the Catalyst Chemistry and alumni magazine fall 2014

Yellow is the New Green: Dr. Jeff Pyun turns waste sulfur into plastics the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine

Mark Nupen BA Chemistry 1966 Dear Alumni and Friends of Alumni News Just now retiring at age 70 . I play golf, am President of Friends of Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area in northwestern Wiscon- sin, and have 4 grandchildren . the Department Ernest McCray BS Chemistry 1954 At age 82, I have become a life master in Bridge . Suzanne Fuhn Johnson BS Chemistry 1966 I built an ecologically designed, sustainably built solar home CBC@UA! Jules Kalbfeld BA Chemistry 1956 in Nevada . Retired . Volunteering: Volunteers in Medicine (Pharmacy Mark Allen Yeoman BA Chemistry 1966 t has been another year of change her start-up company GlycoSurf expand its production Assistant) and Sunriver Citizen Patrol . I have been a Cardiologist since 1976 . My wife, Jacqueline here in the Department of Chemistry & Biochem- of glycolipids that may someday provide “green biosafe Robert Greene BS Chemistry 1958 Marsh Yeoman, and I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren . istry. Scott Saavedra completed his term of service surfactants” to a growing market. The team of Vicente I My wife and I have been enjoying retirement for 22 years . as CBC Chair, as did Katrina Miranda as Assistant Chair Talanquer and John Pollard made headlines at the UA as Larry Fox PhD Chemistry 1966 of Education and Assessment. We thank them for their they took their innovative method of teaching, known as Richard Finn BA Chemistry 1959 We travel and are raising a new Labrador Retriever puppy . hard work and dedication! Beginning in July, Roger Chemical Thinking, to a broader audience of STEM-cen- Now retired . I graduated with an MD, did a stint in the military, Miesfeld began serving as the CBC Department Head and tered students. There are nearly 3,000 students en- then set up a practice first in Tucson and then North Carolina . Linda Honig MS Chemistry 1967 was joined by Andrei Sanov, Associate Head for Educa- rolled this Fall in the general chemistry lecture sections We recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary . tion & Academic Affairs, and Zhiping Zheng, Associate teaching the new curriculum that emphasizes concep- Robert Herrmann BA Chemistry 1961 Dan Nathan BS Chemistry 1967 Head for Research & Faculty Affairs. Roger is a Professor tual learning in an active classroom environment. Steve Owner and PI of Ellipsis Corp, my personal consulting firm . 1I have been retired for six years and currently teach on a part- in the CBC Biochemistry Program, Andrei is a Professor Most recently involved with fly ash remediation . Brown, Hamish Christie, Jim Hazzard, and Elisa Tomat time basis through the State of California Dept of Justice . in the CBC Physical Chemistry Program, and Zhiping is spent many exciting hours this past year with hundreds MA Chemistry 1961 a Professor in the CBC Inorganic Chemistry Program. Carlton Bostic of K-12 students in a variety of outreach activities show- Retired and living in the mountains of western NC . Current Jim Foster PhD Chemistry 1968 In addition, a CBC Leadership Team was formed, which ing students the thrill of scientific discovery. hobbies include hiking, bicycling, square dancing and writing . Still giving tours at Lotusland, playing handball, cutting gem- consists of the Office of the Department Head (Roger, stones and cooking . Andrei, Zhiping), and three staff Directors: Anne Padias, Enjoy the Fall 2014 edition of the Catalyst Alumni mag- Roger D. Fellows BS Chemistry 1961 Director of Academic Services; Ken Nebesny, Director of azine, especially the faculty profiles (Jeff Pyun and Jon Completely retired . I spend time in Utah, Hawaii and some Howard P. Klein PhD Chemistry 1968 Research Support Services; and Kriss Pope, Director of Njardarson), our featured alumnus (Jim Hazzard), and time in Arizona visiting family . My wife Sue and I have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren . 2 Finance & Administration. photo essays of the November 2013 Then & Now CBC 3 Reunion, the May 2014 CBC Commencement Ceremony, Ted Reid MS Chemistry 1964 James Dillard BS Chemistry 1970 Research, teaching, and outreach are where we put our Chair 2014-2015 Chattanooga TN Section of the American the August 2014 CBC Departmental Breakfast, and the My wife Nancy and I have 2 children and 4 grandchildren . efforts as a 21st century department of Chemistry & Chemical Society Executive Committee . 2014 Departmental Oktoberfest Picnic at Reid Park. Biochemistry. The research Jerry Gin BS Chemistry 1964 group of Jeff Pyun made We invite you to join us in pushing the boundaries of In May, 2014 I was awarded the UA’s Spirit of Inquiry Award James Madden BS Chemistry 1970 I am currently working with career and technology education great strides in figuring out Chemistry & Biochemistry in the areas of research, and was Keynote Speaker at the Honors College Pre-Com- (CTE) teachers in Arizona to help them emphasize math in a way to convert waste sul- teaching, and outreach by helping support CBC@UA! mencement ceremony . their curriculum . fur to usable materials in with your tax-deductible donation. Winston Tilzey MS Chemistry 1965 the form of optical lenses Taught secondary school for 54 years and won several Armando Angel MS Chemistry 1970 Zhiping Zheng, Andrei Sanov, and batteries. Jeanne Pem- awards . Working three days week; serving as president of the Mesilla and Roger Miesfeld berton continued to help Roger L. Miesfeld Andrei Sanov Zhiping Zheng Valley Stamp Club, taking French classes, and traveling . CBC Department Head Associate Head Associate Head Harold Hilliard PhD Chemistry 1965 I am getting: 1 . Older, 2 . Confused by computers, etc ., 3 . Dis- William John Brinkman PhD Chemistry 1973 gusted with politics . My wife Judy and I are retired, wintering in Arizona and spending the rest of the year in Missouri . Table of Contents Dan Nathan and 1 Adrianne Clark Clark W. Smith PhD Chemistry 1973 Alumni News ...... 3 Student Travel Abroad and Student Stories . . . . . 16 I am the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Proteos Inc ., a From Delaware’s Nanticoke River to the Santa Cruz— Outreach Activities ...... 17 recombinant protein engineering company that I co-founded . Where Is the Water? ...... 6 CBC@UA! Scrapbook ...... 18 Robert E. Kelley PhD Biochemistry 1974 Going Yellow! From Garbage to Plastics and Beyond . 8 Fall 2013 Reunion ...... Back cover I tutor math at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, CA . Carol Giving Back: New Tools Using the Graphical Carver Kelley and I have been married for 39 yrs . Language of Organic Chemistry ...... 10 2013–2014 Student Awards ...... 12 We had so much Alumni News we couldn’t print it Be sure to see the full PDF version of the Catalyst all. See the Online Extras for their full stories! CBC 2014 Commencement ...... 13 magazine posted on the CBC Alumni News web- Send your news to Olivia Mendoza at [email protected] CBC cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends Faculty and Staff News ...... 14 site for Online Extras where you see this icon. to be included in next year’s magazine!

cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends Cover photo: See page 9 department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine

Todd Rockway PhD Chemistry 1983 Bruce Armitage PhD Chemistry 1993 Alan Wang BS Biochemistry 2007 , cont. Retired from Abbott Laboratories in 2012 . Presently teaching The Center I co-direct, CNAST, recently received a $3 .1M grant I am finishing my first year of neurology residency at Thomas Alumni News Chemistry in two area community colleges . from the DSF Charitable Foundation to support fundamental Jefferson University Hospital . I got married in 2013 . research in the chemical biology of nucleic acids . Soonya Wilson McDavid BS Chemistry 1984 Joon S. Kim BS Biochemistry 2008 2 Dan Villalanti BA Chemistry 1974 I have been working for W .L . Gore for 18+ years . Currently I Ted Baldwin MS Chemistry 1994 I recently graduated from medical school and am now work- I worked at Shell Dev for 11 years before starting Triton Analyt- am a quality engineer in quality assurance . I am finishing my 18th year of teaching chemistry at Olympic ing as a resident at Verde Valley Medical Center, AZ . ics Corp in 1991 . College in Bremerton, WA . Clark Colville BA Biochemistry 1984 Brooke Beam Massani PhD Chemistry 2008 3 Richard Yost BS Chemistry 1974 I have been an orthodontist for 21 years . I helped develop Subo Liao PhD Chemistry 1997 I was married on Nov 10, 2013 . Co-Director and PI of the newly NIH-funded Southeast Center Invisalign brand clear aligners . I work on process improvement and inventing new methods/ for Integrated Metabolomics . processes to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients Jimmy Chhun BS Biochemistry 2010 Matthew E. Austin BS Chemistry 1985 including peptides and conjugates . I will be completing a Masters of Public Health degree (MPH) Daniel Chang PhD Chemistry 1974 I work as an Environmental, Health & Safety Chemist at in epidemiology at the University of Arizona . Retired . Earned a masters degree in church ministry . Volun- Huntsman Advanced Materials . Vincent S. Hau BS Biochemistry 1997 teer for local church ministry . I am a vitreoretinal surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in River- Kimberly Yang Chea BS Biochemistry 2010 Roberta McKee PhD Biochemistry 1987 side, CA . I recently ran the Boston Marathon . I am starting my residency in emergency medicine at Marico- James Day BA Chemistry 1974 I lead a Global Manufacturing Science & Technology organi- pa Medical Center, and I recently got married . After 25 years running a technology marketing agency, I zation at Bristol-Myers Squibb focused on transitioning new Gwen Gross BS Chemistry 1998 launched a company to address sustainable, green produce medicines from pharmaceutical development into commercial Recently, I was included in the ACS’ new web resource target- Karl Gerhardt BS Biochemistry 2010 production . manufacturing . ed at college students looking into future careers . Working on PhD research in the area of synthetic biology and optogenetics . Donald Upson PhD Chemistry 1975 4 Dharshi Bopegedera PhD Chemistry 1989 Susanne Rafelski BS Biochemistry 1999 My wife Rosalyn and I recently moved to an active adult golf I was awarded the “President’s Faculty Achievement Award” Currently Assistant Professor at UC Irvine . Michael Ortega BS Biochemistry 2010 community in Marana, AZ . We have been married for over 43 by the President of Evergreen State College . I recently received my Pharm D. . from the Univ . of Colorado . years and have 2 children and 6 grandchildren . Michael Broyles BS Biochemistry 1999 David Benz PhD Biochemistry 1991 I hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand in February 2014 and Andrea Hartzell BS Biochemistry 2011 Anne Yoshino BA Chemistry 1979 After I retired, I started Caretaker Farm, a non-profit organiza- am planning to summit Mt Kilimanjaro in September 2015 . I am finishing my second year of graduate school in the Neuro-

I’ve been married for the past 23 years to (retired biochem- tion that rescues and rehabilitates abused/neglected domestic sciences Dept . at UC San Diego . I got married last December . 4 istry professor) Bill Grimes . We spend part of each year in animals . Giang Pham BS Chemistry 1999 5 Alaska, Colorado, and Tucson . I am working as a criminalist (forensic scientist) with the Ari- David Harris MS Chemistry 2011 Qiang Chen PhD Biochemistry 1992 zona Dept of Public Safety, and I recently got married . My wife and I adopted a baby last summer, and now I am Gordon Kitsuwa MA Chemistry 1979 I am a Professor at ASU developing therapeutics and vaccines attending law school . Investing in the stock market, taking business classes, and against infectious diseases and cancer . Nadja Wehmeyer Anderson PhD Biochem 1999 5 BS Biochemistry 2011 learning Japanese . I have been directing the BIOTECH Project at the University of Sarah Edwards Patrick Desrochers PhD Chemistry 1992 Arizona for 12 years . I’m pursuing a PhD in Biophysics at . I got John Algeo PhD Chemistry 1981 Summer 2014 marks 22 years of service for me at University married in April . Back in Tucson since 2003 . 1st grandchild just born! of Central Arkansas where I am chair of the Dept of Chemistry . Julia Metzker PhD Chemistry 2001 I was recently selected as the Director of a new initiative at Nabila Brabez PhD Chemistry 2012 Germain Fernando PhD Biochemistry 1982 KC Russell PhD Chemistry 1992 Georgia College called ENGAGE . I am working at ExxonMobil developing new technology for I have been working at the University of Queensland for 25 Currently I am President of the Kentucky Academy of Science . industrial lubricants and diesel fuels . years and living in Brisbane with my wife Rosarine and 2 sons . Darrin Smith PhD Chemistry 2002 Appointed to Associate Chair in the Eastern Kentucky Univer- Kavya Giridharan BS Biochemistry 2012 sity Chemistry Department . I am moving to Mumbai, where I will coach and support a 3 group of first year teachers through Teach for India . Andy Yu BS Biochemistry 2004 I fulfilled my goal of having my own dental practice . Sara Zarr BS Biochemistry 2012 2 5 I just graduated from the Master’s Entry to the Profession of Christina Bauer PhD Chemistry 2005 Nursing program at the University of Arizona . 4 Currently Assistant Professor in Chemistry at Whittier College and have 2 daughters . Anthony Marino BS Biochemistry 2012 I started at ASU’s law school in Fall 2014 . Channa De Silva PhD Chemistry 2007 Right now I am an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at West- Andrew Ma BS Biochemistry 2013 ern Carolina University in North Carolina . Finishing my first year of medical school!

