Chemistry Department
The Chemistry Department's mission is to prepare its graduates by teaching them the skills needed to succeed professionally as scientists, to be competitive applicants for post-baccalaureate studies or to become science educators, and to serve the wider campus community by offering introductory courses which meet the NMU general education requirements.
Chemistry Department Research Student Showcase
Congratulations to Amber Wager who has been conducting research with Dr. Yangyuoru for the past two years. She was invited to present at the National Collegiate Honors Council in Kansas City, Missouri earlier this month.
Conference Contender
This was the second national conference for Amber and she has her sights set on a third this coming spring! She is pictured above effortlessly presenting her research findings in Kansas City.
Congratulations to all who participated!
The following is a list of those who received a Certificate of Achievement:
1st Place Graduate Student Poster Presentation - Shaoquin Chen
2nd Place Graduate Student Poster Presentation - Adonis Amoli
3rd Place Graduate Student Poster Presentation - Anandhu Krishnan
Honorable Mention Graduate Student Poster Presentation - Adenike Olowolagba
1st Place Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation - Luke Horne
2nd Place Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation - Joshua Ording
3rd Place Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation - Nick Gordon
Honorable Mention Undergraduate Student Poster Presentation - Alondra Munoz-Rojas & Cameron Keller
McAllister Earns Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Ryan McAllister, Ph.D. '10 BS
Northern Michigan University 2010 biochemistry alumnus Ryan McAllister of Roselle, N.J., received one of two Outstanding Young Alumni Awards presented by his alma mater during its 125th Anniversary Homecoming. He serves as biosafety program manager, biosafety officer and alternate responsible official at Rutger University. He leads a team of seven infectious disease professionals, overseeing biohazardous research in diverse laboratory and clinical settings.
"It's a great honor to receive this award among the many successful graduates this university has produced," said Mcallister at the awards luncheon. "At Northern, I was able to build a strong, foundational knowledge base in biochemistry. This prepared me to conquer my graduate degrees and to lead Stanford and Rutgers research programs related to biosafety, biosecurity, recombinant materials, dual-use research of concern in human gene therapy, and clinical trials. I didn't know any of these terms before Northern. In layperson language, this means I protect ill patients, researchers, communities and the envrionment from infectious disease, biological toxins and genetic editing.
"Northern was a launchpad for my work with hemorrhagic fever viruses in the U.S. and South America, ensuring safety within expedited research projects during the pandemic and reviewing---and at times, challenging---medical doctors' investigational recombinant therapies for subject safety and toxicity, efficacy and risk-benefit analysis. But I learned a lot more than biochemistry at Northern, and I'm forever grateful for my well-rounded education. This included biology courses at Dead River and Hogback Mountain, philosophy courses and, most importantly, Native American studies."
For his senior project at Northern, McAllister used high-pressure liquid chromatography to analyze the variance of caffeine quantities from the advertised label within different energy drinks. He also volunteered in the former Marquette General Hospital emergency operating unit and served as an organic chemistry tutor while attending NMU.
Prior to his Rutgers appointment, McAllister held positions as assistant biosafety officer at the University of Louisville, where he also earned both a master's and doctorate in pharmacology/toxicology, and at Stanford University. In addition to his institutional roles, McAlliser is a respected Biosafety consultant for prominent organizations including Clinical Biosafety Services, Advarra, and PP-L Biosafety.
Beyond his professional achievements, McAllister is deeply engaged in his community. He continues his commitment to mentorship through his biosafety consulting company, BioRisk Reduction, where he oversees a team of 40 members and mentors 10-15 individuals in mutual programs and project development on a one-on-one basis.
Technology Innovation Faculty Award
Congratulations to Dr. Evan Pratt, Assistant Professor, NMU Chemistry Department
Past NMU Chemistry Department Speakers
Daniel McMahon, Signify Key Account Manager
Daniel (Dan) McMahon is a Signify Key Account Manager who has been a part of the Philips Horti LED Solutions team since 2019. He has spent his professional career in the horticultural sector while gaining experience in greenhouse production, technical crop advisory, and business ownership. Dan’s technical, business background and a B.S. in Horticulture Science from the College of Agriculture at Iowa State University has led him to live in multiple midwestern states over a 40-year greenhouse production career with a focus in propagation.
This Year's Medicinal Plant Chemistry Seminar Series Comes To A Close
Thank you to Martin Boerema and Daniel McMahon, of Signify, for presenting at this year's Great Lakes Cannabis Conference and then staying on campus another day to participate in the Medicinal Plant Chemistry Seminar Series. They discussed how supplemental light and LEDs impact cannabinoids. Topics included debunking myths, clarifying how supplemental lighting is not a limiting factor in the final stage of growth, and why some spectrums don't work.
