News from Journal House

Publications Coordinator Selected

Mary Virginia Orna has been selected as Publications Coordinator of the Journal of Chemical Education, replacing Richard Schwenz. Her appointment is effective January 1, 2002, for a term of five years.

Orna is professor of chemistry at the College of New Rochelle in New Rochelle, New York, where she teaches analytical chemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry, chemistry and color (for non-majors), general chemistry, and chemistry for prospective nurses. Her research interests are in the area of archaeological chemistry, particularly the chemistry of ancient dyes and medieval pigments, an area in which she has numerous journal publications, articles, books, and an ACS symposium. Her education interests center around the education of teachers of chemistry and are manifest in her publications and her leadership of summer workshops for teachers.

A major function of the position of Publications Coordinator is to act as the Journal's business manager. Orna brings to the position not only strong interest in and contributions to chemical education but also experience as treasurer of the Division of Chemical Education, editor of Chemical Heritage magazine, and Director of Educational Services at the Chemical Heritage Foundation.

Orna's publications include the compendium, ChemSource: A Resource for Teachers of Chemistry as well as books on archaeological chemistry, history of electrochemistry, history and preservation of chemical instrumentation, chemistry and color, and cybernetics that she has authored or edited. She is a frequent contributor to this Journal, most recently "Chemistry, Color, and Art" as part of the National Chemistry Week celebration in the October 2001 issue.

Orna has served ACS in many different ways. She has been chair, program chair, treasurer, and at present councilor of HIST. She has served CHED as chair, treasurer, as program chair for the 14th BCCE, and as a member of the Examinations Institute Board of Trustees. At the ACS national level she has served on the Committee on Nominations and Elections and the Committee on Committees.

Awards include the 1984 Catalyst Award of the Chemical Manufacturers Association for excellence in college chemistry teaching, the 1996 Visiting Scientist Award of the ACS Western Connecticut Section, the 1996 James Flack Norris Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Teaching of Chemistry, the 1999 ACS George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education, and the 2001 Timm Award of the New England Association of Chemistry Teachers.

Orna, whose hobby is constructing crossword puzzles for a variety of publications (including American Laboratory and The New York Times), says, "I am looking forward to having a few crosswords with the Editor of the Journal, which I hope he will eventually publish even though he might be puzzled by them!"

Thank You Reviewers!

It is the beginning of a new year and a new volume--a good time to acknowledge the considerable service provided by the 2970 reviewers who have read, reviewed, and usually re-reviewed every article submitted for publication. While most reviewers handle one or two articles each year, the 15 stalwarts listed below have each handled eight or more submissions in 2001.

Rubin Battino, Daniel Berger, Robert D. Braun, Kenneth H. Brown, Kelley J. Donaghy, Ana M. Gaillat, James K. Hardy, Rita K. Hessley, William B. Jensen, Joel M. Kauffman, Larry McGahey, Jonathan Mitschele, Jack C. Norman, William S. Richardson III, William R. Robinson

Hearty thanks on behalf of the entire JCE community!

Thanks to Project Chemlab Reviewers

The members of the Committee on Project Chemlab have also given generously of their time and expertise to provide more extensive review of manuscripts for laboratory experiments submitted to JCE. Thanks are due to K. Y. Benedict, R. D. ("Pete") Braun, G. Lynn Carlson, Van H. Crawford, Kelley J. Donaghy, Thomas H. Eberlein, Ping Furlan, Arthur Greenburg, Michael Guarnieri, James K. Hardy, Ruth A. Hathaway, Allen D. Hunter, Albert Jache, Michael Jansen, Ishenkumba A. Kahwa, Susan Klein, Jim Konzelman, Joe March, Sally McDuffie, Larry McGahey, Jonathan Mitschele, Maria T. Oliver-Hoyo, Maria Pacheco, Jordan Poler, Owen Priest, Patricia Redden, John Risley, Marie Sherman, and John Zimmerman.