Katy Mullens BS Biochemistry 2007 We had so much Alumni News we couldn’t print it Completed pediatric residency and now working as an aca- all. See the Online Extras for their full stories! CBC demic general pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital . cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine

we were able to generate in situ one electron reductants Prof. Tom Baldwin, Head of the Department of Biochem- to study the electron transfer properties of a wide vari- istry, offered me the chance to design and coordinate a From Delaware’s Nanticoke ety of bacterial, fungal, and vertebrate redox proteins. resurrected biochemistry laboratory course for majors John Hurley, a former graduate student with Gordon, be- called BIOC 463A. I developed from scratch a challeng- River to the Santa Cruz— came our resident “cloner,” which led to the production ing and relevant laboratory course to prepare Biochem- of a large number of mutants of plant ferrodoxin that istry majors for their Senior Thesis research. In terms where is the water? could be studied in complexes with ferrodoxin:NADP of pedagogical approaches, BIOC 463A was a traditional reductase (FNR). These were exciting times on the 4th methods and techniques based course which, though floor of Biosciences West where the passion and love very rigorous, had no research aspect. Though this early by Dr. Jim Hazzard | PhD in Biochemistry 1988, CBC Senior Lecturer of science was front and center for all involved, which course was successful, I had a nagging dissatisfaction included Dr. Terry Meyer and the late Profs. Mike Cusa- with the lack of a cohesive and inclusive approach to novich and Mike Wells. molecular biological techniques utilized by all modern protein biochemistry laboratories. Finally, as a result of In the mid-’90s I began to enter the next phase in my life my growing involvement with leaders in modern peda- journey in which I began to realize how much I enjoyed have been a UA Wildcat since 1984, when I first came to Tucson gogical approaches, a plan for revamping BIOC 463A to a the educational side of the academic environment, more research-like guided inquiry educational experi- to work with Professor Gordon Tollin. Times were different back though this fork in the road came out of economic ence began to evolve in 2009. The goal I had set out for necessity. Initially, I began a tutoring business for BIOC then, believe me. the class was to make the students feel that they were 462A students that soon became overwhelmed by the part of a long term research project much in the same I number of clients. Eventually Prof. Marc Tischler, Inter- My story starts in Lower Delaware, Seaford to be exact, exposure to a large scale scientific conference. Tucson, manner research labs function. That fall we began the im Head of Biochemistry, offered me a position running surrounded by farm land, rivers, the Atlantic Ocean, and Arizona, is a long way from—and a lot drier—than the Special Research Project (SRP), in which students were tutoring/review sessions for the majors Biochemistry the Chesapeake Bay. I wish I could say I was a studious Chesapeake Bay. able to design and carry out experiments studying the course. Mike Wells became my role model due to his young person, but my studies were more focused on remarkable stability of E. coli alkaline phosphatase by a I moved to Tucson in 1984 to join the laboratory of Prof. strong commitment to science outreach, originating the enjoying the bountiful natural world while fishing, duck variety of biophysical techniques. From the outset, the Gordon Tollin. Gordon is an amazing scientist of the immensely popular Manduca Project in which sup- and goose hunting, boating, and surfing, rather than the graduate teaching assistants and I were overwhelmed highest intellect and caliber, who not only knew how to plies were provided to elementary school students to classroom. One Biology teacher, C.B. “Spuck” Bennett, with the level of engagement the students showed in ask important study the life 6 did have a profound influence on me, as he was a pioneer assuming ownership of their research projects, and we 7 scientific ques- cycle of the in what we now refer to as “interactive learning.” Spuck knew we were going down the right path. The course tions, but was tobacco horn designed an advanced biology class during my senior is continuing to evolve as we develop better protein able to develop worm and year in high school in which we were encouraged to carry Then expression systems, and the students now have ways of technologies to moth. Later I out experiments in the woods and waterways in Sussex producing mutant forms of the protein to study their answer those joined Prof. County, Delaware. One project included collecting water properties. questions. Now Elizabeth samples along the Nanticoke River which were tested for Amongst his Vierling in What does the future hold for me? Well, I will have to coliforms, an ideal project giving us an excuse to go out other notable achievements, Gordon designed and built team-teaching BIOC 462B, one of the most challenging ask my wife Norma about that. in my family’s canoe to collect the samples, sneaking in from scratch a laser flash photolysis apparatus that tasks I have undertaken. some fishing as well as searching out good sites for duck enabled us to study inter- and intra-molecular electron blinds. Our results were presented in a poster format at The biggest shift in my career came in 1999 when transfer reactions between two redox proteins or within the University of Delaware during the spring, my first a single multi-redox center enzyme. Using this system,

Dr. Jim Hazzard Reaching Out to the Community Still loving the One of the greatest joys of my time at the UA has been working with the student members of the outdoors . Biochemistry Club for which I became faculty advisor in 2001. In 2004, the Biochemistry Club became a chapter in the ASBMB Undergraduate Affiliate Network giving us access to tremendous benefits by being part of a national and professional scientific society. The incredibly talented and energetic students have BIOC 463A class, developed a number of outstanding university and community outreach activities which have received Spring 2014 national recognition. One of our major accomplishments has been the annual undergraduate-focused research conference, BECUR, in which students from across the campus as well as other universities present their work as posters and oral presentations. In addition, I have been involved in hosting a one-week middle school summer science camp called BLAST Off!, in which students from more financially challenged schools get to engage Haley Kent, Fabian De La Cruz, Martin Vasquez, in hands-on scientific investigations. Finally, our Visiting Scholars Program (now officially recognized as Jim Hazzard, Anthony Young, Anthony Raviele, a UA course, BIOC 396D) sends UA Biochemistry students to Tucson area high school classes in order to Tigran Grigoryan, Nhan Tran, and Desiree Morris talk about their research and engage in a dialog on how to succeed at the university/college level. It has been a genuine pleasure working with countless numbers of intelligent, energetic, and highly enthusiastic undergraduates both in and outside of the classroom. department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine

are the beginning of a new field of sustainable and materials chemistry with numerous possi- Going Yellow! ble directions for new students and researchers From Garbage to Plastics and Beyond to explore. This work could not have been possible without by Dr. Jeff Pyun | Associate Professor the contributions of: Jared Griebel, Dr. Adam Simmonds, Phil Dirlam, Eui Tae Kim, Prof. HyunSik Yoon, Ngoc Nguyen and Dr. Woo Jin Chung. Special thanks also to my key collabo- Jeff Pyun and SNU Students ost consumers understand the importance of “going green” but rators Professor Dick Glass, Professor Bonner surprisingly, it will soon be just as important to “get yellow!” On Denton, Dr. Roger Sperline and Professor Bob I have had the great privilege of having a joint appointment as Norwood from the UA, Professor Kookheon a World Class University Associate Professor at Seoul National average, we consume approximately 20 million barrels of oil per Char and Professor Yung-Eun Sung from Seoul University (SNU) in the School of Chemical & Biological Engineering day in the US, and every barrel of oil contains a certain percentage of National University, Chris Soles from NIST and since 2010. This has been an opportunity to return to my roots M Professor Michael Mackay from the University of while also creating new collaborations and partnerships with our sulfur that has to be removed. Delaware. research with sulfur chemistry and materials. While the travel back and forth has kept me busy and ruined my lower back, this has In a process termed hydrodesulfurization, sulfur To address this, my research group developed a facile, been a once-in-a-lifetime experience to learn more about Korean containing compounds are removed from crude oil to one-step chemical process to directly convert elemental culture, while also exploring new research directions. prevent environmentally harmful emissions which sulfur into a novel sulfur plastic. We developed a simple cause acid rain. The byproduct of hydrodesulfuriza- process termed inverse vulcanization. This process en- tion is elemental sulfur (S8), millions of tons of which ables access to polymeric materials with a very high con- remain unused every year. The major usage of elemental tent of S-S bonds, which affords unique electrochemical sulfur is for the production of sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and and optical properties. the remaining excess sulfur is simply stored as exposed, A key application of these sulfur plastics has been as 8 outdoor megaton deposits in either powder or brick 9 polymeric electrode materials for a special type of bat- form. The excess production of sulfur is a significant tery known as the lithium sulfur (Li-S) battery. The Li-S international environmental problem of which the aver- battery is considered a “next generation” system that age consumer is wholly unaware. To make possesses 4-5 times higher charge capacity than current matters worse, this excess sulfur problem Li-ion battery technology. We have further exploited the is only anticipated to worsen as new gas optical properties of our new sulfur plastics as trans- and oil fields across the world produce mitting materials and lenses for infrared (IR) thermal very “sour” petroleum with a high content imaging applications. We envision that these sulfur of sulfur­—containing substances (up to plastics could be used as lightweight inexpensive lenses 40-wt% sulfur in fossil fuel reservoirs in for infrared devices such as night vision goggles. I antic- the Middle East!). ipate that our early findings on the utilization of sulfur

Dr. Jeff Pyun Sulfur is the “garbage” of fossil fuels! Pyun research group. Back row: Adam Simmonds, Tristan Kleine, A facile, one-step process modifies sulfur with Yueyan Zhang, Laura Anderson, Gracie Pyun, and Jeff Pyun; front different comonomers to molten liquid sulfur Applications range from high-end uses row: Nick Pavlopoulos, Jared Griebel, Phil Dirlam, Larry Hill, and to sulfur plastic. like next generation batteries and Woo Jin thermal imaging lenses, to plastics for Molten sulfur poured into a mold can novelty items. become a lens … or could be used to make novelty plastics. CBC@UA!

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine

outreach projects. The first such project had been brewing Giving Back in my belly for some time. The idea was to create a web- site and free applications (apps) that would recreate im- Chemistry By Design portant parts of the organic chemistry literature. Because CByD is an interactive New Tools Using the Graphical Language we were not limited by what one can display on a sheet of virtual flashcard app that paper, our product would be superior to the original arti- allows students to test their of Organic Chemistry cles, be free, and most importantly, provide opportunities skills using known synthetic for unique interactive learning experiences. sequences. It displays by Dr. Jon T. Njardarson | Associate Professor Soon after I arrived at UA I learned that the Office of the reagents, starting Instruction and Assessment (OIA) was interested in materials and products developing apps for the UA community. I pitched my for every single step used idea, and they got excited about it, from which an en- in constructing a natural joyable and successful partnership emerged resulting in product or pharmaceutical. oon after I began my independent career in 2004 in the Depart- the launch of Chemistry By Design (CByD), the first UA chemistrybydesign.oia. app, in June 2011. Chemistry By Design was launched arizona.edu ment of Chemistry at Cornell University, I started thinking about as a website as well as free apps for both Apple and PC outreach opportunities and novel ways to give back to students, devices. It is the most successful UA app with more than iOS App Store 710,000 visits to date (without any advertising!). CByD Android Market Sthe broader scientific community and the public. grows weekly as members of my research group and helpful individuals from all over continually contribute I decided to pursue new unchartered avenues of out- posters display the top 200 pharmaceuticals according to so that the content grows (625% growth since launch). reach wherein I would leverage the wonderful field of sales and prescriptions and are used all over the world by Soon after arriving at UA, I recruited a team of under- organic chemistry and use the internet and the capa- chemists in academia and industry. graduates to help draw the structures of all small mole- play all the small molecule drugs approved for a given bilities of smart devices to reach the largest possible My move to the department of Chemistry and Biochem- cule drugs approved by the US FDA since it was founded. disease category (oncology, cardiovascular, etc.). This audience. istry (CBC) at the University of Arizona in 2010 inspired Our reason for initiating this project was to get away year we designed and launched new structure-focused 10 The first product in our educational outreach pipeline me to pursue larger and more impactful educational from displays based on sales and prescriptions and posters, wherein our first three posters showcase all the 11 came about “organically” in our discussion about the im- instead focus on the diseases for which these drugs were pharmaceuticals containing fluorine, sulfur and chlo- pact and applications of the new chemical methods we used. This new database allowed us to create the first rine, respectively. were developing. I decided that it would be very helpful disease-focused drug posters (12 in total), which dis- I am really proud of the outstanding work my under- to present a large number of pharmaceutical structures graduate and graduate students have accomplished in together on a single large sheet to provide an impactful making these ideas a reality and rising to the occasion visual tool. We spent one year designing posters that and delivering beautifully crafted products. I am also we made available for free in 2006 as PDF files on our proud that all of our new educational projects have been website for everyone to enjoy. These first-generation published in the Journal of Chemical Education. We have many other exciting educational projects in our pipeline, including several app ideas. I can’t wait to see the projects in our pipeline being launched. Stay tuned!

