, 
, 
Programs
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS
Collaborating in Chemistry for Modern Advancements
New medicines, materials, cleaner fuels, innovative criminal lab procedures, and so much more of modern life depends on advancements in the diverse fields of Chemistry. So if you’re looking for an exciting and challenging scientific career, start by exploring the Chemistry and Biochemistry program...
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS
AFTER THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER, THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS, B.S.Ed
AFTER THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER, THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS, BSED
AFTER THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER, THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS
Educating a Scientific Youth
Do you have a passion for teaching and want to introduce young minds to the wonders of science? Ashland University’s teacher-training program is highly regarded as one of the best in Ohio. When you graduate with a degree in any of our science education majors, you’ll...
Curriculum
Faculty
Dr. Robert Bergosh
Associate Professor of Chemistry
422 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5871 / rbergosh@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
422 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5871 / rbergosh@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Nigel Brush
Professor of Geology
421 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5271 / nbrush@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
421 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5271 / nbrush@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
Dr. Rebecca Corbin
Professor of Chemistry, Chair, Chemistry, Geology and Physics Department
423 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5268 / rcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
423 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5268 / rcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Perry Corbin
Professor of Chemistry
420 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5269 / pcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
420 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5269 / pcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Nicholas Johnson
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
416, Kettering Science Center
419.207.4552 / njohnso9@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
416, Kettering Science Center
419.207.4552 / njohnso9@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Rodney Michael
Associate Professor of Physics
206 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5272 / rmichael@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
206 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5272 / rmichael@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Brian Mohney
Professor of Chemistry
417 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5962 / bmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
417 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5962 / bmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Trina Mohney
Professional Instructor
415 , Kettering Science Center
419.207.4526 / tmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
415 , Kettering Science Center
419.207.4526 / tmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Jeffrey Weidenhamer
Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
419 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5281 / jweiden@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
419 , Kettering Science Center
419.289.5281 / jweiden@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
Science News
AU Trustees Approve Reduction of Academic Programs
The Ashland University Board of Trustees recently voted to “sunset” twenty undergraduate degree programs. Sunsetting means that current and incoming students will have the opportunity to fully complete their majors, but students will no longer be accepted into these programs after the current incoming fall class. Information about this decision can be found on the AU website and Facebook page. This post is intended to provide some clarity regarding the impact on programs housed within the Kettering Science Center. The Bachelor of Science with majors in Geology, Geoscience Technology & Management, and Physics will be sunsetted, in addition to the minor in Physics. The Geology minor will continue to be offered, as will the geology and physics courses that are required by other programs. All majors within the Department of Biology/Toxicology will remain. Likewise, the Bachelor of Science with majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Forensic Chemistry will continue. The Environmental Science Program will also remain. The potential for a revised EVS/Geochemistry track has received support from the administration. In science education, the two BSEd majors in grades 7-12 Integrated Science and Life Science will continue, as will the science concentration for the middle grades major. The BSEd programs in Chemistry Education, Earth Science Education, and Physical Science Education will be sunsetted. The news of the discontinuation of academic programs is personally and professionally disappointing to students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Ashland University Sciences. Feel free to contact me at if you have questions. My colleagues and I are working to create the safest and best possible experience for our new and returning students this fall. We hope to see you or hear from you in the coming year. As always, thank you for the support. Dr. Rebecca CorbinChair of the Department of Chemistry/Geology/Physics...Read more
AU research sparks further investigation of a public health threat
Scrap material used for cookware in Cameroon includes old engine parts
In 2013, Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer was contacted by Perry Gottesfeld of Occupational Knowledge International with a question about the safety of cookware. Mr. Gottesfeld was working with colleagues at an NGO (see: http://www.crepdcm.com/) in Cameroon to reduce toxic exposures from lead paint, when questions were raised about the possible hazards of the aluminum cookware that most people there use. In Cameroon, and throughout the developing world, the recycling of scrap aluminum into cookware is a widespread practice. After a preliminary investigation we learned that source materials can include items such as old engine blocks, radiators, and computer parts.
Pots awaiting sale in a Cameroon marketDr. Weidenhamer and several AU students – Peter Kobunski, Alison Biro, and Meghann Fitzpatrick – along with AU colleagues Dr. Rebecca Corbin and Dr. Michael Hudson, set out to investigate the hazards of this cookware by looking at the metals that leached from the pots in dilute vinegar solutions that mimicked mildly acidic solutions that are often used for cooking. Working with Mr. Gottesfeld, and beginning with cookware from Cameroon and then ten other developing nations, they found a number of cookware items that released toxic levels of lead during simulated cooking. The worst was a pot from Viet Nam that yielded more than 1400 micrograms of lead per serving. Other metals detected in the leachates of some pots included arsenic and cadmium, and almost all of the items released levels of aluminum that exceed World Health Organization guidelines.
The studies, which have been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, have encouraged researchers in Cameroon, South Africaand other countriesto conduct follow-up studies to assess the...Read more
In 2013, Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer was contacted by Perry Gottesfeld of Occupational Knowledge International with a question about the safety of cookware. Mr. Gottesfeld was working with colleagues at an NGO (see: http://www.crepdcm.com/) in Cameroon to reduce toxic exposures from lead paint, when questions were raised about the possible hazards of the aluminum cookware that most people there use. In Cameroon, and throughout the developing world, the recycling of scrap aluminum into cookware is a widespread practice. After a preliminary investigation we learned that source materials can include items such as old engine blocks, radiators, and computer parts.