Some committee members have served as mentors to new members in the past year and deserve special thanks: Carolyn B. Allen, Ronald A. Bailey, Sister Isabel Ball, G. Dana Brabson, Kenneth H. Brown, Stanley C. Bunce, James W. Hovick, Edward Matjeka, Manit Rappon, Paul Rasmussen, John Woolcock, and James W. Zubrick.

JCE Forums Are Now Live!

The preview phase is over and the new online discussion area Only@JCE Online is ready for your participation. Forums for discussion of topics related to high school teaching and JCE Software are now open. A discussion of general chemistry curriculum reform will begin soon.

From the JCE Online home page click Discussion Forums in the Only@JCE Online menu.

If you are inexperienced with online forums, you will find Quick Help and A Guided Tour (both easy to find at the top of the page) of considerable help. Join this new online community for chemistry educators today!

Awards Announced

2001 Welch Award in Chemistry

Roger D. Kornberg of the Department of Structural Biology at Stanford University has received the 2001 Welch Award in Chemistry. The $300,000 prize was presented to Kornberg in honor of his lifetime achievements in biochemistry and structural biology.

NSF Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement Program Awards, FY 2001

Awards in chemistry made under the Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) Program for FY2001 in the Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) have been announced by NSF. Awards were made in three tracks; those from the Educational Materials Development and National Dissemination tracks were reported in the December 2001 issue; those from the Adaptation and Implementation track are reported here. The Adaptation and Implementation (CCLI-A&I) awards represent projects that are expected to result in improved undergraduate chemistry education through adaptation and implementation of exemplary materials, laboratory experiences, and educational practices in such a way that further curricular change will be catalyzed at the institution. In chemistry, the large majority of the CCLI-A&I proposals and awards were for instrument-based projects, but the list also includes projects funded in the interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary area, which may be of interest to chemists.

NSF proposal deadlines appear regularly in the Program Deadlines section (see below). For additional information, go to the DUE Web site, telephone DUE at 703/292-8666, or contact DUE by email. The Project Information Resource System (PIRS) also has information about projects funded by DUE.

