Chemistry Department Research
Welcome to the research hub of the Chemistry Department at Whitman, where passion for discovery thrives within a supportive and collaborative environment. At Whitman, we offer unique opportunities for students to engage in hands-on research, working closely with faculty who are not only dedicated educators but also active researchers.
Our faculty members lead diverse research projects, each contributing to advancing knowledge in their respective fields (see research lab highlights and area of specialization below). Our state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities provide the perfect setting for students to immerse themselves in research, gaining invaluable experience and skills that prepare them for successful careers in science. We invite you to explore the exciting research opportunities at Whitman's Chemistry Department.
Research Lab Highlights
The Biswas group utilizes computational tools and models to tackle complex chemical problems. One of her projects focuses on using active site models to study the protein structure of a specific class of molybdenum enzymes and the unique reactions these enzymes catalyze. Since 2023, Dr. Biswas has been a member of the NSF Center for Computer-Assisted Synthesis (C-CAS), and her group is currently interested in employing quantitative, data-driven approaches to enhance the predictability of synthetic chemistry.
See my Research Profile, Google Scholars & NSF-CAS for details.
Boland's research program aims to make better predictions of metal ion bioavailability and mobility in the environment. His students develop and use analytical methods to explore the kinetics and mechanisms of governing reactions, including metal-organic exchange reactions that are relevant to plants, microbes, and fungi to meet their nutritional needs.
See Bio/Research profile for details.
The Collins group focuses on developing and applying biocatalysts for the selective oxyfunctionalization of small molecules. They employ various whole-cell-based systems to produce chiral building blocks used in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of natural products and functionalized organic materials.
See Bio/Research profile for details.
The Dunnivant group is interested in developing analytical techniques to measure trace-level pollutants in aquatic systems and isotopically specific metals in Pacific Northwest ecosystems. In addition to contributing to textbooks and popular science books, Dr. Dunnivant's latest work, "Environmental Success Stories," addresses major ecological problems and climate change.
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Götz’s research focuses on drug design and synthesis, targeting Alzheimer's disease, sleeping sickness, Chagas' disease, and cancer. Her recent work emphasizes designing and synthesizing molecules for the potential treatment of multiple myeloma.
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The Hendricks Laboratory operates at the intersection of physical, materials, and inorganic chemistry, focusing on synthesizing nanocrystalline materials and the pathways through which they form. They are developing libraries of precursor molecules that can be converted into semiconductor nanocrystals and investigating the role of kinetics in the crystalline phase of nanocrystals. Additionally, their lab utilizes robots for chemical processes, advancing laboratory automation tools.
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Juhasz’s research delves into molecules constructed from clusters of boron atoms, known as boranes, and mixed clusters of boron and carbon, known as carboranes. Although many applications for these molecules have been anticipated, their use remains limited due to the scarcity of preparation methods. Juhasz’s research program aims to develop synthetic methods for creating new borane and carborane-based molecules and utilizes organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry techniques.
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Machonkin’s research lies at the intersection of chemistry and biology. His group investigates the mutagenesis of metal-containing enzymes, focusing on a specific class of bacterial enzymes to explore their potential in pollutant remediation. His students employ synthetic chemistry, protein biochemistry, and spectroscopic tools to study complex biological systems.
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