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Research Seminar

September 27, 2023

Location: SB 156

Time: 12:00 pm

Presenter: Dr. Tuan Phan

Ruthenium Complexes: A Promising Alternative to Platinum-Based Compounds in Medicinal Chemistry

Abstract: In the late 1960s, scientists at Michigan State University discovered cisplatin’s potential as an anti-cancer treatment while studying bacterial cell development under electric fields. This marked a new era in metal-based chemotherapy research. Despite effective platinum-based cancer treatments, limitations like drug resistance and side effects have spurred research for alternative metal-based anti-cancer agents. Ruthenium compounds, particularly known for forming octahedral complexes, have garnered attention. Yet no ruthenium complex is approved for therapeutic use. The Phan Lab at TSU focuses on creating robust, reactive, selective, and soluble ruthenium complexes for challenging conditions.

 
Tuan Phan holds the position of chemistry professor at Texas Southern University. He earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Houston. His research pursuits encompass two primary areas: ruthenium complexes and environmental chemistry. He has served as a research advisor for the Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology and Master of Chemistry programs. In addition, he has served as a research mentor to many undergraduate students.

Chemistry Seminar

Feb. 21, 2018, 12:00 pm, SB 303H SB

“Supermolecular Inorganic Chemistry and Reduction of Carbon Dioxide”
by

Dr. Andrew Maverick
Associate Dean
Department of Chemistry
Louisiana State University.

Please click to download the flyer.

Phan, Tuan

Education and Training

Relevant Education

  • University of Houston – Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry with Analytical Specialization (2004)
  • Houston Christian (Baptist) University – BS in Biology and Chemistry (1999)

Training

  • University of Houston – Postdoctoral Research, Biophysical Chemistry (2005)
  • University of Miami –  Postdoctoral Research, Catalysis (2004)

Honors and Awards

  • Award of Honor, Third Place Faculty Research Presentation, Texas Southern University, 2018.
  • Award of Honor, First Place Faculty Research Presentation, Texas Southern University, 2007.

Research Interests

  • Synthesis and utilization of asymmetric nitrogen-based, carboxylate-based, and dithione-based ligands for the development of Ru-based complexes
  • Using analytical instruments and methods to evaluate toxic contaminants in the environment and determine changes in nutrients, organic acids, and metals in plants under regulated growth conditions

Recent Publications

Textbooks:

  • Deng, Y., Good, S., Phan, T., Wei, X. General Chemistry Laboratory Manual. 8th ed. TOPHAT. 2022. ISBN: 9781774948750.
  • Wei, X., Phan, T. Introductory Organic Chemistry. Great River Learning. 1st ed. 2021. ISBN: 9781644969496.

Peer-reviewed articles: 

  • Perez C, Rani M, Phan T. “Optimization of High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Parameters for Purification of Oligonucleotide-A.” American Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2022, 13, 39 – 50.
  • Caemelbecke EV, Phan T, Osterloh WR, Kadish KM. “Electrochemistry of metal-metal bonded diruthenium complexes.” Coord. Rev. 2021, 430, 213706.
  • Folabi T, Phan T. “Evaluation of Volatile Organic Compounds and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in Barker Reservoir.” American Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2020, 11, 376- 388.
  • Adebowale A, Phan T. “Volatile Organic Compounds in Crude Coconut and Petroleum Oils in Nigeria.” American Journal of Analytical Chemistry 2017, 8, 371-379.

Recent Presentations

  • Tuan Phan, Haitham Abdelmoaty. “Evaluation of nitrate, metformin and/or AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin on normal and cancer bladder cells.” American Chemical Society Regional Meeting, El Paso, Texas, November 13-16, 2019. [Presenter]
  • Tuan Phan, Taye Folabi. “Evaluation of volatile organic compounds and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in Barker Reservoir in Houston, Texas after the 2017 Hurricane Harvey.” American Chemical Society National Meeting, Orlando, Florida, March 31-April 4, 2019. [Presenter]

Funding

  • Tuan Phan (PI). TSU DRI Innovation Grant, 2022 – 2023
  • Tuan Phan (PI). Texas Space Grant Consortium, 2009 -2010.

