Curriculum Vitae

1 John Marshall Dr.

Chemistry Department

Huntington WV 25755

E-mail: quinonesr@marshall.edu

Rosalynn Quiñones

Education

August 2008                   Ph.D. in Chemistry

                                         Bayer School of Natural & Environmental Science, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

                                         Advisor: Dr. Ellen S. Gawalt                                         Date of completion: July 2008

Dissertation title: “Modification of Nitinol, Nickel and Titanium Oxides with Self-Assembled Monolayers and Polymers for Corrosion Mitigation in Biomaterial Applications”

December 2002              B.S. in Industrial Chemistry

                                         Natural Science Department

                                         Certification in Management

                                         University of Puerto Rico, Humacao, P.R.

Professional Experience

May 2019 – Present       Associate Professor

                                         Chemistry Department, Marshall University, Huntington, WV

July 2013 – May 2018   Assistant Professor

                                         Chemistry Department, Marshall University, Huntington, WV

2011 – 2013                    National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

                                         Chemistry Department, Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA

                                         Advisor: Prof. Robbie J. Iuliucci

2010 – 2011                    Adjunct Faculty

                                         Chemistry Department, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

2008 – 2010                    Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Postdoctoral Fellowship

                                         Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

                                         Advisor: Prof. Adam J. Matzger

Research Experience

July 2013 – Present

Associate Professor

Marshall University, Huntington, WV

  • Discovery and screening of new crystal forms (polymorphs) of pharmaceutical compounds using solvent methods and self-assembled monolayers
  • Modification and characterization of metal oxide nanoparticles using self-assembled monolayers and polymers
  • Analyze film and nanostructure properties using reflectance IR Spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM)
  • Forensic chemistry analysis of cannabis and fingerprint powder using spectroscopy
  • Quantitative and qualitative analysis of weight loss for teas, capsules and tablets using chromatography
  • Mentor undergraduate research and ACS SEED high school students who presented in the Summer Research Program at Marshall University and/or at regional and National American Chemical Society (ACS) meetings

June 2011 – May 2013

National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Washington & Jefferson College (W & J), Washington, PA

  • Characterized metal oxide nanoparticles modified using self-assembled monolayers
  • Analyzed film and nanostructure properties using reflectance IR Spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM)
  • Electrochemical analyses were performed to analyze the charge transfer effect of the modified samples using cyclic voltammetry (CV)
  • Used surface free radical polymerization to synthesize polymer brushes onto the metal oxide nanostructures
  • Instructed four undergraduate students on the surface modification of nanoparticles as part of the NSF-REU program and research courses at Washington & Jefferson College
  • Mentored undergraduate research students who presented posters at the Pittsburgh Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium

Aug. 2008 – Jul. 2010

Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

  • Discovered and screened new crystal forms (polymorphs) of pharmaceutical compounds using polymer-induced hetero-nucleation, sublimation, and solvent methods  
  • Optimized molecules via computational chemistry calculations using Gaussian 0S, Spartan, and NMR calculations
  • Analyzed the chemical and physical properties of the crystal forms using Raman and IR Spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, and PXRD
  • Supervised and trained graduate students to work in the modification of stainless steel to form polymer brushes

Jan. 2004 – Jul. 2008

Graduate Research, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

  • Formation and characterization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on nitinol (Ni-Ti alloy), nickel, and titanium oxide surfaces
  • Developed a method to differentiate between monolayer and multilayer films of organic acids on metal oxide using mass spectrometry
  • Analyzed film properties using reflectance IR Spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF MS, contact angle, and atomic force microscopy
  • Used free radical polymerization to synthesize polyethylene glycol and polystyrene onto nitinol and nickel oxide surfaces
  • Characterized the corrosion-resistant properties of polymeric and SAM films using electrochemical analysis
  • Instructed two high school students and three undergraduate students on the surface modification of nitinol as part of Duquesne University’s SEED and NSF-REU program

