Dr. Pamela Veltkamp
Professor
Analytical Chemistry

B.A. - Dordt College 1984 (Sioux Center, IA)
Ph.D. - University of Colorado at Boulder 1991 (Boulder, CO)

Office: 218 Science
Phone: (325) 793-3881
e-mail: veltkamp@mcm.edu

Research Interests:
My current research is focused on the statistical analysis (pattern recognition) of the organic compounds desorbed from atmospheric particulate matter. Specifically, I am applying principal components analysis to a large data set comprised of concentrations of desorbed organic compounds, along with meteorological data from the time of sample collection. The goal is to examine patterns of variable association which can then lead to understanding sources and transformation of the particulate matter.

Teaching Interests:
I teach a wide variety of courses in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Environmental Science Department. Courses taught on a regular basis are Quantitative Chemical Analysis, Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, Physical Chemistry I and II, Environmental Chemistry, Contemporary Issues in Environmental Science, and General Chemistry. The theme that runs through all these courses is learning to understand the physical world and applying chemical knowledge to problem-solving.

Dr. Paul S. Pyenta
Associate Professor
Biochemistry & Biophysical Chemistry

B.S. & B.A. - Wayne State University 1993 (Detroit MI)
Ph.D. - Cornell University 2000 (Ithaca NY)

Office: 216 Science
Phone: (325) 793-3880
e-mail: ppyenta@mcm.edu

Research Interests:
I am interested in general applications of biophysical chemistry techniques using fluorescence. These techniques are very adaptable and applicable to a variety of scientific questions, and include fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), fluorescence microscopy, image correlation spectroscopy (ICS), fluorescence photobleaching recovery (FPR), and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The power and flexibility of such fluorescent techniques is advantageous for many research areas of chemistry and biochemistry. For example, the composition and structure of mammalian cellular membranes is becoming recognized as a more highly organized and active player in many cell processes than previously suspected. Any and all techniques listed above would be useful for investigating the biophysics of membrane component interactions responsible for such developing observations. More importantly, the techniques lend themselves to myriad opportunities for collaboration and the promotion of interdisciplinary research with other faculty members and other departments. I am interested in implementation of such biophysical techniques as a resource to progressive undergraduate research.

Teaching Interests:
I am interested in the interdisciplinary aspects of chemistry education. The modern face of science is continually changing, and the methods of teaching undergraduate students must reflect this. The rigid lines dividing the classic disciplines of chemistry, biology, and physics have given way to nebulous boundaries imbued with unforeseen opportunities. I am interested in developing courses and exploring with studens these areas of interdisciplinary science. On an advanced undergraduate level, I enjoy teaching biophysical chemistry as a logical alternative to pure physical chemistry for biochemistry and biology students. The two-sequence of physical chemistry is the most mathematically challenging part of any undergraduate chemistry degree. Few if any non-chemistry majors ever enroll in a physical chemistry course, and biochemistry students may not be able to easily relate and adapt the topics to their field. This is unfortunate. Many principles of physical chemistry are commonly employed in other fields such as biochemistry and biology. Biophysical chemistry offers an exciting alternative, and includes topics such as advanced enzyme kinetics, basic quantum mechanics, fluorescent techniques, such as confocal microscopy and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and molecular diffusion theory.

Dr. Edward Donnay
Assistant Professor
Inorganic Chemistry

B.A. - University of St. Thomas 1996 (St. Paul, MN)
Ph.D. - Washington University 2002 (St. Louis, MO)

Office: 217 Science
Phone: (325) 793-3878
e-mail: donnay.edward@mcm.edu

Family and Personal Interests:
Hello, my name is Edward Donnay and I was born and raised in Wadena, Minnesota. It is a small town of approximately 4500 people located in the center of the state. In addition to my parents who still reside in Wadena, I have three brothers, a niece, and a nephew that live in Minnesota.
Outside of work I enjoy minor-league baseball, independent films, poker, and other strategy games. I am a long distance fan of Minnesota sports teams and sports in general. When I exercise I play racquetball, jog, and shoot hoops. My favorite TV shows are Mythbusters, Family Guy, Dirty Jobs, CSI, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. I am having fun exploring my new surroundings and meeting new people. If you are interested in talking about any of the above topics please contact me.

Research Interests:
As a synthetic organometallic chemist I am interested in making new and unusual transition metal complexes. One area of study is the synthesis of ruthenium and chromium complexes that contain three different diimine ligands. The ability to fine tune the environment around the metal centers will allow us to tailor the molecular properties to approach various problems. For example these types of complexes have been proposed as possible anticancer agents due to the ability of the excited states to oxidize guanine, a DNA base. However, the delivery and binding of the transition metal complexes to DNA is still an area of intense investigation.
I am also interested in addressing synthetic problems or issues that are brought to my attention by colleagues inside academia or especially local industry. Collaboration and bringing multiple approaches to a problem is the best way to find innovative solutions. The goal is to involve students in these projects to allow them to become familiar with current issues.

Teaching Interests:
I have been heavily involved in revising the laboratory portion of Introductory Chemistry, a course designed for non-majors.  The focus is on experiments that the students will enjoy and remember years later, while also presenting students with chemical concepts and applying the scientific method.  I want to continue to improve the only laboratory experience these students will likely have.  In Inorganic Chemistry, I am trying to work toward developing a sophomore level course to complement the upper-level course already being taught and boost interest in this often “forgotten” area of chemistry.  This change would align the curriculum to the one advocated by the American Chemical Society that calls for a one year sequence in the five major areas of chemistry.  I would also like to incorporate a more research project based approached in the laboratory portion of Inorganic Chemistry.  In my short time at McMurry, I have taught four different chemistry courses; please check out examples of recent syllabi below. 

Dr. Hyunshun Shin
Assistant Professor
Organic Chemistry

B.A. - )
Ph.D. - )

Office: 215 Science
Phone: (325) 793-3879
e-mail: shin.hyunshun@mcm.edu

Family and Personal Interests:
coming soon...

Research Interests:
coming soon...

Teaching Interests:
coming soon...

Dr. David Klassen
Professor Emeritus
Inorganic Chemistry

B.S. - University of Texas as El Paso 1961 (El Paso, TX)
Ph.D. - University of New Mexico 1967 (Albuquerque, NM)

e-mail: dklassen@mcm.edu