Joseph S. Thrasher, Ph.D. - US grants

Professor Lowell Kispert and other members of the Chemistry Department of the University of Alabama are being supported to continue a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site in Chemistry. For the period 1990-92, twelve (12) undergraduate students will spend ten (10) weeks each summer actively engaged in a variety of research projects. Projects range from synthetic biochemistry to catalysis to study of thin films. The department will view the program as successful if students continue in research careers. A unique feature of this program is the involvement of high school teachers and students.

With support from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities (CRIF) Program, the Department of Chemistry at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa will acquire an Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) Spectrometer. Some of the studies that will exploit this instrument include a) the structure of intermediates upon photoionization of carotenoids in mesoporous molecular sieves; b) formation of porous materials; c) ligand bridges on tetra-nuclear chromium assemblies within the insulin-signaling chromodulin oligopeptide; and d) interactions of the protein with electron transfer cofactors of Photosystem I.

An electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer is an instrument used to obtain information about the molecular and electronic structure of molecules. It may also be used to obtain information about the lifetimes of free radicals, which are often essential for the initiation of tumor growth and/or a variety of chemical reactions. These studies will have an impact in a number of areas, in particular biological chemistry.

The Chemistry Department at the University of Alabama Tuscaloosa will acquire a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS) with this award from the Chemistry Research Instrumentation and Facilities: Multi User (CRIF:MU) program. The requested LC-MS will facilitate ongoing research projects including: cofactor identification and proteomic analysis of photosynthetic systems; elucidation of the role of chromium in human metabolism and its implications in insulin sensitivity and treatments of diabetes; the development of water-soluble ligands for aqueous-phase catalysis and studies of metal-catalyzed modification of nucleosides; preparation and characterization of pentafluorosulfanyl-benzenes and fluorinated polymers for use in a range of industrial applications; and fundamental and applied studies into the sequencing of metallopeptides and deprotonated peptides.

Mass spectroscopy is a basic tool used by physical and biological scientists to identify and characterize materials and chemical species by accurate measurement of their mass as they are vaporized and fragmented in the instrument. Liquid chromatography is a purification technique that separates a complex mixture into individual components before introduced to the mass spectrometer. These are important tools to be used in the training of young scientists. Over 60 student researchers will use LC-MS in their research projects over the next few years. This includes graduate students, undergraduate academic year and summer students (including students from UA's NSF REU program), and high school teachers participating in summer programs. Through the use of an autosampler and cyber-control, educators and researchers located at 4 or more regional undergraduate institutions including two minority serving institutions, will have access to the instrument for the purposes of laboratory classes and undergraduate research.