 

Wilson, Bobby

Education and Training

  • Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI Chemistry Ph.D. 1976
  • Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA Chemistry MS 1972
  • Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL Chemistry BS 1966
  • R.E. Hunts High School, Columbus, MS College Prep 1962

HONORS

Michigan State University Department of Chemistry Excellence-in-Teaching Citation, 1975

Briargate Civic Club Distinguished Service Award, 1978

Briargate Community Citizen of the Year Award, 1980

Briargate Civic Club Distinguished Service Award, 1980

Marquis Who’s Who in Frontier Science and Technology, 1982

Kappa Alpha Psi Distinguished Service Award, 1982

Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Award, 1983

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Community Service Award, 1983

National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Appreciation Award, 1984

Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity 1984 Spotlight Award Who’s Who in Texas, 1985

National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Outstanding Teacher Award, 1985

Ruby W. Hilliard Memorial Professional Achievement Award, 1985

Who’s Who Among Black Americans, 1987

“Albert Einstein” World Award of Science Diploma, 1987

Fellow, The American Institute of Chemists, 1988

Texas Southern University Researcher of the Year, 1988

Kappa Alpha Psi Distinguished Service Award, 1988

Kappa Alpha Psi Southwest Province Graduate Brother of the Year Award, 1988

First White House Initiative Faculty Award for Excellence in Science and Technology, 1988

The Audrey Logan Citizenship Award, 1988

Texas Southern University Program Council’s “Showcase” of Black Talent Award, 1989

Texas Southern University’s College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Teacher Award, 1989

Texas Southern University’s McCleary Teacher of the Year Award, 1989

Briarchase Baptist Church Outstanding Black Achiever Award, 1990

Fort Bend County Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award, 1989

Houston’s Mystic Knights, Man of the Year, 1990

Fellow, Texas Academy of Science, 1991

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Men on the Move in the 90’s Award, 1992

Texas Justice Court Certificate of Special Recognition, 1992

Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Certificate of Appreciation, 1992

Who’s Who in American Education, 1992

Who’s Who Worldwide, 1992

National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Appreciation Award, 1993

National Technical Association Scientist of the Year Award, 1993

Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul “Back in Stride” Award, 1993

Gulf Coast Chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Appreciation Award, 1994

Listed Among American Men and Women of Science, 1994

Briarchase Baptist Church Man of the Year Award, 1996

Alabama State University Alumni of Distinction Award, 1997

Listed Among American Men and Women of Science, 1997

Houston Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Cleveland B. Davis Kappa Achiever Award, 1999

Texas Southern University Student Support Services Award, 2001

Texas Southern University Student Support Services Award, 2002

University of Houston Downtown Salute, 2002

Houston League of Business and Professional Women Ombudsmen Men of Valor and Achievement Award, 2002

Kappa Alpha Psi, Laurel Wreath Recipient, 2005

Fellow, African Scientific Institute, 2006

Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2009

Minority Access Mentor Award, 2009

Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2010

Texas Southern University, College of Science and Technology, Leadership Award, 2011

Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2011

Fellow, American Chemical Society, Since 2011

Texas Southern University, College of Science and Technology, Leadership Award, 2011

Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2011

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2011

Michigan State Universitys College of Natural Science, Outstanding Alumni Award, 2012

College of Science and Technology Undergraduate Advisor/Mentoring Award, 2012

Texas Southern University Presidential Achievement Medal Award, 2012

Texas Southern University, College of Science and Technology, Distinguished Service Award, 2013

Texas Southern University, University Distinguished Service Award, 2013

BEYA STEM Black Engineer Promotion of Education Award, 2013

Biography

After graduating from R.E. Hunts High School, Columbus Mississippi in 1962, Dr. Bobby L. Wilson went on to earn a BS degree in Chemistry from Alabama State University in 1966 and the MS degree in Chemistry from Southern University in 1972. He culminated his academic training by taking a Ph.D. degree in Chemistry from Michigan State University in 1976.

Dr. Wilson has distinguished himself as a professor, scientist and an administrator. Since 1976, Wilson has been employed at Texas Southern University in many capacities. Currently, Dr. Wilson is L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Shell Oil Endowed Chaired Professor of Environmental Toxicology after serving as Acting President, Provost, L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Shell Oil Endowed Chaired Professor of Environmental Toxicology (4/2006-2/2008); Provost and L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Shell Oil Endowed Chaired Professor of Environmental Toxicology (8/2004-4/2006); Provost and L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry (9/2001-8/2004); Provost and Professor of Chemistry (10/1999-9/2001); Professor and Chair of Chemistry (9/1997-10/1999); on assignment as Program Director, National Science Foundation, Washington, D.C. (2/1996-9/1997); Professor and Chair of Chemistry (9/1995-2/1996); Professor of Chemistry (1/1994-9/1995); Provost and Professor of Chemistry (1/1992-1/1994); Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Chemistry (6/1990-1/1992); Professor and Head of Chemistry (9/1987-9/1989); Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Chemistry (9/1986-9/1987); Professor of Chemistry (9/1985-9/1986); Associate Professor of Chemistry (9/1983-9/1985); on assignment as Visiting Research Professor, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Baytown, TX (6/1982-9/1983; Associate Professor of Chemistry (1980-1982); and Assistant Professor of Chemistry (1976-1980).

