UIndy Department of Chemistry Faculty
Dr. David Styers-Barnett
Professor & Chair
Chemistry
317-788-2061
styersbarnett@uindy.edu
- Expertise in physical chemistry, nanomaterials and ultrafast laser spectroscopy methods
- PhD
Areas of Expertise
physical chemistry, nanomaterials
Background
Received PhD in the area of ultrafast laser spectroscopy with a dissertation studying the excited state dynamics of carbon nanotube composite films. Conducted post-doctorate research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn. While there, he worked on designing tunable ultrafast laser experiments for a wide variety of user projects and synthesized a number of different carbon-based nanomaterials.
Research Interests
methods for teaching general and physical chemistry; the development of experiments for exploring the interaction between light and nanomaterials
Education
- PhD, University of North Carolina
- BA, The College of Wooster
Fun facts
I compete in triathlons as part of the Tri-Tornadoes team.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The focus on undergraduate education.
Dr. Joe Burnell
Associate Professor
Chemistry
317-788-3284
burnell@uindy.edu
- Expertise in biochemistry; awarded for teacher excellence in the sciences
- PhD, Biochemistry
- 2002 Teacher of the Year
Areas of Expertise
biochemistry
Background
Awarded 2002 UIndy Teacher of the Year and also received the 1992 Robert M. Brooker Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence in Mathematics or Sciences. UIndy (formerly Indiana Central) grad who was taught by great mentors, including Dr. Robert M. Brooker, and played basketball for the University.
Research Interests
enzyme chemistry and metabolism of xenobiotic compounds
Education
- PhD, Biochemistry, Indiana University
- BS, Chemistry and Biology, University of Indianapolis
Fun facts
I am an auto racing fan who has memorized the list of winners of the Indianapolis 500.
Areas of Expertise
chemistry, science education
Background
Long-time editor of the Journal of College Science Teaching.
Research Interests
science text comprehension
Education
- PhD, Inorganic Chemistry, Purdue University
- BS, Chemistry and Biology, Purdue University
- BS, Chemical Engineering, Purdue University
Favorite thing about UIndy
UIndy is a community that truly cares about student learning.
Dr. Katherine Stickney
Professor
Chemistry
317-788-3552
kstickney@uindy.edu
- Expertise in organic and polymer chemistry; affiliated faculty of the UIndy Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellowship program
- PhD, Polymer Chemistry
- 2004 Teacher of the Year
Areas of Expertise
organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemistry education
Background
Was recognized as the 2004 University of Indianapolis Teacher of the Year. Is an affiliated faculty member of the UIndy Woodrow Wilson Indiana Teaching Fellows Program for preparing teachers for work in high-needs schools, and was the principal investigator for a 2011 NSF Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Capacity Building grant for planning a new chemistry and life sciences secondary teaching program.
Research Interests
chemical education; writing skills in the sciences (particularly as they relate to success in organic chemistry); chemistry lab-based honors research projects
Education
- PhD, Polymer Chemistry, Virginia Tech
- BS, Chemistry, University of New Hampshire
Fun facts
I served in the United States Peace Corps as a high school chemistry teacher in Togo, West Africa, before attending graduate school. I have also completed full marathons in more than 30 states, and have a goal of running a marathon in every state in the U.S.
Favorite thing about UIndy
The small class sizes allow the faculty to get to know the students on a personal level.