Past seminars



DATE                     

SPEAKER  PRESENTATION TITLE
Jul 27, 2023

Nirvana Almada (MS Thesis defense)

"Development of a PNN Pincer Ligand and Its Iron and Cobalt Complexes for Selective Catalytic Amide Synthesis" by Zoom
April 21, 2023

Dr. Qun Huo, Professor of Chemistry, University of Central Florida  

"A Nanoparticle-Enabled Immunity Test to Detect and Monitor the Immune Status in Humans and Animals" by Zoom
April 14, 2023

Dr. Jack Barbera, Professor of Chemistry Education, Portland State University                     

"From items to inferences: The development and evaluation of education research assessment instruments" at SCI 1191
Mar 24, 2023

Toyin Akinleye (MS Thesis defense)                                                         

"Comparison of Raman and surface FT-IR to determine the orientation of α-synuclein(61-95) in monolayer" at SCI 1191
Mar 14, 2023
 

Dr. Natalie LaFranzo, Board Member of Directors of ACS                       

"Allyship, Advocacy, and the Future of STEM: Where do I fit in? " at SCI 1003 at 6:00 pm
Mar 13, 2023

Dr. Natalie LaFranzo, Board Member of Directors of ACS

"Beyond the Bench – Bringing Together Business, Chemistry, and Creativity"at SCI 1006 at 6:00 pm
Feb 24, 2023

Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross, Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, MTSU         

"Mentors Matter.  What we have learned from ACS, OXIDE, TGIS, NGCP and MWM" at SCI 1191
Feb 17, 2023

Dr. Wei Li, Distinguished Professor at University of Tennessee HSC       

"The discovery of a new generation of tubulin inhibitors that overcome taxane resistance" at SCI 1191
Feb. 10, 2023

Dr. Katy Hosbein, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, MTSU                         

"Science identity development as an avenue for belonging in STEM" at SCI 1191
Feb. 3, 2023

Dr. Souvik Banerjee, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, MTSU                       

"Design and Development of Small Molecule Colchicine Binding Site Inhibitors for the treatment of Resistant Metastatic Cancers" at SCI 1191
Nov. 28,
2022

Biliquis Yetunde Bintinlaiye (MS thesis defense)
"Forensic Identification of Red Dyes on Fabric Fibers Using Raman Microscopy and Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Coupled with Microwave Assisted Micro-Extraction" in SCI 3107 at 10:00AM
Nov. 11,
2022
 

Dr. Rebecca Pinals, Massachussetts Institute of Technology
"Engineering at the Nano-Bio Interface: Protein Corona Formation on Carbon Nanotube-Based Sensors" by Zoom
(Host: Dr. Charles Chusuei)
Nov 4,
2022
 

Dr. Thanh Do, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
"Investigate Biomolecular Structures with Mass Spectrometry & Crystallography” 2.”Cyclosporines: New Stories From an Old Molecule"
Oct 28,
2022
 

Christopher Ewuola (MS thesis defense)
"The Surface Behavior of Segmental Peptides of α-Synuclein in the Presence and Absence of Phospholipids by Langmuir Monolayer and Surface FT-IR Techniques" 
Oct 21,
2022
 

Dr. Yujun Zheng, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
University of Georgia, Athens
"Two Tales of Sulfur-Activated Chemistry in Biological System" at SCI 1191 (Host: Chengshan Wang)
Oct 14,
2022
 

Dr. Weiwei Zheng, Syracuse University

"From Impurities to Functionality: Doping in Nanocrystals" By Zoom (Host: Dr. Keying Ding)
Sept 16,
2022
 

Dr. Keying Ding , MTSU Chemistry Department
"Switching Synthesis Between Borrowing Hydrogen and Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Coupling by a Molecular Cobalt Catalyst"
Sept 9,
2022
 

Dr. Kevin Bicker, MTSU Chemistry Department
"High-throughput discovery and development of antifungal peptoids"
Sept 2,
2022
 

Dr. Mengliang Zhang, MTSU Chemistry Department
"Tenure Tour: New Insights into the Forensic Chemistry and Nano Materials with DART-MS"
Aug 26, 2022
 

Dr. Charles Chusuei, "Welcome returning MS Chemistry students!"
Jul 27,
2022

Katelynn Farmer (MS thesis defense)
"Cobalt-Catalyzed Beta-Methylation of Alcohols by
Methanol"
Apr 15,
2022


Dr. Emmanuel Rowe, Engineering Technol. Dept, MTSU
"Vertical Bridgman Growth of Halides and Li Containing
Chalcogenides for Nuclear Spectroscopy"
Apr 8,
2022


Beth Anderson (MS thesis defense)
"Fluorescent Characterization of the Vanillin Aurone"
(Thesis advisor: Dr. Justin Miller

Mar 4, 2022


Dr. Lei Yang, U. of Central Arkansas
"Bioinspired Mixed-valence Copper Complexes"
(Host: Dr. Keying Ding) on Zoom 3:15 PM
Mar 3, 2022


Dr. Kelly Elkins, Towson University
"Next Generation Sequencing DNA Analysis of Historic
Period Human Remains"
Mar 2, 2022
Dr. Kelly Elkins, Towson University
"The ACS DEIR Statement and Strategies for Creating an
Inclusive Classroom"


Feb 25, 2022


Dr. Yan Yu, Indiana University
"Does Surface Anisotropy of Nanoparticles Matter in
Nano-Bio Interactions?" 