Wilson also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI (9/1971-6/1976), Science Teacher, Booker T. Washington High School, Montgomery, AL (9/1966-1970), and Science Teacher, Jefferson Davis High School, Montgomery, AL (1970-1971).

Dr. Wilsons administrative accomplishments at Texas Southern University are highlighted through the following: (1) programs enhanced and created to equip students to surpass the requirements of academic and professional proficiency measures, (2) identification of resources to strengthen administrative, faculty, and staff initiatives, (3) promotion of campus outreach programs in the community and surrounding public schools, and (4) productive representation of the institution with public officials.

He has been a driving force in shaping academic science programs nationally. He has also served as a program director at the National Science Foundation. He holds memberships in numerous professional organizations. Dr. Wilson is a member of the Texas Academy of Science (fellow), the American Chemical Society (fellow), the African Scientific Institute (fellow), Sigma XI (fellow), and is the Chair of the Executive Board of the National Organization of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). His combination of discipline, experience, and command of his subject area has enabled him to produce over seventy publications in scientific journals and books. He holds two patents with one pending and is listed in several Whos Who publications. Other honors include the NOBCChE Outstanding Teacher Award, 1985; Texas Southern University Researcher of the Year, 1988; First White House Initiative Faculty Award for Excellence in Science and Technology, 1988; Texas Southern Universitys Teacher of the Year Award, 1989; National Technical Association Scientist of the Year Award, 1993; Alabama State University Alumni of Distinction Award, 1997; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Laurel Wreath Recipient, 2005; Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2009; Minority Access Mentor Award, 2009; Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2010; Texas Southern University, College of Science and Technology, Leadership Award, 2011; Texas Southern University, Missouri City Links, STEM-ulating College for a Day Award, 2011; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2012; Michigan State Universitys College of Natural Science, Outstanding Alumni Award, 2012; Texas Southern University, College of Science and Technology Undergraduate Advisor/Mentor Award, 2012; Texas Southern University, Presidential Achievement Medal Award, 2012; Texas Southern University, University Distinguished Service Award, 2013; and BEYA STEM Black Engineer Promotion of Education Award, 2013.

Perhaps his most ambitious and forward-looking venture has been his efforts to help in the establishment of the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) in seven Houston-area colleges and universities. He is the co-principal investigator of this consortium, which is designed to substantially increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The programs success in producing STEM graduates has earned it the title of Crown Jewel of the National Science Foundations. Its success at Texas Southern University and other Houston-area colleges and universities has been judged to be among the best LSAMP program in the nation. This judgment bears witness to Dr. Wilsons vision and leadership.

Not only is Dr. Wilson nationally known for his remarkable scholarly achievements and publications, he has also been a mentor to over 70 MS degree students in Chemistry and 25 MS and/or Ph.D. degree students in Environmental Toxicology. Wilson was instrumental in establishing the Environmental Toxicology Program as Texas Southern Universitys first Ph.D. program in 1994. Dr. Wilson has also been instrumental in building the research component of the science programs at Texas Southern University. His efforts have generated over 100 million in research and training grants for the university.

Research Interests

Research/Scholarly Activities

THESES AND DISSERTATIONS

Akhter, Asma, (Advisor: B.L. Wilson), Measuring The Trace Metals (Mo, Cd, Sn, U, and Pb) In Drinking Water From The Houston Area By Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS), Texas Southern University, 2013

Tarver, Siobhan, (Advisor: B.L. Wilson), Correlating Biological and Environmental Monitoring Assessing the Risk of Human Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in the Greater Houston Area, Ph.D., Texas Southern University, 2013

Lyons, L., (Advisor: B.L. Wilson), Study of In Vivo Exposure of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Mouse Liver, Ph.D., Texas Southern University, 2011

Ramadi, M., (Advisor: B.L. Wilson), The Study of Nanomaterials and their Antimicrobial Activity, Ph.D., Texas Southern University, 2009

Oyewole, A., (Advisor: B.L. Wilson) Toxicological Evaluation of SelectedHouston Area Aquatic Systems, Ph.D., Texas Southern University, 2009

Recent Publications (out of a total of xxx)

Clement, J.Q., Lacy, S.M., and Wilson, B.L., Gene Expression Profiling of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes in Simulated Microgravity and Recovery Cultures Geno. Prot. Bioinfo., Vol. 6, No.1, 2008.