Teaching Experience

August 2013 – Present

Associate Professor, Marshall University, Huntington, WV

  • Teach analytical chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHM 345). Experiments are research-based related to forensic topics
  • Teach chemistry majors a research method course (CHM 305). The course included topics such as ethics, research skills, presentations, a capstone project, time management, and proposal writing
  • Teach a study travel class to science and non-science majors (CHM 101 and CHM 475) for the Winter 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2023 term. The course was “Introduction to Chemistry: Chemistry and Art in Italy” and fulfilled a science elective requirement
  • Teach a study travel class to non-science majors (CHM 101) for the Winter 2019 term. The course was “Introduction to Chemistry: Chemistry in the Kitchen” and fulfilled a science elective requirement
  • Teach Principles of Chemistry I and II lecture (CHM 211and CHM 212) and laboratory (CHM 217 and CHM 218) for 1st college students
  • Teach Modern Instrumental Methods lecture and lab (CHM 411, 511) for fourth-year undergraduate and master graduate students
  • Research-based lab was created and developed in the Analytical Chemistry and Modern Instrumental Methods labs (CHM 345, 411, 511) by modules based on sunscreen lotion analysis using separation methods, spectroscopy, microscopy instruments

June 2011 – May 2013

National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Washington & Jefferson College, Washington, PA

  • Taught Intersession travel classes to science and non-science majors (CHM 330 and CHM 130). The course was on “The Scientific Wonders of a Caribbean Island: Puerto Rico” and fulfilled a laboratory graduation requirement
  • Taught instrumentation lecture and laboratory (CHM 470, CHM 480) for fourth-year college students
  • Taught analytical chemistry laboratory for second-year college students (CHM 270)
  • Developed all educational, cultural, and extracurricular activities for travel class (CHM 330 and CHM 130)
  • Arranged lodging, food, lectures, lab space, budget, transportation, safety issues, and activity planning for travel class (CHM 330 and CHM 130)
  • Inquiry-based lab was created and developed in the instrumentation lab (CHM 480) by modules based on my research of metal oxide nanoparticles which includes: polymer brushes, chromophore attachment, thin film formation, and sunscreen lotion analysis

Aug. 2010 – Apr. 2011

Adjunct Faculty, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

  • Taught General Chemistry recitation for 1st-year college students

Sept. – Oct. 2009

Postdoctoral Short-Course on College Science Teaching, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

  • Completed six intensive weeks of science educator training that included the development of a course syllabus and inquiry-based lab lesson plan, incorporating active learning to lecture, and two practice teaching sessions sponsored by the Rackham Graduate School and the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT)
  • Led activities during the sessions that reinforced the material introduced in the podcasts, readings, and assignments

Jan. 2004 – Dec. 2007

Teaching Assistant, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

  • Prepared pre-lab lessons on current experiments
  • Taught General Chemistry laboratory for first undergraduate students
  • Taught Organic Chemistry laboratory for second-year undergraduate students
  • Developed quizzes, experiments, and assigned homework for students
  • Proctored and graded Departmental Chemistry exams

Work Experience

Mar. 2003 – Jan. 2004

QSC Analyst, Mc Neil Consumer Care, Las Piedras, P.R.

  • Audited documentation of subcontractor labs
  • Performed confirmatory analysis of the chemical and physical properties of drugs analyzed by the subcontractor labs using dissolution apparatus
  • Developed an Excel spreadsheet to accelerate the documentation review

Oct. 2002 – Feb. 2003

Environmental Consultant, Fernando L. Rodriguez P. E. and Assoc., Rio Piedras, P.R

  • Analyzed environmental samples
  • Prepared environmental chemistry reports
  • Was liaison to subcontractors and clients
  • Supervised subcontractors in environmental sampling

May – Oct. 2002

Laboratory Technician, Ciba Vision, Cidra, P.R.

