Fall 2012

• Scott Blackburn (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak): “Development of silicone copolymers for use in flexible electronic displays” (platform) and “Synthesis of a series of silicone copolymers” (poster).
• Andrea Brown (Mentor: Dr. Hallen): “An analysis of The Pine Forest Anoxic Limestone Drainage System and its effectiveness”.
• Hannah L. Cronk (Mentor: Dr. Osburn): “Rh(I) complexes of non-innocent pincer ligand bearing thioester and N-heterocyclic carbine donors”.
• Conor Flynn (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak): “Using TGA as a cost effective evaluation of flame retardants in PVC”.
• Graham Goulding (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak) “Synthesis of conjugated organoborane polymers for use in organic solar cells”.
• Christopher Houser (Mentor: Dr. Hawrelak): “Cobalt catalyzed production of aromatics using C6F5CpCo(CO)2”.
• Matthew Miele (Mentor: Dr. Zimmerman): “Determination of solid-liquid phase diagrams of organic binary mixtures using differential scanning calorimetry”.
• Owen O’Sullivan (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak): “Preparation of silica filled elastomers for flexible electronic displays”.
• Jacob Powell (Mentor: Dr. Zimmerman): “Conductivities of aqueous solutions of lanthanum chloride from 25 to 75°C”.
• Amanda Pritzlaff (Mentor: Dr. Borland): “Defining the receptor- and ligand-dependent functions of PPARγ on cell proliferation and metastasis in human malignant melanoma”.
• Franklin Rodemeer (Mentor: Dr. Hallen): “Influence of oneide #3 acid mine drainage and passive limestone treatment system on Little Tomhicken Creek in Luzerne County, PA”.
• Gene Tunney (Mentor: Dr. Pugh): “Analysis of gunshot residue using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer.”
• Ariana Winder (Mentors: Drs. Alaparthi and Pugh): Factors affecting percutaneous cholecystostomy success in high risk population with acute cholecystitis”.

Spring 2012

• Alan J. Shaffer, “Synthesis of Novel N,N'-(2-alkyl)aryl-imidazol-2-inium halide salts, Precursors of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes”. Mentor: Dr. John Morgan (Bloomsburg University)
• Adam D. Miller, “Exploration of Heterobimetallic Complexes of Chromium and Cobalt”. REU at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Mentor: Dr. Connie C. Lu.
• Jerome D. Roscioli, “Predicting Transport Properties at High Temperature and Pressure”. Mentor: Dr. Gregory Zimmerman (Bloomsburg University).
• Jerome D. Roscioli, “Imaging Babesia bovis Infected Erythrocytes And Free Parasites Using Atomic Force Microscopy”. REU at Washington State University. Mentors: Dr. Louis Scudiero and Dr. Carlos Suarez.
• Jarid M. Metz, “Synthesis and Reactivity Studies on the Polynuclear Metal Cluster Os3(CO)10[1,2-p-tolylS(C6H4)PPh2]”. REU at University of North Texas. Mentor: Dr. Michael G. Richmond.
• Jordan N. Metz, ”Novel Solid Nano-Particles for Low Temperature Selective Synthesis of Methyl Levulinate from Carbohydrates and Biomass Resources”. REU at University of Connecticut. Mentor: Dr. Steven Suib.
• Chris L. Houser, “Surface Deacetylation of Chitin Nanocrystals”. REU at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Mentor: Dr. Maren Roman.

Summer 2012 Research Students:

• Brandon Brown (Mentor: Dr. Bell). Research for credit.
• Scott Blackburn (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak) Funded by URSCA.
• Hannah Cronk (Mentor: Dr. Osburn) Funded by URSCA
• Conor Flynn (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak) Research for credit.
• Graham Goulding (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak) Kozloff Scholarship
• Reid Lennon (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak) Grant funded
• Matt Miele (Mentor: Dr. Zimmerman) Funded by URSCA and credit
• Owen O’Sullivan (Mentor: Dr. Tapsak)
• Jacob Powell (Mentor: Dr. Zimmerman) Funded by URSCA and credit
• Amanda Pritzlaff (Mentor: Dr. Bell)
• Franklin Rodemer (Mentor: Dr. Hallen)
• Gene Tunney (Mentor: Dr. Pugh)
• Jessica Viscomi (Mentor: Dr. Bell) Research for credit

Summer 2012 Research Presentations:

Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Research Conference held at the Henry Hood Center for Health Research, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA on August 2, 2012

Students Presenters:

• Matt Miele (Chemistry and Biochemistry): “Determination of Solid-Liquid and Vapor-Liquid Phase Diagrams of Oranic Binary Mixtures using Differential Scanning Colorimetry”. Mentor: Dr. Gregory Zimmerman.
• Ariana Winder (Chemistry and Biochemistry): “Percutaneous Cholecystostomy in Patients with High Risk Acute Cholecystitis”. Mentors: Mohanbabu Alaparthi MD, John Semian MD, Mohsen Shabahang MD, Nicole Woll PhD, Joseph Blansfield MD (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville PA).
• Franklin Rodemer (Chemistry and Biochemistry): “Water Quality in the Tomhicken Creek”. Co-mentors: Dr. Chris Hallen (Chemistry) and Dr. Cynthia Venn (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences).

