University of Indianapolis Chemistry Faculty

Areas of Expertise

Physical chemistry, nanomaterials

Background

Received PhD in the area of ultrafast laser spectroscopy with a dissertation studying the excited state dynamics of carbon nanotube composite films. Conducted post-doctorate research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn. While there, he worked on designing tunable ultrafast laser experiments for a wide variety of user projects and synthesized a number of different carbon-based nanomaterials.

Research Interests

Methods for teaching general and physical chemistry; the development of experiments for exploring the interaction between light and nanomaterials

Education

• PhD, University of North Carolina
• BA, The College of Wooster

Fun facts

I compete in triathlons as part of the Tri-Tornadoes team.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The focus on undergraduate education.

Areas of Expertise

Biochemistry

Background

Awarded 2002 UIndy Teacher of the Year and also received the 1992 Robert M. Brooker Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence in Mathematics or Sciences. UIndy (formerly Indiana Central) grad who was taught by great mentors, including Dr. Robert M. Brooker, Dr. Kenneth D. Borden, and John W. Batey, and played basketball for the University.

Research Interests

enzyme chemistry and metabolism of xenobiotic compounds

Education

• PhD, Biochemistry, Indiana University
• BS, Chemistry and Biology, University of Indianapolis

Fun facts

I am an auto racing fan who has memorized the list of winners of the Indianapolis 500.

Areas of Expertise

Theoretical and computational chemistry, physical chemistry

Background

Dr. Chulhai is originally from Guyana, South America. He started his undergraduate at the University of Guyana, before migrating to the United States and completing his degree at York College (CUNY). He completed his Ph.D. at the Pennsylvania State University working on hybrid quantum-classical methods for describing plasmonic nanoparticles and their interactions with molecules. He then completed post-doctorate research at the University of Minnesota working on quantum embedding methods.

Research Interests

Quantum embedding; plasmonic nanoparticles; chemical education; mentoring undergraduate research students

Education

• PhD, Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University
• BS, Chemistry, York College of the City University of New York

Areas of Expertise

Chemistry, science education

Background

Long-time editor of the Journal of College Science Teaching.

Research Interests

Science text comprehension

Education

• PhD, Inorganic Chemistry, Purdue University
• BS, Chemistry and Biology, Purdue University
• BS, Chemical Engineering, Purdue University 

Favorite thing about UIndy

UIndy is a community that truly cares about student learning.

Areas of Expertise

Analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, nanomaterials, biosensors

Background

Dr. Langlais received her MS from the University of Rochester in organic chemistry, focusing on the total synthesis of natural products, including FK-506. She received her PhD from Purdue University in the area of nanoparticle-based biosensors with a dissertation focusing on biomarker identification, as well as early disease detection and diagnosis of pancreatic and bladder cancer. She conducted her post-doctorate at Indiana University Indianapolis in chemical education, focusing on principles of meaningful learning in organic chemistry lecture and laboratory.

Research Interests

Methods for teaching general, organic and biochemistry lecture, and labs; development of analytical and organic-based research projects including nanoparticle synthesis, plasmon-based photocatalysis of organic cross-coupling reactions, optoelectronic biosensor development and the Distributed Drug Discovery (D3) Program at UIndy in partnership with IUI

Education

• PhD, Analytical Chemistry, Purdue University

• MS, Organic Chemistry, University of Rochester

Fun Fact

I volunteer for FIRST Indiana Robotics and Coach the FRC 868 TechHOUNDS robotics team at Carmel High School.

Favorite Thing About UIndy

Working with students to conduct chemistry research in the laboratory! The enthusiasm and drive UIndy students have is truly inspirational!

Areas of Expertise

Organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemistry education

Background

Dr. Stickney was recognized as the 2004 University of Indianapolis Teacher of the Year. She is an affiliated faculty member of the UIndy Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellows Program for preparing teachers for work in high-needs schools, and was the principal investigator for a 2011 NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Capacity Building grant for planning a new chemistry and life sciences secondary teaching program.

Research Interests

Chemical education; writing skills in the sciences (particularly as they relate to success in organic chemistry); chemistry lab-based honors research projects

Education

• PhD, Polymer Chemistry, Virginia Tech
• BS, Chemistry, University of New Hampshire 

Fun facts

I served in the United States Peace Corps as a high school chemistry teacher in Togo, West Africa, before attending graduate school. I have also completed full marathons in all 50 states.

Favorite thing about UIndy

The small class sizes allow the faculty to get to know the students on a personal level.