Chemistry Faculty and Staff
Department Chair
Steven T. Frey
Professors
Raymond J. Giguere
Professor of Chemistry
B.A., Kalamazoo College
Dr. rer. nat., University of Hannover
Postdoctoral Research: 1980-81, University of Hannover
1981-83, Michigan State University
At Skidmore since 1988
Dana Science Center 222
518-580-5125
rgiguere@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Giguere conducts research with undergraduates in the area of organic synthesis. His interests range from the application of microwaves to conduct organic reactions to development of novel intramolecular cyclizations, such as tandem intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions and intramolecular allyl cation cycloadditions. This work has resulted in the publication of over twenty-five articles, many of which have undergraduates as co-authors. Since 1983 over one hundred chemistry majors have conducted undergraduate research in Prof. Giguere’s labs.
Selected Publications (* indicates undergraduate co-authors):
“Microwave Heating in Organic Synthesis: Decarboxylation of Malonic Acid Derivatives in Water”, Cynthia L. Zara*, Thomas Jin* and R. J. Giguere, Synthetic Communications, 2000, 30(12), 2099-2104.
“Tandem Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reactions: Branched Substrate Studies and New Synthetic Pathways”, M.A. Brodney*, J.P. O’Leary*, J.A. Hansen, R. J. Giguere, Synthetic Communications, 1995, 25, 521.
“The Tandem Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction”, D.R. Goldberg*, J.A. Hansen and R.J. Giguere, Tetrahedron Letters, 1993, 34, 8003.
“Microwave-assisted Organic Synthesis”, R. J. Giguere in Microwave Processing of Materials III, R.L. Beatty, W.H. Sutton and M.F. Iskander, Eds. MRS Society, Pittsburgh, PA, 1992, Volume 269, 387-395.
“Diastereoselectivity and Regiocontrol in Intramolecular Allyl Cation Cycloadditions: Selective Formation of [3+2] or [3+4] Cycloadducts” R. J. Giguere, S.M. Tassely, M.I. Rose* and K. Krishnamurthy, Tetrahedron Letters, 1990, 31, 4577.
“Synthetic Applications of the Alder-Bong Reaction: Stereoselective Construction of the Methanohydroazulene Framework” R .J. Giguere, Patrick G. Harran* and Blanca O. Lopez*, Synthetic Communications, 1990, 20, 1453.
“Ultrasound, High Pressure and Microwave Heating in Organic Synthesis” R. J. Giguere, an invited chapter in Organic Synthesis: Theory and Applications, edited by Tomas Hudlicky, JAI Press, Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut 1989, 103-172.
“Intramolecular [3+4] Allyl Cation Cycloaddition: Novel Route to Hydroazulenes” R. J. Giguere, S. M. Duncan*, J. M. Bean* and L. Purvis*, Tetrahedron Letters, 1988, 29, 6071.
“Application of Commercial Microwave Ovens to Organic Synthesis”, R. J. Giguere, Terry L. Bray*, Scott M. Duncan* and George Majetich, Tetrahedron Letters 1986, 27, 4945.
Judith A. Halstead
Professor of Chemistry
Director, Environmental Studies Program
B.A. 1974, State University of New York at Binghamton
Ph.D. 1979, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
At Skidmore since 1987
Dana Science Center 221
518-580-5126
halstead@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Halstead is the author or co-author of more than two dozen scientific and pedagogical articles in journals such as Atmospheric Environment, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal of Chemical Education, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal of Geoscience Education and Journal of Physical Chemistry. In addition, she is the author of two book chapters on the kinetics of reactions at a solid-gas interface and the co-author of a chapter on avian foraging behavior. Professor Halstead and her Skidmore College undergraduate collaborators are currently working on the development and refinement of analytical techniques for the determination of trace levels of pollutants in natural waters. The water chemistry of lakes and streams in Saratoga County and the Adirondack Park is also of interest to Professor Halstead and her students.
