The University of New Hampshire Chemistry Department combines the personal contact that you would find at a small college with a research profile that you would find at a research-intensive institution. We aspire to be a place of educational, professional, and personal transformation, where young scientists work along side faculty members, participating in the process of discovering new knowledge about the molecular world. At UNH, students of chemistry receive a high quality, broad-based education in an atmosphere of close cooperation between faculty and students, between research and teaching, and between chemistry and other disciplines. Our seventeen faculty members have an enduring commitment to excellence in graduate and undergraduate education.

Diverse Research OpportunitiesThe Department of Chemistry is the only department that has existed for the entire history of UNH; we have a long-standing tradition of achievement in the molecular sciences. Our vision for the future is not confined by the traditions of the past. We work to combine approaches and interface with other disciplines where interesting chemical questions exist. Our continuing commitment to quality and innovation is reflected in the multifaceted research themes of the Department:

analytical methods and methods development (AM&MD)This research effort develops tools and methods to analyze, characterize, manipulate, and sense molecules, ions, and small particles, especially as related to toxins, environmental species, and materials.

bio-inspired chemistry and chemical biology (BIO)In these areas, expertise from inorganic/organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, and biochemistry are applied to biological systems at the molecular and macromolecular levels as well as in whole cells.

chemistry education research (CER)We are one of the few Chemistry Departments in which multiple faculty members perform Chemistry Education Research—combining disciplinary expertise with methodologies/models from education, the learning sciences, and psychology to better understand and improve chemistry teaching and learning.

energy and environmental science (EN&ENV)These areas make use of synthetic, physical, and analytical chemistry to molecularly harness energy from sunlight and to probe/sense trace species in, and potential chemical threats to, the environment.

macromolecules, materials, and nanoscience (MM&N)Materials-related research is very strong in our Department, and it encompasses a diverse range of projects, including molecular materials, nanomaterials, computational chemistry, surface chemistry, colloids, and polymers.

Seminars, Talks, and Special LecturesUNH Chemistry hosts a lively seminar schedule each academic semester. Every week, the Department hosts one or more guest lecturers who present work of general interest. Many of the faculty, post-docs, and students attend even though the subject matter may often be outside their specific field of interest—it is a great opportunity to broaden one’s knowledge of chemistry! The seminar schedule is highlighted each year by several endowed lectureships, including the Iddles Lecture Series, which has hosted a range of distinguished chemists, including seven Nobel laureates, and the LaMattina Lecture Series, which is organized completely by our graduate students.

An additional component of our Department’s seminar structure is the Lunch Talks. Twice a week during the academic year, a seasoned graduate student presents his or her work to fellow graduate students in a low-pressure, fun atmosphere. This facilitates the exchange of ideas and allows students to keep abreast of the research of their fellow students.

GRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY

GRADUATE PROGRAM B Y T H E N U M B E R S

17 faculty members

Approximately 10 M.S. students and 34 Ph.D. students

95% of students fully supported throughout graduate work

70% of incoming students complete a degree

$2+ million in active research grants

FacilitiesThe Chemistry Department is located on UNH’s main campus in Parsons Hall, which recently underwent a $50 million renovation, completed in 2012. Many modern research instruments are housed in Parsons Hall, and are supervised either by the Chemistry Department or the University Instrumentation Center (UIC).

The UIC provides training and easy access to 400 and 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (NMR), elemental analyzers (EDS or XPS), FT-IR, UV-Vis/Near-IR spectrophotometry, X-ray crystallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tunneling electron microscopy (TEM). Additionally, the UIC provides assistance with instrument development, repair, and calibration. For more information, visit http://www.unh.edu/research/welcome-uic.

The Chemistry Department is equipped to perform flame atomic absorption (AA), gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thermal analysis, fluorimetry, molecular beam mass spectrometry (MS), atomic emission spectroscopy, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). In addition, the Department possesses a dedicated computational chemistry facility and a staffed stockroom that provides common laboratory supplies.

Our local branch Chemistry Library in Parsons Hall provides services relating to chemical information such as reference assistance, chemical information databases, a large collection of print material (nearly 20,000 texts and reference works and physical or electronic access to 175 research journals), and dedicated spaces for both individual study and group meetings. For more information, visit https://www.library.unh.edu/locations/chemistry-library.

