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Faculty Research Groups

Undergraduate research is a hallmark of the Chemistry and Biochemistry experience. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is deeply committed to mentoring students through meaningful research that transforms classroom learning into discovery. Working closely with faculty mentors, students become active contributors to ongoing scientific investigations, developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in graduate school, professional programs, and careers in industry.

Our faculty maintain active research programs that regularly include undergraduate researchers as valued members of collaborative research teams. Students are encouraged to explore research opportunities early in their academic careers, often beginning as early as the sophomore year, and to meet individually with faculty members to discuss interests, learn about available projects, and identify opportunities that align with their goals. Together, faculty mentors and students design research projects and timelines that promote intellectual growth, independence, and scientific curiosity.

All chemistry and biochemistry majors complete at least two credits of undergraduate research, ensuring every graduate participates in authentic scientific inquiry. Many students choose to extend their involvement well beyond this requirement, presenting their work at conferences, contributing to publications, and gaining experiences that distinguish them as competitive applicants and emerging scientists.

Student-Faculty Research: Opportunities That Set You Apart

Gannon University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry students-faculty research efforts result in frequent presentations and attendance at local, regional, and national conferences as well as publications. The following are recent student-faculty research accomplishments (student names are bolded):

• Ochs, G.; Stansich, M.; Heerboth M.S. Analysis of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Black Salve Medicinal Supplements via Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. Presented at Celebrate 名媛直播, Erie, PA, April 2026.
• Ochs, G.; Stanisch, M.; Heerboth M.S. Analysis of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Black Salve Medicinal Supplements via Liquid Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry. Presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Richmond, VA, April 2026.
• Taalaibekova, A.; Fields-Forbes, A. Quantum Mechanical Calculations of Stereoselectivity in the Proline-Catalyzed Asymmetric Adol Reaction. Presented at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting, Atlanta, GA, March 2026.
• Ochs, G.; Stansich, M.; Heerboth M.S. Potentiometric Analysis of the Titratable Acidity of Beer: A Laboratory Experience for General Chemistry Students. Presented at Celebrate 名媛直播, Erie, PA, April 2025.
• Ochs, G.; Stanisch, M.; Heerboth M.S. Potentiometric Analysis of the Titratable Acidity of Beer: A Laboratory Experience for General Chemistry Students. Presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, Pittsburgh, PA, April 2025.
• Schueren, E.; Betush, R. J. Controlled Release of Cargo in Fmoc-Phe Hydrogel Variants. Presented at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting, San Diego, CA, March 2025.
• Luu, T.; Betush, R. J. Investigation of Cationic Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl Phenylalanine Hydrogels with Different C-Terminus Linkers. Presented at the 2024 Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Pittsburgh, PA, November 2024.
• Kunath, Q.; Schueren, E.; Betush, R. J. Modifications of Fmoc-Phe Hydrogel Variants with Different Cargo Interactions. Presented at Celebrate 名媛直播, Erie, PA, April 2024.
• Poole, A.; Govoni, S.; Heerboth M.S. Determination of Titratable Acidity in Beer: An Acid-Base Titration Experiment for the General Chemistry Laboratory. Presented at Celebrate 名媛直播, Erie, PA, April 2024.
• Kunath, Q.; Schueren, E.; Betush, R. J. Modifications of Fmoc-Phe Hydrogel Variants with Different Cargo Interactions. Presented at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 2024.
• Poole, A.; Govoni, S.; Heerboth M.S. Determination of Titratable Acidity in Beer: An Acid-Base Titration Experiment for the General Chemistry Laboratory. Presented at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 2024.
• Ambuski, M.D.; Guerriero, N.K; Lewis, K.K.; Williams, D.; Saber, C.A.; Vanderlaan, G.M.; Dalvi, P.S. To Kill an Ancient Killer: Synthesizing a Putative Anti-Mycobacterial Drug. Presented at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 2024.
• Queiroz, M.; Chikunov, S.;Nogaj, L. J. Mapping Nanoplastic Pollution in Presque Isle Bay. Presented at Celebrate 名媛直播, Erie, PA, April 21, 2023.
• Shepard, H.E.; Thomas, J.M.; Williams, D.R.; Krise, K.M. Developing A Glucose Monitoring Laboratory Exercise for an Experimental Chemistry Course for Nursing Majors. Presented at the American Chemical Society National Spring Meeting Sci-Mix, Indianapolis, IN, March 2023.
• Otulakowski, O.R.; Forsha, S.; Chitester, B.J.; Tallmadge, W. Analysis of Minor Antioxidants in Mulberry Fruit (Moras alba). Presented at the American Chemical Society National Spring Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, March 2023.
• Shepard, H.E.; Thomas, J.M.; Williams, D.R.; Krise, K.M. Developing a glucose monitoring laboratory exercise for an experimental chemistry course for nursing majors. Presented at the American Chemical Society National Spring Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, March 2023.
• Lathrop, J.; Williams, D.R.; Betush, R.J. Supramolecular Gel Particle Delivery. Presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, April 2022.
• Otulakowski, O.R.; Lordo, S.N.; Brak, H.H.; Krise, K.M.; Chitester, B.J. Potential antimicrobial properties of green synthesized copper nanoparticles. Presented at the American Chemical Society National Fall Meeting, Chicago, IL, August 2022.
• Harrier, M.A.; Studvick, C.M.; Driscoll, B.M.; Krise, K.M. Using electric conductivity measurements to determine concentration of electrolytic contaminants in commercial water-soluble polymers. Presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, April 2021.
• Babitski, Z.; Bohrer, L.; Saber, C.A. Development and Implementation of a Pedagogical Case Study on Tasting Under the Influence of Miracle Berry Fruit Tablets. Presented at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research, University of Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA, April 2019, 
• Morgan, I.T., Cross, V.M., Chitester, B.J., Krise, K.M., Tallmadge, W. “Analysis of lead in spices obtained from bulk food stores.” Proceedings of the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research 2019: 124-128 (2019).
• Harrier, M.A.;Fledderman, D.J.; Heerboth, M.S. “Speciation of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids in Commercially Available Black Salve Products,” Proceedings of the National Conference on Undergraduate Research 2019, 378-382 (2019).