Selected Publications (* indicates undergraduate co-authors):
“Home Energy Conservation Exercise.” Journal of Geoscience Education, V51, 521, 2003 (with Steven T. Frey, William R. Moomaw, Caitlin W. Robinson*, Kimberly A. Marsella and John J. Thomas).
“Seed selection by foraging birds.” Teaching Animal Behavior in the Laboratory and Field: An Instructor’s Manual to Accompany Exploring Animal Behavior in the Laboratory and Field, Bonnie Ploger and Ken Yasukawa ed., Academic Press, San Diego, 83, 2003 (with Monica Ravert-Richter and Kierstin Savastano*).
“Seed selection by foraging birds.” Exploring Animal Behavior in the Laboratory and Field, Bonnie Ploger and Ken Yasukawa ed., Academic Press, San Diego, 239, 2003 (with Monica Ravert-Richter and Kierstin Savastano*).
“Potential for Chlorate Interference in Ion Chromatographic Determination of Total Nitrogen in Natural Waters Following Alkaline Persulfate Digestion.” Journal of Chromatography A 857, 337, 1999 ( with J. Edwards*, R. J. Soracco and R.W. Armstrong).
“Shaping the Future: CUR Seventh National Conference Continues a National Dialogue.” Journal of Chemical Education 75, 1366, 1998.
“Spring Shock: Impact of Spring Snowmelt on Lakes and Streams.” Journal of Chemical Education 75, 400, 1998.
Associate Professor
Steven T. Frey
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Chair, Department of Chemistry
B.S. 1987, Ithaca College
Ph.D. 1994, Penn State University
Postdoctoral Fellow 1994-1996, Johns Hopkins University
At Skidmore since 1996
Dana Science Center 274
518-580-5124
sfrey@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Frey’s research group is interested in clays, both natural and synthetic, as hosts for metal ions, metal complexes, or biological molecules. Application of these composite materials includes catalysis, chemical sensing, optical information storage, and the detoxification of environmental pollutants. Prof. Frey collaborates with numerous undergraduate students on research projects. Students regularly present their research at local and national conferences and have been co-authors on publications.
Selected Publications (*Indicates undergraduate co-authors):
Steven T. Frey, William R. Moomaw, Judith A. Halstead, Caitlin W. Robinson*, Kimberly A. Marsella, and John J. Thomas. “Home Energy Conservation Exercise,” Journal of Geoscience Education, 51, 2003, 521-526.
Steven T. Frey, Benjamin M. Hutchins*, Brian J. Anderson*, Teresa K. Schreiber*, and Michael E. Hagerman. “Catalytic Hydrolysis of 4- Nitrophenyl Phosphate by Lanthanum(III)-
Hectorite,” Langmuir, 2003, 19, 2188-2192.
Steven T. Frey and Gregory L. Wrubel*. “The Geometry of Crystalline Substances,” New York State Mathematics Teachers Journal,
2003, 53, 7-11.
Assistant Professors
Michelle W. Frey
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.A. 1989, Ithaca College
Ph.D. 1995, The Pennsylvania State University
Post-doctoral Researcher 1995-1996, DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Co.