Grant SupportResearch and instrumentation is supported by external grants from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Defense, among others. At any given time there are typically $2-3 million in active research grants in the Department.

Department InformationDepartment of Chemistry University of New Hampshire Parsons Hall, 23 Academic Way Durham, NH 03824-2602 Telephone: 603.862.1550 Email: chem.dept@unh.edu

Web: http://www.unh.edu/chemistry

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For more information about our graduate program and applying, please visit http://www.unh.edu/chemistry/graduate.

Graduate Degree Programs and Paths• PathstoboththeM.S.andPh.D.degreeshavefirmcourseworkfoundationsin

Chemistry’s traditional sub-disciplines, but are rooted in the interdisciplinary research projects of our Faculty.

• TheM.S.program(withpathsinanalytical,inorganic,organic,andphysicalchemistry) provides students with the opportunity to develop a high degree of proficiency in a specialized research area. The program builds a solid foundation for careers in industry or teaching, for further graduate or professional school, or for those who would like to strengthen their Chemistry knowledge.

• ThePh.D.program(withpathsinanalytical,inorganic,organic,andphysicalchemistry) prepares students for careers in science as researchers and educators by expanding their knowledge of the discipline while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. Graduates are well placed for careers as professional chemists in industry, academia, government, and related areas.

• ThePh.D.(OptioninChemistryEducation)programisdesignedforstudentswhoplan a career at the interface of Science and Education (e.g. discipline-based education research, educational program assessment, STEM curriculum design, chemistry teaching, etc.).

Graduate CourseworkMost Chemistry graduate programs have course requirements that focus on only one sub-discipline. In contrast, our graduate programs require satisfactory knowledge across subdisciplines. This breadth of study distinguishes the programs from many other M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Chemistry and is an advantage when entering the workforce. A wide variety of graduate courses are offered including:• advancedopticalmethods• organometallicchemistry• chemistryofbiomolecules• computationalchemistry• syntheticorganicchemistry• inorganicbiochemistry• atmosphericchemistry• chemicalkineticsandreaction

dynamics• chemicalseparations• macromolecularsynthesis• chemicalequilibria• macromolecularcharacterization• teachingandlearninginscience• chemistryteachingseminar

Requirements for the M.S. degree• Demonstrationofabroadunderstandingofundergraduatechemistrybypassing

a series of basic examinations or satisfactory performance in approved courses.

• Satisfactoryperformanceinatleastthreepath-specific(analytical,inorganic,organic, or physical) courses and attendance at Department seminars.

• SatisfactorypresentationofaResearchProgressReportinthesecondyearofresidence.

• Preparation,publicpresentation,andoraldefenseofawrittenthesis.

Requirements for the Ph.D. degree• Demonstrationofabroadunderstandingofundergraduatechemistrybypassing

a series of basic examinations or satisfactory performance in approved courses.

• Satisfactoryperformanceinapath-specific(analytical,inorganic,organic,orphysical) series of 4-6 courses and attendance at Department seminars.

• Deepknowledgeinthepathofspecializationandrelatedresearchliterature,asrequired to pass comprehensive examinations.

• SatisfactorypresentationofaResearchProgressReportinthesecondyearof residence and a Department seminar on a topic unrelated to dissertation research in the third year of residence.

• Preparationandoraldefenseofanoriginalresearchprospectusinthethirdyearof residence.

• Preparation,publicpresentation,andoraldefenseofawrittendissertation.

Requirements for the Ph.D. (Option in Chemistry Education) degree• Demonstrationofabroadunderstandingofundergraduatechemistryby

passing a series of basic examinations or satisfactory performance in approved courses.

• Demonstrationofchemistrylaboratoryresearchproficiencybycompletingathesis-based M.S. (or equivalent) either at UNH or another university.

• Satisfactoryperformanceinaseriesofcoursesinscienceeducation,cognition,and qualitative/quantitative research methods, as well as attendance at Department seminars.

• Deepknowledgeinchemistryeducationandrelatedresearchliterature,asrequired to pass comprehensive examinations.