Feb 18, 2022


Dr. Lu Liu, University of Tennessee-Space Institute
"Iron Nanoparticle Synthesis and Surface Modifications
for Biomedical Applications"

Dec 1,
2021


O. Theresa Ayangbola (MS thesis defense)
"A Comparative Study of an Expository Laboratory Using Two Different Instructional Approach: Explain before Experiment or Explain after Experiment" 

Nov 19,
2021
Dr. Marvin J. Meyers, Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, St. Louis University "Progress Towards a Novel Drug to Treat Cryptosporidiosis"


Nov 12,
2021

Mr. Ifeanyi Nwobodo (MS thesis defense)
"Evaluation of Shell-Derived CaO Catalyst for Ultrasonication-Assisted Synthesis of Biodiesel"


Nov 5,
2021

Ms. Erin Yeatts (MS thesis defense)
"Structure-Activity Relationship Study of Antimicrobial Peptoids Against Cryptococcus neoformans"


Oct 29,
2021
Dr. Wasim Mondal, MTSU Physics and Astronomy Department
"Revisiting the VO2 Puzzle"
(Host: Prof. Jing Kong)


Oct 22,
2021
Ms. Virginia Benefield (MS thesis defense)
"Characterization of Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Wildfire Smoke"

Oct 15, 2021
Dr. Evan Joslin, Department of Chemistry, Sewanee-University of the South
"Ru(II) Complexes for Transfer Hydrogenation and Amine Dehydrogenation"

Oct 8, 
2021
Ms. Marriah Gonzalez (MS thesis defense)
"Evaluation of the Impact of Salt Concentration on Poly(aspartic acid) Hydrolase-2 Structure
and Function"

Sept 17,
2021

 Dr. Justin Miller (tenure talk)
MTSU Department of Chemistry
"From Large- to Small-Scale: Understanding the Role of Conformational Motions in Protease Function"

Sept 10,
2021
Dr. Yolanda Vasquez, Department of Chemistry, Oklahoma State University
"A Soft Lithography Method to Generate Arrays of Microstructures on Hydrogel Surfaces "

Sept 3, 
2021
Dr. Paul S. Cremer, Department of Chemistry, Penn State University
“Metallomembranes: Exploring the Interactions of Transition Metal Ions with Lipid Bilayers”

July 19,
2021

Mr. Ricardo Castillo (MS thesis defense)
"Parkinson's Disease: Surface Spectroscopy Analyzation of Various Alpha-Synuclein Segments and Isotopes"
July 7,
2021		 Ms. Ashton Stowe (MS thesis defense)
"Solubility Study of Various α-Synuclein Peptide Segments Using Raman Spectroscopy" 

June 28,
2021

Mr. Olatunji Adeyeye (MS thesis defense)
"A Prussian Blue Cobalt Oxide Carbon Nanotube Composite for Homovanillic Acid Detection"
Apr 29,
2021		 Ms. Kami Dyer (MS thesis defense)
"Extraction Characterization and Monosaccharide Composition Comparison of Polysaccharides Extracted from Cannabis sativa Cherry Hemp Root and Fedora 17 Hemp Leaves"
Apr 23, 2021 Dr. Frank D. Blum, Oklahoma State University
"Room Temperature Polymerization in Concentrated Emulsion Gels"
Apr 20, 2021 Ms. Robbie Humphries (MS thesis defense)
"Microwave Synthesis of Phosphorus Based Flame Retardants"
Apr 9,
2021		 Dr. D. Howard Fairbrother, Johns Hopkins University
"Environmental Technology: A Chemistry Perspective"
Apr 7,
2021		 Ms. Mary Tran (MS thesis defense)
"Conversion of a Short Lipopeptoid into Longer Non-lipidated Repeat Peptoids with Improved Activity"
Apr 7,
2021		 Mr. Nosakhare Igie (MS thesis defense)
"Development of Phytochemical Extraction Methods Using Microwave and Ultrasonication Techniques"
Apr 2,
2021		 Dr. Roger M. Leblanc, University of Miami
"Versatile Carbon Dots: Syntheses, Characterizations and Applications"
Mar 26, 2021 Mr. Avraz Anwar (MS thesis defense)
"Novel Synthesis of Cyclopropyl Peptiodomimetics as 20S Proteasome Inhibitors"

Mar 19, 2021

 Dr. Guoqi Zhang, Department of Sciences
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
City University of New York (CUNY)
"Base Metal Complexes of Pincer-Type Ligands for Reduction Catalysis" 
(Host: Prof. Keying Ding)
Feb 26, 2021

Dr. Michelle Personick, Wesleyan University
“Growing Model Catalysts Through the Tailored Design of Shaped Bimetallic Nanoparticles”

Feb 12, 2021

Dr. Eric Mazur, Harvard University
"Subcellular Surgery and Nanosurgery"
Nov 23, 2020

Ms. Daniela Taylor (MS thesis defense)
"Development of a Multi-Spectral Scheme for Identifying Color Dyes and Their Toxicity Properties"
Nov 20, 2020 Mr. Nawaraj Karki (MS thesis defense)
"Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine with p-Doped Silicon Nanowires"
Nov 13, 2020 Dr. Amitava Choudhury, Missouri University of Science & Technology
"In search for Cost-Effective High Energy Density Rechargeable Batteries: From Lithium Ion to Sodium Ion and Cation Redox to Anion Redox"
Nov 6, 2020 Dr. Daniel L. Baker, University of Memphis
"Toward Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor Ligand Discovery: Collaborative Computational Benchmarking Efforts"
Oct 16, 2020 Dr. Carson Prevatte, MTSU Chem Dept
"The Discovery, Synthesis, and Characterization of Biological Signaling Molecules and Signaling Disruptors"
Oct 9,
2020		 Dr. Tianning Diao, New York University
"The Persistence of Nickel Radicals as Cross-Coupling Intermediates"
(Host: Dr. Keying Ding
Oct 2,
2020		 Dr. Michael Shatruk, Florida State University
"Exploring Magnetic Bistability in Molecular Materials: Spin Crossover, Light-Induced Radical Trapping, and Plastic Phases"
Sept 25, 2020 Dr. Xuanzhi Zhan, Tennessee Tech University
"Molecular Recognition in MAPK Cascades"
Sep 18, 2020 Dr. Bill Wuest, Emory University
"Slaying Superbugs One Natural Product at a Time"
(Host: Dr. Kevin Bicker)
Aug 10, 2020 Mr. Lucas Bryant (MS thesis defense)
"Cobalt-catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Homocoupling of Secondary Alcohols to Ketones"
July 6,
2020		 Mr. Justin Marsee (MS thesis defense)
"Furthering the Understanding of MtbClpS Regulation of MtbClpC1 as it Relates to Structure and Function"
July 2,
2020		 Mr. Mustapha Abdulmojeed (MS thesis defense)
"Tuning Photophysical Properties in Closo-decaborane Derivatives"
Apr 10, 2020 Ms. Angelica Aguila (MS thesis defense)
"Design and Identification of Antiomicrobial Peptoids Against the ESKAPE Pathogens"
Feb 28,
2020		 Dr. Ken Shimizu, Department of Chemistry, University of South Carolina
"Study of Weak Non-covalent Interactions Using Molecular Rotors and Molecular Balances" (Host: Dr. Greg Rushton)