  • Analyzed in-process material of contact lenses using GC, HPLC, FTIR, pH, conductivity meter, viscosity, and UV-Vis spectrophotometer instruments for quantitative and qualitative analysis
  • Utilized pycnometer to measure the specific gravity of the liquids

Aug. – Dec. 2001

Laboratory Technician, Galephar Pharmaceutical, Juncos, P.R.

  • Used HPLC and UV instruments to perform physical and chemical analysis of various pulmonary indicator drugs

Research Publications (undergraduate students highlighted in blue font and bold and graduate students highlighted in red font and bold)

Marshall University Publications

  1. Quiñones, R.; Knott, H.; Frost, L.; Bartram, M.; Clark, T.; Westfall, T.D.; Buxó, J.A. “Quantification of Iron (II) in vitamins using redox titration and UV-Vis Spectroscopy”,J. Chem. Educ. 2024, Under Review.
  2. McGlumphy S.; Damai, A.; Salameh, L.; Corbin, G. B.; Wang, Q.; Markiewicz, J.; Mosher, J.; Spitzer, N. Quiñones, R. “Biocompatible antibiotic-coupled nickel-titanium nanoparticles as a potential coating material for biomedical devices”, Heliyon, 2024, 10, e31434. Click here for a link to the paper.
  3. Moreno, S.; Strouten-Ebert, A.; Waugh-Richards, L.; Quiñones, R.; “An Evaluation of the Cannabinoid Content of the Liquid and Thermal Degradation Analysis of Cannabis-Labeled Vape Liquids”, J Forensic Sci. 2024, 69, 905–918. Click here for a link to the paper.
  4. Quiñones, R.; Casiano-Negroni A.; Pijor, H.; Moreno, S.; Suarez, K.; Westfall, T.D.; Sullins, C.; Ivey, S.; Buxó, J.A. “Analysis of Cannabinoids in Lotions Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography”,J. Chem. Educ. 2022, 99, 10, 3558–3565. Click here for a link to the paper.
  5. Quiñones, R.; Moreno, S.; Smythers A.L.; Sullins, C.; Pijor, H.; Brown, G. Strouten, A.; Waugh-Richards, L.; Siddig, A. “Quantification of Cannabis in Infused Consumer Products and Their Residues on Skin”, ACS Pharmacol. Transl. Sci., 2022, 5, 8, 642-651. Click here for a link to the paper.
  6. Moreno, S.;Brown, G.; Klein, M.; Wang, Q.; Markiewicz, J.T.; Aleman, E. A.; Rushton, C.; Quiñones, R. “Chemical Composition Effect on Latent Print Development Using Black Fingerprint Powders”, Forensic Chemistry, 2021, 26, 100366. Click here for a link to the paper.
  7. Wang, Y.; Wildfire, C.; Khan, T. S.; Shekhawat, D.;  Hu, J.; Tavadze, P.;  Quiñones, R.;Moreno, S. “Effects of Support and Promoter on Ru Catalyst Activity in Microwave-assisted Ammonia Synthesis”, Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021, 425, 1, 130546. Click here for a link to the paper.
  8. Quiñones, R.; Moreno, S.; Shoup, D.:Klein, M.; Westfall, T.M.; Damai, A. “Examining particle size of inorganic active ingredients within sunscreens using dynamic light scattering”, J Chem Educ. 2021, 98, 4, 1371–1380. Click here for a link to the paper.
  9. Holmes, S.T.; Engl, O. G.; Srnec, M.N.; Madura, J.D.; Quiñones, R.; Harper, J.K.; Schurko, R.W.; Iuliucci, R.J. “Chemical Shift Tensors of Cimetidine Form A Modeled with Density Functional Theory Calculations: Implications for NMR Crystallography”, J. Phys. Chem. A, 2020, 124, 3109−3119. Click here for a link to the paper.
  10. Quiñones, R.; Kolling, D. R. J.; Shoup, D.; Smythers, A.L.; Nickel, S.; Westfall, T. D.; Epperly, C.; Coplin, M.  “Comparing free radicals in sunscreen-treated pig skin as revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy”, J. Chem. Educ., 2019, 96, 2021−2028. Click here for a link to the paper.
  11. Quiñones, R.; Iuliucci, R. J.; Behnke, G.; Brown, R.; Shoup, D.; Riedel, T.M.; Plavchak, C.; Lininger, B. E.; Spehar, J. M. “Moving Towards Fast Characterization of Polymorphic Drugs by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy”, J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal., 2018, 148C, 163 – 169. Click here for a link to the paper.
  12. Quiñones, R..; Brown, R.; Searls, N.; Richards-Waugh, L. “Study of Polymorphism using Patterned Self-Assembled Monolayers Approach on Metal Substrates”, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2018, 427, 97 – 105. Click here for a link to the paper.
  13. Quiñones, R.; Shoup, D.; Behnke, G.; B.; Peck, C.; Agarwal, S.; Gupta, R.K.; Fagan, J.W.; Mueller, K.T.; Iuliucci, R. J.; Wang, Q. “Study of Perfluorophosphonic Acid Surface Modifications on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles”, Materials, 2017, 10, 1363. Click here for a link to the paper.
  14. Quiñones, R.; Garretson, S.; Behnke, G.; Fagan, J.W.; Mueller, K.T.; Agarwal, S.; Gupta, R.K. “Fabrication of Phosphonic Acid Films on Nitinol Nanoparticles by Dynamic Covalent Assembly”, Thin Solid Films, 2017, 642C, 195 – 206. Click here for a link to the paper.
  15. Quiñones, R.; Logan, J. L.; Sunderland, D. P.; Neff, D.; Westfall, T. D.; Hijazi, A. “Integrating Elemental Analysis and Chromatography Techniques by Analyzing Metal Oxide and Organic UV Absorbers in Commercial Sunscreens”, J. Chem. Educ., 2016, 93 (8), 1434–1440. Click here for a link to the paper.
  16. Logan, J. L.; Quiñones, R.; Sunderland, D. P. “Poster Presentations: Turning a Lab of the Week into a Culminating Experience”, J. Chem. Educ., 2015, 92 (1), 96–101. Click here for a link to the paper.
  17. Quiñones, R.; Rodriguez, K.; Iuliucci, R. J. “Investigation of phosphonic acid surface modifications on zinc oxide nanoparticles under ambient conditions”, Thin Solid Films, 2014, 564, 155 – 164. Click here for a link to the paper.
  18. Pacilio J. E.; Tokarski, J. T.; Quiñones, R.; Iuliucci, R. J. “High-Resolution Solid-State NMR: Characterization of Polymorphism in Cimetidine a Pharmaceutical Compound”, J. Chem. Educ., 2014, 91 (8), 1236–1239.` Click here for a link to the paper.