Pots awaiting sale in a Cameroon marketDr. Weidenhamer and several AU students – Peter Kobunski, Alison Biro, and Meghann Fitzpatrick – along with AU colleagues Dr. Rebecca Corbin and Dr. Michael Hudson, set out to investigate the hazards of this cookware by looking at the metals that leached from the pots in dilute vinegar solutions that mimicked mildly acidic solutions that are often used for cooking. Working with Mr. Gottesfeld, and beginning with cookware from Cameroon and then ten other developing nations, they found a number of cookware items that released toxic levels of lead during simulated cooking. The worst was a pot from Viet Nam that yielded more than 1400 micrograms of lead per serving. Other metals detected in the leachates of some pots included arsenic and cadmium, and almost all of the items released levels of aluminum that exceed World Health Organization guidelines.
The studies, which have been published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, have encouraged researchers in Cameroon, South Africaand other countriesto conduct follow-up studies to assess the...Read more
Five Biochemistry Alumni earn Medical Degrees
The Biochemistry major has been popular with many of our students who plan careers in medicine. In the spring of 2019, five Biochemistry alumni earned their medical degrees.
Dr. Daiva (Gerbec) Mitchell (’13) completed her MD at the University of Toledo School of Medicine (MD) in Spring 2019, and is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Daiva writes,
“Ashland University was the perfect school to prepare me for medical school and my career as a physician. With the small class sizes, I was able to get to know my professors and easily find mentors and research opportunities. Also, with Ashland's wide variety of clubs and groups, I was able to develop my professional and leadership skills while in college. Finally, with Ashland's focus on Christian values, I grew in my compassion for others which has impacted the way I care for my patients now.”
Dr. Aaron Tipton (’13) also completed his MD at the University of Toledo School of Medicine (MD) in Spring 2019, and is a General Surgery resident at the Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Aaron writes,
“The experience at Ashland University prepared me for medical school in many ways from knowledge, critical thinking and a love for learning. Every class was taught by a professor who was passionate about the subject. They inspired me to become a lifelong learner, which is one of the most important traits of becoming a physician.”
Dr. Kayla Prokopakis (’15) completed her DO at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spring 2019, and is an Emergency Medicine resident at Mercy Health -St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital in Boardman, Ohio.Kayla writes,
“Ashland University prepared me for medical school and my professional career in more...Read more
Dr. Daiva (Gerbec) Mitchell (’13) completed her MD at the University of Toledo School of Medicine (MD) in Spring 2019, and is currently a resident in Internal Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Daiva writes,
“Ashland University was the perfect school to prepare me for medical school and my career as a physician. With the small class sizes, I was able to get to know my professors and easily find mentors and research opportunities. Also, with Ashland's wide variety of clubs and groups, I was able to develop my professional and leadership skills while in college. Finally, with Ashland's focus on Christian values, I grew in my compassion for others which has impacted the way I care for my patients now.”
Dr. Aaron Tipton (’13) also completed his MD at the University of Toledo School of Medicine (MD) in Spring 2019, and is a General Surgery resident at the Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Aaron writes,
“The experience at Ashland University prepared me for medical school in many ways from knowledge, critical thinking and a love for learning. Every class was taught by a professor who was passionate about the subject. They inspired me to become a lifelong learner, which is one of the most important traits of becoming a physician.”
Dr. Kayla Prokopakis (’15) completed her DO at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spring 2019, and is an Emergency Medicine resident at Mercy Health -St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital in Boardman, Ohio.Kayla writes,
“Ashland University prepared me for medical school and my professional career in more...Read more
Toxicology student presents research on Pesticide Analysis
Cillian Donahue, a senior Toxicology and Biology major (with a concentration in Forensic Biology) from Strongsville, had the opportunity to present her research on “Using Passive Sampling as a Method for Pesticide Analysis” at the recent National Collegiate Honors Council Conference in New Orleans. Cillian has been investigating a new method using silicone tubing to absorb pesticides from sediment for her Honors Capstone project. She is supervised by Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer (Chemistry) and Dr. Andrew Trimble (Toxicology).
Cillian writes that the feedback she received will be useful for other presentations of her research in the coming year, and that she was able to see projects that that Honors Students around the country are working on. While in New Orleans, Cillian had the opportunity to check out a couple of museums related to her scientific interests – the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Death, which has memorabilia related to famous crimes among other forensic-related topics.
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (photos below) was located in a pharmacy that was founded in the 1800s. The building housed old pharmaceutical equipment and various questionable medications. Tinctures ranged from mixtures of cocaine and red wine, to heroin and sodas. In addition, there was no shortage of heavy metals, including lead coated pills for the rich, and lead baby bottles to sooth young ones. Overall, Cillian found the museum was very educational and interesting, particularly for Toxicology majors.
...Read more
Cillian writes that the feedback she received will be useful for other presentations of her research in the coming year, and that she was able to see projects that that Honors Students around the country are working on. While in New Orleans, Cillian had the opportunity to check out a couple of museums related to her scientific interests – the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Death, which has memorabilia related to famous crimes among other forensic-related topics.
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (photos below) was located in a pharmacy that was founded in the 1800s. The building housed old pharmaceutical equipment and various questionable medications. Tinctures ranged from mixtures of cocaine and red wine, to heroin and sodas. In addition, there was no shortage of heavy metals, including lead coated pills for the rich, and lead baby bottles to sooth young ones. Overall, Cillian found the museum was very educational and interesting, particularly for Toxicology majors.
...Read more