FY 2001 CCLI Awards in Chemistry Adaptation and Implementation (A&I) Track

• Alaska. John Keller, University of Alaska, Fairbanks: Enhancing Chemistry Curricula through Molecular Modeling: A Multi-Campus Consortium Approach.
• California. Wayne Larson, Diablo Valley College: Incorporating FTNMR Across the Two-Year College Chemistry Curriculum. Stanley Anderson, Westmont College: NMR Spectrometry Across the Chemistry and Physics Curriculum.
• Colorado. David Lehmpuhl, University of Southern Colorado: Integrating Atomic Force Microscopy into the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum. Joel Gohdes, Fort Lewis College: Integration of GC-MS into the Chemistry and Environmental Science Curriculum.
• Florida. Jerome Haky, Florida Atlantic University: Project ChemBOND: Building Opportunities for Meaningful Learning.
• Georgia. Brian Koehler, Georgia Southern University: Meeting the Needs of All General Chemistry Students: Computers and Interfaced Analytical Probes in the Laboratory.
• Guam. Subir Ghosh, University of Guam: Molecular Biology Course Based on Study of Transcriptional Control.
• Illinois. Jeffrey A. Frick, Illinois Wesleyan University: Enhanced Opportunities for Experiential Learning with NMR Spectroscopy. M. Paul Chiarelli, Loyola University of Chicago: Integration of Liquid-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Across the Chemistry Curriculum. Bradley Andersh, Bradley University: Incorporation of High-Field NMR across Chemistry and Biochemistry Curricula. Karen d'Arcy, Governors State University: Model Student Environmental Contract Laboratory.
• Indiana. James Bays, St. Mary's College: Discovery-Based Lower-Division Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories.
• Iowa. Norbert J. Pienta, University of Iowa: Building General Chemistry Skills. Maria A. Dean, Coe College: Ultraviolet and Visible Spectroscopy in the Chemistry and Biology Undergraduate Curricula. Shoshanna Coon, University of Northern Iowa: Inclusion of Raman Spectroscopy in the Upper-Level Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratories.
• Kansas. Michael Van Stipdonk, Wichita State University: Incorporation of GC-Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry into Undergraduate Education. Jesse C. Moore, Friends University: FTIR, A Necessary Ingredient for Curriculum Improvement.
• Kentucky. Dorothy H. Gibson, University of Louisville: Contemporary Methods for Synthesis and Analysis in Undergraduate Chemistry. Judy L. Ratliff, Murray State University: Establishing New Traditions in Chemistry. David F. Fraley, Georgetown College: Use of an FT-NMR Spectrometer to Improve the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum.
• Maine. Thomas W. Shattuck, Colby College: Biochemical, Organic, Physical, Analytical, and Inorganic Mass Spectrometry. Barry Logan, Bowdoin College: Bringing Chromatography and Spectroscopy into the Undergraduate Curriculum.
• Maryland. Sharron Smith, Hood College: Benefiting Women Science Students by Incorporating Capillary Electrophoresis Technology into Chemistry Curriculum. Andrew S. Koch, St. Mary's College of Maryland: Enhancing the Chemistry Curriculum with FT-NMR Spectroscopy.
• Michigan. Robert Smart, Grand Valley State University: FT-NMR: Hands-On Access in the Undergraduate Curriculum. Steven Scribner, Marygrove College: Improving the Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Curricula by Incorporation of FTIR Spectroscopy. Sally Welch, Marygrove College: Enhancing Introductory Chemistry with Technology. Ardeshir Azadnia, Michigan State University: Hands-on Use of High-Field NMR in a Three-Week Collaborative Learning Laboratory for a Non-Majors Organic Chemistry Laboratory.
• Minnesota. Steven M. Drew, Carleton College: Integration of Capillary Column Gas Chromatography into Project-Oriented Laboratories. John D. Thoemke, Minnesota State University at Mankato: Making the Connections: An Integrated Approach to Physical and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory.
• Mississippi. Kazushige Yokoyama, Jackson State University: Development of the Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Laboratory: Laser-Based System for Spectroscopic and Kinetic Studies. Edward Valente, Mississippi College: Modern Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for an Enhanced Chemistry Curriculum and Support of Local Two-Year College Organic Chemistry.
• Montana. Douglas K. Stevens, Salish Kooenai College: Integrated Approach to Environmental Chemistry for Tribal College Students.
• New Hampshire. Christopher F. Bauer, University of New Hampshire: Integrating the Chemistry Systemic Initiatives and Teacher Professional Development in a Large General Chemistry Course.
• New Jersey. Kenneth Yamaguchi, New Jersey City University: Implementing Active Learning Strategies into the Undergraduate Chemistry Laboratory Curriculum.
• New York. Michael Weiner, CUNY City College: Science and Mathematics Teachers for the New Millennium: An Online Virtual Classroom for Tomorrow's Urban Teachers. Ernest G. Nolen, Colgate College: Integration of High Field NMR into the Chemistry Curriculum. Nancy L. Beverly, Mercy College: Computerizing Physics and Chemistry Laboratories for Life Science Students. Alison Hyslop, Saint John's University: Incorporation of Computer Modernized Cary-14 UV/Vis Spectrophotometer in the Undergraduate Curriculum.
• Ohio. Allen D. Hunter, Youngstown State University: WEB Accessible Single Crystal X-Ray Diffractometer for Undergraduate Instruction at a Consortium of Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions. Robert Q. Thompson, Oberlin College: Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Throughout the Chemistry Curriculum. Paul Endres, Bowling Green University: Chemistry Laboratory Experiments Based on Hand-held Personal Computers.
• Oregon. Paul C. Engelking, University of Oregon, Eugene: A Green Program in Extraction and Separation Chemistry for Incorporation into the Undergraduate Curriculum. David C. Johnson, University of Oregon, Eugene: Equipment for a Chemistry and Physics Curriculum in Semiconductor Processing and Characterization.
• Pennsylvania. Larry N. Reinking, Millersville University: Introduction of Digital Cameras in Biology Laboratories. Barry S. Selinsky, Villanova University: Adding Molecular Biology to the Biochemistry Laboratory.
• South Carolina. David W. Evans, Coastal Carolina University: Upgrading of Department of Chemistry's FT-NMR Capabilities.
• South Dakota. Micheal H. Zehfus, Black Hills State University: Introduction of Modern Fourier Transform Spectroscopy Laboratories into Survey, General, and Biochemistry Classes.
• Tennessee. Daniel A. Lowy, University of Memphis: Improving Curricula in Chemistry and Geology by the Integration of Environmentally Relevant Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy throughout Undergraduate Studies.
• Texas. Michelle M. Bushey, Trinity University: Atomic Absorption in the Undergraduate Laboratories.
• Utah. C. D. Poulter, University of Utah: Integration of NMR Spectroscopy into the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum.
• Virgin Islands. Frank P. Rinehart, University of the Virgin Islands: Instrumentation for Project-Based Laboratory Curricular Modifications.
• Washington. John A. Weyh, Western Washington University: Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to Introduce Quality Assurance/Quality Control in General, Analytical and Environmental Chemistry.
• West Virginia. Michael Baird, Wheeling Jesuit University: Improving Undergraduate Laboratory Experiences by Using Problem-Based Learning for GC/MS Experiments.
• Wisconsin. Steven Burke, University of Wisconsin-Madison: Scientific Method in Organic Chemistry: A Laboratory Curriculum Using NMR Spectroscopy to Test Student Generated Hypotheses. Joseph Piatt, Carroll College: Integrating Fluorescence Spectroscopy into the Undergraduate Science Curriculum.