Other Publications

  1. Roy, S.; Quiñones, R.; Matzger, A. “Structural and Physicochemical Aspects of Dasatinib Hydrate and Anhydrate phases”, J. Cryst. Growth Des., 2012, 12 (4), 2122−2126. Click here for a link to the paper.
  2. Lutker, K. M.; Quiñones, R.; Xu, J.; Ramamoorthy, A.; Matzger, A. J., “Polymorphs, and Hydrates of Acyclovir”, J. Pharm. Sci., 2011, 100 (3), 949 – 963. Click here for a link to the paper.
  3. Raman, A.;  Quiñones, R.; Barriger, L.; Eastman, R.; Parsi, A.; Gawalt, E. S. “Understanding Organic Film Behavior on Alloy and Metal Oxides”, Langmuir, 2010, 26 (3), 1747–1754. Click here for a link to the paper.
  4. Lekse, J; Yao, J., Quiñones, R.; Aitken, J. A. “Synthesis, Structure, and Physicochemical Characterization of a Noncentrosymmetric, Quaternary Thiostannate: EuCu2SnS4”,J. Solid State Chem., 2009, 182 (1), 141 – 146. Click here for a link to the paper.
  5. Quiñones, R.; Gawalt, E. S. “Polystyrene Formation on Monolayer-Modified Nitinol Effectively Controls Corrosion”, Langmuir, 2008, 24 (19), 10858 – 10864. Click here for a link to the paper.
  6. Quiñones, R.; Raman, A.; Gawalt, E. S. “Functionalization of nickel oxide using alkylphosphonic acid self-assembled monolayers”, Thin Solid Films, 2008, 516 (23), 8774 – 8781. Click here for a link to the paper.
  7. Quiñones, R.; Gawalt, E. S. “Study of the Formation of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Nitinol”, Langmuir, 2007, 23 (20), 10123 – 10130. Click here for a link to the paper.
  8. Quiñones, R.; Raman, A. Gawalt, E. S. “An approach to differentiating between multi- and monolayers using MALDI-TOF MS” Surf. Interface Anal., 2007, 39 (7), 593 – 600. Click here for a link to the paper.