Martin Boerema, Signify Plant Specialist
Martin is a plant specialist in the cannabis segment at Signify, a multinational lighting corporation and a global leader in lighting solutions. In his current role, Martin collaborates with a research team to advise growers on optimizing cannabis cultivation using Philips LED lighting technology. With over 35 years of experience, Martin has served as a cannabis crop consultant, focusing on indoor city farming and pioneering advanced techniques such as high-tech automated indoor aeroponics in stacked containers. His expertise extends to various aspects of cultivation, including bumblebee pollination in outdoor crops, climate control strategies, and root zone management. Martin has also worked as a freelance crop consultant, contributing to the development of innovative growing media and concepts. He has conducted trials for growers and agricultural companies to explore new methods and technologies in cultivation practices. Martin was born in the Netherlands and his early experience was with growing cut flowers, potted and tropical plants.
Thank You Dr. Nadakuduti!
Thank you Dr. Nadakuduti for joining us via Zoom from the University of Florida to participate in the Medicinal Plant Chemistry Seminar Series. Her presentation on "Deciphering Monoterpene Indole and Oxindole Alkaloids Biosynthesis In Mitragyna Species" was graciously received.
Thank you Professor Verpoorte!
We appreciate Professor Verpoorte making arrangements with our very own Dr. Kirakosyan to join us via Zoom from Leiden University in the Netherlands! Thank you for presenting your seminar Synergy: Learn From Nature, Learn From Our Ancestors and sharing what you have learned from your decades of research in the field of natural products and plant biotechnology.
A great big thanks to alumni Coleman Fields and Alek Harmeyer from Reassurance Labs!
It was great having you back on campus to present your seminar, "Clearing the Smoke: Our Paths In Cannabis Testing," in person. We appreciate you making the trek up from downstate Warren.
Thank you Dr. Cory Harris
Thanks to Dr. Harris, from the University of Ottawa, for crossing an international border to share with us his research findings on native Canadian plants used for food and medicine.
About the Chemistry Department
Northern’s four chemistry majors explore how chemistry touches every aspect of life. These programs develop both the knowledge and research foundations you’ll need to head into the job market, graduate school or a professional program. If you have an interest in science, we can help you develop the skills needed to be successful in your career. The department's programs are accredited by the American Chemical Society.
Bachelor's degrees are granted in chemistry, biochemistry and forensic biochemistry. The chemistry major also prepares students for medical, dental and veterinary training, and many undergraduate students who major in chemistry at NMU are in the pre-med/pre-dental/pre-pharmacy program.
What You'll Do at NMU
As a NMU chemistry student, you’ll have access to some amazing science facilities and equipment. Most of the courses in your major will be taken in NMU’s Seaborg Science Complex, one of the finest university science facilities in the Midwest. You’ll also have the opportunity to do high-caliber student-faculty collaborative research. Northern students often present their research results at regional and national conferences. These experiences often lead to exciting opportunities off-campus such as summer internships. During every step of the way, you'll have the support of talented, caring and dedicated professors.
Thank You Donors
The Chemistry Department acquired a new instrument called a Nanadrop UV/VIS Spectrometer. This upgrade improves lab research and testing capabilities. In addition to this, other instruments in the department need costly chemicals and gases to operate. Thanks to gifts made this year by NMU alumni and friends, department faculty have funding to buy important instruments and supplies for lab equipment.
Experience Learning
At Northern, we believe students learn best when they are fully engaged in the subject matter and the best way to engage if you are one of our students is to work in a laboratory. Faculty are always eager to work with students on projects. There are a variety of opportunities ranging from topics like improving the synthesis of carbon Buckyballs, modeling protein-drug interactions, the detection of trace detonation materials, to the remediation of environmental pollutants. Off campus, NMU students have interned at crime labs throughout the Upper Midwest and at other universities in the summer.
Career Excellence
Chemistry touches virtually every aspect of modern life leading to career opportunities in industry, academics, and government. Chemists develop new drugs and vaccines, analyze forensic evidence, monitor environmental pollutants, reformulate consumer products, and design novel materials for electronics. At NMU, your training in chemistry will prepare you for a wide range of jobs, such as crime lab analyst, environmental chemist, or educator. The chemistry degree also provides excellent preparation for pharmacy, medical and dental professions.