Feb 7,
2020

Dr. Suman Neupane, MTSU Physics Department
"Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Nanomaterials Including Carbon Nanotubes and Iron Oxide"

Dec 2, 2019

Mr. Adekunle Akinmola (MS thesis defense)
"Kinetic Study of Ion Exchange Reactions with II-VI Quantum Dots"

Nov 20,
2019

 Mr. Roderick Moore (MS thesis defense)
"Mechanism of Nucleoside Hydrolase Isolated from Alaska Pea Seeds"

Nov 8, 2019

  Dr. Saeed Kamali, MTSU Physics Department
"Applying Mössbauer Spectroscopy as an Assay to Assist Hyperthermia"

Nov  1, 2019

Dr. Amanda Frossard, Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia
"Characterization of Surfactants in Aerosol Particles and Their Influence on Clouds"

Oct 25, 2019

 Dr. Hanna Terletska, MTSU Physics Department
"Understanding Quantum Material Challenges Using Computers"

Oct 22, 2019

Dr. Charles Lake, Indiana University of Pennsyslvania"Investigating the Crystalline Structure of Na2(Zn,Co)SiO4 and Ag2CdGeS4, Using Synchrotrons, Neutrons and Anomalous Dispersion" (Host: Dr. Tibor Koritsanszky)
Sep 13,
2019		 Dr. Warren Beck, Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University
"Photochemistry of Carotenoids in Photosynthesis"
(Host: Dr. Greg Van Patten)

Aug 30, 2019

 Mr. Martin Cole (MSE PhD defense)
"The Effect of Adding Relevant and Irrelevant Visual Images to an Animation of an Oxidation-Reduction Reaction on Students’ Conceptual Understanding"
May 28, 2019

Mr. Bedraj Pandey (MS thesis defense)
"Cobalt Catalyzed Acceptorless Dehydrogenative Homocoupling of Primary Alcohols into Esters"
Apr 19, 2019 Dr. Hairon Guan, Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati 
"Designing Hydrogenation Catalysts with Earth-Abundant Metals"
** GOLDEN GOGGLES SEMINAR **
Apr 11, 2019 Mr. Conrad Lewis (MS thesis defense)
"Analyzing Static Correlation Using Atomic Populations of Effectively Localized Electrons (APELE)"
Apr 5,
2019		 Dr. Tamara Keller, Analytical Instrumentation Division, Waters Corporation (Milford, MA)
"Methods Optimization for Forensic Analysis" (Host: Dr. Sing Chong)
Mar 29, 2019 Dr. Beth Guiton, Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
"Investigating Nanostructure Synthesis Using In Situ TEM"
Mar 15, 2019  Dr. Roberto Peverati, Chemistry Department, Floridia Institute of Technology
"An Optimized Collection of Chemistry Databases for Broad Computational Purposes, and Its Use to Optimize Exchange–Correlation Functionals in DFT" (Host: Dr. Jing Kong)
Mar 14, 2019 Mr. Sunday Olaluwoye (MS thesis defense)
"Surface Chemistry and Spectroscopic Study of Non-Amyloid Beta Component Segment of α-Synuclein (61-95)"
Mar 1, 2019 Mr. Daniel Nguyen, COMS PhD Candidate, MTSU Chemistry Department
"Fast analytical evaluation of intermolecular electrostatic interaction energies using the pseudoatom representation of the electron density: The Löwdin α-function and The Fourier Transform Method"
Feb 22, 2019 Dr. Tao Xu, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Northern Illinois University (Dekalb, IL)
"Cold Thoughts on Perovskite Fever"  (Host: Dr. Greg Van Patten)
Feb 1, 2019 Dr. Mengliang Zhang, MTSU Chemistry Department
"DART-MS for Ignitable Liquid Residue Analysis: Quick but More Effective"
Nov 30,
2018		 Mr. D. Jamin Keith (PhD Candidate), Vanderbilt University
"Progress Towards the Total Synthesis of the Morganella morganii  Zwitterionic Polysaccharide Repeating Unit"
Nov 9,
2018
Oct 29,
2018

Mr. Saidi Abdulramoni (MS thesis defense)
"Emission Profile of Biodiesel Blends with Various Oxygenated Additives"
Oct 19,
2018		 Dr. Takeshi Hasegawa, Kyoto University (JAPAN)
"Quantitative Molecular Orientation Analysis Using pMAIRS in an Ultrathin Film of an Organic Semiconductor"  (Host: Dr. Chengshan Wang)
Oct 5,
2018		 Dr. Saeed Kamali, Univ of Tennessee-Space Institute
& MTSU Physics Department
"2D or not 2D? Insights into Low-dimensional Magnetic and Nanoscale Structures with Mössbauer Spectroscopy"
Sept 8,
2018		 Dr. Dev P. Arya, Clemson University
"Novel Targets for Antimicrobial Drug Discovery: DNA and RNA Topoisomerase I"
Sept 1,
2018		 Dr. Keying Ding, MTSU Chemistry Department
"Towards Green Catalysis: Earth Abundant Metal Catalysts for Dehydrogenation and Dehydrogenative Couplings of Alcohol" (Tenure Talk)
Sept 4,
2018		 Dr. Kevin Bicker, MTSU Chemistry Department
"Developing Peptoids as Potentially Viable Therapeutic Compounds" (Tenure Talk)
Aug 1,
2018		  Dr. Joe Ng, U. of Alabama-Huntsville

"Blending Science and Business: From Structural Biology to I-Express Genes.com"
Aug 28, 2018 Ms. Shanika Walters (MS thesis defense)
"Why Do People Leave Science (Specifically Chemistry)?"