Technical Presentations

  1. Chemistry seminar, Trinity Washington University, D.C., Sept. 2024, R. Quiñones, “Using chemistry to solve forensic questions” (Oral-invited).
  2. 267th ACS National Meeting, Division Chemical Education session, New Orleans, LA., Mar. 2024, R. Quiñones and A. Casiano, “Caffeine Analysis in weight loss supplements using HPLC: A real-world application activity for undergraduate students” (Oral).
  3. MU AXE seminar, Marshall University, Huntington, W.V. “My Adventure in Industry and How I navigated to my Objective!” (oral-invited)
  4. Biology Department seminar, Marshall University, Huntington, W.V., Feb.2023, “Quantification of Cannabis in Infused Consumer Products and Their Residues on Skin” (oral-invited).
  5. University of Puerto Rico, Humacao, P.R., Oct. 2022, R. Quiñones, “Quantification of Cannabis in Infused Consumer Products and Their Residues on Skin” (oral-invited).
  6. Southeastern Regional Meeting American Chemical Society (SERMACS), San Juan, P.R. Oct. 2022, R. Quiñones, “A “jump” from a Caribbean Island to being a chemistry faculty in the Appalachian” (oral-invited)
  7. Forensic seminar, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, April 2022, R. Quiñones, “Using chemistry to solve forensic questions” (Oral-invited).
  8. 263rd American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting, San Diego, CA, Mar. 2022, R. Quiñones, Anette Casino- Negroni, “Analysis of cannabinoids in lotions using chromatography for analytical courses” (Oral).
  • Chemistry seminar, University of Michigan-Dearborn, MI, Oct. 2019, R. Quiñones, “Templates for inducing polymorphism using patterned self-assembled monolayers approach on metal substrates and fast characterization of polymorphic drugs using solid-state NMR” (Oral-invited).
  • 258th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting, San Diego, CA, Aug. 2019. R. Quiñones, “Comparing free radicals in sunscreen-treated pig skin as revealed by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy” (Oral).
  • 257th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting, Orlando, FL, Apr. 2019. R. Quiñones, “Using clickers for more than just “clicking” things” (Oral).
  • Third Thursday Series at Marshall University, Huntington, WV, Oct. 2018. R. Quiñones, “How Metals Can Be Used to Improve Sunscreens and Pharmaceuticals” (Invited speaker).
  • Renewable Energy in West Virginia: Projects and Prospects in 2016, Huntington, WV, May 12, 2016. “Controlling surface properties of metal oxide to improve solar cell efficiency” (Invited speaker).
  • 245th American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, Aug. 2012. “Controlling Surface Properties of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles using Self-Assembled Monolayer and Polymer Brushes” (Oral).
  • 5th International Symposium on Molecular Materials, Barcelona, Spain, July 2012,

“Controlling Surface Properties of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles using Polymer Brushes” (Poster).