Proposal Deadlines

National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE)

These NSF deadlines have been established or are anticipated.*

• Advanced Technological Education (ATE)
  Preliminary: April 24, 2002*
  Formal: October 16, 2002*
• NSF Computer Science, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholarships Program (CSEMS)
  Feb. 15, 2002*
• Course, Curriculum, and Lab. Improvement (CCLI)
  CCLI-EMD and CCLI-ND: June 6, 2002*
  CCLI-A&I: November 13, 2002*
• National Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology Education Digital Library (NSDL)
  Proposals: April 17, 2002*

*Official deadline dates for proposals will be specified in the new program solicitation for each program, to be published at least three months before the relevant deadline date. Program solicitations are available electronically at NSF's Online Document System Web site and the NSF DUE site, by email, and by telephone: 703/292-8670.

The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.

• Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program: November 15, 2002
• Faculty Start-Up Grants for Undergraduate Institutions: May 15, 2002
• Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards Program: June 28, 2002
• New Faculty Awards Program: May 15, 2002
• Postdoctoral Program in Environmental Chemistry: March 1, 2002
• Scholar/Fellow Program for Undergraduate Institutions: June 28, 2002 (note revised guidelines)
• Senior Scientist Mentor: August 30, 2002
• Special Grant Program in the Chemical Sciences, Completed Proposals: August 30, 2002

Contact The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc. for further information.
Mailing address: 555 Madison Avenue, Suite 1305, New York, NY 10022
Telephone number: 212/753-1760
Email address
Web site

Research Corporation

• Cottrell College Science Awards: May 15 and November 15
• Cottrell Scholars: First regular business day in September
• Research Innovation Awards: May 1
• Research Opportunity Awards: May 1 and October1

Contact Research Corporation for further information.
Mailing address: 101 North Wilmot Road, Suite 250, Tucson, AZ 85711-3332
Telephone number: 520/571-1111
Fax number: 520/571-1119
Email address
Web site

Courses, Seminars, Meetings, Opportunities

17th BCCE: Deadline for Abstracts

February 25, 2002, is the deadline for submission of abstracts for the 17th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. If you wish to present a paper or a poster at the BCCE, complete the application form that may be found on the BCCE Web site. Or if you are unable to submit your abstract electronically, you may submit your application on paper. There is a paper form in the Call for Papers brochure that was mailed to every CHED member of the Division of Chemical Education; or obtain a paper form by contacting the conference General Chair.

If you have ideas for a Birds of a Feather session, please send your ideas to Sara Selfe.