Jon is originally from Iceland. He grew up in the small town of Akranes, which is Pharmaceutical graphics. See cbc.arizona.edu/ close to the capital (Reykjavik). Like his ancestors 1000 or so years ago, Jon then njardarson/group/top-pharmaceuticals-poster. headed west. He first studied organic chemistry at Yale University, then moved to The Memorial Sloan Kettering Institute, where he completed a postdoctoral stay. He started his independent career at Cornell University in 2004. In 2010, Jon and his family headed further west to the wonderful city of Tucson where he joined CBC. When trying to pick a venue for their wedding (in 2003) Jon and his fiancée Betsy Eigenberg decided to get married in Iceland. They picked an old tiny wooden church located at Thingvellir, which is significant as it is the place where Njardarson research group. Back row: Jon Njardarson, the oldest parliamentary institution (Althingi) in the world was established (year Edon Vitaku, David Smith; middle row: Diana Knyazeva, 930!). Not only is it a spectacularly beautiful place, but it is also of great geological and Isaac Chogii; front row: Brandon Smith, Pradipta significance as it is located on the exact fault line where one tectonic plate Das, and Hyung Hoon Jung pulls towards the US and the other towards Europe, which Jon and Betsy found particularly appropriate for their union.

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine 2014 Student Awards 2014 Commencement

Undergraduate Awards Graduate and Merrill P. Freeman Medal he 2014 CBC Awards and Commence- Jonathan Yamaguchi College of Science, CBC and Biochemistry ment Ceremony was held Wednesday, May 14, Undergraduate Awards Astronaut Scholar 2013 Outstanding Senior Fall 2013 2014 at the Student Union Memorial Grand Ballroom. Jessica Stokes David F. O’Brien Fellow 2014 Eric Hansen T Andrew Dixon The 300 attendeess included 2013 – 2014 graduating students, Beckman Scholar 2014 CBC award recipients, CBC Ambassadors, faculty, staff, fam- CBC and Biochemistry Outstanding Senior Carl S. Marvel Fellow 2014 Shaina Hasan Chris Atcherley Spring 2014 Pillars of Excellence 2014 ily and friends of the department. The program began with a Andy Phan CBC Graduate Student Excellence in Stephanie Kha welcome by Dr. Scott Saavedra, Chair of CBC, followed by the Research Award 2014 Eileen Leaser, Dr. Mark Beilstein Adam Meier – 1st year Danny Brower Memorial Scholar 2013 and Julie Cheung Keynote speaker, Fernando D. Martinez, MD, Regents Profes- Chemistry Outstanding Senior Eric Figueroa Spring 2014 Brandon Smith – 2nd year sor, Director, BIO5 Institute and Arizona Respiratory Center. Gregory Porter John Hostetter Scholar 2013–14 Glen W., Vanice, & Keith G. Reid Scholars Dr. Katrina Miranda presented the undergraduate awards; Dr. 2013 Michael Remesic Stephanie Kha Dominic McGrath, Chair of the CBC Graduate Program Commit- CBC and Chemistry Excellence in Research Outstanding CBC Graduate Students 2013 Brittany Forte tee presented the Graduate student awards; College of Science Award Spring 2014 Outstanding Scholar Nicole O’Connor Dean, Dr. Joaquin Ruiz presented the Galileo Circle Scholars; Mei-Li Laracuente Lingzi Sang Paul G. Koch & Elsie M. Koch Memorial the calling of the CBC Graduates was given by Dr. Saavedra and Outstanding Service Scholar 2013 Biochemistry Excellence in Research Sara Hall Benjamin Van Maren Dr. Roger Miesfeld. The closing remarks were given by Andy Award Spring 2014 Outstanding Teaching Ramanan Ehamparam, Chatarika Dehigaspitiya, Phan, 2014 CBC/Chemistry Outstanding Senior. The 2015 CBC Kevin Carlson Charles, Charles Jr. & Anthony Vomaska Evan Jones Scholar 2013 Suchi Perera, and Leonard Bright Awards Commencement Ceremony will be held on Thursday, Galileo Circle Scholars 2014 Benjamin Van Maren May 14, 2015 at the Student Union Memorial Grand Ballroom CBC Outstanding Freshman 2014 Alexander Aydt Magellan Circle Scholar 2013 Benjamin Van Maren approximately from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm. Cheryl Cheah Alyssa Vollaro Julie Cheung Si’Ana Coggins, Gilbert R. Escalante Scholar Biological, Engineering & Chemical CBC Outstanding Sophomore 2014 Undergraduate Research Conference 2014 Ramanan Ehamparam Nicole Schwalbe Chi Chan 12 Eric Figueroa 13 Brittany Forte Harrison Frisk CBC Outstanding Juniors 2014 Harrison Frisk Jared Griebel Brittany Forte Matthew Groysman Sara Hall Stephanie Kha Marissa Lopez-Pier Jonathan Yamaguchi Teryn Holeman Joseph Marshalek Austin Miller (center) and family Stephanie Kha Brianna Moon Mei-Li Laracuente Iris Mora Charles Hoyt Scholars 2013 Kaitlyn McLeod Kameron Rodrigues Cheryl Cheah Nicole O’Connor Taylor Szyszka Alyssa Vollaro Suchithranga M.D.C. Perera 2014 Galileo Circle Andy Phan CBC Poster Fair 2014 Scholars Excellence in Biological Sciences Kayla Polzin, Michael Cusanovich Scholar Senior Thesis Scholars 2014 David Racke 1st: Sophia Louise Park Brittany Forte Kameron Rodrigues 2nd: Nickie Seto Kaitlyn McLeod Nickie Seto Biological Sciences Accomplished Taylor Szyszka 1st: Shaina Hasan Michael A. Wells Memorial Research Edon Vitaku 2nd: Stephanie Kha Scholars Melissa Weinrich Biological Sciences Emerging Kaitlyn McLeod Alyssa Vollaro 1st: Rachel High Benjamin Van Maren Jonathan Yamaguchi 2nd: Benjamin Van Maren Physical Sciences Biochemistry Outstanding Thesis 2014 1st: Laura Anderson Kevin Carlson Special Recognition 1st: Wilfred Russell Julie Cheung NSF Graduate Research Fellow 2013 2nd: Ivan Garcia Diana Knyazeva 2nd: Kexin Li Summer Graduate Research Assistantship Awards Sanofi/GIGA Research Fellows Edon Vitaku Katherine Parent Ventana/GIGA Research Fellows Philip Dirlam CBC@UA! Leonard (Kofi) Bright The family of the late Prof. David O’Brien (daughter Rebecca, granddaughters Rachel and Alison, and widow Nancy) with Anne Padias at the 2014 Inaugural CBC Research Symposium department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine New Faculty UA Faculty In Memoriam CBC Then & Now CBC 2014 Alumni and staff CBC Awards Alumni Reunion Victor Berner, BS Chemistry, 1968 Jacob Schwartz, Assistant Professor Neal Armstrong, UA Regents’ Professor James Fedrick, BA Chemistry, 1953 Robyn Burkey, Adminstrative Assistant In November 2013, CBC Alumni came to the University of Michael Brown, Galileo Circle Fellow Richard Grote, BS Chemistry, 1953 Molly Cheng, Accountant, Associate 2014, Biophysical Society 2014 Avanti Arizona campus for two days of fun and learning. Alumni had Reid McCarty, BS & PhD Biochemistry, 2004 & 2011 CBC@UA! Award an opportunity to tour campus and see the state-of-the-art CBC Maribel Jimenez, Adminstrative Assistant research labs. There was time for tours of Biosphere 2 and the Minqing (Stephen) Li, CBC Electronics Shop Bonner Denton, Lifetime Achievement Award, Scientific Detectors in Astronomy Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as well. It was great to see old Samuel John Maez, Accountant, Associate Conference, Honorary Membership in the friends and meet new ones, and we look forward to seeing YOU Michael Morris, CBC Computer Technology Manager Society for Applied Spectroscopy at our next CBC Reunion. Tom Solsten, Mass Spectrometry Facility John Enemark, Dreyfus Sr. Scientist Men- Jennie VanderHooven, CBC Advisor tor Award Victor J. Hruby, Portoghese Lecturer, Uni- versity of Minnesota Dominic McGrath, 2014 Distinguished Career Teaching Award Reid McCarty Katrina Miranda, elected AAAS Fellow for Stanley Mogerman, BA Chemistry, 1954 work on nitric oxide, 2014 Distinguished Robert Temple, BA Chemistry, 1963 Advising Award Willis (Bill) Tolley, BS Chemistry, 1950 Oliver Monti, 2014 Distinguished Dominic Moronta ’13, Joe Huerta ’68, Nicole Schwalbe, Lee Jacob Schwartz Molly Cheng Faculty Endres, Valerie Endres ’67, Linda Honig ’67, and Stephanie Kha 14 Early-Career Teaching Award 15 Jeanne Pemberton, GlycoSurf LLC, Cat- Associate Professor Emeritus Michael F. Burke, apult Award from Tech Launch Arizona, a long time member of the Chemistry Department Robyn Burkey named to the Analytical Scientist Power faculty, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014. He List joined the faculty of the Chemistry Department at the University of Arizona in 1967, and retired from John Pollard, 2014 Distinguished the Department in 2001. Achievement in Science Education

Maribel Jimenez Samuel John Maez Ua Staff Wayne Wesolowski ’71, Jim Foster ’68, William Riekstins ’71, Cody Schmidlin, Leslie Schwartz, and Larry Schwartz ’71 Awards 2014 Stephen Li Steve Brown, CBC McNair Staff Award, CoSSAC Star Award Latamarla Dionne Johnson, CBC McNair Michael F. Burke Henry Freiser Staff Award Martin Marquez II, Wildcat Family Spirit It is with sadness that we report that UA Professor Award, CoSSAC Star Award Emeritus Henry Freiser passed away in August 2013. Professor Freiser joined the Department of Anne Padias, CoS Staff/AP Recognition Back row: Roger Caldwell ’68, Joe White ’67, Harold Hilliard Michael Morris Jennie VanderHooven Chemistry at the University of Arizona in 1958 and Award, CoS Dean’s Award of Excellence ’65, Rich Markham ’69; front row: Ellen Caldwell ’67, Harry served as department head from 1958-67. “Best of the Best” Edwards ’67, Vic Thalacker ’68, and Sharon Ruble ’67 Mark Yanagihashi, UA Award for Excel- Tom Solsten See the reunion photos and other CBC photos on Facebook at: lence www.facebook.com/chembioc.dept

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine

Student Travel Student Outreach Activities CBC Abroad Stories XS (Alpha Chi Sigma) is the pro- hemistry Discovery is a chemistry fessional chemistry fraternity. The Universi- course and an outreach program with the goal Courtney Collingwood—Guatemala Aty of Arizona chapter (Beta Tau) was founded Cof promoting and facilitating chemistry learn- Natalie Debolske—Barcelona, Spain in 1967 by the late Prof. Carl S. Marvel and since then ing for middle-school students (grades 6-8). This ini- Lauren Dominick—Nicaragua has continued to provide chemistry education and tiative was created and launched by Prof. Elisa Tomat service to the community, as well as to our Depart- in Fall 2012, and it is now in its third year of activity. Eric Figueroa—Finland ment. At the UA, AXS members are mostly our CBC The main objective of the course is the development Johnna Hartenstine­—Aachen, Germany graduate students, and this organization provides of a series of workshops for middle-school students Stephanie Kha—London, UK an opportunity for those students to get out and at the Flandrau Science Center, the main venue for Benjamin Van Maren— share their enthusiasm for chemistry with the local scientific outreach activities on our campus. London, UK, and Paris, France community. The undergraduate and graduate students enrolled AXS members assist the Department with graduate in Chemistry Discovery apply the knowledge ac- student recruiting activities, setting up/breaking quired in their chemistry classes to the development Alexandra Chadwick-Ballard is studying down poster sessions, operating the grill at depart- of educational activities. The resulting workshops Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular mental events, and planning/organizing the holiday prompt our visitors to discover chemical concepts Biology and shows her five horses. party. For graduate students in our department, AXS in their daily experience. Furthermore, the program provides many of the opportunities for participation promotes higher education by providing an oppor- in outreach activities. Members are always eager to tunity for middle-school students to discuss sci- perform chemistry shows, and facilitate hands-on entific observations while interacting with college activities with interested groups, usually children. Natalie Debolske students. SMACS (Student Members of the 16 Over the past two years, Chemistry Discovery has 17 Shaina Hasan American Chemical Society) is our reached more than 200 middle-school students and is studying other student run chemistry group. In this group all several workshops are being planned for this fall. CBC Biochemistry of the members are undergraduates. There are typi- Profs. Nancy Horton and John Jewett have been con- and Molecular & cally around 40 active members, which means there tributing to the program since its inaugural semester, Cellular Biology, are always plenty of people to go out and do demos! and Profs. Jeanne Pemberton and Hamish Christie are and participates in SMACS’s big event every semester is their free public joining the team this year. Students continue to enroll cancer research as an “Chemistry Magic Show,” held in one of our CBC in this unique course that blends chemistry learn- undergraduate. lecture halls.

photo credit: Jacob Chinn photo credit: ing and communication with a rewarding outreach Lauren Dominick experience, therefore we anticipate that Chemistry Eric Figueroa Discovery will continue to produce exciting educa- tional events for years to come!

