Dr. Morris’sresearch interests involve the role of metal ion binding in oxidative DNA damage and the development of microfluidic devices for chemical analysis (lab-on-a-chip).
Research Opportunities
We believe that mentored hands-on research is essential for chemistry and biochemistry students. That’s why you’ll be in the lab early and often, with lots of individual attention from your professors. Meet our faculty and learn more about their areas of expertise and current projects below.
Dr. Mark Brandt, Biochemistry
Dr. Brandt studies the human estrogen receptor, a protein of great importance in both normal development and in breast cancer. He is also a driving force behind the Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative (IRC), a program that offers students the opportunity to perform paid full-time summer research.
Dr. Ross Weatherman, Biochemistry
Dr. Weatherman’s research involves making and testing new compounds to dissect the molecular mechanisms of action responsible for the actions of estrogens and antiestrogens in breast cancer and other tissues in the body.
Dr. Rebecca DeVasher, Green Chemistry
Dr. DeVasher has begun an active research program in green chemistry, developing new methods and technologies that reduce or eliminate the use of chemicals hazardous to human health and the environment.
Dr. Stephanie Poland, Inorganic Chemistry
Dr. Poland’s work centers on the synthesis and development of biodegradable plastics using transition metal catalysts. In particular, focus is given to the synthesis of poly (trimethylene carbonate), PTMC, and various derivative polycarbonates that have use in biomedical applications such as sutures and drug delivery devices.
Dr. Luanne Tilstra, Physical Chemistry
Dr. Tilstra is a polymer chemist by training, but her current research includes physical biochemistry, studying insulin aggregation, the conditions which cause it and the degree to which it occurs.
Dr. Michael R. Mueller, Physical Chemistry
Dr. Mueller’s current research focuses on combustion chemistry on biofuels in terms of corrosive issues, lubricity, and emissions; and a computational research project that combines reactant and intermediate structure to calculate rate constants for organic reactions.
Dr. Jason Pflueger, Organic Chemistry
Dr. Pflueger’s research involves the development and application of new reactions for organic synthesis. Current projects are focused on utilizing cobalt boride to achieve mild and selective functionalization reactions of nitriles.
Dr. Fumie Sunahori, Physical Chemistry
Dr. Sunahori's research interests involve reactive small species.
Dr. Alexander Kamasah, Analytical Chemistry
Dr. Kamasah's research intrests include electrochemistry.
Dr. Alfred Tuley, Biochemistry
Dr. Tuley's research interests include medicinal chemistry, genetic code expansion, and chemical biology.
Why Science at Rose-Hulman?
Because here, you'll do real research driven by your interests with awesome professors.
Department News
Learn about the latest happenings, recent research, and more in chemistry and biochemistry at Rose-Hulman.
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Students Unwrap New Passion in NanoEngineering: Holographic Chocolate
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Class of ’24 Graduates Honored for Scholastic Successes, Campus Leadership
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Alumni Recognized for Making Difference in Careers, Communities
Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world.
Facilities & Resources
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to work in our recently renovated facilities, including a modern biochemistry research-teaching lab, three research labs, fully equipped organic and freshman labs, and an instrument facility.
Equipment
In the lab, you’ll use equipment such as our Varian Gemini 300 MHz and Anasazi 90MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance devices, a Shimadzu GC-2010 Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer, and High Performance Liquid Chromatography.
Laboratories
Our fully equipped labs and complete stockroom staffed by full-time technicians will give you hands-on experience and undergraduate research opportunities.
Dr. Ross Weatherman
Department Head and Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Dr. Ross Weatherman has received the Board of Trustees Outstanding Scholar Award and was an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of California, San Francisco. He leads a team of high-achieving students in researching the role of estrogen in the development and treatment of breast cancer. Their work seeks to improve existing drugs, resulting in better treatments with fewer side effects. The value of his research has been recognized with grants totaling $2 million from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Army. Dr. Weatherman also has developed strong collaborations with the Indiana University School of Medicine and has authored more than 20 peer-reviewed research publications.
Contact Us
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Moench Hall C205
5500 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-877-8166
Moench Hall C205
5500 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-877-8166