Chemistry Department

Summer, 2007

Once again, Dr. Weber is working with a Chemistry Major, David Stoos, on a research project supported, in part, by NPURC (see the web site here). This research is titled Determination of the Concentration of Genistein in the Roots, Leaves, Stems and Seeds of Psoralea Esculenta (Prairie Turnip) The Prairie Turnip is found in native prairies like the one adjacent to BCU and is used by Native Americans as a food source. In fact, Lewis and Clark had documented during their expedition the extensive use of the plant by the natives. The plant contains high concentrations of genistein which acts as estrogen mimics and has been shown to have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of cancer, angiocardiopathy and osteoporosis.

Also, this summer Russell Engel is working with Dr. Bryan on a research project involving the synthesis of a variety of Ruthenium complexes that are models for changes observed due to acid rain.
 

Summer, 2006

This summer two undergraduate students, Emily Dvorak and Elizabeth Nordby, are working with Dr. Weber on a new project sponsored by NPURC (see the web site here). This federally funded research involves isolating lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) from plants on the native prairie adjacent to BCU and examining the lectins for their chemical properties. Also, an important aspect of the research will begin to examine the function of the lectin in the plant. Little is known about such functions but lectins may have a role in the defense or protection of the plant from predators such as fungi or insects.

Check out the new Lab Renovations and Instrumentation!

Heather Scribner and Karla Thole, accompanied by Dr. Weber, presented the results of their research at Pittcon 2006 in Orlando, Florida, in March, 2006. The poster was titled "Development of a Simple Method for the Determination of a Tryptophan Metabolite, Xanthurenic Acid, in Urine" and was well received. They also had the opportunity to enjoy an evening at the 'Hard Rock Cafe' courtesy of Thermo Electron Corporation and Heather ended up starring in a karaoke performance.

Xanthurenic acid, XA, is an amino acid metabolite that has important functions in the body. There is a need for a more cost effective, easier, and faster method for the detection of high levels of XA, since this is an indicator of low levels of vitamin B6. A colorimetric technique was developed by adding a compound, DCQC, to a biological fluid, urine. The amount and intensity of the color change caused by DCQC is proportional to the amount of XA that is in the urine. Capillary zone electrophoresis, a UV/Vis Spectrophotometer, and an extraction column where used to carry out this research.

Briar Cliff University’s First Annual Scholarship and Creative Works Convocation was held on Thursday, April 14, 2005. More than 20 presentations from nine different disciplines, including psychology, biology, social work, chemistry, English, mass communication, theology, music and art, were a part of the event.

Karla Thole, a senior chemistry minor, presented the results of research that she had conducted the previous summer under Dr. Weber’s mentorship.