Departmental News and Information
New equipment
We have recently received eight new computers to help with molecular modeling and course instruction. We have also recently acquired an electrochemistry apparatus as well as a tissue culture incubator and tissue culture hood. We have also purchased several teaching spectrophotometers as well as a biochemical-grade spectrophotometer and fiber optic spectrophotometer. This fall, we are going to purchase a dry box as well as a HPLC system. We are dedicated to keeping our departmental equipment up to date to ensure that our students receive the best, and most up to date, instruction possible.
Scientific Equipment
| Varian 200 MHz NMR Spectrometer | Instruction-Grade spectrometers |
| Cary UV/Vis/NIR Spectrometer | Genesys 2 spectrometer |
| Cell/Tissue Culture Incubator | Sonicator |
| Cell/Tissue Culture Hood | HP GC/MS Capability |
| Clean Room for RNA work | PTI Fluorescence Spectrometer |
| High speed centrifuge | BAS Electroanalytical system |
| Shaking water bath | Incubators |
| Dry Box for anhydrous and air-sensitive synthesis |
Organic instruction equipment -GC, IR, Melting Point, Flash Columns- |
| Microcentrifuge | Molecular modeling computer |
| Dual Gradient HPLC system | SpeedVac |
| Nicolet FTIR spectrometer | X-Ray Fluorimeter |
| Atomic Absorption Spectrometer -Flame/Graphite Furnace- |
Fiber Optic Spectrometer -Ocean Optics Brand- |
Chemicals you may encounter in everyday life*:
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Ah, caffeine. For many people, productivity at school, work, and home would slip without a morning dose of this alkaloid found in tea leaves, coffee beans, cocoa beans, and kola nuts. Caffeine acts as a central nervous system and respiratory stimulant and is also a diuretic. |
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Histamine is the chemical messenger that antihistamine medicines try to block. Histamine is released by mast cells during an allergy attack and can produce multiple biological effects including bronchoconstriction (asthma), vasodilation (watery eyes, runny nose), and gastric acid secretion. |
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Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a potent water-soluble anti-oxidant. Fruits, vegetables, and even some meats (beef, pork) are good sources. |
Science Days
Science Days allows ASU chemistry students to expose fourth-grade students to the wonders of chemistry. This is a cooperative program between the Chemistry, Biology and Physics Departments. We typically run 3-4 Science Days sessions per long semester (fall/spring)
Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award
In 2002, Dr. Shankle received the "Distinguished Faculty Achievement" award from the Alumni Association.
Welch Foundation Grants $75,000 to ASU Chemistry Department
The Angelo State University Chemistry Department has been awarded a three-year, $75,000 grant from the Robert A. Welch Foundation of Houston to support chemical research by ASU chemistry faculty and to broaden opportunities for students to study chemistry.
ASU will receive $25,000 annually beginning June 1 and running through May 31, 2005.
In addition to supporting faculty research, the grants are intended to provide opportunities for students to study chemistry in a less structured way.
Dr. George E. Shankle, who heads the ASU Chemistry and Biochemistry Department and will oversee the administration of the grant, said the funds will help the department in a variety of areas.
"What the grant allows us to do is give financial support to our current students and get them interested in doing research with faculty," Shankle said. "It helps our students in the job market and in applying for grad school. It also makes available research funding which can help recruit new students here."
Because of the flexibility of the monies, Shankle said they will allow students, under faculty supervision, to pursue both basic and applied research in chemistry.
Shankle said the grant reflects favorably on ASU's Chemistry and Biochemistry Department because of the competitiveness of the application process and the prestige of the Welch Foundation statewide.
Professor Emeritus
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Dr. Ed Drake, who skillfully lead the department to its present-day glory, retired in the summer of 1999. Dr. Drake was dedicated to educational excellence at ASU for 34 years. His dedication to the department and Angelo State University was awarded with the designation of Professor Emeritus after his retirement. |