SUNASEE RESEARCH LABORATORY
Associate Professor of Chemistry
SUNY Chancellor Award for Excellence in Teaching 2018
Plattsburgh Alumni Faculty Impact Award 2020
Councilor of the Northern New York ACS Local Section
Racial Equity & Justice Fellow
Equity Advocate
TEACHING:
Organic Chemistry, Nanochemistry, Chemistry Seminar, DEIR in STEM Education, Honors Thesis Projects
CHE240: Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
Course Description: This one-semester course provides a brief, but thorough introduction to Organic Chemistry. Common classes of organic compounds with special emphasis on the structure, nomenclature, physical properties, stereochemistry, mechanisms and reactions will be studied. Several aspects of organic chemistry related to biological and health sciences are also emphasized.
Learning Objectives: To promote understanding and appreciation of organic chemistry. An illustration of biological relevance of reactions discussed, hence, their applications in everyday life. Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in critical thinking through various exams, quizzes and assignments.
CHE241: Organic Chemistry I
Course Description: An introduction to aliphatic organic chemistry by a systematic discussion of functional groups. Common classes of organic compounds with special emphasis on the structure, nomenclature, physical properties, stereochemistry, reactions and mechanisms will be studied. You will also learn about the natural occurrences, uses and applications of various organic compounds. Several aspects of organic chemistry related to biological and health sciences are also emphasized.
CHE242: Organic Chemistry II
Course Description: Aromatic and heterocyclic chemistry is explored. The chemistry of the carbonyl compounds (aldehyde, ketone, ester, carboxylic acid, acid chloride, amide) and amine functional groups are investigated in detail with focus on their synthesis, reactions and mechanisms. Biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids and proteins are briefly introduced.
CHE425: Basics of Nanochemistry
The following courses have been taught in previous years:
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Natural Product Synthesis (CHEM 471, Lecture & Lab, Fall 2011, Brandon University)
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Industrial Chemistry IV (CHEM 475, Fall 2011, Brandon University)
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Intermediate Organic Chemistry III (CHEM 3301, Lecture & Lab, Fall 2012, Cape Breton University)
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Advanced Organic Chemistry IV (CHEM 4301, Lecture & Lab, Winter 2012, Cape Breton University)
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Introductory Organic Chemistry for Nursing & Allied Health Sciences Lab (CHEM 1103L)
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Honours thesis in Chemistry (CHEM 4900, 2012-2013, Cape Breton University)
“Organic chemistry is exactly like a movie. It’s not about memorization. It’s about making sense of the plot, the scenes, and the individual concepts that make up the story” – David. R. Clein, author of the book: Organic Chemistry 1 as a second language.