. The foundation emphasizes the support of young scientists at the beginning of their careers and productive senior scientists who wish to move into new fields of interest.

1) Research: Research grants of up to $225,000 over three years will be awarded to established scientists of all ages working at accredited institutions in the United States. Grants will not be awarded to investigators who have already received, or expect to receive, substantial support from other sources, even if it is for an unrelated purpose.

2) Grants-in-Aid: One-year grants of up to $30,000 will be awarded to researchers at the assistant professor level who experience difficulty in competing for research funds because they have not yet become firmly established. Grants-in-Aid can also be made to senior scientists.

To be eligible, applicants must hold the position of assistant professor or higher; have principal investigator status; and be considered an “independent investigator” with his/her own dedicated lab space or with lab space independent of another investigator.

Letters of Intent must be received no later than January 15, 2016. Upon review, selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications by June 1, 2016.

http://www.whitehall.org/grants/

Please forward as appropriate. If anyone wishes to apply, please have them send me a copy of the LOI. As always, our office is available for assistance.

NANO3D SYSTEMS LLC (NANO3D) is a fast growing start up company that develops novel micro- and nanofabrication plating technologies, products and services for semiconductor, clean energy, touchscreens and biomedical markets. By employing the brightest minds, NANO3D creates the innovations that shape the future of technology.

Job Summary

Plating Engineer works as a member of a team at NANO3D SYSTEMS LLC to develop, implement and maintain the micro- and nanofabrication plating processes. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there’s no telling what you could accomplish.

Key Qualifications:

Minimum 2 years’ experience in plating, specifically focused on improving / optimizing process chemistry and controls for electrolytic and electroless nickel, cobalt, iron, tin, copper, palladium and alloy plating.
Extensive knowledge of plating processes, process chemicals and equipment as well as plating bath metrology.
Strong material and metallurgical knowledge of metals, especially copper, tin, palladium, nickel, cobalt, iron and their alloys.
Experience with the use of statistical tools and methods for determining process capabilities, troubleshooting problems, process controls and design of experiments (DOE).
Ability to manage time to maximize productivity.
Good team working and communication skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy of recording information.
Awareness of commercial importance of products and ability to plan and prioritize work accordingly.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement the novel micro- and nanofabrication plating technologies.
Develop and optimize novel bath chemistries to obtain desired film properties, and to specify process parameters needed to scale the bath to industrial wafer plating tools.
Prepare, characterize and optimize plating solutions; prepare and measure the film mechanical, microstructural, thermal, and chemical properties; and transfer of the process from benchtop cells to full wafer equipment.
Participates in defect reduction teams and implements process improvements based on demonstrated improved yield results.
Interfaces with other engineering, quality and manufacturing team members.
Work to maximize productivity and meet targets and deadlines.
Focus on Safety and environmental regulations.
All other duties as required.

Education:

BS or MS in chemical engineering, chemistry or material science.

Work Location:

MBI/ONAMI in Corvallis, Oregon.

Contact information: dubin@nano3dsystems.com

Amber Hames is a graduate fellow at Argonne National Laboratory. She works on recycling used nuclear fuel using pyrochemical processing. She’s from Homer Glen, Illinois, and attended Lewis University, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She is working on a doctorate in chemistry.

1) What inspired you to work in STEM?

Since I was in first grade I wanted to work in science. I remember saying I wanted to be a veterinarian, then an astronomer, and then an eye doctor. It was high school when I realized that I love chemistry.

The University Of Missouri’s Research Reactor Center is seeking a postdoctoral fellow with training in sonochemistry, analytical, or radiochemistry to work in the area of post detonation nuclear forensics. The work will include development of novel sonochemistry and inorganic fusions methods for rapid dissolution of surrogate nuclear debris. Independent research, publication, and participation in grant writing are also expected. Knowledge of ultrasound chemistry, mass spectrometry and/or inorganic chemistry is desired. The initial appointment will be for a one-year period, with possibility for renewal based on performance and availability of funding. The position is supported by funding from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). To apply, please email your CV to Dr. John Brockman at brockmanjd@missouri.edu by January 5^th, 2016.

The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer.

Position Summary:

The Analytical Chemist works as a member of a team at NANO3D SYSTEMS LLC to carry out processes such as Quality Control tests, analytical method development to analyze plating solutions, sample preparation, etc within the analytical function.

Key Responsibilities:

Work in a safe and responsible manner, abiding by the COSHH regulations and maintaining a high level of tidiness.
To carry out and ensure that the following processes are maintained:
1. Perform analysis of plating solutions using UV-VIS, IC/HPLC, CVS, FT-IR and other analytical methods
2. Maintain and perform the regular maintenance UV-VIS, IC/HPLC, CVS, FT-IR and other analytical tools
3. Prepare calibration solutions, reagents and other solutions for chemical analysis.
4. Maintain stocks of chemicals ensuring they are stored under appropriate conditions.
5. Maintain accurate records of chemicals that have been used and bulk stock remaining etc.
6. Maintain stocks of vials, burettes, pipettes and other consumables for chemical analysis.
7. Acquire Quality Control and other solution data as required.
To be familiar with all required QC and analytical techniques through on the job training and external courses where appropriate.
To carry out QC tests within the analytical function. Techniques to include, but not exhaustive: IC/HPLC, FT-IR, UV-Vis, CVS, solubility, surface tension, foaming.
To maintain stocks of solvents, chemicals and consumables within the Analytical Chemistry laboratory.
To perform sample preparation, preparation of laboratory reagents / solutions etc. as and when required.
Work to maximize productivity and meet targets and deadlines.
Maintain a high standard of laboratory work with regard to both practical output and documentation.
All other duties as required.