July 11, 2018

Mr. Zachary Taylor (MS thesis defense)
"Isoniazid as an Aldehyde Scavenger: Analysis of Its Kinetics, Selectivity, and Practicality in Purifying Organic Reactions"
June 26,
2018		 Mr. Md Abdul Hoque (MS thesis defense)
"Comparison of Chlorine Dioxide and Ozone as Oxidants for the Degradation of Volatile Organic Compounds"
June 22,
2018		 Mr. Saad Alrashdi (MS thesis defense)
"Synthesis, Purification, and Surface Chemistry Study of α-Synuclein (61-95)"
June 12,
2018		 Mr. Mohammad Kader (MS thesis defense)
"A Cobalt Oxide Carbon Nanotube Composite for Dopamine Detection"
Apr 24,
2018		 Dr. Elfi Kraka, Southern Methodist U.
"Performing Chemical Experiments on the Computer"
Apr 20, 2018 Dr. Piotr Kaszynski, MTSU Chem Dept
"Functional Materials Derived from π-delocalized Radicals for Photovoltaics and Spintronics"
Mar 30, 2018 Ms. Joza Schmitt (MS thesis defense)
"Aurones: Dyeing for a New Yellow"
Mar 27, 2018 Mr. Sashil Chapagain (MS thesis defense)
"Electrochemical Detection of Uric Acid Using a Hydrothermal Zinc Oxide Carbon Nanotube Composite"
Mar 27, 2018 Mr. Mahesh Kumar Yadab (MS thesis defense)
"Proteasome Inhibition by Novel Hybrids of Belactosin A and Carfilzomib"
Mar 16, 2018 Ms. Masoumeh Dalilian (MS thesis defense) 
"The Comparison of Sorbent Tubes and Canister Sampling Methods for Ambient Air Analysis"
Mar 2, 2018 Dr.  Rigoberto Hernandez, Johns Hopkins U.
"Benign by Design from the Nanoscale to the Human Scale" (Host: Dr. Judith Iriarte-Gross)
Feb 23, 2018 Dr. Nathan DeYonker, U. of Memphis
"Quantum Chemistry: From Human Saliva  to the Sagittarius B2 Cloud" (Host: Dr. Jing Kong)
Feb 22, 2018 Dr. Narayan S. Hosmane, Northern Illinois U.
"Dendritic and Nanostructured Boron Compounds for Cancer Therapy"
Feb 2,
2018		 Dr. Malcolm D.E. Forbes, Bowling Green State U.
"Photodynamic Therapy, Toils and Troubles: Problems Solved With Tiny Bubbles"
Jan 26, 2018 Dr. Li Li, Georgia Tech
"Advancing Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Proteins, Lipids, and Carbohydrates: CF-EDESI and Boronic Acid Shift Reagents"  (Host: Dr. Jing Kong)
Dec 1, 2017 Dr. Justin Miller (MTSU Chemistry Dept)
"Mycobacterium tuberculosis ClpC1 is Susceptible to Regulation by Adaptor Proteins"
Nov 3, 2017

Dr. Eugene DePrince, Florida State University
"Quantum Chemistry without Wavefunctions"
Oct 27, 2017 Dr. Andri Friedli and Dr. Anatoliy Volkov
(MTSU Chemistry Dept)
"How to XCEL-3D in Teaching and Research" 
Oct 20, 2017 Dr. Adam Wanekaya, Missouri State University
"Novel applications of Carbon Dots and Carbon Nanoparticles"
Oct 19, 2017  Mr. Majed Aljohani (MS thesis defense)
"Electrochemical Sensing of Uric Acid using a Prussian Blue Refluxed Zinc Oxide Carbon Nanotube Composite"
Sept 29, 2017  Dr. Darrin Bellert,Baylor University
"The Ni+ Mediated Decomposition of Acetic Acid as Studied through the Single Photon Initiated Dissociative Rearrangement Reaction (SPIDRR) Technique"

Sept 22,
2017

 Dr. Jing Kong, MTSU Chemistry Dept
“Making Molecular Computation Stronger” 
(Tenure Tour)
Aug 8, 2017 Mr. Kiin Keith (MS thesis defense)
"Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Hydraulic Fracturing Facilities in Karnes County, Texas and Quantitative Determation of VOCs in Shelby County, Tennessee"
Jul 24, 2017 Mr. Francis Okejiri (MS thesis defense)

"Utilization of Shell-based Calcium Oxide as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Biodiesel Synthesis"
Jul 17, 2017 Ms. Lendsey Breanna Thicklin (MS thesis defense)
"Adenosine Deaminating/Hydrolyzing Enzyme from Alaska Pea Seeds (Pisum Sativum)"
Jun 30, 2017 Mr. Jeremy Turkett (MS thesis defense)
"Design and Screening of Antimicrobial Peptoid Libraries"
Apr 21, 2017 Dr. Fu-Ming Tao, California State Univ-Fullerton  
"Applications of Quantum Chemistry to Environmental Chemistry: Critical Roles of Ammonia in Production of Atmospheric Smog and Aerosols" (host: Dr. Jing Kong)
Apr 12, 2017 Ms. Awatif Alruwaili (MS thesis defense)
"Additional Characterization of Adenosine Nucleosidase from Alaska Pea Seeds"
Apr 7,
2017		 Dr. David B. Friedman, MTSU Chemistry Dept
"Assessing Signal vs. Noise in Quantitative Proteomics"
Mar 24, 2017 Dr. Aaron Muth, St. John's University 