  1. Gordon Research Conference, Colloidal, Macromolecular & Polyelectrolyte Solutions, Ventura, CA, February 2012. “Controlling Surface Properties of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles using Polymer Brushes” (Poster).
  2. 61st Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Orlando, Fl, Mar. 2010. “Structural and Physiochemical Studies on Dasatinib Hydrate and Anhydrate” (Poster).
  3. The University of Michigan AGEP Scholar Seminar Series (MASS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, July 2009. “Structural and Physiochemical Studies on Dasatinib Hydrate and Anhydrate” (Oral).
  4. Scientific Update Conferences- Process Analytical Technologies in Organic Process R&D, Brussels, Belgium, Mar. 2009. “Polymorphs and Hydrates of Acyclovir” (Poster).
  5. Scientific Update Conferences- Process Polymorphism & Crystallization, Brussels, Belgium, Mar. 2009. “Polymorphs and Hydrates of Acyclovir” (Poster).
  6. American Chemical Society National Meeting, Chicago, IL, Mar. 2007. “Study of the Formation of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Nitinol” (Poster).
  7. Society of Biomaterials National Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, April 2006. “Study of the Formation of Self-Assembled Monolayers on Nitinol” (Poster).
  8. Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh-Mass spectrometry, Pittsburgh, PA, December 2006. “An approach to differentiating between multi- and monolayers using MALDI-TOF MS” (Oral).

External Funding

Aug. 2024                       NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Grant for X-ray equipment ($338,657, 3 yrs)

July 2024                         NSF grant for First2 students in collaboration with Fairmont State ($48,000, 2024-2025)

Oct. 2023                        NSF grant for First2 students in collaboration with Fairmont State ($100,000, 2023-2024)

May 2023                        NSF EPSCoR Track 1: West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience and Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT), ($20 million, 2023-2028, educational track, Lead)

Jan. 2023                         Research Challenge Grant (RCG) in collaboration with West Virginia University and funded by WV Higher Education Policy Commission ($100,000, 5 yrs), 2023– 2028

Aug. 2018                       NSF Major Research Instrumentation (MRI) Grant for a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy ($399,999. 3 yrs)

May 2018                        West Virginia EPSCOR NASA SEED Grant ($10,000, 1 yr), 2018 – 2019

Jan. 2018                         Research Challenge Grant (RCG) in collaboration with West Virginia University and funded by WV Higher Education Policy Commission ($100,000, 5 yrs), 2018– 2022

May 2016                        West Virginia EPSCOR NASA SEED Grant ($10,000, 1 yr), 2016 – 2017

May 2013                        West Virginia HEPC Mini–Grant ($5,000, Summer 2013)

Awards, Certifications, and Fellowships

Nov. 2019, 2020,

2222, 2023, and 2024           Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) travel award

2018, 2022                             Phi Kappa Phi Love of Learning Award

2021, 2023                             Recognition for making student success a reality certificate from Marshall University Office of Student Success

2018, 2024                             John Marshall Summer Scholar, Marshall University, WV

2018, 2024                             Distinguished Scholar and Art Award (DASA) of the year as Junior and Senior Faculty in the science field, Marshall University, WV

July 2017                               Gordon Research Conferences’ Predominantly Undergraduate Institution (PUI) Fund to attend the 2017 Dynamics at Surfaces GRC: 07/30– 08/04/2017

2017, 2022                             Quinlan Endowment Fund sponsored by Marshall University, Huntington, WV

2016, 2022                             INCO Foundation Educational Award sponsored by Marshall University, Huntington, WV

July 2015 – 2017                  WV Family Travel Fund sponsored by the Division of Science and Research at the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC), WV State Grant.