At Skidmore since 2002
Dana Science Center 223
518-580-5135
mfrey@skidmore.edu
Research:
My research group’s interests focus upon the mechanistic enzymology of metal-containing hydrolases. In particular, we are interested in the mechanisms by which metalloproteases cleave peptide bonds. We are currently studying a novel aminopeptidase from the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri. We believe that this enzyme is involved in the establishment of the symbiotic relationship between the bacterium and its host, the sepiolid squid Euprymna scolopes. The symbiotic association between V. fischeri and E. scolopes is an excellent model system for the study of both benign and pathogenic bacteria-host interactions. A more complete understanding of the intricacies of these relationships and their establishment is necessary for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Rajesh Nagarajan
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S., Madras Christian College;
M.S., Indian Institute of Technology
Ph.D., Wesleyan University
Dana Science Center 218
518-580-5129
rnagaraj@skidmore.edu
Shannon E. Stitzel
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S. 1997, Davidson College
Ph.D. 2002, Tufts University
Post-doctoral Fellow 2002-2005, Dublin City University
At Skidmore since 2005
Dana Science Center 217
518-580-5131
sstitzel@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Stitzel’s research group is interested in photoactive surfaces for use in optical sensing platforms. The current focus is to integrate photo-switchable dyes such as spiropyrans with molecularly imprinted polymers to create a photo-activated binding pocket. The binding pocket will be imprinted for the particular target analyte such as heavy metals, and will bind the target species only when the dye is photoisomerized into its active state. Photo-switchable molecules such as spiropyrans have properties that enable the development of sensing surfaces which are active or passive through optical control. The active form is generated only to perform measurements, after which the inactive form is regenerated. In the inactive form the sensor surface would remain relatively unchanged over time, extending the potential useful lifetime of the sensor.
Lecturer
Ronald E. Barnett
Lecturer in Chemistry
Dana Science Center 219
518-580-8348
rbarnett@skidmore.edu
Teaching Associates
Kara Cetto Bales
Teaching Associate in Chemistry
B.S., University of New England;
M.S., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
At Skidmore since 2005
Dana Science Center 220A
518-580-5130
kcetto@skidmore.edu
Jennifer McCluan
Teaching Associate in Chemistry
Dana Science Center 220
518-580-5132
jmccluan@skidmore.edu
Cynthia K. Sood
Teaching Associate in Chemistry
B.S., Manchester College;
M.S., University of Toledo
Dana Science Center 219
518-580-5342
csood@skidmore.edu
Support Staff
Loretta Greenholtz Albrecht
Academic Safety Officer
Dana Science Center 224A
518-580-5136
lgreenho@skidmore.edu
Cheryl A. Towers
Administrative Coordinator
Dana Science Center 272
518-580-5120
ctowers@skidmore.edu
Department Chair
Steven T. Frey
Professors
Raymond J. Giguere
Professor of Chemistry
B.A., Kalamazoo College
Dr. rer. nat., University of Hannover
Postdoctoral Research: 1980-81, University of Hannover
1981-83, Michigan State University
At Skidmore since 1988
Dana Science Center 222
518-580-5125
rgiguere@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Giguere conducts research with undergraduates in the area of organic synthesis. His interests range from the application of microwaves to conduct organic reactions to development of novel intramolecular cyclizations, such as tandem intramolecular Diels-Alder reactions and intramolecular allyl cation cycloadditions. This work has resulted in the publication of over twenty-five articles, many of which have undergraduates as co-authors. Since 1983 over one hundred chemistry majors have conducted undergraduate research in Prof. Giguere’s labs.
Selected Publications (* indicates undergraduate co-authors):
“Microwave Heating in Organic Synthesis: Decarboxylation of Malonic Acid Derivatives in Water”, Cynthia L. Zara*, Thomas Jin* and R. J. Giguere, Synthetic Communications, 2000, 30(12), 2099-2104.
“Tandem Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reactions: Branched Substrate Studies and New Synthetic Pathways”, M.A. Brodney*, J.P. O’Leary*, J.A. Hansen, R. J. Giguere, Synthetic Communications, 1995, 25, 521.
“The Tandem Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction”, D.R. Goldberg*, J.A. Hansen and R.J. Giguere, Tetrahedron Letters, 1993, 34, 8003.
“Microwave-assisted Organic Synthesis”, R. J. Giguere in Microwave Processing of Materials III, R.L. Beatty, W.H. Sutton and M.F. Iskander, Eds. MRS Society, Pittsburgh, PA, 1992, Volume 269, 387-395.
“Diastereoselectivity and Regiocontrol in Intramolecular Allyl Cation Cycloadditions: Selective Formation of [3+2] or [3+4] Cycloadducts” R. J. Giguere, S.M. Tassely, M.I. Rose* and K. Krishnamurthy, Tetrahedron Letters, 1990, 31, 4577.