"From Drug Design to Discovery: A Journey in Medicinal Chemistry" (Host: Dr. Scott Handy)
Mar 20, 2017 Mr. Alex Morris (MS thesis defense)
"Incorporation of Ag+ into PbS Quantum Dots via Cation Exchange"
Mar 17, 2017 Ms. Chelsea Harmon (MS thesis defense)
"Synthesis of Beta-Lactam Belactosin A Analogs as Potential 20S Proteasome Inhibitors"
Feb 24, 2017 Dr. Jing Kong, MTSU Chemistry Dept
"How Diradicals and Transition Metal Materials Break Molecular Orbital Theory, and How It Can be Fixed"
Feb 23, 2017 Dr. Saravana Jayaram, National Laboratory of Malaysia
"The Clandestine Synthesis of Methamphetamine and Profiling using Three Analytical Techniques"
Feb 14, 2017 Dr. Mengliang Zhang, National Institutes of Health
"The Applications of Instrumental Analysis and Chemometrics to Environmental Forensics and Food Fraud"
Feb 3,
2017		 Dr. Theodore J. Burkey, University of Memphis
"The First 500 ps are Important: Optically Controlled Molecular Devices"
Jan 30, 2017 Ms. Rehab Alanazi (MS thesis defense)
"Analytical Characterization of Dyes in Color Powders by Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques"
Nov 11, 2016 Ms. Latifah Althlol (MS thesis defense)
"Synthesis of a novel tripodal ligand with NH linker for ligand cooperative catalysis"
Nov 9, 2016 Ms. Fiezah Alahmry (MS thesis defense)
"In-depth characterization of the purification of adenosine nucleosidase from Alaska pea seeds"
Nov 4, 2016 Dr. Jie Zheng, University of Texas-Dallas
"Molecular Nanoprobes for Biomedical Imaging"
Oct 21, 2016 Dr. David M. Hercules, Vanderbilt University
"Can Analytical Mass Spectrometry Revolutionize Polymer Chemistry?"
Sep 30, 2016 Dr. Dana A. Baum, St. Louis University
"Developing Functional DNA Components for Sensors and Biofuel Cells"
Sep 16, 2016 Dr. Daniel Slade, Virginia Tech
"Characterizing the role of bacterial outer membrane and secreted proteins in cellular invasion, inflammation, and cancer"
Sep 9, 2016 Dr. Chengshan Wang, MTSU Chemistry Dept
"Elucidation of Peptide Conformation via 13C Isotope-Edited FTIR Spectroscopy: Opportunities for Collaborative Faculty Research and Student Achievements" (Tenure Tour)
July 15, 2016 Ms. Naeyma Islam (MS thesis defense)
"Structure of Boranes Based on the Topology over Molecular Electron Density"
July 14, 2016

Ms. Shafiqa Alshaiban (MS thesis defense)
"Study of Nucleoside Degrading Enzyme Activities in Bean, Organic Bean, Okra, Organic Okra, Squash and Organic Squash"
July 13, 2016 Mr. Brett Henry (MS thesis defense)
"Bovine Liver Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase: Characterization and Kinetic Mechanism"
Jun 28, 2016  Ms. Anita Saha (MS thesis defense)
"Degradation of Pentobarbital in Various Soil Types"
Jun 21, 2016 Ms. Sushma Appala (MS thesis defense)
"Degradation of Environmental Contaminants in Gas and Liquid Phases by Chlorine Dioxide" 
Jun 14, 2016 Mr. Matthew Wright (MOBI PhD defense)
"Isolation and Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Based Traditional Chinese Medicine"
Jun 7,
2016		 Ms. Anuradha Liyana Pathiranage (MOBI PhD defense)
"Isolation and Analysis of Compounds with Anti-Trypanasomal and Anti-Cancer Activity"
May 25, 2016 Mr. J. Dale Combs (MS thesis defense)
"Study of a Model α-Helix Peptide's Surface Properties by Langmuir Monolayer and Surface FTIR Techniques"
Apr 14, 2016 Dr. Thomas A. Zawodzinski (University of Tennessee - Knoxville)
“‘Greening’ Chemical Processes Using Renewable Electrons in Electrochemical Reactors Derived from Fuel Cells”
GOLDEN GOGGLES LECTURE
Apr 8,
2016		 Dr. Greg Van Patten (MTSU Chem Dept)
"Heterostructure Quantum Dots: Synthesis, Characterization and Wavefunction Engineering"
Apr 5,
2016		  Ms. Nouf Ali Bedar (MS thesis defense)
"Base Catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Aldehydes with PMHS as a Reducing Agent"
Apr 4,
2016		 Dr. H. Graden Kirksey
Chemistry Department, Univ of Memphis
"An Incipient Periodic Table" (Host: Greg Van Patten)
Apr 4,
2016		 Ms. Sharifah Ibrahim Aleid (MS thesis defense)
"A Convenient Method for Converting Ketones into Alcohols through Hydroxilyation Catalyzed by KHBEt3"
Mar 25, 2016 Dr. Edwin Stevens,Western Kentucky University
"High resolution X-ray Diffraction Measurements: Can We Really See Electrons? (Host: Tibor Koritzsansky)
Mar 25, 2016 Ms. Shruthi Perna (MS thesis defense)
"Comparison of Emissions of Various Biodiesel Formulations by GC-MS and FTIR"
Mar 18, 2016 Dr. Jeremiah Woodcock
(National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD)
"Multifunctional Fluorescent Sensors for Imaging the Interface/Interphase in Polymer Composites"
Mar 4, 2016 Dr. Jessica Morrison (Chemical and Engineering News, Washington, DC)
"Science In The News: Behind the Scenes at C&EN with Jessica Morrison"
(Host: Judith Iriarte-Gross)
Feb 19, 2016 Dr. Feng Wang (University of Arkansas,
Fayetteville, AR)
"From Water to Salt Solutions, Electronic Structure Free Energies from Adaptive Force Matching"     
Feb 12, 2016 Dr. Martin Stewart (MTSU Chem Dept)
"Archibald Belcher: First Chemistry/Physics Professor at MTSU. Part III. His Early Teaching Career"
Feb 5,
2016		 Mr. Raja Pandey (MS thesis defense)
"Electrochemical Detection of Acetominophen Using Tapered Silicon Nanowires"
Nov 19, 2015 Ms. Lencie Plancher (MS thesis defense)
"Kinetic Mechanism Study of the Enzyme Nucleoside Hydrolase from E. Coli"
Nov 18, 2015 Mr. Hussain Alshahrani (MS thesis defense)
"Detection of Dopamine and Hydrogen Peroxide using Silicon Nanowires"
Nov 13, 2015 Dr. Ronald Rahaim (Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK)
"Development of Organometallic Methods for Applications in Drug Discovery"
Nov 9, 2015 Mr. Rajeh Theeb Alotaibi (MS thesis defense)
"Ni-Catalyzed Decarbonylation of Aldehydes"
Nov 2, 2015 Mr. R. Madison Green (MS thesis defense)
"Methods for Isolation of the Topo II Gene from Gossypium hirsutum"