Nathaniel Napierski is studying Biochemistry and At the Chemistry Magic Molecular & Cellular Biology Show, Kevin Cornett and was a UA cheerleader. confirms that hydrogen is flammable. CBC@UA! Johnna Hartenstine

Online Extras: Click in the online PDF for full stories! CBC Back row: Lauren Garcia, Cameron Duarte, Kristy Roberts, Stephanie Kha cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends Monica Tang, Kyle O’Malley, and Rachel Hunter; front row: Nancy Horton, Aaron Brussels, Elisa Tomat, and John Jewett

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine CBC Scrapbook

Poster Fair Salsa Challenge

Welcome Back CBC Students Ice Cream Social and Thien Tran and Jennie VanderHooven Balloon Toss Martin Marquez II Kristie Mgbara Damian Mason, Ahmed Zubair, Charles Orido, and Joshua Goldenberg Streetcar Inaugural Cheryl Cheah BECUR

Salsa Challenge Winners: Zeinab Mokhtari, Jennie VanderHooven, Leif Abrell, Guadalupe Davila, Olivia Mendoza, Aalok Shah, Ellie Warder and Nadja Anderson

18 19

AXS at Flandrau Science Center Alicia Cool, Dionne Johnson, Lan Diep, Cassandra Sanchez, Olivia White Coat Ceremony, new CBC Graduate Students Bernal, Long Diep Kimberly Heisterkamp, Julie Lewis, and Jason Parish CBC Breakfast ChiLi Cook-Off

Andrew Dixon Elizabeth Nguyen and Anh Hua

Eman Akam, Kimberly Heisterkamp, Metin AXS Barbecue Karayihan, Sanhita Sinhary, and Mehrdad Shadmehr UA CBC Chili Cook-Off Guests OKtoberfest Picnic

CBC Ambassadors

See more photos on CBC Facebook at: Zeinab Mokhtari, Nelusha Fonseka, www.facebook.com/chembioc.dept department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 Varuni Livera, and Melissa Fairley NONPROFIT ORG Online extras US POSTAGE PAID TUCSON AZ Winston Tilzey MS Chemistry 1965 PERMIT NO. 190 Taught for 54 years . Finalist for teacher of the year award Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Alumni News Given by Univ . of Idaho District Teacher Excellence award PO Box 210041 District 3 (Southwest Idaho) Local Teacher of the year Tucson, AZ 85721-0041 Ernest McCray BS Chemistry 1954 award (twice) Teacher of the month (twice) . 33 grandchil- I have become a life master in Bridge and enjoy playing dren and 1 great grandchild . Managed the State Tennis at Tucson Charity Bridge Club and Adobe Bridge Club . I tournament for the last 16 years (still active) . Work for the CBC@UA! am 82 years old and I follow Climate Change and Peak Oil Idaho High School Activities Association for other sports . closely . I will probably die before the s**t hits the fan . Awarded a lifetime membership for the third district coaches association . I need to give credit to the U . of Ar- Richard Finn BA Chemistry 1959 izona for much of my success . The five summers I spent CBC I went on to med school at Tulane U . in New Orleans, on campus did much for my preparation to teach . Names cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends graduating with an MD in 1963 . Post graduate training of great profs that I remember well are Dr . Millard Seeley was completed in 1967, and I entered military service in and Dr . Bonner Denton . If you received the 20-page print version of the Fall 2014 Catalyst alumni the USA . I was stationed in VA, at Ft Monroe . In 1969 I magazine, be sure to go online to view and download the expanded left service, and returned to Tucson and set up practice . I Mark Nupen BA Chemistry 1966 version containing more exciting CBC Alumni News! remained in Tucson until 1976, when I moved my family Just now retiring at age 70 . Activities? golf, President of to NC, where I practiced medicine until 2002 . I am now Friends of Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area in north- retired . western Wisconsin, grandchildren (4) and other whims and projects . Became a general contractor for a 2000 sq Robert Herrmann BA Chemistry 1961 ft cabin ‘up north’ and highly recommend the effort to Owner and PI of Ellipsis Corp, my personal consulting anyone with some time available to oversee project and firm . Most recently involved with fly ash remediation, save money and superior results . more specifically the treatment of aqueous leachates from fly ash immobilizing sulfur and selenium com- Mark Allen Yeoman BA Chemistry 1966 pounds . I have been a Cardiologist since 1976 on the same cam- pus I am on now . My wife, Jacqueline Marsh Yeoman was

Ted Reid MS Chemistry 1964 graduated from the university of Arizona the same time . I am still married to the same person who was my wife We both were from Tucson . We married following our 21 (Nancy) during my stay at the U of A . We have 2 children graduation and she taught school in the Philadelphia area Thank you to Our Retirees and 4 grandchildren . Our oldest grandchild will grad- while I attended medical school at the University of Penn- uate from the University of Texas next year . I am still sylvania . I was graduated from medical school in 1970 New survey! employed at Texas Tech University as a Professor in the and was an Intern, Resident, and Fellow at the Baylor Col- Health Sciences Center . However, my plan is to retire in 5 lege of Medicine from 1970 to 1976 in Internal Medicine Frances “Ann” Walker Would you attend a future years . My research mainly centers on the use of orga- and Cardiology . I am Board Certified in Internal Medicine, David R. Smith CBC reunion? Do you have no-selenium incorporated into polymers to inhibit the Cardiovascular Diseases, and Interventional Cardiology . any news to share? If so, Jackie and I have two children (San Francisco and Dallas) Arpad Somogyi - formation of bacterial biofilms on the surface of medical please fill out our CBC devices . Selenium in this format can catalyze superoxide and three grandchildren (Dallas) . My mother is 93 and Wayne E. Wesolowski Alumni Survey at: on the surface of the device which kills bacteria which still alive . She was from Peoria, Arizona but raised us with Constance “Kim” Menezes try to attach . At the moment we are working on contact my deceased father in Tucson . My mother and two of my www.surveymonkey.com/s/Survey-CBC brothers now reside in North Mississippi (Pontotoc and Steven Brown Steve Brown Ann Walker lenses, tympanostomy tubes, catheters, stents, bandages, heart valves, and knee implants . We are also using these Lee Counties) where we have a farm . organo-selenium compounds to design a new generation of antibiotics that will not allow for bacterial resistance . Larry Fox PhD Chemistry 1966 As far as things outside the body we are also working on We travel, are attending granddaughters grad- CBC Then & Now Alumni Reunion selenium containing RO spacers and membranes . Anoth- uations, are raising a new Labrador Retriever See story on p. 15 er area of research is on the use of neuropeptides to pro- pup, Past President (2009-2010) of the Rotary mote wound healing for diabetic Club of Austin - University Area . We participate ulcers . At the moment we have in the University of Texas at Austin UT Forum November 14–16, 2013 a product that is in phase one Osher Lifelong Learning Institute program on University of Arizona the Executive Committee, the Lecture Commit- clinical trial for this purpose . We Larry Fox Tucson, AZ have treated over 1000 patients tee and as the Webmaster . We are also involved and it appears to work quite well . with BookSpring, which is Austin’s answer to For this work I received the Chan- the national Reading is Fundamental and Reach Out and cellors Medal for Research and Read programs for preschoolers, mostly from minority Commercialization last year . families who have no books in the home to provide read- Ted Reid ing readiness before Kindergarten We also travel a couple times of years, mostly abroad . the Catalyst Editor in Chief: Olivia Mendoza Associate Editors: Ellie Warder and Roger L. Miesfeld Design/Production: Lisa Stage Contributors: Hamish Christie, Margaret Gomez, Nancy Horton, Megan McEvoy, Ken Nebesny, Marty Pagel, and Elisa Tomat department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 520.621.6354 | [email protected] | www.cbc.arizona.edu/alumni_friends | Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Arizona on Facebook the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

William John Brinkman PhD Chemistry 1973 Seattle-based AgTech company that licenses proprietary and I were foster parents to Iditarod puppies from Dallas , cont. In 2011 I was elected a Fellow of the American Industrial hydroponic technology to greenhouse owners and then Seavey kennel . We spend part of each year in Willow, Alumni News Hygiene Association . Judy and I both retired in 2012, and sells the lettuce they grow to local markets to significantly Alaska, Bedrock, Colorado, and Tucson . We enjoy photog- since then we have been wintering at our condo in Mesa, increase their revenues and margins . This sustainable, lo- raphy and have been learning lots of new skills in (semi-) Arizona (yes, we are snowbirds) and spending the rest of cal-footprint, high-yield food production model provides retirement . Suzanne Fuhn Johnson BS Chemistry 1966 the year in Kansas City, Missouri . Our first grandchild was premium-quality lettuce and “green-leaf” produce 365 The ecologically designed, sustainably built solar home born in Sept 2011, so we are frequent travelers to Oxford, days/year within 50-100 miles of urban and suburban that I built when I moved to Nevada was recently in- Ohio, where both of her parents are on the faculty of centers across the U .S . Looking forward to more trips to cluded in the book “Masterpiece Iconic Houses by Great Miami University . Tucson from Seattle! Contemporary Architects” by Beth Browne . The article I wrote about the house (and photos) can be found at Solar Clark W. Smith PhD Chemistry 1973 Robert E. Kelley PhD Biochemistry 1974 Today magazine . I am the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and one of I just finished a B .S . in Applied Mathematics . I tutor math the principal shareholders of Proteos Inc, a recombinant at Santiago Canyon College in Orange, CA . Carol Carver Linda Honig MS Chemistry 1967 protein engineering company that I co-founded . I am Kelley and I have been married for 39 yrs . We recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniver- retired from the active management of the company . I Anne and Bill with visiting sary . Our major activities are still Rotary, church spend my time in Texas in the winter and the remainder of Donald Upson PhD Chemistry 1975 Iditarod puppies Denali choir and traveling . the year in Michigan teaching flying, riding my Harley and We are moving to an active adult golf community in Ma- pursuing other outdoor sporting interests . rana, AZ in June, 2014 . Professionally, I have a small con- Dan Nathan BS Chemistry 1967 sulting business, DAU & Associates LLC, mostly dedicated Germain Fernando PhD Biochemistry 1982 Linda Honig I have been retired for six Dan Villalanti BA Chemistry 1974 to pharmaceutical development of anti-cancer pro-drugs . My wife Rosarine, two sons, Brian & Randall, and I are liv- years and currently teach After completing a postdoctoral fellowship in Hydrology, I My professional history includes scientific leadership ing in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia . I have been work- on a part-time basis through the enjoyed working at Shell Dev for 11 years before start- positions at Eastman Kodak, Sterling Winthrop Pharma- ing at the University of Queensland for the last 25 years . State of California Department ing Triton Analytics Corp in 1991 . We work for over 250 ceuticals, Molecular Probes, and the Willamette Valley My two sons are doing their postgraduate studies also at Of Justice . I teach a workshop companies worldwide focusing on the characterization of Company, and also teaching undergraduate chemistry the University of Queensland . I entered the University of entitled “Courtroom Presentation petroleum crude oil and products . I am also the Chairman and entrepreneurship to MBA, JD and PhD students at the Arizona Biochemistry Department at the Medical College of Evidence .” Dan Nathan and son of ASTM D02 .04 Section K Committee on Correlative University of Oregon . In addition, I am a co-founder of In in 1977 and did my PhD studies in Dr . Michael Wells’ lab . I Methods . I wish to thank Profs . Burke, Wilson, Denton, the Loop, Inc ., which provides iPad applications for the enjoyed my stay in Tucson very much . Howard P. Klein PhD Chem- Fernando, Freiser, and Armstrong for their guidance, benefit of seniors and of the staff of senior living centers . 22 istry 1968 patience, advice and friendship . Daughter Gabriella (third I had been CEO of QE Chemicals until the end of 2013, 23 I am working full time for Huntsman Performance generation Wildcat) recently completed her B .S . at the UA when I closed the company . We were commercializing a Products at their advanced technology center in The and was a four-year varsity cheerleader . fascinating class of molecules known as Azaborines, but Woodlands, TX, but spend my weekends with my wife, they proved to be too difficult and expensive to prepare Sue at our home in Austin, TX . This is my 47th year with Richard Yost BS Chemistry 1974 and did not show enough advantages . I serve on the Hunstman, which was acquired from Texaco Chemical Co-Director and PI of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Advisory Board at the UA . in 1994 . I had joined the company, Jefferson Chemical newly NIH-funded Southeast Every 2 years, I lecture on the topic of the “ethics of psy- Randall, Brian, Rosarine, (a joint venture of Texaco and American Cyanamid), Center for Integrated Me- chotropic drugs” in Victor Hruby’s class . My wife Rosalyn and Germain Fernando following my graduate days (1967) at the UA . American tabolomics; Also an Affiliate and I have been married for Cyanamid sold their 50% of the joint venture to Texaco Professor, Pathology, Immu- over 43 years and have 2 mar- in 1975 . Hunstman is ranked in the top ten US chemical nology, and Laboratory Medi- ried adult children living in the John Hurley PhD Chemistry 1982 companies, with annual sales of about $12 billion . They cine, University of Florida and Seattle area, and 6 grandchil- Scientist at Ventana Medical Systems working on mul- have five separate divisions, which make a Adjunct Professor, Pathology, dren . Our daughter Sue, born tiplexed fluorescent detection of antibodies in the fight variety of products for various applications . University of Utah and ARUP in Tucson exactly one month against cancer . My position today involves mostly basic As a PhD student at Michigan after I defended by disserta- Richard Yost Clark Colville BA Biochemistry 1984 research on longer term projects . Recently, State University with Chris tion, is an assistant professor I have been an orthodontist for 21 years and continue to I have also been appointed as Patent Coordi- Enke, I conceived of and built in the Psychiatry Department practice today in Seguin, Texas . In addition, I teach grad- nator, where I work on a global basis with the first triple quadrupole mass spectrometer . Today it is at the UW Medical School in uate residents at the University of Texas Houston Health our inventors from our laboratories in Texas, the most common mass spectrometer in the world, with downtown Seattle, and our Science Center School of Dentistry as an assistant clinical Belgium, China, India, Brazil and Australia . sales of nearly $1 billion each year . son Andrew is an Aeronautical professor . I helped develop Invisalign brand clear aligners, My wife Sue and I have two daughters, Engineer working at Paccar in Don Upson serving as a member of the clinical advisory board since Howard P. Klein Ashley and Laura, the mother of our three James Day BA Chemistry 1974 Mount Vernon, WA . grandchildren . After 25 years running a technology marketing agency 1998 . I have developed an orthodontic app for iTunes and (NYC, Silicon Valley and Seattle), The Day Group, Inc ., Mark Mittelstaedt BA Chemistry 1977 android platforms that is the most downloaded orthodon- James Dillard BS Chemistry 1970 I’m finally beginning to apply some of my chemistry I am designing instrumentation . tic app on iTunes, Sorriso Ortho . I currently own an online Chair 2014-2015 Chattanooga TN Section of the American and biochemistry education in the real world . In 2011, I consulting company called Smile Assist, where we have Chemical Society Executive Committee Member Drive launched a company to address sustainable, green pro- Anne Yoshino BA Chemistry 1979 consultants help doctors develop digital treatment plans Electric Chattanooga Member of American Chemical duce production in controlled-greenhouse environments . I’m happily married for the past 23 years to (retired bio- for orthodontic patients using manufacturers’ proprietary Society Member of ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry And yes, I’ve reconnected after all these years with UofA’s chemistry professor) Bill Grimes . We do lots of outdoor software . Member of Sigma Xi . CEAC . The company I started is Suncrest USA, Inc . It is a activities with our dog and horses as well as traveling . Bill