Periyakaruppan , A., Sarkar, S., Ravichandran, P., Sadanandan , B., Sharma, C.S, Ramesh , V., Hall, J.C., Thomas, R., Wilson, B.L., and Ramesh, G.T., Uranium induces apoptosis in lung epithelial cells , Arch Toxicology , 2009 June; 83(6) : 595-600.

Prabakaran Ravichandran, Sudhakar Baluchamy, Ramya Gopikrishnan, Santhoshkumar Biradar, Vani Ramesh, Virupaxi Goornavar, Renard Thomas, Bobby L. Wilson, Robert Jeffers, Joseph C. Hall, and Govindarajan T. Ramesh, Pulmonary biocompatibility assessment of inhaled single-wall and multi- wall carbon nanotubes in BALB/C mice, J. Biol. Chem. 2011 jbc.M111.251884. First Published on June 24, 2011, doi:10.1074/jbc.M111.251884.

Keller, R., Bradbury, J., Cramer, R., Erickson, E., Forch, B., Meyer, S., Wilson, B., Disposal Options for the Rocket Motors from Nerve Agent Rockets Stored at Blue Grass Army Depot, National Research Council of the National Academies, Board on Army Science and Technology, International Book Number-13: 978-0-30-26045-9, 2012.

Clemens, P., Wei, X., Wilson, B., Thomas, R., Anatase Titanium Dioxide Coated Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Manufacture by Sonochemical-Hyrdrothermal Technique, Open Journal of Composite Materials, Vol.3 No. 2A, 2013, pp. 21-32. Dol:10.4236/ojcm.2013.32A004.

Funding

Wilkerson, Daryl

Education and Training

  • BS in Physics at Texas Southern University (1982)
  • MS in Chemistry at Texas Southern University (1988)

Biography

Mr. Daryl F. Wilkerson is currently an Instructor and Laboratory Coordinator of Chemistry at Texas Southern University, with an Masters Thesis, Title: A/ STUDY OF RADIONUCLIDES AS FOUND IN THE AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENT NEAR A COAL FIRED ELECTRIC POWER PLANT/, his research centered on the study of selected radio-nuclides (K-40, U-238, U-235, and Th-232) and their daughter products in the aqueous environment surrounding a coal- fired electric power plant near Houston, Texas. Gamma-ray spectroscopy, consisting of a NaI(TI) scintillation detector, multichannel analyzer and IBM(PC) computer was used in analyzing the samples.

Research Interests

Research/Scholarly Activities

Recent Publications (out of a total of xxx)

Funding

Wei, Xi

Education and Training

Nanjing University Materials Chemistry B.S., 1993

Nanjing University Polymer Chemistry and Physics Ph.D., 1998

Biography

Research Interests

Research/Scholarly Activities

Recent Publications

SELECT JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS

Paul Clemens, Xin Wei, Bobby L. Wilson, and Renard L. Thomas, Anatase Titanium Dioxide Coated Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Manufactured by Sonochemical-Hydrothermal Technique, Open Journal of Composite Materials, 3, 21 (2013)

Isis E. Mejias Carpio, Catherine M. Santos, Xin Wei, and Debora F. Rodrigues, Toxicity of a Polymer-Graphene Oxide Composite against Bacterial Planktonic Cells, Biofilms, and Mammalian Cells, Nanoscale, 4, 4746 (2012).

Jian You, Ruping Shao, Xin Wei, Sanjay Gupta, and Chun Li, Near-Infrared Light Triggers Release of Paclitaxel from Biodegradable Microspheres: Photothermal Effect and Enhanced Antitumor Activity, Small, 6, 1022 (2010).

Merlyn X. Pulikkathara, Oleksandr V. Kuznetsov, Ivana R. G. Peralta, Xin Wei, and Valery N. Khabashesku, Medium Density Polyethylene Composites with Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes, Nanotechnology, 20, 195602 (2009).