Faculty Co-mentors:

• Robert S. Kresch (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences): "Geochemistry of byer's Island, Susquehanna River". Co-mentors: Dr. Chris Hallen (Chemistry) and Dr. Cynthia Venn (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences).
• Samantha Pfister (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences): "Geochemical Baseline Study of Ten Stream Sites in the Briar Creek Watershed (Columbia County, PA) and Relation to Land Use and Geology of the Surrounding Area". Co-mentors: Dr. Chris Hallen (Chemistry) and Dr. Cynthia Venn (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences).
• Kristen Venditti (Biological and Allied Health Sciences): "Annual Snapshot #4: Susquehanna River Water Chemistry at Milton, Danville, Watsontown, and Shady Nook, Pennsylvania". Co-mentors: Dr. Chris Hallen (Chemistry) and Dr. Cynthia Venn (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences).
• Kendi Waltemyer (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences): "A Study of Alexander Caverns: Structural Geology and Water Chemistry". Co-mentors: Dr. Chris Hallen (Chemistry) and Dr. Cynthia Venn (Envionmental, Geographical and Geological Sciences).

Spring 2011

• Adam Miller “Preparation of a (Pentafluorophenyl)cyclopentadienyliron(I)carbonyl dimer” with Dr. Eric Hawrelak
• Edward Cass “NMR Kinetics Study of the Biodiesel Formation Reaction Catalyzed by N-Heterocyclic CarbeneOrganocatalysts” with Dr. John Morgan
• Hannah Cronk “Extraction and Analysis of Lavender Oil from Pennsylvania-Grown Lavendula augustifolia for use in Fragrances” with Dr. Toni Trumbo Bell
• Dustin Hunsinger “Development and Optimization of a Plate Assay for Thrombin Activity” with Dr. Garland Crawford
• Jarid Metz “Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry of Hemilabile Pincer Ligands Containing N-Heterocyclic Carbenes” with Dr. Philip L. Osburn
• Ken Myers “Synthesis and Coordination Chemistry of Hemilabile Pincer Ligands Containing N-Heterocyclic Carbenes” with Dr. Philip L. Osburn
• Laura Kaldon “Synthesis of polyisobutylene-supported imidazolium carboxylates as carbene transfer agents” with Dr. Philip L. Osburn
• Ben McFadden “Synthesis of a vegetable-oil-based thermoplastic polyester” with Dr. Mark Tapsak
• Jacquelyn North “Inhibition Kinetics of ISPR and LSPR with Thrombin” with Dr. Toni Trumbo Bell
• Jon Stewart “Synthesis of a vegetable-oil-based thermoplastic polyamide” with Dr. Mark Tapsak

Fall 2010

• Ben McFadden "Synthesis of a vegetable oil based thermoplastic polyester " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Jon Stewart "Synthesis of a vegetable-oil-based thermoplastic polyamide " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Alan Shaffer "Developing a better biodiesel synthesis catalyst using new N-heterocyclic carbene adducts. " with Dr. John Morgan.
• Ed Cass "NMR kinetics of biodiesel formation using new N-heterocyclic carbene adducts. " with Dr. John Morgan.

Summer 2010

• Jarid Metz "Synthesis and anionic polymerization of 4,5-benzo-2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-1-oxa-2,7-disilacycloheptane " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Jordan Metz "Synthesis and anionic polymerization of 5,6,8,9-dibenzo-2,2,12,12-
  tetramethyl-1-oxa-2,12-disilacyclododecan-7-one " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Brandon West "Synthesis and anionic polymerization of 4,6-benzo-2,2,8,8-tetramethyl-1-oxa-2,8-disilacyclooctane " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Alan Shaffer "Developing a better biodiesel synthesis catalyst using new N-heterocyclic carbene adducts. " with Dr. John Morgan.

Spring 2010

• Greg Barber "Phase characterization of oligomerized triacyl glyceride blended into mineral oil " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Scott Radzinski "Material characterization of compound refractive lenses after exposure to high energy x-rays " with Dr. Mark Tapsak.