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

David Benz PhD Biochemistry 1991 Gwen Gross BS Chemistry 1998 research collaboration . , cont. After I retired from careers in education, science, and In December of 2013, I was included in the ACS’ new web In April we published one of the activities used to Alumni News business, I started a non-profit foundation in 2008, resource targeted at college students looking into future teach Mendelian genetics, Cootie Genetics, which has named Caretaker Farm . We rescue and rehabilitate do- careers . been used by hundreds of teachers . I have noticed mestic animals (horses, goats, dogs, and cats) that have for years that UA students in freshman biology do not Soonya Wilson McDavid BS Chemistry 1984 been abused and neglected, and co-ordinate ongoing Giang Pham BS Chemistry 1999 understand Mendelian genetics, even though they have After graduating with a BS in chemistry from the UofA, care for them . We are currently in our seventh year of Married my high school crush and we are starting to work theoretically been exposed to it 2 to 3 times; I am excited I worked as a peptide chemist for a biotechnology com- operation in the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon, on a family . Working as a criminalist (forensic scientist) about the idea of kids actually understanding Mendelian pany in Tucson for 2 years . I got married and decided and we have provided sanctuary, both temporary and with the Arizona Dept of Public Safety . genetics prior to their university biology classes . to go to grad school in the Washington, D C. . area and permanent, for dozens of animals . In 2011 I was awarded the Michael A . Cusanovich completed an MBA in international business two years Susanne Rafelski BS Biochemistry 1999 Educator of the Year, which was presented at the annual later . I worked as a chemist for the EPA Sample Manage- Qiang Chen PhD Biochemistry 1992 Currently Assistant Professor at UC Irvine . See more at my AZBIO conference . I am honored to share this award with ment Office during my studies reviewing sampling data I am a Professor at ASU developing therapeutics and website . some of the best instructors, who I am honored to have from Superfund sites, as well as a research assistant for vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer . had the opportunity to work with these past 12 years . an international engineering company . Upon graduating Nadja Wehmeyer Anderson PhD Biochem 1999 with an MBA, I worked for two chemical industry trade Patrick Desrochers PhD Chemistry 1992 I have been directing the Julia Metzker PhD Chemistry 2001 associations in Washington, D C. . for almost 10 years as Summer 2014 marks 22 years of service for me as a BIOTECH Project for 12 I was recently selected as the Director of a new initiative a manager of technical affairs and assistant director of tenured/tenure-track professor at the University of years and have brought at Georgia College called ENGAGE . environmental affairs . I had a son and got divorced . I Central Arkansas . I am currently chair of the Department hands on engaging science decided to move back to Arizona to be closer to family, of Chemistry . (Video of STEM posters ). My oldest, Claire, to literally hundreds of Andy Yu BS Biochemistry 2004 so I moved to Flagstaff and started working for W .L . Gore graduated with her BS in Biochemistry with us and is now thousands of K12 students . Fulfilled my goal of owning a dental practice . And expect- Medical Products Division as a quality engineer and pursuing a graduate degree in chemistry at Wash . U . in St . One of the big success ing our first child in June 2014! quality assurance . I have been at Gore 18+ years and have Louis . My middle daughter, Marie, is working toward an stories of this program has PhD Chemistry 2005 been a QA Leader on the operations side for the aortic art history degree from UCA . Her honors thesis is dealing been the development of Christina Bauer Since 2011 I have held the position of Assistant Professor products business for many years and going strong . I am with cataloging/preserving New Deal era murals com- these new Biotechnology in Chemistry at Whittier College in Southern California . looking forward to expanding my role in international missioned and painted in rural post offices . My youngest, courses throughout the First baby girl born in Jan . 2011; second baby girl born in business development as we expand our global reach . David, is a sophomore in HS and recently completed his Tucson area . As teachers Nadja in class Jan . 2013 . My son is in college at , studying Eagle Scout rank with BSA . My wife, Linda (Comiskey) is became trained in the use currently employed part-time with the chemistry de- of new equipment and sup- 24 microbiology with a minor in chemistry with hopes of Channa De Silva PhD Chemistry 2007 25 partment at Hendrix College across town . We recently plied with the materials for their classroom, they began to pursuing genomic engineering . Right now I am an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary . conduct new activities, such as, amplification of a specific Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC . I teach inor- Matthew E. Austin BS Chemistry 1985 gene sequence, genetic transformation of bacteria, and ganic chemistry to our students . I carry out research with Works as an Environmental, Health & Safety Chemist at KC Russell PhD Chemistry 1992 DNA fingerprinting with their students . This resulted in our students . I and my wife had a baby after we moved to Huntsman Advanced Materials, where he is assisting in Currently I am President of the Kentucky Academy of excitement generated by their students in biotechnology . North Carolina . the company’s transition to the GHS standards going in to Science . Many of these teachers have taken the initiative to fur- ther develop biotechnology programs at their respective effect in 2015 . Katy Mullens BS Biochemistry 2007 Bruce Armitage PhD Chemistry 1993 schools . Completed pediatric residency at Phoenix Children’s Roberta McKee PhD Biochemistry 1987 The Center I co-direct, CNAST, recently received a $3 .1M In Spring 2013, University of Arizona’s Molecular and Hospital and accepted a position as an academic general After graduating from the UofA in 1987, I grant from the DSF Charitable Foundation to support Cellular Biology Department (MCB) began offering three pediatrician at Phoenix Children’s Hospital starting in July went on to do a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in fundamental research in the chemical biology of nucleic units of UA credit for each of the two biotechnology 2014 . the pharmaceutical industry (Merck & Co ., acids . The company I co-founded, PNA Innovations, has courses as MCB 101 and MCB 102 . Currently, Tucson raised $1 .7M in private investment and NIH SBIR funding Inc .) . Upon completion, I have continued schools offer biotechnology programs at ten schools, and Alan Wang BS Biochemistry 2007 Roberta McKee to support our initial R&D efforts . my professional career in the biophar- we hope to have Phoenix schools on board for next year . Graduated from med school at the Uni- maceutical industry . Today I lead a Global If you want to learn more about the program visit the versity of Arizona College of Medicine - Manufacturing Science & Technology organization at Ted Baldwin MS Chemistry 1994 website . To learn more about the BIOTECH Project visit I got my MS in chemistry with Dr David Wigley in De- Phoenix, and will be finishing first year of Bristol-Myers Squibb focused on transitioning new medi- their website . MCB 101 focuses on the techniques used in neurology residency at Thomas Jefferson cines from Pharmaceutical Development into Commercial cember of 1994 . I am finishing my 18th year of teaching biotechnology, while MCB 102 students conduct research chemistry at Olympic College in Bremerton, WA . We have University Hospitals . Met my wife (we got Manufacturing . It is a very exciting time in this industry projects which they present at the Southern Arizona married in 2013) in med school; she is with the extremely promising results seen in immuno- 5 chemists in our department and I have been here the Research Science and Engineering Fair . longest . My wife Katy and I are immensely enjoying the now finishing her first year of pathology oncology . Last year we began to coordinate UA graduate stu- residency at the Hospital of the Universi- major shift in our life after the birth of our first child, dents to interact with MCB102 classrooms . The collabo- Alan and Amber Wang Dharshi Bopegedera Dharsi Bopegedra Connal . ty of Pennsylvania . at Evergreen State ration allowed for high school students to work on a real PhD Chemistry 1989 time research project and interact with UA researchers . College Vincent S. Hau BS Biochemistry 1997 Kimberly Yang Chea BS Biochemistry 2010 I was awarded the “Presi- Because these classrooms are very well equipped with Vitreoretinal surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Riverside, Graduated from Medical School at the UA campus in dent’s Faculty Achievement molecular biology equipment, most of the research was CA . Just elected Co-Chair of the Young Physicians Section Phoenix! Starting residency in emergency medicine at Award” by the President of conducted in the high school classroom . For next year, of the American Society of Retina Specialists . Expecting Maricopa Medical Center . Married my husband, whom I Evergreen State College . I would like to see every MCB 102 classroom with at first baby (a girl) in December . Also, just ran the Boston met at the UA (Computer Science 2009) . least one UA graduate student and high school student Marathon .