Hassan Mahfuz, Mohammad Hasan, Vinod Dhanak, Graham Beamson, Justin Stewart, Vijaya Rangari, Xin Wei, Valery Khabashesku and Shaik Jeelani, Reinforcement of Nylon 6 with Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Tensile Strength and Modulus, Nanotechnology, 19, 445702 (2008).

Funding

Research Support

Fabrication and Characterization of Advanced Nanocomposite Materials (PI: Dr. Bobby L. Wilson, Co-PIs: Drs. Xin Wei and Renard L. Thomas, Air Force Research Laboratory/Universal Technology Corporation/Clarkson Aerospace Minority Leaders Program, 2005-2013, Total: 1,250,000approx.).

Urban Transportation Environmental Networks (Subproject Co-PI: Lei Yu, Faculty Investigators: Xin Wei, Fengxiang Qiao, and Yi Qi, NSF-CREST, 2011-2016, Subproject Total: $ 1,250,000 approx.).

MRI Consortium: Acquisition of a Small Angle X-ray Scattering System for Materials Characterization (PI: Dr. Ramanan Krishnamoorti, Co-PIs: Drs. Matteo Pasquali, Gila E. Stein, Xin Wei, and Michael Wang, NSF-MRI Program, 2010-2011, Total: $412,772).

Tolbert, Michelle

Research Interests

Turay, Sheku

Education and Training

  • Ph.D. Environmental Toxicology, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 2008
  • (Ph.D.) Pharmacology/Toxicology A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida 2002-2004
  • M.S. Biology, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 1995
  • B.S. Biology, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas 1991 – Minor: Chemistry

Research Interests

Saleh, Mahmoud

Education and Training

Biography

Research Interests

Research/Scholarly Activities

Recent Publications (out of a total of xxx)

Funding

Prince, Bruce

Education and Training

  • Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry with a specialization in Computational Chemistry; University of North Texas, Denton, Texas 2014
  • BS, Inorganic Chemistry California State University, Bakersfield, California 1996
  • Palisade Charter High School, 15777 Bowdoin Street Pacific Palisades, CA 9027 1984

Biography

After graduating from Palisade High School (Palisade Charter High School now), Pacific Palisade California in 1984, Dr. Bruce M. Prince went on to earn his BS degree in Chemistry from California State University Bakersfield (CSUB) in 1996. He continued his academic career by earning a Ph.D. degree in Inorganic Chemistry with a specialization in Computational Chemistry from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2014. Texas Southern University (TSU) has employed Dr. Prince since 2014 as a Research Scientist and as an active Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Prince’s research involves, inorganic chemistry with specialization in computational chemistry, organometallic chemistry, catalyst design. Specific applications Dr. Prince have investigated include: methane-to-methanol (MTM), α-olefin hydroarylation, methane-plus-carbon dioxide to acetic acid, styrene catalysis, C-H bond activation and functionalization, olefin epoxidation, oxidation of metal-alkyl complexes, and C-N bond coupling. This includes chemistry of late transition metals and the main group metals. Dr. Prince career started as a postdoctoral fellow at TSU with Professor Christopher Tymczak, his research was funded through the Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). On the campus of TSU, Dr. Prince is known as a remarkable scholarly instructor of chemistry, which is reflective in his “Rate My Professors” score card. Dr. Prince publications are listed below.

Peer-Reviewed Publications:
1. Substituent Effects of Carbon Dioxide Fixation: A DFT Investigation into the O=C=O bond Cleavage by Three-Coordinate Cobalt (I) Complex Followed by Methane C-H activation-Prince, B. M.; (Manuscript in Completed)