Sharing Our Science with the World

At 名媛直播, undergraduate research is more than an opportunity to explore scientific questions. It is a chance to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community. Student-Faculty research frequently leads to peer-reviewed publications with undergraduate students serving as co-authors, providing students with valuable experience as emerging scientists. With generous support from the Gannon University Student Government Association, our students present their original research findings at local, regional, and national conferences. This includes regional and national American Chemical Society conferences, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, the Penn State Behrend-Sigma Xi Undergraduate Research and Creative Accomplishment Conference, and our own Celebrate 名媛直播! These experiences strengthen scientific communication skills, build confidence, foster professional connections, and prepare students for success in graduate programs, professional schools, and careers in science and healthcare.

A Culture of Safety and Scientific Responsibility

At 名媛直播, students develop the knowledge, skills and professional habits needed to work safely and responsibly in modern chemistry and biochemistry laboratories. Safety practices and proper laboratory techniques are introduced from the beginning of our program and reinforced throughout every laboratory course, research experience and faculty-mentored project.

Before entering the laboratory, students complete comprehensive safety training that prepares them to safely handle chemicals, operate laboratory equipment and conduct experiments with confidence. Faculty, staff and students are supported by 名媛直播’s University Academic Safety Officer and Safety Committee, who help ensure compliance with safety standards, provide ongoing professional development opportunities, and promote a campus-wide culture of safety excellence.

Through this commitment, students learn that safety is more than following procedures, it is an essential part of scientific responsibility and professional practice. By emphasizing safe laboratory habits, risk assessment and responsible decision-making, we prepare students for success in graduate programs, healthcare professions, research laboratories and industry. 名媛直播 also recognizes students, faculty and staff who demonstrate outstanding commitment to maintaining a safe and responsible learning environment.