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

This past October, I began a new position as a Pro- David Harris MS Chemistry 2011 Kameron Rodrigues BS Biochemistry 2014 , cont. gram Officer with the Computer Science and Telecom- I have 7 patents pending for polymer catalysts and poly- After graduating in Spring 2014 from the University of Alumni News munications Board at the National Academies . While I mer functionalization . My wife and I adopted a baby last Arizona (UA), I moved to Boston for the Summer Training do miss being a laboratory researcher and a practicing summer . I started law school and plan to finish in May of in Academic Research and Scholarship Program at the chemist (and I haven’t ruled out returning to the field), I 2016 . Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH STARS Program) . Emily Grumbling PhD Chemistry 2010 am very grateful for the transformative experiences I’ve During this 8-week program, I engaged in a translational I arrived at the University of had in Washington, D C. ., for all of the new friends and Andrea Hartzell BS Biochemistry 2011 research project in the lab of Dr . Vijay Kuchroo, a top Har- Arizona in 2004 with a liberal colleagues I have found here, and for what I have learned I am finishing my second year of vard Medical School researcher . There, I aided in research- arts background and enthusiasm about myself in the process . graduate school in the neuroscienc- ing the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis through the use for learning chemistry . Inspired I strongly encourage any interested UA CBC alum to es dept at UC San Diego . In 2013 I of mouse models . The BWH STARS program also gave me by the foundational nature of consider participating in these Fellowship programs . was awarded a graduate research valuable exposure to clinical medicine . I had the oppor- negative ion photoelectron Read more about my Congressional experience here: fellowship from NSF . I also got tunity to shadow clinicians and network with members of imaging, I joined the research www .aaas org/page/diverse-class-aaas-st-policy-fellows-. married in December 2013 . My new the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical group of Professor Andrei Sanov . shares-ambition Andrea Hartzell husband is also a UA alum who School Faculty . Additionally, I participated in a number of My doctoral studies examined issuu com/ktrabucco/docs/2012_spring_bardian/3?e=0. completed his bachelor’s and mas- educational and training seminars from a wide variety of the electronic structure and dy- www .acs org/content/acs/en/policy/policyfellowships/. ter’s degrees in the mechanical engineering dept . researchers, clinicians, and physician scientists . Overall, namics of gas-phase and cluster formerfellows/emily-grumbling-l-acs-science-policy- the program was a wonderful opportunity for me to ex- Jimmy Chhun BS Biochemistry 2012 Emily Grumbling anions, by relating the observed fellow-2011-thru-2012 .html perience translational research and how it interfaces with energies and symmetries of And more about the Fellowships here: I will be completing a Masters of Public Health degree clinical medicine . photoelectrons to the symmetry www .aaas org/program/science-technology-policy-fellow. - (MPH) in epidemiology at the UA’s Mel and Enid Zucker- I appreciate how the UA Chemistry and Biochemistry of the orbitals from which they were removed . I saw my ships man College of Public Health . Department prepared me for my life in the biomedical graduate work as a “pure,” rather than “applied” science; sciences . The UA Biochemistry curriculum taught me the Kavya Giridharan BS Biochemistry 2012 pursuing knowledge for the sake of better understanding Michael Ortega BS Biochemistry 2010 scientific knowledge that is universal to any lab across the I am currently finishing my sec- the physical world . I recently received my Pharm .D . from the University of country . As a result of completing a senior thesis while at ond year as a 1st grader teacher . Upon completing my Ph .D . in 2010, I sought to broad- Colorado and will be working as a Pharmacist at King the UA, I was equipped with a necessary foundation of I teach math and science and en my range of knowledge, gain deeper insight into the Soopers upon being licensed . skills . These skills I strengthened by participating in re- bring a unique perspective of role of science in society, and have a more direct impact search at Harvard Medical School over the summer . Now, I Josh Strom BS Biochemistry 2010 where students need to be aca- on people’s lives . Instead of accepting a postdoctoral am very excited to continue learning new techniques and When I first started my demically to excel in accelerated research position, I applied and was selected for an Amer- methods at my newest research fellowship . I am working 26 undergraduate studies science courses in college . In 27 ican Chemical Society (ACS)-sponsored Congressional just outside of Washington D C. . as a Post-Baccalaureate in biochemistry at the July I will be moving to Mumbai Fellowship . I stayed on as a CBC Lecturer for one semes- Fellow at the National Cancer Institute within the Nation- University of Arizona I had as a Program Manager through Kavya Giridharan ter, and moved to Washington, D C. . in August of 2011 for al Institutes of Health (NIH) . Specifically, I work in the planned on moving on to Teach for India where I will the Fellowship . Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, directed by Dr . medical school following coach and support a group of In all, I spent just over three years in federal policy, Stuart Yuspa . In this lab we study the pathogenesis of skin graduation . My time as an first year teachers . As a founder of University of Arizo- first as a Fellow in the office of Congresswoman Diana cancer using mouse models . Ultimately, I aspire to become undergraduate in the De- na’s Om Shanti (first nationally ranked Bollywood dance DeGette in the U .S . House of Representatives, and then as a physician scientist and help bridge the gap between partment of Biochemistry team in AZ), I am continuing to spread the love of dance an American Association for the Advancement of Sci- the laboratory bench and hospital bedside . While at the changed all that . My expe- by starting Soul to Sole, LEARN Excel’s first dance team! ence (AAAS) Fellow in the National Science Foundation’s NIH, I plan to continue gaining experience in translational riences with the courses This year we had over 100 kids participate in our dance Directorate for Computer and Information Science and research and exposure to clinical medicine as I prepare to and the research opportu- Josh Strom program! I hope to continue to find dance opportunities Engineering . In these positions, I had some opportunity apply to MD-PhD programs . The education I obtained and nity as part of the Senior in Mumbai as well . to apply my technical expertise in chemistry (for exam- the relationships I formed while at the University of Ari- ple, Congressional work on hydraulic fracturing, toxic Capstone opened my eyes Sara Zarr BS Biochemistry 2012 zona have genuinely supported me throughout my career substances and drug policy), but mostly made use of the to just how much I loved I am currently in the Mas- trek, and—for that, I am very grateful . general analytical skills I developed through my scientif- science and research . I ter’s Entry to the Profes- ic training (analyzing legislation, recommending voting was fortunate enough to sion of Nursing program at and co-sponsorship actions, and strategizing on funding work in Dr . Qin Chen’s lab as an undergrad and that more Kameron in Boston the University of Arizona . I programs and National initiatives) . than anything else prompted me to switch my goals from was just inducted into the These Fellowship programs, both coordinated by AAAS, an MD to a PhD . After graduating with a BS in Biochem- Honor Society of Nursing, are amazing opportunities for scientists to broaden their istry in 2010, I was able to continue in Dr . Chen’s lab as a Sigma Theta Tau Interna- expertise and learn about national policy . Not only does PhD student in the Department of Medical Pharmacology . tional, and will be graduat- the fellowship provide participants with opportunities to My PhD research focused on characterizing cardiac pro- ing in August 2014 . contribute their scientific knowledge and inform decision tective genes and identifying their mechanisms of action . in the lab making, but it also connects them with a large and diverse I graduated with my PhD this year and will be staying Sara Zarr network of scientists and engineers engaged in the policy here at the University of Arizona as the director of a new arena and provides an inside into how national policy Cardiac Phenotyping Core facility . affects scientific funding, and how science and scientists can help make a difference in society .

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

Alumni News, cont. Ua Staff Awards 2014

Jonathan Yamaguchi BS Biochemistry 2014 CBC@UA! Steve Brown, CBC McNair Staff Award, CoSSAC Star Senior year was chaotic . If I was Award not in class, I basically lived at Latamarla Dionne Johnson, CBC McNair Staff McNair Awards the University of Arizona Med- Award ical Center either volunteering as part of the Research Associ- Martin Marquez II, Wildcat Family Spirit Award, ates Program in the Emergency Postdoctoral Fellows CoSSAC Star Award Department or I was working in Anne Padias, CoS Staff/AP Recognition Award, CoS the research lab of Dr . Slepian . and Other Friends Dean’s Award of Excellence “Best of the Best” During my time in Dr . Slepian’s lab, I was funded by UBRP to Ram Dharanipragada Mark Yanagihashi, UA Award for Excellence research the changes in human I am an Associate Director at Sanofi where I manage a Jonathan Yamaguchi platelet aggregation by modu- chemists working on drug discovery of molecules for lating the platelet membrane unmet medical needs . This also includes working on with common chemical agents . peptides, which I was introduced to in my tenure with Dr . It is thanks to Dr . Slepian, Dr . Victor Hruby . Tran, and the entire lab team that I was able to receive a phenomenal experience in scientific research . Additional- Robert Keesee ly, through the Slepian Lab, UBRP, and the Biochemistry Daughter Margarette is graduating from Guilderland Club, I joined the Galileo Circle Scholars and was able to High School in June 2014 and headed to the University of present at the ASBMB Conference held in San Diego . Vermont in August to study mechanical engineering and More than anything, I loved serving the many facets design . of the UA community . Outside of academia, I was heavily 28 involved in the Asian Pacific American Student Affairs— John Krstenansky 29 the Asian American Cultural Association in particular— After 19 years in the pharmaceutical biotech industry Residence Life, Dia Clones Dance Crew, Department of (Merrell Dow, Syntex/Roche, EnzyMed/Albany Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry Ambassadors, David Rhoads Research), I’m now at my third start-up School of Pharma- Lab, and Mortar Board National College Senior Honor cy (Loma Linda University, Marshall University and now Society . It is thanks to the people that I was able to meet Keck Graduate Institute) . It never gets old being in a vital in all of these organizations that I was able to receive the research environment . UA Foundation’s Outstanding Senior Merrill P . Freeman Award at commencement and several other awards and Terry Matsunaga Steve Brown and Dionne Johnson Martin Marquez II honorary memberships . In addition, although my senior Still doing research but now in contrast agent develop- year was hectic, it was one of the best experiences of my ment for ultrasound . Was in the private sector for 16 years life and I treasure every moment of it . but then came back to the University of Arizona in 2007 . Following graduation, I accepted a position as a re- Having a great time doing research . search technician at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and am applying to medical school . During my short summer off, I have started rock climbing, focusing on fitness, and mentoring kids from my church . In the future, I hope to utilize my experiences to become a phy- sician scientist that will simultaneously perform clinical duties and lead a research lab . In addition, I want to also become a disaster relief physician and be ready to travel immediately to places of dire need . CBC@UA! Anne Padias

Mark Yanagihashi

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras New Faculty and staff

Jacob Schwartz, Assistant Maribel Jimenez, Adminstrative Michael Morris, CBC Computer Jennie VanderHooven, CBC Professor Assistant Technology Manager Advisor Jacob Schwartz completed his Maribel “Mari” Jimenez is ex- I started with the UA in Febru- My name is Jennie Vander- undergrad in Physics at the cited to join the CBC Team once ary of 2006. I come from UITS Hooven and am the new University of North Texas. He again. I came from the College of and am excited to be part of Academic Advisor for this then completed a MS in Biolo- Medicine- Accreditation Office the CBC Family. I am genuinely department. I hail from the gy focused on Neuroscience at where I worked for almost two looking forward to this next great land of New Hampshire UNT before going onto the PhD Jacob Schwartz years and was a part of their Maribel Jimenez step in my career. I am an avid Michael Morris and, although I miss the skiing Jennie VanderHooven program at UT Southwestern accreditation in January 2015. outdoors person. Camping, and and snowboarding there, I am Medical Center. At UTSW Jacob studied the use I am married and have three fishing are a common part of my life. I recently have starting to find my niche here of small RNA molecules to regulate transcription handsome boys. When I am not working, I enjoy taken up hiking as well and have quickly grown to in the Sonoran Desert. I’ve done a lot of camping & through interactions with noncoding RNAs in the cooking, baking, exercising and spending time with appreciate it. My other hobbies include painting, hiking in Sabino Canyon, Saguaro National Park, Mt. lab of David Corey. After this he pursued his postdoc my family. reading horror novels, and loosing hours of my time Lemmon, the Grand Canyon & Havasupia Falls and at CU Boulder in the lab of Tom Cech, where he stud- watching Animal Planet. Oh, I also have a cat named am always eager to hear about other adventurous ied another noncoding RNA binding protein named Huggabutt, he is a jerk. places to explore. Chasing after my three small chil- FUS, in which mutations cause the neurodegenera- Minqing (Stephen) Li, CBC dren gave me enough energy to complete my first tive disease ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. His current Electronics Shop marathon in December 2013. I previously worked research continues with a focus on ALS as well as Hi, my name’s Stephen Li. I am Tom Solsten, Mass as an Academic Advisor at Granite State College (a beginning a new avenue of research into pediatric the new “artisan” for Chemistry Spectrometry Facility University of New Hampshire satellite college) and I cancers caused by FUS mutations and mutations in Electronics Facility. I was a grad- love the work that I do. I have to thank my good friend close homologues to FUS. uate student major in Mechan- Arpad Somogyi for convincing ical Engineering at UA then I Stephen Li 30 me to come out of retirement 31 received my degree in May 2014. Robyn Burkey, Adminstrative and join him having fun in the It’s so exciting to be a member of Assistant mass spectrometry facility at CBC family. Every day’s work here is fresh and chal- CBC. Unfortunately our collabo- Tom Solsten lenging. Besides doing electronics and crafting parts, Hi, I’m Robyn Burkey the new ration lasted only a few months I am also fond of classical music, playing badmin- Administrative Assistant to Lori before he was lured away by Vicki Wysocki to the ton, cooking and, of course, eating. Boyd. I am a mother to 2 beau- greener pastures at Ohio State University. As a result, tiful daughters, 2 years and 6 I am holding the fort here in the MSF until we can months. I was a stay at home find a replacement for Arpad. We are finding that he mom for 2 years but enthusias- Robyn Burkey Samuel John Maez, Accountant, Associate is a tough guy to replace. By returning to CBC I have tic to be back in the work force. come full circle since my graduation from the UA The VanderHooven family I enjoy spending time with my family and some of My name is Samuel John Maez in 1984. Graduate school was followed by employ- my hobbies are cooking, baking and reading. I love and I am the new Accountant, ment at Monsanto Co. in St. Louis and Belgium, then watching cooking shows and scary movies. I am very Associate for the CBC depart- Discovery Partners, Aventis, and Ventana Medical excited to start this new journey with CBC at UA. ment. I come from a customer Systems back here in Tucson. I am glad to be back at service background, but I am ex- CBC after thirty years in the chemical and pharma- cited to be in this new position. Samuel John Maez ceutical industry. Molly Cheng, Accountant, I was born and raised in Tucson Do you have Associate Arizona. When I am not working, My name is Molly Cheng and I I enjoyed reading, playing guitar and spending time news to am a new Accountant, Associate with my family. for CBC’s business office. I have share? - both business and HR back- Fill out our CBC Alumni Survey at: ground. I love the people who work in this department! I was Molly Cheng www.surveymonkey.com/s/Survey-CBC born in China and came to the US 5 years ago. I go to the rec center every day after work, I also serve at my church! department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras In Memoriam CBC Then & Now AXS and SMACS