Oct 30, 2015

 Dr. Angela Wilson (University of North Texas in Denton, TX)
College of Basic and Applied Sciences Distinguished Lecture Series
"Action and Reaction: Pathways to Progress"
Oct 29, 2015 Ms. Hanan Almuzaini (MS thesis defense)
"Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) as Catalyst and Solvent for Knoevenagel Condensation Reactions"
Oct 28, 2015 Ms. Kavya Kazipeta (MS thesis defense)
"Comparative Studies of Electronic Cigarette Emissions"
Oct 26, 2015 Mr. Sultan Almadhhi (MS thesis defense)
"Determining the Most Effective Peptoid Submonomer Mimic of Arginine"
Oct 23, 2015 Dr. Richard Caprioli (Vanderbilt University)
"Imaging Mass Spectrometry: Molecular Microscopy for Biology and Medicine"
Oct 16, 2015 Ms. Eman Sharba (MS thesis defense)
"Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering of Meta-substituted Anilines"
Oct 15, 2015 Dr. Joseph J. Biernacki (Tennessee Tech University)
“Bio-mass Pyrolysis: A Cog in the Changing Energy and Chemical Company”  
Oct 14, 2015 Mr. Kevin Fisher (MS thesis defense)
"Assay Development for the Screening of Antimicrobial Peptoids"
Oct 02, 2015 Mr. Shawtik Das (MS thesis defense)
“Electrochemical Detection of Uric Acid Using a Refluxed Zinc Oxide Carbon Nanotube Composite”
Sep 18, 2015 Dr. Mohammad Al-Masum 
Tennessee State University
“New developments in microwave irradiated organic transformations of aroylation, nitration, and C-H activation reactions"
Aug 04, 2015 Mr. Ameen Alsubhi (MS thesis defense)
"One-pot Multicomponent Coupling Synthesis of 2-Amino-3-Cyano-4H-Pyran Derivatives Using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)”
Jul 10, 2015 Ms. Maryam Aldoghaim (MS thesis defense)
"The Effects of Substituent Groups on the Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Signals of Aniline Derivatives"
Jul 10, 2015 Ms. Ebtsam Seteh (MS thesis defense)
“Air Quality Monitoring in Memphis and Surrounding Areas in 2014 Analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)"
Jun 17, 2015 Mr. Mulugeta B. Wayu (MOBI PhD defense)
“Developing an Amperometric Method for Selective Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide
May 28, 2015 Mr. Badri Mainali (MS thesis defense)
“Cation Exchange in PbS Quantum Dots: Kinetics of Cd Exchange and Effects on Electronic Properties"
May 27, 2015 Mr. Abdullah Shamsuddin (MS thesis defense)
“Characterization of Adenosine nucleosidase from Alaska Pea Seeds"
Apr 17, 2015 Dr. Michelle Oakes, US Environmental Protection, Agency National Center for Environmental Assessment, Research Triangle, NC
“Air Quality and Human Exposure Near Sources”
Apr 16, 2015 Ms. Tasha Frick (MS thesis defense)
“Chemistry Teachers' Journey Through Modeling Instruction”
Apr 10, 2015 Dr. Bob Read, Tennessee Department of Health
“Environmental Laboratory Challenges”
Apr 30, 2015