May 2015                              Passer Award sponsored by ACS Division of Chemical Education

Oct. 2014 – 2023                 NASA Research Enhancement Travel Award, Huntington, WV

May 2014, 2015                    Faculty in Residence of the Year Award, Housing and Residence Life, Marshall University, Huntington, WV

2014, 2016,                           Marshall University (MU) Faculty ADVANCE Travel Award, Huntington, WV

2017, 2018, 2019, 2022      

May 2013                              Research Honor Award in Chemistry for Kate Rodriguez who graduated from Washington and Jefferson College

      2012, 2013                              Honorable Mention Award, Research abstract submission for CUR’s Posters on the Hill Symposium, Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), Washington, D.C.

      Feb. 2012                                Carl Storm Underrepresented Minority (CSURM) Fellowship, Participation in 2012 Colloidal, Macromolecular & Polyelectrolyte Solutions GRC, Ventura, CA

   2011 – 2013                           National Science Foundation (NSF) Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Washington &                                  Jefferson College, Washington, PA

      May 2010                               2010 Biotechnology Minority Fellowship, Biotechnology Institute, Arlington, VA

      2008 – 2010                          Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Postdoctoral Research                  Fellowship, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

      2004 – 2008                          Bayer Fellowship, Ph.D. Graduate Studies, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA

Workshops and Conferences Attended

May 2024          ACS Colloid and Surface Chemistry Division strategic planning, New York, NY

June 2022          Crystal Engineering, Gordon Research Conference, Newry, ME

June 2022          11th International Colloid Conference, Lisboa, Portugal

May 2022          Cannabis Science Conference, Long Beach, CA

April 2022         Society of Toxicology, San Diego, CA

Feb. 2020          American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Anaheim, CA

July 2019           14th material chemistry conference from the Royal Society of Chemistry, Birmingham, UK

2019, 2014        American Chemical Society Institute, TX, GA

July 2017           Active Learning in Analytical Chemistry, sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Indiana University, IN

July 2017           Dynamics at Surfaces, Gordon Research Conference, Salve Regina University, Newport, RI

June 2016          Chemistry Collaborations, Workshops and Community of Scholars (cCWCS) workshop: Art as Context for General Chemistry, sponsored by the NSF, Wall Walla, WA

April 2016         Postdoc to PUI Professor (P3) Workshop, Early-Faculty mentor, Sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Greenville, SC

July 2015           Chemistry Collaborations, Workshops and Community of Scholars (cCWCS) workshop: Materials Science and Nanotechnology, sponsored by the NSF, Beloit, WI

Dec. 2014          National Science Foundation (NSF) Day, sponsored by the NSF, Baltimore, MD

Nov. 2014          Beginning a Research Program in the Natural Sciences at a Predominantly Undergraduate Institution Institute, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research, Greensboro, NC.

Feb. 2012          Colloidal, Macromolecular & Polyelectrolyte Solutions, Gordon Research Conference, Four

                           Points Sheraton / Holiday Inn Express, Ventura, CA

April 2011         First Biennial Midwest “Preparing Postdocs for Undergraduate Faculty Careers in Chemistry”,

                           “Postdoc to PUI Prof” Workshop, sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and

                           National Science Foundation (NSF), Hope College, Holland, MI

April 2010         Michigan AGEP Scholars Seminar (MASS) 2010 Research Symposium titled “Impacts of

                           Research on a Diverse Society” ” sponsored by the Alliance for Graduate Education and the

                           Professoriate (AGEP), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI

Oct. 2009           16th Annual Compact for Faculty Diversity Institute on Teaching and Mentoring Compact for

                           Faculty Diversity C/O SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program, Representing the Alliance for

                           Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), sponsored by the National Science

                           Foundation (NSF), Arlington, VA

May 2009          Michigan AGEP Alliance Writing Spring Conference, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI

Oct. 2008           Preparing Future Faculty Conference: Getting Ready for an Academic Career, sponsored by Rackham Graduate School, the Career Center, the Center for the Education of Women, and