Fall 2009

• Adam Skibinski "Comparison of Thrombin Interactions between Fibrinopeptide B and a Peptide Model of Fibrinopeptide B" with Dr. Toni Bell.
• Scott Radzinski "Material characterization of compound refractive lenses after exposure to high energy x-rays" with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Greg Barber "Phase characterization of oligomerized triacyl glyceride blended into mineral oil" with Dr. Mark Tapsak.

Summer 2009

• Michael Eyerly "Water Quality along the Susquehanna River – From Wilkes Barre to Selinsgrove" with Dr. Christopher Hallen.
• Allison Hirsch "Inhibition of Thrombin by ISPR, a Soluble Factor V Peptide Analog" with Dr. Toni Bell.
• Alan Weaver "Development of GC methods for the analysis of BU produced biodiesel" with Dr. Mark Tapsak.
• Daniel Erb "Identifying Microsatellite Sequences in bay scallop DNA" with Dr. Michael Pugh.

Spring 2009

• Jonathan Shrimp “NMR Kinetics of Alcohol acylation using N-Heterocyclic Carbene Chloroform Adducts as Organocatalysts”with Dr. John Morgan.
• Dmitriy Mayorov “Finding An Equation for L° To Describe Hydrochloric Acid Solutions to 579 K and 100 MPa”with Dr. Gregory Zimmerman. 
• Dan Bertschman “Development of a non-polar polymer support for use in the syntheses of small molecule libraries”with Dr. Philip Osburn.
• Andrew Schmidt  “Efforts toward the synthesis of iridium pincer complexes of saturated NHC ligands”with Dr. Philip Osburn.
• Courtney Masser “Efforts toward the synthesis of pincer-type bis(NHC) iridium complexes” with Dr. Philip Osburn.
• Deborah Hunsberger “Comparison of Abandoned Mine Drainage at Big Mine Run (Schuylkill Co) and Stirling Discharge in Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania” with Dr. Christopher Hallen.

Fall 2008

• Brian Caiazzo “Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of the Conditions that Influence the Rate of Dimerization of L-Cysteine” with Dr. Gregory Zimmerman.
• Dimitry Mayorov “Determination of the First Ionization Constant of Serine by Flow Electrical Conductance” with Dr. Gregory Zimmerman.
• Jonathan Shrimp “Kinetics Study on an N-Heterocyclic Carbene Chloroform Adduct as an Acylation Catalyst” with Dr. John Morgan.
• Andrew Sibley “The Improved Room Temperature Production of Biodiesel using an N-Heterocyclic Carbene Chloroform Adduct as Catalyst”, with Dr. John Morgan.
• Evan Thursby “Viscosity Characterization of Oligomerized Vegetable Oil Blended with either Vegetable Oil or Mineral Oil”, with Dr. Mark A. Tapsak.

Summer 2008

• Ozzia Harvey “Investigating inhibition of thrombin”, with Dr. Toni Trumbo Bell.
• Bryan Levine “Construction and operation of a small-scale biodiesel plant”, with Dr. Mark A. Tapsak.
• Jessica Pursel “Investigation of catalytic properties of Organocobalt Complexes for the Production of Substituted Pyridines”, with Dr. Eric J. Hawrelak.
• Broc Wenrich “Bradford assay interference: Binding of Coomassie blue G-250 to DNA”, with Dr. Toni Trumbo Bell.
• Corey Wertz “Oligomerization of Vegetable Oil Using a Ruthenium Catalyzed Cross-Metathesis Reaction”, with Dr. Mark A. Tapsak.

Spring 2008

• Sarah Leshinski "Investigation of the Catalytic Activity of (Pentafluorophenyl)cyclopentadienylcobalt cyclooctadiene," with Dr. Eric J. Hawrelak
• Heather Pursel "Two Different Paths to the Same Goal: Unnatural Amino Acids vs. Unnatural Metal Ion Complexes for Cancer Treatment and Other Applications," with Dr. John Morgan
• Shanna Quinn "Identifying Individuality Among New England Bay Scallops Using Microsatellite Sequences," with Dr. Michael Pugh
• Kaitlyn Sanders "Studies Toward the Preparation of Copper(II) Species with Hydrogn Bonding Donors/Acceptors in the Outer Sphere of the Metal Ion," with Dr. John Morgan
• Colleen Small "Water Analysis of Bow Creek Fen in Mountaintop (Luzerne County), PA," with Dr. Christopher Hallen
• Scott Swank "Preparation of Organosilane Monomers for the Production of Polycarbosilane Polymers," with Dr. Eric J. Hawrelak
• Kevin Weikert "Analysis of Creatine in Biological Samples," with Dr. Mark Tapsak