• SatisfactorypresentationofaResearchProgressReportinthesecondyearof residence and a Department seminar on a topic unrelated to dissertation research in the third year of residence.

• Preparationandoraldefenseofanoriginalresearchprospectusinthethirdyearof residence.

• Preparation,publicpresentation,andoraldefenseofawrittendissertation.

Thesis Mentor and CommitteeStudents select a thesis mentor during the first semester in the program after interviewing at least three faculty members. During each semester thereafter, students conduct independent research under the supervision of this faculty member. In the second year of residence and before the Research Progress Report, the mentor and student choose other faculty to form the thesis committee, chaired by the thesis mentor. This committee evaluates the student’s Research Progress Report and Thesis/Dissertation defense (and the candidacy examination for Ph.D. students).

Requirement of TeachingThe Department requires that all M.S. and Ph.D. students acquire experience in teaching. Students satisfy this requirement by serving as teaching assistants for at least one year. The Department strongly believes this greatly improves students’ communication and scientific skills. Initial training is provided by the course Chemistry Teaching Seminar, which is taken during the first semester of residency. Faculty and staff continuously monitor and mentor students as they evolve and hone their teaching practices.

Professional Development OpportunitiesPh.D. students have the opportunity to prepare for an academic career through the UNH Preparing Future Faculty Program (http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/pff.php), which offers a College Teaching Certificate and a Cognate in Science Teaching. These programs balance a student’s scientific research apprenticeship with knowledge of college teaching, learning, and classroom pedagogy.

ApplyingOur graduate program is open to talented, qualified students who are eager to deepen their knowledge of Chemistry and who wish to contribute to its growth. Most entering students have excelled in independent research as undergraduates and have been granted a degree in the field of Chemistry. However, anyone who has demonstrated significant preparation in the field and a desire to proceed with advanced work is encouraged to apply. Students enter the program in both the Fall and Spring semesters and pursue their studies full-time until degree requirements are satisfied

The application process can be completed online at: http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/apply.php.

A completed application will include a personal statement, undergraduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and the results of the GRE revised General Test. (The GRE Chemistry Test is optional, but recommended.) There are no cut-off levels for the GRE tests; each application is considered in its entirety.

The application deadline for Fall admission is February 15. The Department has no admissions quota and in recent years the entering class has numbered 10-14. The application deadline for Spring admission is December 1; spring admissions are subject to available departmental support.

International applicants must submit a pre-application form before they can be approved to submit a full application: http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/php/preapp.php. Once approved, international applicants will submit the materials described above as well as the results of the TOEFL or approved alternate test.

Graduate Recruiting WeekendOur Department typically hosts a graduate recruiting weekend in Durham for prospective graduate students in mid-Winter. Invitations to this weekend are extended to all domestic applicants that have been accepted to our program. Typically, during our Graduate Recruiting weekends, the students are given an overview of the program here at UNH. Additionally, individual meetings are scheduled for students to meet with faculty members that share their research interests. The prospective students break into groups for tours of the campus, as well as additional interactions with faculty and other graduate students. Students are also afforded the opportunity to explore the beautiful seacoast area of southern New Hampshire.

Where Have Our Recent Graduates Gone?

Financial SupportGraduate teaching assistantships are available to incoming students, except those admitted on a provisional basis. For students in good standing with regard to both academics and teaching, these assistantships are renewable for up to six semesters (for M.S. students) and ten semesters (for Ph.D. students). A number of research assistantships are also available in some research groups. Both types of assistantships come with a full tuition waver and health insurance.

There are also a number of competitive fellowships available from the Department, College, and Graduate School. These include the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences Graduate Fellowship (http://ceps.unh.edu/fellowships) as well as the UNH Graduate School Dissertation Year Fellowship and Summer Teaching Assistants Fellowship (https://www.gradschool.unh.edu/awards.php).