                           Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI

Professional Affiliations

  • Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (nominated and endorsed), Member, 2018 – Present
    • Communications Officer, 2000 – 2022
  • American Chemical Society, Member, 2000 – Present
    • ACS Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry; Treasurer (2024- Present- appointed), Member-at-Large (2020 and 2023- 3yr appointed), Active Member and Poster Judge
  • Central Ohio Valley ACS (COVACS) Section, 2013 – Present
    • Treasurer (2024 – Present)
    • Councilor (2023 – 2026)
    • Alternate Councilor (3 yrs. term, 2019-2022)
    • Elect-Chair (2020)
    • Chair-Elect (2014, 2018)
    • Former Chair (2015)
    • Nominating Committee Chair (2016-2017)
  • Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Fraternity, Member, 2014 – Present
  • Sigma Delta Epsilon, Graduate Women in Science (GWIS), Member, 2015 – 2020
    • Fellowship Reviewer
    • GWIS Public Relations Committee member
  • American Association of University Women (AAUW), Member, 2015 – 2020
  • Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh, Member, 2006 – 2018

Service

  • American Chemical Society ACS Bridge Project, mentor, 2020 and 2021.
  • Co-Director of WV Science Olympiad and organizer of the Chemistry and Forensic competitions, February 2015 – Present.
  • Faculty Advisor for the MU Optometry Club, Fall 2015 – 2020.
  • Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, Chemistry High School Judge, Pittsburgh, PA, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021.
  • Judged chemistry category at Chesapeake Science Fair, Lawrence County Science Fair, District 14 Ohio Science Fair 2017 – Present.
  • Faculty panelist, “Postdoc to Faculty Workshop” (P2F, invited) at the ACS National Meetings, August 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024.
  • Early faculty panelist, Postdoc to PUI Professor Workshop (P3, invited), 2016 and 2018.
  • Member of search committee: Stockroom Manager, Residence Director, Vice President of Student Affairs, Chemistry Faculty.
  • Referee/Reviewer: Journal of Forensic Science, ACS Analytical Chemistry, Applied Science, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Chemical Research in Toxicology, Crystals, Inorganic Chemistry, Journal of Chemical Education, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Journal of Chemical Education, Langmuir, Materials, National Science Foundation (NSF), ACS Petroleum Research Fund (PRF).
  • Seminar, internship, and capstone coordinator of the Chemistry Department, Fall 2014 – Summer 2017.
  • Usher, Marshall University Spring Commencement, May 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
  • West Virginia Academy of Science, Chemistry department member, April 2016.
  • You Be the Chemist® Challenge Content Development Team, Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), November 2013 – 2020.
  • Faculty – in Residence at Holderby, Buskirk, and Twin Tower West Residence Halls, Marshall University, August 2013 – July 2016.
  • Faculty speaker (invited), Outstanding Intercultural Students Weekend, Sponsored by Academic Affairs, November 2014, 2015, and 2016.
  • 73rd, 74th, and76th Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF), Chemistry Intermediate Judge, Pittsburgh, PA, Mar. 2012, 2013, and 2015.
  • 1st Science Fair, chemistry elementary Judge, Young Scholars of Western PA Charter School, Pittsburgh, PA, May 9, 2012.

Technical Proficiency

  • Expertise in analytical and instrumental characterization using: FT-IR, MALDI-TOF MS, AFM, ICP-OES, HPLC, AAS, Contact angle measurements, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, spectrofluorometer, DSC, and TGA
  • Experience using SS-NMR, NMR, GC, ESI-MS, PXRD, SEM, ellipsometer, DLS, zeta potential, and EIS
  • Organic synthesis experience-hydrolysis, hydrogenation, hydroxamic acid formation, Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction
  • Computer Knowledge: Windows, Microsoft Office, Chem. Finder, Chem. Pro, Graph Prism, Sigma Plot,  Origin, Mercury, Jade, Area Max2, LIMS, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop), Spartan, Gaussian 03, Gaussian View, Argus Lab, ACD/NMR Processor, Mercury, Material Studio, MetReNOVA-NMR, online course management tools (Sakai, Teams, and Blackboard)
  • Oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish