Chemistry and Biochemistry News

Biochemistry major Alyssa Reddy spent 10 weeks of her summer doing skills training at Towson University and research rotations at the University of Maryland in their SUMMIR (Supporting Undergraduate Members in Microbiology and Immunology Research) Program. The work culminated in a symposium where participants presented their work. Alyssa is pictured with her cohort on skill share day, and giving her final oral presentation. Click the link for more photos and information about this new summer internship program. Great work Alyssa!

Congratulations and thanks to Dr. Matt Hudson who head-authored a major research instrumentation grant -not once, but twice- to the National Science Foundation. Because of these efforts, SU Chemistry and Biochemistry has an NMR for the first time in more than 10 years. This important piece of instrumentation is crucial to the determination of molcular structure of organic compounds. Not only will it support key learning goals for our science majors, it will support research being conducted by faculty. This helium-free NMR will also allow the chemistry and biochemistry programs to apply for accreditation by the American Chemical Society.

To view the unboxing video and hear more about the NMR, click here.

Senior biochemistry major Riley Schap was selected for the Society of Applied Spectroscopy Undergraduate Student Award in May, 2025. She traveled to Pittsburgh with her Mom, and Professor Tracey Mason to attend the annual awards banquet. There, Riley was presented with her certificate, a check and a one-year subscription to the Journal of Applied Spectroscopy. Riley said ” I am honored to be recognized for my spectroscopy research, but it means even more to me that this award highlights the critical work being done to address Konzo disease in the [Democratic] Republic of Congo. Beyond personal recognition, I’m grateful that this spotlight brings much-needed attention to the communities affected by this debilitating condition, and to the importance of advancing accessible scientific solutions.”

Thanks also goes to Dr. Matt Bramble (BS’10) who approached us with a question of selenium deficiency in Konzo sufferers; we have enjoyed the collaboration with one of our SOS alumni.

Six chemistry and biochemistry majors, Cara Guagenti, Mackenzie Redding, Alyssa Reddy, Riley Schap, Chloe Seluchins, and Marisa Sloan, traveled to San Diego, CA to present their research at the 2025 Spring National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. The students took part in the Summer Science Scholars Research Program (S³RP) in the School of the Sciences during the summer of 2023 under the mentorship of Dr. Dwyer and Dr. Hudson. This conference served as a fitting conclusion to their projects. Further, the students were able to attend technical research sessions, network with exposition vendors and career professionals, as well as seek post-graduate job/internship opportunities!

Amber (Woodruff) Wilson, a chemistry alumna (BS’10/MS’11) has been featured in the American Chemical Society (ACS) Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) Blog. Amber is employed by Green Analytics, LLC, a which performs “testing for state compliance, research and development, gender determination, product development, environmental monitoring, and packaging integrity” in the regulated cannabis marketplace. Amber has been active in the ACS since her student days, as a member of the student club on campus.

Read the blog to get to know more about the Chair of the ACSYCC.