Uranium92

U238.02891

Nitrogen7

N14.0067

Hydrogen1

H1.00794

Industrial positions at Cytec (Stamford, CT); Dow Chemical Company (Seoul, Korea); Eli Lilly and Company (Branchburg, NJ); Glycan Connections (Durham, NH); Hollingsworth and Vose (Groton, MA); HORIBA Scientific (Edison, NJ); Instrumentation Laboratory (Bedford, MA); Johnson Matthey Pharma Services (Devens, MA); Merck and Company (Boston, MA); OASYS Water Company (Boston, MA); PCI Synthesis (Newburport, MA); Pixelligent Technologies (Baltimore, MD); Pulmatrix (Lexington, MA); Rust-Oleum Corporation (Vernon Hills, IL); Tosoh Biosciences (Philadelphia, PA); Waters Corporation (Taunton, MA)

Faculty positions at Emmanuel College; Indiana University Northwest; Southern Arkansas University; University of New Hampshire; University of Tampa

Government research positions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (Boulder, CO); and the U.S. Geological Survey (Reston, VA)

Post-doctoral appointments at Brock University; George Washington University; Griffith University; Johns Hopkins University; Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry; Northwestern University; Ohio State University; Pennsylvania State University; University of Washington, Bothell

OUR FACULTY

Faculty Member analytical inorganic organic physical AM& MD BIO CER EN&ENV MM&N

Christopher Bauer . v

Erik Berda . v

Marc Boudreau . v

Christine Caputo . v

Leila Deravi . v v v

Arthur Greenberg . v

Margaret Greenslade . v v

Richard Johnson . v

Gonghu Li . v v

Howard Mayne . v

Glen Miller . v v

Sam Pazicni . v v

Roy Planalp . v v

W. Rudolf Seitz . v v v

John Tsavalas . v v

Sterling Tomellini . v v

Charles Zercher . v

The diverse research interests of our Faculty do not permit their easy classification into the traditional areas of Chemistry. However, they are listed here in a matrix representing the spectrum of Department research, with their traditional classification indicated by a red star ( .), and interdisciplinary research interests indicated by a closed circle (v).

About The University of New HampshireThe University of New Hampshire is a land-, sea-, and space-grant institution whose main campus is located in Durham, NH. The University was founded in 1866 and awarded its first Ph.D. in 1896, placing it among the early American universities to award that degree. UNH now enrolls 12,500 undergraduates and 2,200 graduates.

The natural beauty of the UNH campus and its simple, traditional New England architecture offer an inviting setting for learning and professional growth. At the edge of campus, the 260 acres of College Woods include trails for walking, jogging, and skiing. The semi-rural town of Durham figured prominently in the Revolutionary War and still retains traces of its colonial past.

The nearby communities of Dover, Newmarket, and Portsmouth feature a variety of restaurants, nightlife, performing arts organizations, and historical attractions. Portsmouth’s Strawbery Banke is a restored maritime community dating from 1695. Farther afield, but still easily accessible by car, bus, or rail, are the cultural and historical attractions of Boston (65 miles to the south), the unsurpassed skiing, hiking, and scenery of the White Mountains (60 miles to the north) and the sandy beaches of New Hampshire and Maine (10 miles to the east).

Diversity is a community value at the University of New Hampshire. We are committed to supporting and sustaining an educational community that is inclusive, diverse, and equitable. The values of diversity, inclusion, and equity are inextricably linked to our mission of teaching and research excellence, and we embrace these values as being critical to development, learning, and success. We expect nothing less than an accessible, multicultural community in which civility and respect are fostered, and discrimination and harassment are not tolerated. We will ensure that under-represented groups and those who experience systemic inequity will have equal opportunities and feel welcome on our campus. We accept the responsibility of teaching and learning in a diverse democracy where social justice serves as a bridge between a quality liberal education and civic engagement. For more information, please visit http://www.unh.edu/inclusive/.

Arthur Greenberg employs strained organic molecules to study biological

and toxicological mechanisms. This includes chemical and enzymatic studies to investigate the reactions of cytochrome P450 isoforms with oxepins in order to understand metabolic ring-opening of benzene. Studies of twisted bridgehead bicyclic lactams are employed to model proteolysis, protein folding, and β-lactam antibiotics.