Dr. Christopher Jones, Georgia Tech
"CO2 Capture with Supported Amine Materials: Materials and Process Chemistry Advances for Greenhouse Gas  Mitigation"
GOLDEN GOGGLES LECTURE
Feb 27, 2015 Dr. Dennis Salahub, University of Calgary
Distinguished CBAS Lecture Series “Multiscale Modeling of in-situ Oil Sands Upgrading with Molybdenum Carbide Nanoparticles”
Feb 6,
2015		 Dr. Jesse D. Carrick, Tennessee Tech 
“Experiential Investigations in Organic Synthesis”
Nov 21, 2014 Dr. Vlad Iluc, University of Notre Dame
“Secondary Metal-Ligand Interactions: C-H Activation and Metal-Element Multiple Bonding”
Oct 30, 2014 Ms. Elsbeth Griffiths (MS thesis defense)
 "Creation of an Energetic, Polymeric 1,2,3-Triazole from Aryl Azides" 
Oct 24, 2014 Dr. William Tolman,University of Minnesota
“Plastic from Plants: The Chemistry of Sustainable Polymers”
Oct 20, 2014 Dr. Harry Kroto, Florida State University  (Nobel Laureate)
“Carbon in Nano and Outer Space”
Oct 10, 2014 Dr. De-en Jiang, University of California at Riverside
“What Can Molecular Simulation Do for Global Warming?”
Oct 8,
2014		 Ms. Olaa Alharbi (MS thesis defense)
“Determination of the Relationship Between the Geometric Structure of a Model Peptide and its 13C Isotope-Edited Spectroscopy in H2O by ATR”
Oct 3,
2014		 Dr. Charles Chusuei, MTSU Chem Dept 
(Tenure Tour)
Part I: "Cytotoxicity in the Age of Nano: the Role of Fourth Period Transition Metal Oxide Physicochemical Properties"
Part II: "Designing Electrocatalyst Composites for Chemical Sensing"
Oct 1,
2014		 Dr. Donna Nelson, University of Oklahoma
 “Improving Organic Chemistry Education by Comparing Textbooks”
Sep 26, 2014 Dr. Peter Pulay, University of Arkansas
 “The Calculation of Intermolecular Interaction Energies”
Aug 4, 2014 Mr. Sergiy Ustynov (MS thesis defense)
“Survey of Nucleoside Degrading Enzyme Activities in Soybean Corn and Yellow Lupin”
Jun 19, 2014 Ms. Jamie Avant (MS thesis defense)
“Purification and Characterization of Bovine Liver Uridine Phosphorylase”
Jun 18, 2014 Ms. Kateryna Ogorodnik (MS thesis defense)
“Nucleoside Hydrolase Amino Acid Sequences from Plants”
Jun 17, 2014 Ms. Kara Cole Dawson (MS thesis defense)
“Synthesis of Belactosin A Analogs”
Jun 16, 2014 Ms. Ashley Lipscomb (MS thesis defense) 
“An Investigation into the Bioactive Components of Euphorbia hirta and Pandanus tectorius”
Jun 11, 2014 Ms. Rachael Hall (MS thesis defense)
“Group Dynamic and its Effect on Classroom Climate, Achievement, and Time in Lab in the Organic Chemistry Lab”
Apr 25, 2014 Dr. Martin V. Stewart (MTSU Chem Dept)
“Archibald Belcher: First Chemistry/Physics Professor at MTSU”
(Co-sponsored by the MTSU Physics Dept)
Apr 7,
2014		 Mr. Peter Haddix (MS thesis defense)
"Toward Fluorescence Enhancement of Dyes in Mesoporous SiO2 and Organic Films"
Apr 4,
2014		 Dr. Hong Guo (Univ of Tennessee­–Knoxville)
“Simulations of Complex Biological Systems”
Apr 3,
2014		 Mr. Matthew Robinson (MS thesis defense)
"The Effect of Pyramidalization at Nitrogen in a Series of Donor-π-Acceptor Dyes”
Mar 28, 2014 Dr. Andrew Burden (MTSU Chem Dept)
“FROM COTTON TO CANCER: Catalytic Inhibition of DNA Topoisomerase II by Gossypol”
Mar 24, 2014 Mr. Ben King (MS Thesis defense)
“A Comparison Study between Coupled And Non-coupled Systems of Poly(3-hexylthiophene) and C60-fullerene for the Application of Organic Solar Cells”
Mar 7, 2014 Dr. Julia Brumaghim (Clemson Univ)
“You Are What You Eat: Fruit Polyphenols Prevent Oxidative DNA Damage Through Metal Coordination”
Feb 21, 2014 Dr. Nadja Cech, Univ of North Carolina - Greensboro
“Anti-Virulence Compounds from Nature: Outsmarting the Superbugs”
GOLDEN GOGGLES LECTURE
Feb 7,
2014		 Dr. Jing Kong (MTSU Chem Dept)
“Challenges to Computation: From Breakup of a Hydrogen Molecule to Ligand-Protein Binding”
Nov 26, 2013 Mr. Craig A. Lampert (MS thesis defense)
“Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds by Sorbent Tube and Infrared Spectroscopic Techniques”
Nov 22, 2013 Dr. John DiVincenzo (MTSU Chem Dept)
“Paving the Way to Better Water Quality”
Nov 8, 2013 Mr. Anup K. Deb (MS thesis defense)
“Amperometric Detection with a Dendrimer-Encapsulated Platinum Nanoparticle-Carbon Nanotube Composite”
Nov 8, 2013 Ms. Lola S. JarAllah (MS thesis defense)
“Characterization of Adenosine Nucleosidase from Soybean Seeds (Glycine max L.)”
Nov 6, 2013

Ms. Jabe Kiri (MS thesis defense)
“Dendronic Surfaces for Detection of Surface Vapors”
Nov 1,
2013

Ms. Katrina Smith (MS thesis defense)
“Synthesis of Cyclopropyl Peptidomimetics as BACE1 Inhibitors”
Oct 25, 2013

Dr. Keying Ding, MTSU Chem Dept
“Base Metal Catalysts for Sustainable Energy”
Oct 18, 2013

Dr. Kevin Bicker, MTSU Chem Dept 
“Solid-phase Peptoid Libraries: A Tool for Drug Discovery”
Oct 11, 2013

Dr. Gary Wulfsberg, MTSU Chem Dept
“More than Clicking with Students: General Chemistry Active Learning Technology-based Strategies Proven to Improve Long-term
Retention at MTSU”
Oct 4,
2013

Ms. Sneha Potana (MS thesis defense)
“Determination of the Conformation of Specific Residues in a Model Peptide by C-13 Isotope Edited ATR-FTIR in Regular Water”
Sep 20, 2013

Dr. Kelly Perry (Oak Ridge National Laboratory)
“Electron Microscope Tools to Further Our Understanding for Fuel Cell Materials”
Sep 20, 2013

Dr. Andrew V. Teplyakov (Univ of Delaware)
“Designing a Well-defined Interface between Biomolecules and Semiconductors for Biosensing Applications”
Jul 10, 2013

Ms. Chasity Suttle Bagsby (MS thesis defense)
“Extraction and Detection of Pentobarbital in Soil by Solid Phase Extraction and Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry”
Jun 24, 2013

Mr. Ram Chandra Dhakal (MS thesis defense)
“Synthesis of Various Iodyl Compounds of Iodoarenes and Tetrazoles Using OxoneTM as an Oxidant”
Jun 21, 2013

Mr. Tuphan Devkota (MS thesis defense)
“Selective Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide, Uric Acid and Acetominophen Using Zinc Oxide-Carbon Nanotube Composites”
Jun 12, 2013

Mr. Arjun Kafle (MS thesis defense)
“Cu(I)-catalyzed Single Step One-pot Synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted Triazoles using Deep Eutectic Solvent”
May 2, 2013

