Biography
As an environmental geochemist, my interests lie in the intersection between chemistry, the natural environment, and how humans have impacted it. I love how understanding how the chemistry of environmental systems is influenced by physical, geological, and biological processes. My research focuses on Raystown Lake, a run-of-the-river reservoir, and includes over 20 years of data collection with an emphasis on eutrophication.
I’m also fascinated by analytical chemistry, which is a critical part of environmental chemistry. Making sure that measurements are valid and reliable is essential for understanding and monitoring chemical parameters in the environment. Currently, I’m working with students on the analysis of caffeine in natural waters. In this project, we use ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and we are working to refine the analytical method and to then investigate the presence of caffeine in lake and river water. Caffeine is effectively broken down by wastewater treatment, so the presence of caffeine in natural waters suggests the input of untreated wastewater.
I’m fortunate to be able to teach courses that match these interests. I teach Analytical Chemistry, Pollutant Chemistry, and Limnology, as well as introductory chemistry and labs. While teaching introductory chemistry, I particularly appreciate investigating the core concepts present across the fields of chemistry and showing students that chemistry is both interesting and exciting. I also helped develop Juniata’s Environmental Chemistry POE and advise students in that program.
When I’m not teaching or in the lab, I’m often spending time with my teenage daughter, hiking in the central Pennsylvania woods, or reading novels (mystery, sci-fi, fantasy) while curled up with one of our three cats. I also direct the handbell choir at Stone Church, as well as sing in the choir. I’m happy to share favorite hiking locations or swap ideas for a next read!
I came to Juniata from the Lehigh Valley (Germansville, PA) as an undergraduate student. At Juniata I was able to study both environmental science and chemistry and to integrate the two topics. The faculty at Juniata supported and inspired me to continue my education and I earned a PhD in Environmental Geosciences at Michigan State University studying metals in lake sediments. I returned to Juniata in 2004, moving to the Chemistry department in 2010.