As an Organic Chemist, I am interested in developing new synthetic reaction methods. I was trained as an organometallic Chemist using transition metals to develop new catalytic methods. These methods involved nitrogen containing heterocycles and boronic acids as well as C-H and C-C sigma bonds. I have been at Augsburg since 2013 and worked here part-time before that while doing graduate and post-graduate work across the river at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am passionate about teaching and mentoring in the classroom, laboratory, and in research settings. I have been influenced greatly by my own Liberal Arts education and the wonderful professors I was able to learn from and work with. I appreciate that we train our students to be strong chemists with a sense of purpose and service to others.
My research group is focused on the development of green synthetic methods. Currently, we have projects using a heterogeneous catalyst in a flow system, silylation of amines for alkylation, and the synthesis of biodegradable polymers for the educational laboratories. The polymer research has been done in collaboration with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities NSF-funded Center for Sustainable Polymers. Finally, I am extremely proud of the success of all my former group members as they continue to be successful following graduation in their lives.
I enjoy watching and playing sports including with the Chemistry Club Intramural Basketball team!
Education
- B.S., Creighton University, Chemistry (ACS Certified) and Philosophy, 2005
- M.S., University of Pennsylvania, Organic Chemistry, 2007
- Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Organic Chemistry, 2011
Research Interests
- Green Chemistry and Catalysis
- Development of chemical methods using heterogeneous catalysts in flow chemistry
- Development of biodegradable polymer synthetic methods for the teaching laboratory
- Silanes as protecting groups of amines facilitating alkylation and cross-couplings
- To learn more about the research I’m working on, please visit my Wentzel Lab Research
Teaching Interests
- Organic Chemistry 1 and 2 lecture and laboratory
- Advanced Organic Chemistry lecture and laboratory
- Integrated Science Keystone
- Green Chemistry and Toxicology
- The Art, Science, and History of Brewing
- Technology and Active Learning incorporation in Chemistry Courses