Friday, September 16, 11:30 - 12:30 p.m., SCL160
The Chemistry Department and the Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant will co-host a special seminar by Prof. Kayode Oshin, Chair, Department of Chemistry, Creighton University.
Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) of haloalkanes and halocarbonyls to α-olefins is one of the most atom economical methods to simultaneously form C–C and C–X bonds, providing synthetic access to functionalized monoadducts. Studies that attempt to improve this reaction model are important as developing efficient methods to convert olefins into monoadducts for use in subsequent transformation reactions (reductions, displacements, making Grignards) are highly desirable. This presentation will highlight; (i) our research work designing copper and iron complexes for use as catalysts in ATRA, (ii) development of an experimental technique to measure kinetic parameters (activation rate constant values) for ideal ATRA reactions, and (iii) transformation of our results into effective laboratory modules, guided by important academic learning objectives and assessments, so they can be incorporated in the chemistry curriculum. This effort provides faculty at other academic institutions with current and effective modules that can be used in their courses and contributes to the important field of chemical education.
During his time as a Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar, Prof. Oshin travels to universities like ours to reach out directly to students and postdocs who aspire to teach at a PUI (primarily undergraduate institution), like Creighton. He plans to highlight his work with undergraduate students.
Graduate students with an interest in academia, consider careers at PUIs and often wonder if they would be able to perform the same engaging research they explored in graduate school, while also taking on a relatively large teaching load.
He will offer group office sessions to have in-depth conversations with students who are considering such careers, or also have interest in the area of chemical education. Check back here and you email to sign up (by Sep 13).
The presentation, which will be broadcasted to West Campus (link to follow), will be include a Q&A.
His successes serve as a great example to members of our communities who are also from underrepresented groups in STEM.