Associate Professor Emeritus Michael F. Alumni Reunion In the past year, AXS has been involved Burke, a long time member of the Chemistry with demonstrations at events such Department faculty, passed away on Saturday, as “Science Night at the Valley of the June 14, 2014. Professor Burke received his BS Moon”—an open air, night time event in 1960 from Regis College, and his PhD in 1966 with hundreds of spectators, UA autism from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He joined camp (on campus), and the New Plane- the faculty of the Chemistry Department at the tarium Projector Event at Flandrau. AXS University of Arizona in 1967, and retired from also provided hands–on activities, such the Department in 2001. He was an analytical as making slime and liquid nitrogen ice John Schaefer chemist and an expert in separation science. cream for the Streetcar Opening event at Much of his research was focused on the chem- Flandrau planetarium. ical modification of solid surfaces, particularly John & Ila Rupley the development of adsorbents to enhance selectivity and efficiency in high performance Another batch of liquid nitrogen ice-cream gets mixed at the liquid chromatography. He also studied the Streetcar Opening event! chemical and physical parameters responsible for the selectivity of molecular interactions at interfaces.

32 33 John Dichiaro and Corny Steelink

Harold Vincent

Andrew Dixon, AXS President, amazes onlookers by converting a It with sadness that we report that UA Pro- copper coin to silver, and then to gold (actually the coin surface is fessor Emeritus Henry Freiser passed away converted from copper to zinc and then to brass). in August 2013. Professor Freiser joined the Ann and Keith DeArmond Department of Chemistry at the University of Arizona in 1958 and served as department head from 1958-67. This period saw great expansion of the faculty and the graduate research pro- gram, and the awarding of the first PhD degrees from the Department of Chemistry. Come Visit Our Next Reunion! - Fill out our CBC Alumni Survey at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/Survey-CBC A SMACS member disappears behind a cloud formed from liquid SMAC members Matthew Posnansky and Sara Hermann nitrogen hitting a container of hot water at the Chemistry Magic Show. showcase during an Apollo Middle School visit.

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

During my free time I was and high blood pressure that are easily treated in the able to explore Barcelona. United States, but are life threatening conditions in Student Travel Abroad There were endless things Nicaragua due to the limited resources. to see, and there was al- My trip to Nicaragua solid- ways something new and Courtney Collingwood – Guatemala down in Guatemala. ified my desire to pursue a exciting to do. On Monday I plan on returning a career in medicine because This past summer, I returned to Guatemala (my nights I volunteered at one year after I graduate to it gave me a hands-on second trip) to work for a program called Los Pato- of the largest children’s help with their health approach to healthcare jos. I was awarded an internship scholarship from hospitals in Spain, Sant program and work as that I hadn’t experienced the Honors College to help pay for my flight and Juan de Deu. I was able to an instructor in their before. I was able to interact homestay. The funding they provided allowed me interact with many patients school for 6 months. with patients as I took their to make the trip possible after working extra hours and practice my Spanish medical histories and vital and saving for a year. During my trip, I also a lot there! I was able to signs to then report had the opportunity brighten the day of sick Los Patojos is a nonprofit to the doctors. It was to go caving in Semuc Champey. It was very “Indi- children by playing and talking that helps the children humbling to have to ana Jones” style and definitely would not be legal in with them, which I found most and youth of Jocotenan- ask questions such the United States. We traveled under natural pools rewarding. On the weekends, I trav- go and the surrounding as the material of the in caves that were ancient. Our only source of light eled to different cities within Spain communities stay off the floor in the patients’ was a candle, and we had to swim, climb, and hike and throughout western Europe. streets and away from homes and hear that through these caves while keeping the candle lit. The Some of the places I visited were drugs and violence. The they were simply dirt. trip was full of adventure. I ended the weekend with Madrid, Sitges, Valencia, Granada, project is run out of the This opened my eyes a full body bruise from cliff and bridge jumping into Lisbon, Interlaken, Amsterdam, home of its founder and to the disparity in the Semuc river. It was an eventful and tiring week- Brussels, and Paris. Every place I services around 200 chil- access to resources that exists and further fueled my end and one I will never forget. went was different and had some- dren. It has four main fo- goal of helping bring healthcare to those in need. thing special to offer. Having the opportunity to see cuses: alimentation, edu- I am extremely grateful to the Honors College, Dean cation, health, and art. The impact this program has Pat MacCorquodale, Rachael Ronald, and David all of these places was a once-in-a-lifetime experi- I also was able to engage in agricultural volunteering 34 on its community is remarkable. They are currently Allen for this wonderful opportunity. I would not ence, and I cherish the memories. I am so grateful to opportunities such as starting school and communi- 35 building a new facility that will serve as a certified have been able to travel to Guatemala this time or have been able to do something so life changing and ty gardens and helping to construct garden irrigation school in the mornings, the after school program in the previous without all of their help, guidance, and amazing. systems. I learned composting techniques and ways the afternoons, and a restaurant/café at night and encouragement. of returning nutrients to the soil to make the land on the weekends. The plan for the restaurant/café is fertile and productive. The goal behind the gardens to teach the youth how to work outside of peddling Lauren Dominick – Nicaragua is to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency in the communities and encourage healthier diets by or dealing, in hopes they will want to work a job Natalie Debolske – Barcelona, Spain In the fall of 2013, I co-founded the University of providing easier access to fruits and vegetables. I was that contributes to society when they’re older. Arizona chapter of Global Student Embassy (GSE), an This past semester, Spring 2014, I was lucky enough able to work with Nicaraguans from the communi- organization devoted to global health and sustain- The first time I walked through the doors of this to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain. I was there for a ty and learn about their lives and goals. Along with ability. Our mission is to educate about the important program, I knew I would be returning as much as total of 4 and a half months. I always knew I want- the gardens, I educated the communities about the link between health and sustainability and spread possible. Last year, my project was a video promot- ed to study abroad but was always a bit hesitant. importance of nutritious diets and the connection to access to these programs. Last summer, I had the ing their program and reach- About a week before the date of departure, it sunk good health. ing out to possible sponsors in what I was getting myself into. I was going away opportunity to do just that with 14 other club mem- and volunteers. This year, I for a long time from my friends, family, and school. bers in the under resourced communities of Boaco Witnessing the healthcare disparity first hand has spent my time volunteering While there, I took 5 classes: Career Development, and Chacraseca in Nicaragua. The trip allowed me to motivated me even more to search for opportuni- and offering English help. I Advanced Spanish, Spanish for Business, Spanish continue exploring the world and experiencing new ties to assist underserved populations in our local translated documents and for Culture, and Architecture in Spain. While none of cultures while offering me the opportunity to gain community. I have been exploring opportunities to visitors. I helped groups with these classes related to my major, it was an amaz- clinical experience and spread health education. volunteer with these populations in the Tucson area so I can share them with other University of Arizona cultural projects and English ing chance for personal growth. Being taken out of I was able to take patients’ blood pressures and his- students and hopefully inspire them to volunteer not lessons. This time, my project my comfort zone in many different ways, socially tories and shadow clinic nurses and doctors. I also only abroad, but at home as well. For more informa- extends past my time in Gua- and scholastically, forced me to adapt to unfamiliar accompanied nurses on house visits to see patients tion about GSE, please visit www.globalstudentem- temala. I am currently trying situations. One of the biggest obstacles, but probably that were unable to make it to the clinic. During bassy.org or if you would like information about the to develop ideas for promot- my favorite, was learning the language. That was one this time, I saw numerous patients with a variety of University of Arizona chapter, feel free to check out ing the program and edu- of the biggest reasons I studied abroad—to improve chronic and acute conditions. It was humbling to the ASUA club list! cating communities across my Spanish. see patients with conditions such as kidney stones America on the problems

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

ing it was and how nice it felt if it was a little cold economics, polymer science, and most important , cont. out. The Finnish winter can be a rough one, with it chemistry. I researched in Dr. Vogg and Dr. Bauwen’s Student Travel Abroad always being nighttime and really cold (around -30C), labs labeling a potential molecular tracer with a and I could see how the sauna can help during those radioactive nuclide and its ability to be imagined in Eric Figueroa – Finland times. The sauna also felt so relaxing and good after vivo on Swiss mice induced with hind limb isch- going berry picking. This was my first time picking emia. Since this was my first research position I was My summers usually consisted of volunteering in blueberries, so I was excited. I geared up in boots and naturally nervous to begin but excited to learn more a research lab near my home in Phoenix or Tuc- bug net clothes and readied my berry scooper. After about my field. son—further developing my research skills. This two hours in the woods and swampy areas, I probably A typical week consisted of the following: German past summer wasn’t much different… except for the collected as many mosquito bites as I did blueberries. class Monday and Wednesday mornings until noon fact that I was performing research in Finland! I had The delicious wild blueberries and sauna afterwards and then research in the lab until 5 or 6. On all always wanted to visit Europe, but I hadn’t consid- were worth the bug bites though. I enjoyed my time other days, the entire day was dedicated to research ered visiting, let alone doing research in, the Nordic in Finland so much that the only thing I would have in the lab with time in the evening to unwind country. When I was awarded a grant from the done differently was to apply for an entire year in the with friends. On the weekends, we could travel to BRAVO! Program, I was ecstatic. I had only traveled BRAVO! Program. Then I could have worked longer surrounding countries such as the Netherlands, outside of the United States to visit relatives in Mex- on my project and experienced more of the beautiful France, and Belgium. ico before, so my stay in Finland was my first true country of Finland. foreign experience, and one that I will never forget. The summer taught me how to adapt to my sur- I want to thank my PI, Dr. Carol Dieckmann, for men- thing I was not previously fa- roundings, how to start initiative and set goals, and I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Alexander toring me as I grow as a scientist. I would also like miliar with but has been added how to be open to new ideas and people. When I Kastaniotis. One aspect of his lab focuses on the to thank Dr. Carol Bender for the help and opportu- to my set of research skills. arrived in Germany, I knew no German and im- mitochondria and its fatty acid metabolism. My nity to partake in BRAVO! And finally, I would like mediately felt out of place but quickly picked up project consisted of investigating the mammalian While I went to Finland to gain to thank Dr. Alex Kastaniotis and everyone I met in the language. I also had the unique opportunity protein, holocarboxylase synthetase ligase (Hlcs), research experience, I also Finland for all the experiences and knowledge I have to conduct research not only in Germany but also and how it becomes localized in the mitochondria. hoped to experience the Finish gained throughout my time in Finland. in the nuclear medicine department at the Maas- Various proteins have shown to be dually localized culture. We get so comfortable This opportunity was funded in part by a grant tricht Hospital in the within cells. Mitochondrial proteins that serve sim- with and accustomed to the to the University of Arizona from the National Netherlands. By gaining 36 ilar purposes in the mitochondria and cytosol are lifestyle in our hometown 37 Institute of Health (MD001427). experience in two labs, just one example of this phenomenon. The mech- that spending more than a few I learned how to adapt anisms by which a protein dually localizes within days in a faraway place can be to unique polices and cells can vary. The Kastaniotis Lab at the University an eye opener. My first observation upon arrival was cleanliness in both labs. of Oulu in Finland has found evidence that yeast how beautiful the country was. Everything was clean Johnna Hartenstine­ – Aachen, Germany I also learned that if I homolog, biotin protein ligase, may be dually local- and green—a vastly different scene from the desert During the summer of 2014, I was granted the want to be successful in ized. We believe that Hlcs may have a mitochondrial in Tucson. The weather was gloomy for most of my incredible opportunity to not only study nuclear the field of medicine, targeting sequence (MTS) to help facilitate its dual stay, but there was a period of a few weeks when medicine but also learn the German language I have to be innovative localization in the mitochondria and cytosol. We the temperature was very pleasant. Anyone could and explore European countries through the and precise in order to manipulated the proposed MTS using a CRISPR tell the Finns appreciated good weather because the UROP (undergrad research opportunities think around an issue. editing methodology and measured lipoylation and entire city would be out walking, skating, or biking program) at RWTH Aachen, German. I have Finally, my time in Ger- respiration levels to determine if mitochondrial fat- around on the nicely paved paths that can take you always wanted to study abroad and continue my many was a rewarding ty acid synthesis (mtFAS) is affected. As I worked on just about anywhere. I used them extensively to go studies in a foreign country but, as a chemis- educational experience my project it became clear that I would not be able sightseeing. The paths were surrounded by beautiful try major, I found it difficult to take time off of but the incredible other to complete it in the allotted time, so I was given forestry, a sight to see in itself. On one of these nice my heavy course load. Thankfully, I researched students studying with several other little projects that also investigated days, my lab mate invited me to Tuira Beach to swim for summer programs abroad and was me and my new local other proteins in a similar fashion but in yeast. I in the river and play beach volleyball. Many people privileged to gain my first research friends helped me to complet- took advantage of the great weather to hang out there experience in Germany. Not only did I feel at home during world cup ed my re- as well. It was the first time I had ever gone swim- broaden my experience in the research celebrations or weekend trips search by ming in a river. It was much colder than I would’ve lab, but I also gained the knowledge of a to the farmers market in Liege acquiring preferred but the locals had other opinions. Swim- new foreign language as well as having or even a small barbeque in the various ming in the river is a popular thing to do in Oulu, an adventure filled summer. park. cloning but enjoying time in sauna is the ultimate Finnish I spent two and a half months in Ger- tech- pastime. I was astonished to discover that just about I concluded my summer with many with students in areas of study niques, every house/building would have a sauna. After a poster and oral presentation, such as mechanical engineering, world some- trying one out for the first time, I found how relax- along with paper, that summa-

