Chemistry Department
The Chemistry Department offers bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry option and in many other health-professional options, such as medical, dental, or pharmaceutical. Modern-day chemistry is highly diverse and encompasses areas as diverse as the monitoring and removal of pollutants from the atmosphere, the study of genes and DNA replication, the production/conversion/storage of energy, and the creation of new materials. Students can accelerate their knowledge and skills by taking well-prepared courses and by participating in chemical research with our faculty members to gain an in-depth understanding of the natural world.
The Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program, in conjunction with the Department of Biology and Environmental Science, is the only one of its kind in Alabama’s River Region. It is a flexible program offering three concentrations and two thesis options.
The College of Sciences offers students a scientific education to meet the needs of the 21st century, allowing them to compete for a variety of careers in an increasingly complex and evolving world.
Explore Our Student Resources
Advising
It is our intent to provide College of Sciences students with high quality advising services and academic support that will assist them in achieving their academic and career goals. Advising is done each semester by appointment. To set up an appointment, please visit AdvisorTrac or stop by the Office of Central Advising in Taylor Center 125.
Facilities
The Chemistry Department maintains an array of modern instrumentation and equipment for spectroscopy, separations, synthesis, and analysis.
Faculty Research Interests
Our faculty members are professionals in the various fields of Chemistry and other Physical Sciences. They are active in research in all areas of Chemistry and in Meteorology. Please check out the individual listings of each faculty member to learn more about their specific research areas.
Programs of Study
Whether you wish to prepare for a career or graduate school in medicine, chemistry, or forensic science, our undergraduate programs can help get you there!
Our Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree program is flexible, offering three concentrations: General Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Environmental Science Technology.
Scholarships
The College of Sciences, along with the University, is proud to award scholarship funding throughout the academic school year. These scholarships are awarded to deserving students at all levels, including entering freshmen, rising seniors, and students continue their education after graduation.
Undergraduate Research
Undergraduate research is a way to get research experience before leaving college. As a student you will work closely with a faculty advisor on a shared research project. The research options are almost limitless and the experience is invaluable.
Meet Our Team
Duk (Daniel) Kim
Department Chair; Professor | College of Sciences
Ph.D. (2003) Chemistry, Florida International University
MS (1987) Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
BS (1985) Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
Dr. Daniel Kim is an organic Chemist. His current research interests lie in using ultrasound to accelerate slow chemical reactions, removal of resisting pollutants in polluted water. He applies ultrasound to measure the antioxidant capacity of natural materials. His background experience has a broad spectrum from synthesis of unusual organic compounds, nuclear chemistry using nuclear reactors or particle accelerators, environmental remediation using advanced oxidation technologies, and modification of solid materials using accelerated particle beams. Dr. Kim is the Chemistry Chair and advisor of the Chemistry Club.
Haewon An
Lecturer | College of Sciences
Ph.D. (2012) Biochemistry, University of Houston
B.S. (2007) Chemistry, University of Houston
Dr. Haewon An is a Lecturer in the AUM Department of Chemistry. She teaches General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Lab. Her research has focused on elucidating the essential roles of several residues in Vibrio harveyi FRP activity during her Ph.D. She further tried to determine the roles of Phospholipase D (PLD) in an anesthetic effect of living organisms during her postdoctoral experience at Scripps Research Institute in Florida. She also has chemistry research experiences to prepare palladium shells with gold and silica nanoparticles. She has supervised and instructed numerous students in biochemical techniques.
Steve Arnold
Assistant Professor | College of Sciences
Ph.D. (1990) Chemistry, Louisiana State University
B.S. (1985) Chemistry, Louisiana State University
Dr. Steve Arnold’s area of expertise is Physical Chemistry. His research interests are in UV-visible absorption and emission spectroscopy. Dr. Arnold instructs students at AUM in Physics as well as General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Instrumental Analysis. Dr. Arnold further serves as the academic advisor for students pursuing degrees in Physical Science with the Chemistry option.
John Hutchison
Associate Professor | College of Sciences
Ph.D. (2007) Organic Chemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
B.S. (2000) Chemistry, University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, IN
Dr. John Hutchison is an Associate Professor in the AUM Department of Chemistry. His area of expertise is Synthetic Organic Chemistry. His research interest lies in the synthesis of structurally interesting and/or biologically active organic molecules. Graduate and post-doctoral work involved the development of synthetic strategies towards the synthesis of eupomatilone-6, sclerophytin A, cladiell-11-ene-3,6,7-triol, antascomicin B, organometallic Ni and Pd-complexes, and CdSe nanoparticles. While at AUM his undergraduate research students have completed the total synthesis of three natural products gymnoascolide A, eutypoid A, and microperfuranone. Current undergraduate research projects involve short-syntheses of biologically active natural products and structure activity studies of antibacterial C-4 and C-5 substituted butenolides. Dr. Hutchison enjoys working with AUM students in both the classroom and laboratory. He is a good research mentor and he is an outstanding life guide for students.
Quratulann Ijaz
Lecturer | College of Sciences
Marilyn Jefferson
Administrative Associate | College of Sciences
David S. Ro
Assistant Professor | College of Sciences
Randy Russell
Assistant Professor | College of Sciences
Randy Russell is the Advisor for Pre-Physical Therapy studies. Additionally, Mr. Russell instructs students in Astronomy, Introduction to Physical Sciences, and Physics.
Siva Sakamuri
Assistant Professor | College of Sciences
Emma Si
Lecturer | College of Sciences
Ph.D. (2011) Analytical/Environmental Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
M.S. (2003) Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario
B.A. (2001) Chemistry, Shandong Normal University, China
Dr. Emma Si is an Assistant Professor in the AUM Department of Chemistry. Her research interests include (i) understanding the photochemistry of inorganic mercury with selected organic molecules; (ii) developing analytical methods for chemical speciation of toxic metals in aquatic environment; and (iii) developing novel remediation techniques for air and water pollution. She is actively involved in mentoring undergraduate research students at AUM and their results have been presented at various international and national conferences.
Nick Thomas
Professor | College of Sciences
Dr. Nick Thomas is a Professor of Chemistry at AUM and was selected as Distinguished Teaching Professor 2006 ? 2009. He teaches Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and General Chemistry. His primary areas of research have been the coordination chemistry of transition metals, including lanthanide (rare earth) elements, and chemical education. He has written encyclopedia entries and numerous feature articles on a variety of general interest topics for newspapers and magazines around the country.
