
One has to understand physical phenomena at the molecular level to get the complete picture of how things work. This is what makes teaching and research in chemistry a delightful life-long learning process.
Academic Credentials
Post-doc California Institute to Technology, PhD Northwestern University, BS Harvey Mudd College
Teaching
I teach a variety of courses that span several subdisciplines of chemistry that include General Chemistry II (Chem 120), and Organic Chemistry I (Chem 210). In addition, I also teach the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (research website) and an upper division Medicinal Organic Chemistry course.
Research
As both a bioorganic and organometallic chemist I have two areas of research interest. One delves into the role of metal ions in promoting the chemical catalysis of a class of RNA enzymes (ribozymes). The other project investigates organometallic complexes for degrading phosphate neurotoxins. More information can be found at my research website.
Professional Experience
Prior Sabbatical Appointments
1995: CU Boulder with Professor Thomas Cech
1999: U Oregon with Professor David Tyler
2005: California Institute of Technology with Professor Robert Grubbs
Location: Olin Hall
Chemistry is located in Olin Center on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 55
email chemdept@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7530
fax 503-768-7369
Chair Barb Balko
Chemistry
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 55
Portland OR 97219