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| Department of Chemistry General Information |
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| Established in 1885, the Department of Chemistry has a long tradition of excellence in research and teaching. At the turn of the century, when other scientists had just begun to find uses for the gummy by-product of certain chemical reactions, University of Akron chemistry professor Charles M. Knight was already teaching the world’s first college course in rubber chemistry. |
| There are currently 18 professors in the department. Approximately 60 full-time students are in the graduate program. Graduate students work in groups of varying size that may include postdoctoral associates, technicians and undergraduate students. |
| The Department of Chemistry offers master’s degrees and doctoral degrees in analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Emphasis is placed on scholarship through active research and academic programs designed especially to meet student needs. Opportunities are provided for applications in environmental, medical and industrial projects. The department encourages professional growth through meetings, seminars and direct contact with leading scientists from industry and other universities. Cross-disciplinary training is promoted through continued collaborations with The Maurice Morton Institute of Polymer Science, Institute for Biomedical Engineering Research, Center for Environmental Studies, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine and Institute for Life-Span Development and Gerontology. |
| The Department of Chemistry is housed in the modern Knight Chemical Laboratory building. The facility provides a safe working environment for both research and teaching. It adjoins Mary Gladwin Hall, home to the College of Nursing. Knight Chemical Laboratory also is connected via covered walkways to the Auburn Science and Engineering Center, Whitby Hall and to the Goodyear Polymer Center. Research within this complex is supported by machine, electronics and photography shops; by media-preparation and animal rooms; and by greenhouses. All facilities have full-time, trained staffs. |
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| Research in Chemical Physics |
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| In collaboration with the Department of Physics, the Department of Chemistry offers a chemical physics option as part of the chemistry Ph.D. program. Several physics faculty members have joint appointments in the chemistry department, thus enhancing the total chemical physics research effort. |
| Students may enter the chemical physics program with the approval of their chosen chemical physics adviser (either from chemistry or physics). Students must complete all necessary Ph.D. coursework and exams in the Department of Chemistry. The program offers students the flexibility of both theoretical and experimental work, and can significantly enhance the research experience of students with both chemistry and physics backgrounds. |
| At this writing, chemical physics research projects include: electronic spectroscopy and photophysics of organic molecules (Edward Lim), polymer theory (Jutta Luettmer-Strathman), tunneling and infrared spectroscopies of thin films (Robert Mallik), NMR studies of relaxation and diffusion in polymers (Ernst von Meerwall), nuclear quadruple resonance spectroscopy (Roger Creel), high resolution infrared studies of intramolecular dynamics (David Perry), physics and chemistry of surfaces (Rex Ramsier). |
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