Specific Competencies:

Hands on experience with UV-VIS, IC/HPLC, CVS, FT-IR etc.
Hands on experience with chemicals handling, storage, solution preparation etc.
Good team working and communication skills.
Ability to manage time to maximize productivity.
Ability to quickly and accurately conduct required Quality Control tests.
Safe and responsible working manner in laboratory areas.
Attention to detail and accuracy of recording information.
Awareness of commercial importance of products and ability to plan and prioritize work accordingly.

Qualification:

BS or MS in chemistry or chemical engineering with minimum 2 years hands on experience in chemical analytical lab.

Work Location:

MBI/ONAMI in Corvallis, Oregon.

Contact information: dubin@nano3dsystems.com

Johnny Hergert has been named one of the Fall 2015 Undergraduates of the Quarter and we couldn’t be more proud. He was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where he attended Wilson High School, home of the Trojans and graduated in 2012. Johnny says he’s always known that he wanted to be a chemist. In fact, his grandfather, Herbert Hergert received his PhD in Chemistry from OSU and his sister also attended OSU.

“I like the details and problem solving, particularly on the small scale. And how applicable to daily life it is,” he replied when asked why he chose chemistry. He also stated that CH 361 and 362 were his favorite classes because, “the integrated labs are so hands on, and I really liked that.” His favorite instructor so far has been Dr. Christine Pastorek, the integrated lab instructor.

Since Johnny is on the Materials Science track of the Chemistry program, it was only natural he started doing research in Dr. John Simonsen’s lab. During the spring of 2014, Johnny started working on cellulose nanocrystals and polymer composites. More recently, he’s begun 3D printing objects to help with the experiments. He says his favorite research topic, though, is renewable materials.

Upon graduation, Johnny will attend graduate school at the University of Colorado, Boulder where he plans to obtain a PhD in Materials Science. He hasn’t decided yet whether that PhD will take him to academia or industry, but we wish him the best of luck either way.

In his spare time, Johnny is a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and experience has says has had a huge impact on his life. He also enjoys hiking, mountain biking and intramural sports.

It is students like Johnny who make us proud to be teaching the next generation of chemists.

Kenneth Stout has been selected as one of the Chemistry Department’s Fall 2015 Undergraduates of the Quarter. Kenneth was born in San Diego, California but recently moved to Tualatin, Oregon with his family after his father accepted a job at Intel. He attended Mount Carmel High School and chose Oregon State University for his higher education. His decision to attend OSU was partially based on cost, but he was also swayed by the fact that he had family in Washington and Oregon and that OSU accepted his high school AP credits.

Kenneth is currently a junior, dual majoring in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. He finds both of these complementary subjects to be interesting and enjoys the academic challenges they pose.

His favorite class at OSU has been CH 471 – Advanced Organic Chemistry with Dr. Chris Beaudry. It was this class that made him get involved with research and he’s been working in Dr. Beaudry’s lab ever since. He says, “taking this class got me really interested in Organic Chemistry. It’s motivated me to take more Organic classes.” Dr. Beaudry stated, “Kenneth is the best classroom student I’ve ever seen, period. He was in the top few students in O-Chem as a freshman: a class of 125+ sophomores. He took my advanced organic class (CH471) and was the top student in a class of 10 “superachievers”. He’s doing independent work in our laboratory investigating a reaction of a carbon-centered radical that we invented. He’s basically running his own show in the lab like a 2nd or 3rd year graduate student.”

Outside academics, Kenneth says he’s been inundated with opportunities to get involved with campus life. He says his favorite memories are working for a year as a Resident Assistant and spending time in the campus craft center. He says he appreciates that everything at OSU is so accessible.

Upon graduation, Kenneth plans on attending Graduate School and studying more Organic Chemistry. He’s considering post graduate work in either academia or a biotech company, but he says, “it’s early and I’m keeping my options open.”

Our first December Focus on Ecampus interview is with Lilly Lawrence-Briggs, who is currently applying to Vet Med schools (including OSU). She discusses how helpful she found the lecture videos that some of our instructors incorporate into their online courses.

How did you find out about our online chemistry courses? What did you like best about them?