The 17th BCCE will be held at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, from July 28 through August 1, 2002. If you want to be sure that your name is on our mailing list or if you have any questions about the conference--how to get there, where to stay, what to do, or how much it will cost--contact the General Chair, George S. Kriz, phone 360/650-3126. There is additional information about the conference, the campus, and the surrounding community on the BCCE Web site.

Microscale Chemistry Workshops in 2002

The National Microscale Chemistry Center will offer several hands-on workshops during spring, summer, and fall 2002. There are workshops for teachers at the elementary school, high school, community college, and college/university levels as well as those for industrial chemistry personnel. The workshops, which vary in length from two days to one week, are presented at the Center, which is located at Merrimack College in North Andover, MA.

The workshops include free materials, housing, and all meals; there is a registration fee. Early registration is advised. For further information contact Mono M. Singh, Director, National Microscale Chemistry Center, Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike Street, North Andover, MA 01845; phone: 978/837-5137; fax: 978/837-5017; Web site.

Curriculum Workshops, MID Project

The Multi-Initiative Dissemination (MID) Project, funded by NSF, is sponsoring several workshops in the next several months; some are one and one-half day workshops, some are intensive three-day workshops. If you are interested in helping your students learn to reason through problems rather than relying on algorithmic solutions; helping students make connections between the concepts of chemistry and real-world phenomena; getting students actively involved in discovery and inquiry rather than just attempting to "learn for the exam"; introducing students to the process of doing science/chemistry so that they recognize its strengths and limitations; engaging students in learning to speak and write the "language" of chemistry/science, then a MID workshop gives you this opportunity.

Workshops lasting one and one-half days will be held January 25-26 at Texas A&M University; February 8-9 at the University of Arizona, February 22-23 at the University of South Florida, and March 22-23 at Ohio State University. From June 2-5 a Project Kaleidoscope Institute will be held at Williamsburg, VA. Intensive 3-day workshops under Chautauqua will be held May 20-22 in Pasadena, CA; June 12-15 in Philadelphia, PA; June 27-29 in Troy, NY; July 17-19 in Los Angeles. There is no registration fee for the workshops; materials and meals are provided; participants pay their travel expenses. Further information is available from this Web site or contact Eileen Lewis, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720; phone: 510/642-3746.

Pittcon 2002

The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy will hold PITTCON 2002 at Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA, March 17-22, 2002. More than 2500 technical presentations will be made and there will be more than 3000 exposition booths. More information is available at the Pittcon Web site, or contact Manny Miller: 412/825-3220, ext. 116.

College Mentors for Chemistry Olympiad

College educators are invited to apply for a position as mentor for the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad program, sponsored by the ACS. Duties during the three-year term include helping to conduct the national study camp for high school students held at the U.S. Air Force Academy in mid-June 2003, 2004, and 2005. Generally, in their second and third year, mentors accompany four U.S. student competitors to the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). During the competition, the mentors will serve as members of the IChO Jury. The 2003, 2004, and 2005 IChO events are scheduled to be held in the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Greece, respectively.

Most students at the study camp have completed advanced placement chemistry or the equivalent, therefore instruction at the camp is well beyond the level of high school general chemistry courses. The curriculum also includes considerable laboratory work. Successful applicants are expected to have a broad background in both theoretical and descriptive chemistry with classroom experience, and should demonstrate involvement with students in special projects or activities. Applicants must be prepared to make a three-year time commitment. ACS pays all expenses and travel costs, as well as an honorarium.

Interested individuals may obtain an applications form here or by contacting Robin Green Program Assistant, U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Program, American Chemical Society, 1155 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036; phone: 202/872-6169. The deadline for completed applications is January 15, 2002.

Materials Available

ConcepTests

Two related publications introduce an emerging peer-teaching technique for effective teaching of undergraduate chemistry courses. Chemistry ConcepTests: A Pathway to Interactive Classrooms (ISBN 013090628) describes the technique on paper and the videotape, Making Lectures Interactive with ConcepTests (ISBN 0130907049), demonstrates it in action. Both are available at no charge from Patti Puccio, New Traditions Project, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706-1396 or from Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458.