Ms. Zharah Altawil (MS thesis defense)
“Isolating Nucleoside Metabolizing Enzymes from Alaska Pea Seeds”
Apr 26, 2013

Dr. Jesse R. Sabatini (US Army’s Armament
Research, Development and Engineering
Center (ARDEC) at Picatiny Arsenal
“Technological Advances in ‘Green’ Pyrotechnics”
 GOLDEN GOGGLES LECTURE
Apr 26, 2013

Dr. Richard Lostritto (US Food and Drug Administration)
“Chemistry and the Drug Review Process at the Food and Drug Administration: Illustrative Case Studies”
Apr 25, 2013

Ms. Samantha Keene (MS thesis defense) 
“The Analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds during Various Stages of Decomposition”
Mar 1, 2013

Dr. Chengshan Wang, MTSU Chem Dept
"Application of Langmuir Monolayer and C13 Isotope Edited FTIR in Neurodegenerative Disease"
Feb 8,
2013

Dr. Jacqueline Johnson
University of Tennessee-Space Institute
 “Nanoparticles in Medicine”
[co-sponsored by MTSU Pre-Scripts 
Society]
Dec 14, 2012

Ms. Shabnam F. Arefin (MS thesis defense)
“Retention of Water Contaminants by Fly Ash Amended Pervious Concrete Blocks”
Dec 5, 2012

Mr. James Ladd II (MS thesis defense)
“Synthesis of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Derivatives via Suzuki and Stille Cross-Coupling Reactions and Subsequent Nickel Desulfurization and Reduction”
Oct 3,
2012

Dr. Gregory B. Dudley
Florida State University
“Recent Innovations in Alkyne Chemistry”
Jul 18, 2012

Mr. Phillip Mnirajd (MS thesis defense)
“Synthesis of Non-Halogenated Phosphorus Flame Retardants for Engineering Resins”
Jun 7,
2012

Ms. Archana Tirumala (MS thesis defense)
“Extraction of Fluoranthene and Pyrene from Acetone-Water Mixtures for Fly Ash Amended Pervious Concrete Studies”
Apr 20, 2012

Dr. Anna Mapp (Univ of Michigan)
“Small Molecule Transcriptional Regulators”
GOLDEN GOGGLES LECTURE
Apr 12, 2012

Mr. Peter Cothron (MS thesis defense)
“The Detection and Depletion of Chemical Weapons Models using Mesoporous TiO2 Thin Films”
Apr 6,
2012

Mr. Kevin Lavender (MS thesis defense)
“Palladium Catalyzed Sonogashira and Suzuki Couplings using a One-Pot Approach”
Mar 2, 2012

Mr. Kevin Lavender (MS thesis defense)
“Palladium Catalyzed Sonogashira and Suzuki Couplings Using a One-Pot Approach”
Feb 24, 2012

Mr. Mulugeta Wayu (MS thesis defense)
“Modification of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Improved Electrocatalytic Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide”
Nov 18, 2011

Ms. Farhana Akhter (MS thesis defense)
 “Toxicological Study of the Formation of Melamine-Cyanurate Complex in Aqueous and Physiological Matrices”
Nov 11, 2011

Mr. Adedoyin “Tunde” Osinloye
(MS thesis defense)
“Regioselective Mixed Double Coupling of Dihaloheteroaromatics: Palladium Catalyzed Reaction using Suzuki and Sonogashira Cross-Coupling Approach”
Nov 4, 2011

Dr. Earl F. Pearson, MTSU Chem Dept
 “Balancing Equations with Only Two Variables and Stoichiometry by Rebalancing the Equation”
Oct 7,
2011

Dr. Kevin M. Bucholtz, Mercer University
“Research from the Laboratory and the Classroom: Design of Compounds for the Inhibition of 3µ-HSD1 and Indicator of Success in Organic Chemistry”

Sep 23,
2011

Dr. Paul S. Simone, University of Memphis
"On-Line Monitoring of Drinking Water Disinfection By-products: Challenges and Solutions”
Apr 21, 2011

Mr. Shravan Mallavarapu (MS thesis defense)
 “Correlation of Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Physicochemical Properties with Cytotoxicity”
Apr 14, 2011

Ms. Vanessa E. Hobbs (MS thesis defense)
“Analysis of Synthetic Cannabinoids in Smoke Samples from Herbal Products”
Apr 7,
2011

Mr. Brian A. Bachner (MS thesis defense)
“Nutrient Anion Sorption in Fly-Ash Mixed Pervious Concrete”
Mar 17, 2011

Ms. Anuradha Liyana Pathiranage
(MS thesis defense)
“Synthesis of Cyclopropyl Peptidomimetics with Potential Anti HIV Activity”
Feb 24, 2011

Dr. Marinda Li Wu
Board of Directors, American Chemical
Society
“A Personal and Professional Journey into the 21st Century”
Feb 17, 2011

Dr. Cianan B. Russel, Georgia Tech
“Laboratory Conundrum: A Qualitative Comparison of the Traditional Laboratory, Inquiry, and Classroom-Based Authentic Research Experiences in General Chemistry”
Jan 26, 2011

Dr. James M. Tour, Smalley Institute for Science &
Technology, Rice University
“Nanomaterials, Nanoelectronics, Nanomedicine and Nanocars” 
GOLDEN GOGGLES LECTURE
Nov 22,
2010		  

Dr. Eva Zurek, University at Buffalo SUNY 
“Predicting the Structures of Solids Under Extreme Conditions using Evolutionary Algorithms”
Nov 19,
2010

Dr. Ali Khademhosseini 
Harvard University & MIT
“Microengineered Hydrogels for Stem Cell Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration”
Oct 28, 2010

Dr. Martin V. Stewart and Strokes R. Swann (MTSU Chem Dept), and Dr. James X. Corgan (Geology Dept,
Austin Peay State University)
“History as Chemistry”

Oct 7, 2010

Dr. Charles Chusuei, Missouri S&T
“Tethering Nanoparticles to Carbon Nanotubes for Improved Fuel Cell Performance”