Richard Johnson uses a combination of high level theory and experiments to study reactive intermediates and complex organic reaction

mechanisms. Current efforts are focused on proton and free radical catalyzed rearrangements of polycyclic aromatics. His group also develops new methods to predict the regio- and stereochemistry of organic reactions.

Gonghu Li utilizes the principles of surface chemistry and materials science to develop innovative catalysts for use in solar energy applications. His group is especially interested in solar fuel production by reducing carbon dioxide

into energy-rich fuels. His research involves the synthesis and characterization of both nanomaterials and molecular catalysts.

Howard Mayne is interested in how the forces between molecules influence their behavior when in groups. He uses computations to model how these forces shape

small clusters of molecules, and whether molecules can self assemble into patterns when placed on solid surfaces. The latter property is particularly important in materials science and nanotechnology.

Glen Miller performs research at the intersections of organic chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. His

group synthesizes and characterizes both small molecules and derivatives of nanostructured carbons. They then utilize these species in structural materials and in thin-film electronic devices like photovoltaics and light emitting diodes.

J. Phys. Chem. A., 2012, 116(18), 4518-4527.

Nature Chem., 2015, 7(3), 234-240.

J. Phys. Chem. A., 2011, 115(25), 7044-7054.

J. Phys. Chem. C., 2014, 118(46), 26955-26963.

OUR FACULTY

Christopher Bauer designs psychometrically sound assessments to measure chemistry understanding, attitude, and motivation, and studies how that information may be used to develop

improved inquiry-based curricula that enhances student learning and success, particularly at the college level. This work includes fundamental studies of student misconceptions of atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, and phenomena.

Erik Berda studies the design and synthesis of polymers programmed to adopt discrete tertiary structures, their self-assembly, responsive “smart”

polymers, and other complex macromolecular architectures.

Marc Boudreau utilizes organic chemistry and chemical biology to study antibiotic resistance in bacteria. New potential enzyme inhibitors or probes for target identification are synthesized in the laboratory. Their biological activity and mechanism of action is studied in detail, which is utilized to inform the rational design of improved inhibitors.

Christine Caputo designs and synthesizes new organic and organometallic complexes using Earth-abundant metals that can act as catalysts or precursors for the development of new photoactive materials. Current research projects employ photochemical and electrochemical techniques to study the catalytic conversion of small molecules into more valuable sustainable fuel precursors using sunlight.

Leila Deravi works at the interface of bio-analytical chemistry, materials science, and design—with a focus on building the structure-dependent function of self-assembling proteins into macromolecular materials. She uses inkjet printing to build protein-based materials, and a wide range of analytical tools to characterize their

properties. Applications include catalysis, flexible displays, and wearable electronics.

Margaret Greenslade applies physical chemistry techniques including spectroscopy and electron microscopy

to study the optical, chemical and morphological properties of fine atmospheric particulates, known as aerosols. Aerosols play important roles in diverse fields such as climate change, air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, health and drug delivery.

J. Res. Sci. Teach., 2015, 52(3), 319-346.

Polym. Chem., 2015, 6(2), 181-197.

Scanning electron microscopy image of pigment granules isolated from squid Loligo pealei chromatophore organs. (Image courtesy of graduate student Sean Dinneen.)

J. Org. Chem., 2014, 79(2), 517-528.

Chem. Commun., 2014, 50(47), 6221-6224.

Sam Pazicni divides his research interests between the classroom and the laboratory. In the classroom, his group explores how language relates to learning chemistry as well as abating students’ illusions of competence; in the laboratory, his group prepares and studies synthetic metalloenzymes and metalloproteins, based on collapsible polymer architectures.

Roy Planalp studies transition-metal coordination chemistry, which generally includes synthetic and physical inorganic chemistry applied to problems in the life sciences and environmental sciences.  The focus is on ligand design and synthesis, currently the development of ratiometric fluorescent sensors of copper for wastewater sampling, and

mechanistic studies of phosphodiesterase metalloenzymes.  

W. Rudolf Seitz studies ratiometric fluorescent indicators for chemical sensing. One class of indicators senses bioavailable metals and can be incorporated into sensor arrays. Another consists of

lightly cross-linked molecularly imprinted copolymers that bind polar organics and can be deposited on flat substrates.