My Grandfather, Jack Briggs, is an alumnus of Oregon State University. He also used to teach Biology at the Corvallis campus. A few years ago, while I was getting my Bachelor’s degree in Business Psychology, I started having some interest in going to Veterinary school. My grandfather recommended OSU. I was living in California at the time, and needed something that was taught online. I found out about Dr. Barth’s general chemistry series and signed up. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be capable of completing any college chemistry sequences. I’m not your typical “science student,” anyway. I was homeschooled all through high school and had *extremely* limited knowledge of anything scientific. I also have a diagnosed learning disability, an eye convergence issue, that’s always put me at a slight disadvantage in the brick and mortar classroom setting. Taking classes online better suited my disability, and it also allowed me to hide behind the computer screen and not make a fool out of myself in front of the smart students!

To my shock, I was able to get through the general chemistry sequence with all “A”s. I also graduated with my Bachelor’s degree at this time and was looking for that “next step” in my life. I started considering vet school much more seriously. I applied to OSU as a post-Bacc student, got accepted, and moved to Bend to study at OSU’s Cascade campus.

The first Organic chemistry class I took (331) was actually taught by Dr. Gautschi. He was teaching it on campus but, of course, I opted to take it online. I’d heard nightmare stories from students about organic chemistry and was way too chicken to sit in the live class. Oh, how I wish I knew about Dr. Myles then! Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Dr. Gautschi! However, his online course had no lecture videos. I can’t emphasize how key those lecture videos were to my success in O-Chem. Furthermore, I almost failed Dr. Gautschi’s class and was feeling terrible. By doing a lot of hard work, meeting with tutors, and making one-on-one appointments with Dr. Gautschi, I was able to get by with a “B.” That was when he recommended Dr. Myles to me. I immediately went onto the Ecampus Chemistry website, looked up Dr. Myles’s email, and asked him if his organic course would include lecture videos. I can’t tell you how ecstatic I was when he said that it would! All of Dr. Barth’s general chemistry classes included lecture videos as well. I’m being 100% honest when I say that those videos are the reason for my success in both general and organic chemistry online. I was actually able to earn an “A” in Organic this time around. Being able to hit the pause button, take notes, re-watch worked problems, and review old recorded lectures was amazing! Obviously, students can’t hit the “pause button” on their live lecturing teachers. And, if you’re like me, you’re too embarrassed to speak-up in class.

Shout out to Dr. Myles:

It’s hard to choose just one thing I liked about Dr. Myles. His lecture videos were so clear and made learning the tricky O-Chem concepts much easier—I dare say even fun! ? He was also so nice, patient, and encouraging whenever I spoke with him via e-mail.

Advice for OSU Ecampus:

The only advice I could give would be to ask that all of OSU’s online courses have recorded lectures! For instance, I’m currently taking a genetics class online through OSU Ecampus. The professor is great, but she has no lecture videos… Honestly, that class would be so much more enjoyable if it had recordings like Dr. Myles’s class did. If you can’t tell, I’m very passionate about those online lecture videos! My disability slows me down in class and I always fall behind. The videos are my saving grace; they allow me to keep up.

What’s next for you?

I just finished all of my vet school applications. I applied to eight schools (including OSU) and will hopefully be hearing from them come January. As you know, O-Chem is a required course for all vet schools.

My passion to become a vet stems from my childhood. I was fortunate to grow up on a 40-acre farm in Northern CA. I was constantly watching my mom rescue animals, breed them, and train them. My mom is my ultimate motivator!

Do you have a hobby you’d like to tell us about?

In my spare time, you can find me riding & jumping horses. Below is a picture of me jumping my horse, Sublime. Interesting side note: this mare is pregnant and will have a foal next year! I actually bred her at Bend Equine Medical Center & Small Animal Division. Dr. Wayne Schmotzer, the clinic’s owner, used to teach at OSU’s College of Vet Med. Small world, right?

As we coming to a close for the Fall Term, I thought it would be an excellent time to formally recognize the 2015-2016 ESTEME@OSU Action Research Fellows from our Department. You can read more about this wonderful program at http://stem.oregonstate.edu/esteme/action-research-fellows

Michael Burand and Margie Haak for “Investigating New Group- and Invidually-Based Pedagogies in a Hybrid General Chemistry Course”

Richard Nafshun for “Pre-test Based Curriculum Time Allotments”

Paula Weiss for “Changes in Student Study Habits and Their Relation to Course Assignments”

Kristin Ziebart for “Promoting Conceptual Understanding of General Chemistry with Short Writing Tasks”

Congrats to all FIVE of our Action Research Fellows – A well-deserved honor!

The Erlenmeyer Flask

Where Real Chemistry Happens…

Monthly Archives: December 2015

Focus On Ecampus – Kelsey Dobesh

Greenwall and Whitehall Grant Opportunities

Plating Engineer Position

Paulenova Group Graduate Student, Amber Hames featured in Energy.gov article

Postdoctoral position in Radiochemistry – U of Missouri Research Reactor Center

Analytical Chemist Position Available at NANO3D Systems LLC

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2015 – Johnny Hergert

Undergraduate of the Quarter – Fall 2015 – Kenneth Stout

Focus on ECampus – Lilly Lawrence-Briggs

2015-16 ESTEME@OSU Action Research Fellows

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