  1. DFT Study of the Reaction of a Two-Coordinate Iron(II) Dialkyl Complex with Molecular Oxygen; Prince, B. M., Cundari, T. R.; Tymczak, C. J.; J. Phys. Chem. A, 2013, 117, 9245–9251 DOI: 10.1021/jp5082438
  2. Oxy-functionalization of Group 9 and 10 Transition Metal Methyl Ligands: Use of Pyridine-based Hemi-labile Ligands; Prince, B. M., Gunnoe, T. B., Cundari, T. R.; Dalton Trans., 2014, 2014, 43, 7608-7614 DOI: 10.1039/C4DT00371C
  3. PtII Catalyzed Hydrophenylation of α-Olefins: Variation of Linear: Branched Products as a Function of Ligand Donor Ability; McKeown, B. A., Prince, B. M., Ramiro, Z., Gunnoe, T. B., Cundari, T. R.; ACS Catal., 2014, 4, 1607-1615 DOI: 10.1021/cs400988w
  4. Methane C—H Bond Activation by “Naked” Alkali Metal Imidyl and Alkaline Earth Metal Imide Complexes. The Role of Ligand Spin and Nucleophilicity; Prince, B. M., Cundari, T. R., J. Phys. Chem. A, 2013 117, 9245-9251 DOI: 10.1021/JP404951E
  5. Flavin-catalyzed Insertion of Oxygen into Rhenium-Methyl Bonds; Pouy, M. J., Milczek, E. M., Gunnoe, T. B., Figg, T. M., Prince, B. M., Otten, B. M., Cundari, T. R., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2012, 134,12920-12923, (communication); DOI: 10.1021/JA3054139
  6. C—H Bond Activation of Methane by PtII-N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes. The Importance of Having the Ligands in the Right Place at the Right Time; Prince, B. M., Cundari, T. R., Organometallics, 2012, 31, 1042–1048., DOI: 10.1021/OM201114D
  7. DFT Study of the Reactivity of Methane and Dioxygen with d10-L2M Complexes; Cundari, T. R., Prince, B. M., J. Organomet. Chem. 2011, 696, 3982-3986., DOI: 10.1016/j.jorganchem.2011.06.015
  8. Redox Insertion into Metal-Carbon Bonds. A Computational Study of Pt0 and PtII N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes; Prince, B. M., Cundari, T. R; (Manuscript is Completed – awaiting internal review by CCHF experimental collaborators).

Research Interests

My research focuses on designing novel organometallic catalysts using density functional theory (DFT) and ab initio methods, I have used the correlation consistent Composite Approach (ccCA) developed at UNT. Additionally, I have investigated hydrogen tunneling via nuclear-electronic orbital-MCSCF (NEO-MCSCF) approaches. Specific applications I have investigated include: α-olefin hydroarylation, styrene catalysis, C-H bond activation and functionalization, olefin epoxidation, oxidation of metal-alkyl complexes, C-N bond coupling, and CO2 fixation. Presently, I am a Visiting Assistant Professor at Texas Southern University (TSU) in the Chemistry Department working with the students and continuing my research. In addition, I am currently teaching physical chemistry, the upper division and graduate level inorganic courses.

Field 1, Field 2, Field 3

Research/Scholarly Activities

Title of Ph.D. Dissertation: The Mechanisms of Methane C-H Activation and Oxy-Insertion via Small Transition Metal Complexes: A DFT Computational Investigation

Recent Publications

Funding

Mizzell, Rachel

Research Interests

Mcdaniels, Vera

Research Interests

Smith – Johnson, Delois

Research Interests

Good, Sonya

Research Interests

I have participated in groundbreaking and/or novel research that consist of electrochemistry, environmental science and life science research.  My research involved 1) investigating the conduction of nanosized metals adhered to modified solid supports, 2) developing nanoscopic electrodes with detection capabilities at trace levels and improve water and soil quality utilizing nanocomposites and 3) modifying solid supports such as textiles and polymers where its functional groups interact with selective biological components.  Since, 1994, my research provided experience in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, surface science, material science, nanoparticles, textile chemistry, agricultural chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, polymer chemistry and peptide synthesis.

Publications

Assessing the East Bay of Galveston Bay, Texas for Coliform Bacteria in Recreational Water, Quach, T.; Colon, L.; Akinrinlola, A.; Bell, J.; Good, S. Open Journal of Marine Science 2016, 6, 472-481

Citrate-Linked Keto- and Aldo-Hexose Monosaccharide Cellulose Conjugates Demonstrate Selective Human Neutrophil Elastase-Lowering Activity in Cotton Dressings, Edwards, Judson V.;  Caston, Sonya Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 2013, 4, 59-73

A Bio-Sensor for Human Neutrophil Elastase Employs Peptide-p-Nitroanilide Cellulose Conjugates, Edwards, J. Vincent; Caston, Sonya; Howley, Phyllis; Condon, Brian; Arnold, Judy Sensor Letters, 2008, 6, 4, 518-523