“Synthetic Applications of the Alder-Bong Reaction: Stereoselective Construction of the Methanohydroazulene Framework” R .J. Giguere, Patrick G. Harran* and Blanca O. Lopez*, Synthetic Communications, 1990, 20, 1453.
“Ultrasound, High Pressure and Microwave Heating in Organic Synthesis” R. J. Giguere, an invited chapter in Organic Synthesis: Theory and Applications, edited by Tomas Hudlicky, JAI Press, Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut 1989, 103-172.
“Intramolecular [3+4] Allyl Cation Cycloaddition: Novel Route to Hydroazulenes” R. J. Giguere, S. M. Duncan*, J. M. Bean* and L. Purvis*, Tetrahedron Letters, 1988, 29, 6071.
“Application of Commercial Microwave Ovens to Organic Synthesis”, R. J. Giguere, Terry L. Bray*, Scott M. Duncan* and George Majetich, Tetrahedron Letters 1986, 27, 4945.
Judith A. Halstead
Professor of Chemistry
Director, Environmental Studies Program
B.A. 1974, State University of New York at Binghamton
Ph.D. 1979, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
At Skidmore since 1987
Dana Science Center 221
518-580-5126
halstead@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Halstead is the author or co-author of more than two dozen scientific and pedagogical articles in journals such as Atmospheric Environment, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal of Chemical Education, Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal of Geoscience Education and Journal of Physical Chemistry. In addition, she is the author of two book chapters on the kinetics of reactions at a solid-gas interface and the co-author of a chapter on avian foraging behavior. Professor Halstead and her Skidmore College undergraduate collaborators are currently working on the development and refinement of analytical techniques for the determination of trace levels of pollutants in natural waters. The water chemistry of lakes and streams in Saratoga County and the Adirondack Park is also of interest to Professor Halstead and her students.
Selected Publications (* indicates undergraduate co-authors):
“Home Energy Conservation Exercise.” Journal of Geoscience Education, V51, 521, 2003 (with Steven T. Frey, William R. Moomaw, Caitlin W. Robinson*, Kimberly A. Marsella and John J. Thomas).
“Seed selection by foraging birds.” Teaching Animal Behavior in the Laboratory and Field: An Instructor’s Manual to Accompany Exploring Animal Behavior in the Laboratory and Field, Bonnie Ploger and Ken Yasukawa ed., Academic Press, San Diego, 83, 2003 (with Monica Ravert-Richter and Kierstin Savastano*).
“Seed selection by foraging birds.” Exploring Animal Behavior in the Laboratory and Field, Bonnie Ploger and Ken Yasukawa ed., Academic Press, San Diego, 239, 2003 (with Monica Ravert-Richter and Kierstin Savastano*).
“Potential for Chlorate Interference in Ion Chromatographic Determination of Total Nitrogen in Natural Waters Following Alkaline Persulfate Digestion.” Journal of Chromatography A 857, 337, 1999 ( with J. Edwards*, R. J. Soracco and R.W. Armstrong).
“Shaping the Future: CUR Seventh National Conference Continues a National Dialogue.” Journal of Chemical Education 75, 1366, 1998.
“Spring Shock: Impact of Spring Snowmelt on Lakes and Streams.” Journal of Chemical Education 75, 400, 1998.
Associate Professor
Steven T. Frey
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Chair, Department of Chemistry
B.S. 1987, Ithaca College
Ph.D. 1994, Penn State University
Postdoctoral Fellow 1994-1996, Johns Hopkins University
At Skidmore since 1996
Dana Science Center 274
518-580-5124
sfrey@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Frey’s research group is interested in clays, both natural and synthetic, as hosts for metal ions, metal complexes, or biological molecules. Application of these composite materials includes catalysis, chemical sensing, optical information storage, and the detoxification of environmental pollutants. Prof. Frey collaborates with numerous undergraduate students on research projects. Students regularly present their research at local and national conferences and have been co-authors on publications.