Dalton Trans. 2015, 44(26), 11887-11892.

Sensors 2013, 13(1), 1341-1352.

Sterling Tomellini is interested in developing and applying analytical methodology, especially in the areas of chemical separations and spectroscopy for challenging analyses. He often collaborates with academic, government, and industrial researchers on multidisciplinary projects.

John Tsavalas specializes in the synthesis, characterization, and modeling of polymer colloids. His group is engaged in a wide range of activities including

controlling colloidal morphology in polymeric nanoparticle synthesis; synthesizing stimuli-responsive coatings and composites; dynamic modeling of colloidal interactions and reaction kinetics, and probing the distribution of water within polymer colloids.

Chuck Zercher develops synthetic methods and strategies designed to facilitate the preparation of novel biological

mimics and natural products. The formation and selective fragmentation of cyclopropanes are key components of the selective methodologies. Synthetic targets include cyclopropanols designed as peptide mimics and cytotoxic spiroketal natural products.

Macromolecules, 2015, 48(1), 184-197.

J. Org. Chem., 2012, 77(20), 9171-9178.

OUR FACULTY

J. Chem. Educ., 2014, 91(12), 2045-2057.

Graduate Program Application Instructions

DEADLINES: February 15th (for Fall); December 1st (for Spring)

Point your browser here: http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/apply.php and complete the appropriate steps to submit an application to the UNH Graduate School. Once your application is complete, it will be forwarded to our Department’s Graduate Recruitment and Selection Committee for review.

International applicants must submit a pre-application form before they can be approved to submit a full application: http://www.gradschool.unh.edu/php/preapp.php. Once approved, international applicants will submit materials as described below.

Please select one of the following three programs when applying: Chemistry (MS), Chemistry (PHD), or Chemistry Education (PHD).

You will be asked to upload a personal statement when applying online. Prepare a brief but carefully crafted statement that includes:

1) Research experience. State the goals of your previous research and accomplishments to date. Including a list of publications and presentations within the Experience and Background section (see below) is encouraged; however, please do not send actual publications or presentations.

2) A clear indication of your area of research interest(s). You may choose from analytical chemistry, chemistry education research, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, or physical chemistry. Indicating more than one interest is perfectly acceptable. Provide a clear rationale as to why you wish to perform graduate work in these areas and include your immediate and long-range objectives.

3) A list of UNH Chemistry faculty whose research interests you and why. You may browse our faculty’s research profiles at the following URL: http://www.unh.edu/chemistry/faculty-research.

4) Additional information that will enhance the selection committee’s understanding of your personal background and life experiences, including educational, cultural, familial, or other opportunities or challenges.

You will also be prompted to provide information relating to your experience and background, similar to that found in a résumé or curriculum vitae. This information includes:

1) professional or career-related work experience 2) academic honors and awards 3) teaching and/or research experience (including publications and presentations).

You must submit the following items to the University of New Hampshire graduate school in the manners noted:

• transcripts o request one official transcript be sent directly to the UNH Registrar's Office of each

college/university attended for at least one year. International transcripts must be translated into English.

• results of the GRE revised General Test o You must request ETS to send your current scores (within five years) to the University

of New Hampshire – our CEEB code 3918. The GRE Chemistry Test is optional, but encouraged.

o There are no score cut-off levels for the GRE tests. Each application is considered in its entirety.

• for international applicants, results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) o Language proficiency is a prerequisite for admission and minimal TOEFL score

requirements are as follows: paper-based test: 550; computer-based test: 213; internet-based test: 80.

o Other assessments of English language proficiency (the ITP, IELTS, and TOEIC) may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please see https://www.gradschool.unh.edu/test_scores.php.

• Letters of Recommendation

o request three letters of recommendation using the UNH electronic letter of reference form (https://gradschool.unh.edu/phps/lor_app.php).

o One of the recommendation letters should be from your current adviser or supervisor. Recommendation letters submitted by relatives or friends will not be accepted.

o We recommend you submit all your referees at one time. However, you can return to the form later to submit an additional referee.

o Further information can be found at: http://gradschool.unh.edu/pdf/frm_lor.php.