New Uses for Immobilized Enzymes & Substrates on Cotton & Cellulose Fibers, J.Vincent Edwards, Abdul J. Ullah, Kandan Sethumadhavan, Sarah Batiste, Patricia Bel-Berger, Terri Von Hoven, Wilton R. Goynes, Brian Condon, and Sonya Caston , American Chemical Society Symposium Series:  Industrial Application of Enzymes on Carbohydrate-Based Material, 2007, 972, 171-185

Detection of Human Neutrophil Elastase with Peptide-Bound Cross-Linked Ethoxylate Acrylate Resin Analogs, Edwards, J. Vincent; Caston, Sonya; Bopp, Alvin F.; and Goynes, Wilton Journal of Peptide Research, 2005, 66, 4, 160-168

2004 Southwest Regional Meeting: “A Systematic Approach to Professional Development”, Caston, Sonya, NOBCChE NEWS OnLine, 2005, 35, 1, 9-11

Characteristics of Nanoscopic Au Band Electrodes, Caston, Sonya L. and McCarley, Robin L.  Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2002, 529, 2, 124-34

X-ray Characterization of Resids from the Wilsonville, Alabama, Two-Stage Direct Liquefaction Facility.  1.  XRD and XRF Analysis of the Illinois No. 6 Resids from Run No. 257, Wertz, David L.; Smithhart, Charles B.; and Caston, Sonya Journal of Coal QualityCQ, 1993, 12, 36

Ekwere, Obot

Education and Training

  • Ph. D. Science Education (Chemistry),
  • University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, 1998
  • Thesis: Metacognitive Instructional Strategies and Students Concept Attainment in, and Attitudes Towards Chemistry in Ibadan Municipality
  • M.ED. Teacher Education (Science Education), University of Ibadan, Nigeria, 1990
  • Thesis: Effects of Schema Activation and Concept Attainment Instructional Models on Secondary School Students Attainment of the Mole Concept
  • B. Ed., Science Education (Chemistry), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, 1985
  • Project: A Survey of Scientific Attitudes Possessed by Students in Selected Secondary Schools in Kano Metropolis

AWARDS, HONORS AND GRANT RECEIVED

Certification, GLOBE program , March 2007

Letters of appreciation for participation in clinical practice at College of Education, TSU, 2006 & 2007

Letters of appreciation for contributions to development of a proposal to support certification by National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2007

Doctoral Thesis Support Grant from Association of African Universities, P. O. Box 5774, Accra- North, Ghana. 1995

Certificate of national service from National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) in accordance with section 11 of the NYSC degree # 24 of 1973, August 1983

Biography

Research Interests

Research/Scholarly Activities

Recent Publications

PUBLICATION

EKWERE, O. J. (1997) Metacognitive Instructional Strategies: Innovations in Chemistry Teaching. Proceedings of the 40th Annual Conference of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, pp. 168-172.

PRESENTATIONS

EKWERE, O. J. (2007) Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE): Interdisciplinary Approach to Teaching and Learning. Paper presented to pre-service teachers, College of Education, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas

EKWERE, O.J. (2000) Metacognitive Inquiry and Students Concept Attainment in Chemistry, Paper presented at faculty and staff seminar, Faculty of Education, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

EKWERE, O.J. (1998) Metacognitive Instructional Strategies and Students Concept Attainment in, and Attitude Towards Chemistry in Ibadan municipality. Paper presented at faculty, staff and students seminar, Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan.

EKWERE, O. J. (1996) Metacognitive Instructional Strategies of Concept Mapping and Rehearsal and Students Performance in Secondary School Chemistry, Paper presented at the joint staff/higher degree students seminar series, Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan.

EKWERE, O.J. (1994) Metacognitive Instructional Strategies, Cognitive Style and Gender as determinants of Students’ Concept Attainment in and Attitude towards Chemistry. A research paper presented to the Association of African Universities Accra – North, Ghana.

EKWERE, O. J. (1993) Metacognitive Instructional Strategies, Cognitive Style and Gender and Students Concept Attainment in Chemistry in Senior Secondary Schools. Paper Presented at Departmental Seminar, Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan.

EKWERE, O. J. (1991) Teaching Science Students in Secondary Schools, Paper Presented at Science Unit Seminar, Department of Teacher Education,University of Ibadan

EKWERE, O. J. (1989) Effects of Schema Activation and Concept Attainment Instructional Models on Secondary School Students Attainment of the Mole Concept. Paper presented at Departmental Seminar, Department of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan.

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