Carroll Chemistry Newsletter - Fall 2023
Have you ever wondered if your Moscow Mule cocktail is leaching copper from its mug? Please join professors Caroline Pharr and John Rowley for some answers as they present the results from their publication titled: Quantifying the Rate Copper Leaches from a Copper Drinking Vessel into Simulated Beverages Under Conditions of Consumer Use.
The presentation is designed for a general audience and will cover the rate, total amount, and mechanism of copper leaching for this popular drink.
Additionally, they will discuss the innovative class structure of the Integrated Lab that allowed nine undergraduate co-authors to make meaningful experimental and intellectual contributions to the publication.
Please join us on Friday, September 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm in Wiegand Amphitheater / Simperman 101/102 (#12 on map).
Please visit the 2023 Homecoming and Family Weekend webpage to learn about other events happening that weekend.
Summer Research Update – Pharr Lab
Professor Pharr mentored rising senior Tyler Dailey on a research project focused on the synthesis and study of reactive organic intermediates called carbenes. Carbenes are abundant in interstellar space and are also prominent in carbon-carbon bond forming reactions to make chemicals we use every day including pharmaceuticals, plastics, and polymers.
I was most surprised by how much fun I had performing the research! I learned how to hone my laboratory skills, solve problems independently, and set quantifiable goals in order to maintain efficiency and efficacy in a laboratory setting. The project became an insightful learning experience rather than simply a job or an assignment.
I highly recommend anyone who is thinking about participating in research to do so! It allows one to develop laboratory skills and dive deep into chemistry and how it can be applied to an abundance of real-world applications.
~ Tyler Dailey, Chemistry, Class of 2024
Dr. Pharr and Tyler will travel to New Orleans, LA, this coming spring to present their work at the National American Chemical Society, which attracts more than 10,000 scientists from all around the world.
This research project was funded by the generous donation of Bill '73 and Diana Beaulieu, and the Bugni Endowed Professorship and Paul Scholarship at Carroll College.
Summer Research Update – Coates Lab
My name is Charlie Markham. I am a junior majoring in chemistry at Carroll College and I was one of the chemistry students who participated in summer research here on campus.
I conducted research with Professor Coates. Our research topic was trying to determine if a local water source was contaminated from acid mine drainage. We tested for seventeen contaminants, including cyanide. I learned how to use different instruments, such as the ICP (inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission) spectrometer, about chemical safety, and all about method development.
I found a new appreciation for doing research on my own.
I would one hundred percent recommend that other students participate in some kind of research. It not only helps you understand and learn more about the chemical and science side of things, but it also helps build relationships with professors and students alike that you can take with you for the rest of your life.
~ Charlie Markham, Chemistry, Class of 2025