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

experience of my classmates and myself. Paris and took the Eurostar to London for the week- end (the dream). Another interviewee was a barris- , cont. The Honors Trip was brilliantly designed: each day Student Travel Abroad ter’s assistant at the Inns of Court in London (who, (sans weekends) would begin with a whole-class surprisingly, had fabulous bright red hair, and told assignment in which the entire class would travel me about her occupational journey as a barrister’s rized my work and taught me how to present my differ greatly in the system of healthcare, but share a somewhere, have an activity for a few hours, and assistant). Often times, once a group assignment findings in a professional manner. Spending my common need for supportive and affordable patient then be given a reflective assignment. Then, small was finished, I would go explore an art museum, summer in school was more enjoyable than I could accommodation. Through on-site visits, staff and groups of three would be created, and each group have lunch on the Seine, or simply get lost in the city ever imagine due to the degree I have grown as a patient interviews, survey statistics, and background would be released into the marvelous city to com- and stumble upon random treasures. chemistry student, grasping an entirely new lan- research, I examined how the healthcare system plete a second group assignment (and explore the guage and feeling comfortable speaking it in public, influences the variety of accommodation models city as they wish on the way). What truly made the Honors Trip magical was the along with the unforgettable memories from my developed to support cancer patients and their fact that the most enriching, cultural, and intriguing In London, class excursions ranged from a walk- new friends. caregivers. This preliminary study is a comparative experiences happened when I was simply exploring ing tour of London proper (by a quite enthusiastic analysis of six patient housing facilities (three locat- the city (not for an assignment). For example, I pur- historian, mind you), a trip to the serene Strat- ed in the US, three located in the UK) that provides chased a Paris Museum Pass, and over the following ford-upon-Avon, to an animated tour of the Tower Stephanie Kha – London, UK insight into the most important features of a patient four days, I went to roughly six museums—for free— of London. Paris was equally as magnificent, with a housing model: the facility’s environment and atmo- each one legendary in its own way. I saw Rodin’s “Cheers!” trip to the sublime Versailles and a tour through the sphere, patient eligibility requirements, private and famous sculptures, Rousseau’s grave, a museum historic Marais District. There was a common theme My name is Stephanie Kha, and I am a proud Bio- community resources offered, and financial support devoted to Marie Antoinette’s imprisonment, Mon- with all of these excursions: we, the class, were chemistry Major at the University of Arizona. In system. Understanding the differences in these et’s Water Lilies, historical army garments—the list exposed to the city’s culture and treasures from a Summer 2014 I had the opportunity to fly to the housing facilities on a global scale can help bring is endless. I climbed (yes, climbed!) the O2 area and resident’s perspective. Each day was as breathtaking hustling, bustling city of London, England. Many together the best available resources to develop an went to the world’s biggest flea market. I even met a as the previous—I found that as I gradually created people raise their eyebrows when they find out that I accommodation model that alleviates the emotion- Tucsonan who was living in Paris, and she showed a mental map of the city, the activities still managed travelled abroad as a Biochemistry Major. This major al and financial burdens of cancer on patients and me Paris from a Parisian’s perspective. is indeed academically rigorous, research-oriented, their caregivers. to surprise me thanks the city’s diverse culture. I could not ask for anything more from studying and time-intensive. However, with support and care- The small group assignments were spectacular be- I am especially appreciative of the Department of abroad. Having spent two weeks in each location ful planning, anything is possible. cause they forced us to engage ourselves in the city’s 38 Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of and with structured activities, I was able to get a gen- 39 culture. Each group was given the independence I travelled to London to pursue a study-abroad Arizona, because my advisors and professors here uine glimpse of what it’s like to be a Londoner (or a to roam and experience the city (and complete the program at the University of Westminster, and I continue to encourage and support my passions and Parisian). I explored my interests, tastes, and limits. group assignment along the way). One assignment, also conducted an independent research study on research interests without limits. My experience as a Often times, I started a day with no explicit plans, for example, was to go to Regent’s Park in London, a topic that I am very passionate about - supportive Biochemistry Major is truly interdisciplinary and en- and over the course of the day, I seized opportunities interview someone (on your own), and write a re- cancer care for patients and caregivers. Specifically, riching, and most importantly, it demonstrates that as they came—be it going to a market, a restaurant, flection of the interview. Talk about cultural immer- I researched the different models of accommodation learning takes place inside and outside the class- or taking a double decker bus instead of the under- sion! There were a few assignments akin to this over and patient housing in London provided to cancer room—and sometimes even outside the country. ground. In my opinion, that is the ultimate goal of the month abroad, and with each one, I learned a patients and their caregivers when they travel to a the Honors Trip (or any trip abroad), to engage one- new perspective on life. One person said he lives in cancer facility for treatment. As a student researcher self in another culture with enough confidence and under Dr. David Alberts, the Director Emeritus of the Benjamin Van Maren – London, UK, and Paris, curiosity to become culturally immersed. University of Arizona Cancer Center, I learned that France in the United States, there is a significant need to As a Tucsonan, summer is the perfect time to go develop more housing and accommodation, espe- abroad and escape the incapacitating heat. This cially for patients who must travel great distances summer, I was fortunate enough to study abroad to receive cancer treatment. Along with this grow- in two stupendous cities: London and Paris. I was ing effort to develop more housing is the need for a accepted into the 6-credit University of Arizona 2014 model that provides the best supportive atmosphere Honors Trip, where I spent two weeks in London and at an affordable cost to help reduce the stress and two weeks and Paris immersing myself in the boun- burdens placed upon patients and their families. tiful culture, people, and traditions “over the pond.” To support this research endeavor in London, I was Before I continue, I must give my utmost apprecia- awarded two generous grants from the Honors Col- tion and thanks to the Honors College for funding lege at the University of Arizona and the Phi Kappa much of the trip and making it a lifelong memory. I Phi National Honor Society. My research proposal also cannot thank the UA professor on the trip, Dr. compared patient housing models in the United Brown, enough; her engaging, lively, and enthusias- CBC@UA! States and the United Kingdom – two countries that tic teaching style and personality revolutionized the

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014 the Catalyst CBC alumni magazine Online extras

dopsis thaliana, where the research has implications However, I was finding it more and more difficult for agricultural development. to juggle everything and manage my studies, and Student Stories since I very much wish to graduate and move on to a Although the curriculum in the CBC department is in- career, I had to re-evaluate my priorities. I decided to credibly interesting (as well as wonderfully challeng- stop cheering and focus on school. Alexandra Chadwick-Ballard – Criminal Equine overwhelming, but the second I set foot in that show ing), a large reason why I am successful in my classes Mind ring or into class on test days, I know it’s all been is because of the knowledge I gain from my experi- After I stopped cheerleading, I decided to investigate worth those long nights and seemingly endless days. My name is Alexandra, I am currently an undergrad- ences in the lab—the lessons I learn while working on research opportunities. I now volunteer for research uate student dual majoring in Biochemistry and an independent project tend to “stick” more than the credit. My research mentor, Dr. Samantha Harris, MCB, striving to achieve my BS, MS, and eventually lectures I listen to while sitting in a classroom. is investigating the function and role of myosin Shaina Hasan – Cancer Researcher my PhD. After graduating, my goal is to become a binding protein C, which when mutated, has been forensic analyst. I’ve wanted to go into the forensics Hello! My name is Shaina Hasan, and I am currently related to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading field for as long as I can remember. There is just a senior in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Nathaniel Napierski – Cheerleader/Researcher cause of sudden heart failure. I love it, and now that something about the challenge of trying to outsmart I’m doing something I enjoy, I feel that I didn’t stop Biology. A large part of my My name is Nathaniel Napierski; I’m studying Bio- even the most cunning of criminals that entices me. cheering, I just moved my energy elsewhere to facili- undergraduate experi- chemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, assist- Where did they make their mistake? I want to be the tate positive growth. ence has revolved around ing in research at the Medical Research building at one to figure that out. research, primarily through UMC, and work at the Student Union. I enjoy yoga, College provides students an opportunity to grow as the Undergraduate Biology As most of you know, free time is few and far be- and I was a University of Arizona Cheerleader. I loved adults. So don’t be afraid to spread your wings by try- Research Program (UBRP). tween when trying to achieve a degree as well as cheerleading; nothing is more fun to me than getting ing new things. I will always be glad I served as a UA I’ve always had an interest working full time. There are days when it seems in front of a stadium filled with thousands of fans to cheerleader, and I look forward to my future career in the biological sciences, like you can’t even come up for air! For days like support our Wildcats. in the sciences. Namaste. and although I can read all this, I turn to my horses. I have five horses I ride the facts about biology in A lot happens behind the scenes of a college cheer- and show in a variety of disciplines ranging from my classes, it is through leader. Practice begins at six in the morning every hunter jumper to western pleasure. I am involved scientific research that I Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. There’s required with the Southern Arizona Arabian Horse Associa- can actually see its practical weight training three times a week. After that, there tion (SAAHA) and attend their local shows as well application. may be an assigned appearance, which can range from 40 as attending out of town shows including regionals 41 being in Phoenix to being at the local elementary and nationals. Some other events we attend are the When I first joined UBRP, I was a part of a molecular school. The last thing on our agenda, most impor- HITS hunter/Jumper shows and Tucson Dressage biology lab with Dr. Sourav Ghosh whose research tantly, was cheering at volleyball, football, basketball Club shows. It can be very difficult trying to balance had implications for cancer treatment. Being a part (men’s and woman’s), and gymnastics events. There’s school and work as well as trying to keep five horses of UBRP allowed me to connect and network with also travel involved; I had the opportunity to travel in top-showing condition, but it’s always worth it. other undergraduate students interested in research to Louisiana, Colorado, and Washington to cheer the and help spread science throughout the local com- Keeping this schedule requires a lot of self-disci- Wildcats at away games. munity, promoting its importance. pline, as well as some serious time management. I go to school four days a week, scheduling school In the summer of 2013, I received a grant from the and the horses around classes. This semester it looks BRAVO! program (Biomedical Research Abroad Vistas something like school until 3, then the horses or Open!) to perform research in Singapore for three Share Your work, then home for homework and studying. Week- months, investigating protein-protein interactions ends are spent at work and then with the horses, that might contribute to colorectal cancer develop- Stories oh and studying of course! At times it can feel a bit ment. I was able to see research conducted at the international level, as I had the opportunity to work With Us! with scientists from all around the world and to - learn how to communicate science with people with Fill out our CBC Alumni Survey at: all kinds of backgrounds. www.surveymonkey.com/s/Survey-CBC As a result of my various experiences in research, I applied for and received the Beckman Scholarship, which allows students to fully immerse themselves in an independent research project and present their work at a national conference. As a Beckman scholar, I am now in a molecular genetics lab with Dr. Frans Tax who studies the model plant organism, Arabi-

department of chemistry and biochemistry | fall 2014