Selected Publications (*Indicates undergraduate co-authors):
Steven T. Frey, William R. Moomaw, Judith A. Halstead, Caitlin W. Robinson*, Kimberly A. Marsella, and John J. Thomas. “Home Energy Conservation Exercise,” Journal of Geoscience Education, 51, 2003, 521-526.
Steven T. Frey, Benjamin M. Hutchins*, Brian J. Anderson*, Teresa K. Schreiber*, and Michael E. Hagerman. “Catalytic Hydrolysis of 4- Nitrophenyl Phosphate by Lanthanum(III)-
Hectorite,” Langmuir, 2003, 19, 2188-2192.
Steven T. Frey and Gregory L. Wrubel*. “The Geometry of Crystalline Substances,” New York State Mathematics Teachers Journal,
2003, 53, 7-11.
Assistant Professors
Michelle W. Frey
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.A. 1989, Ithaca College
Ph.D. 1995, The Pennsylvania State University
Post-doctoral Researcher 1995-1996, DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Co.
At Skidmore since 2002
Dana Science Center 223
518-580-5135
mfrey@skidmore.edu
Research:
My research group’s interests focus upon the mechanistic enzymology of metal-containing hydrolases. In particular, we are interested in the mechanisms by which metalloproteases cleave peptide bonds. We are currently studying a novel aminopeptidase from the marine bacterium Vibrio fischeri. We believe that this enzyme is involved in the establishment of the symbiotic relationship between the bacterium and its host, the sepiolid squid Euprymna scolopes. The symbiotic association between V. fischeri and E. scolopes is an excellent model system for the study of both benign and pathogenic bacteria-host interactions. A more complete understanding of the intricacies of these relationships and their establishment is necessary for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Rajesh Nagarajan
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S., Madras Christian College;
M.S., Indian Institute of Technology
Ph.D., Wesleyan University
Dana Science Center 218
518-580-5129
rnagaraj@skidmore.edu
Shannon E. Stitzel
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S. 1997, Davidson College
Ph.D. 2002, Tufts University
Post-doctoral Fellow 2002-2005, Dublin City University
At Skidmore since 2005
Dana Science Center 217
518-580-5131
sstitzel@skidmore.edu
Research:
Professor Stitzel’s research group is interested in photoactive surfaces for use in optical sensing platforms. The current focus is to integrate photo-switchable dyes such as spiropyrans with molecularly imprinted polymers to create a photo-activated binding pocket. The binding pocket will be imprinted for the particular target analyte such as heavy metals, and will bind the target species only when the dye is photoisomerized into its active state. Photo-switchable molecules such as spiropyrans have properties that enable the development of sensing surfaces which are active or passive through optical control. The active form is generated only to perform measurements, after which the inactive form is regenerated. In the inactive form the sensor surface would remain relatively unchanged over time, extending the potential useful lifetime of the sensor.
Lecturer
Ronald E. Barnett
Lecturer in Chemistry
Dana Science Center 219
518-580-8348
rbarnett@skidmore.edu
Teaching Associates
Kara Cetto Bales
Teaching Associate in Chemistry
B.S., University of New England;
M.S., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
At Skidmore since 2005
Dana Science Center 220A
518-580-5130
kcetto@skidmore.edu
Jennifer McCluan
Teaching Associate in Chemistry
Dana Science Center 220
518-580-5132
jmccluan@skidmore.edu
Cynthia K. Sood
Teaching Associate in Chemistry
B.S., Manchester College;
M.S., University of Toledo
Dana Science Center 219
518-580-5342
csood@skidmore.edu
Support Staff
Loretta Greenholtz Albrecht
Academic Safety Officer
Dana Science Center 224A
518-580-5136
lgreenho@skidmore.edu
Cheryl A. Towers
Administrative Coordinator
Dana Science Center 272
518-580-5120
ctowers@skidmore.edu