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
Digging Deeper into the World
Do you have a passion for the great outdoors? Pursue this passion in the Geology program at Ashland University.
When you study geological sciences at Ashland University, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for our physical world, its tumultuous past and current activity,...
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS, B.S.Ed
Becoming a Geology Business Leader
Do you want to be part of a brand new major that blends geoscience and business?
Ashland University recognizes there is a current gap in the geoscience industry: geologists know little about the business aspects of their professional and people in business...
Undergraduate
Degree Type: BS, BSED
Furthering Our Physical World
Are you interested in exploring the mysteries of our world and universe? Consider the Physics program at Ashland University.
As the foundation of all other sciences, physics covers everything from the universe’s largest galaxies to the tiniest subatomic particles. Ashland University’s Physics program allows you...
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 & Staff
Dr. Robert Bergosh
Associate Professor of Chemistry
422 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5871 / rbergosh@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
422 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5871 / rbergosh@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Steven Boyer
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry
130, Kettering Science Building
419.289.5497 / sboyer5@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
130, Kettering Science Building
419.289.5497 / sboyer5@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Nigel Brush
Professor of Geology
421 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5271 / nbrush@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
421 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5271 / nbrush@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
Dr. Perry Corbin
Professor of Chemistry
420 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5269 / pcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
420 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5269 / pcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Rebecca Corbin
Professor of Chemistry, Chair, Chemistry, Geology and Physics Department
423 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5268 / rcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
423 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5268 / rcorbin@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Nicholas Johnson
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
416, Kettering Science Building
419.207.4552 / njohnso9@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
416, Kettering Science Building
419.207.4552 / njohnso9@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Rodney Michael
Associate Professor of Physics
206 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5272 / rmichael@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
206 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5272 / rmichael@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Brian Mohney
Professor of Chemistry
417 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5962 / bmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
417 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5962 / bmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Trina Mohney
Professional Instructor
415 , Kettering Science Building
419.207.4526 / tmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
415 , Kettering Science Building
419.207.4526 / tmohney@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics
Dr. Jeffrey Weidenhamer
Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of Chemistry
419 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5281 / jweiden@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
419 , Kettering Science Building
419.289.5281 / jweiden@ashland.edu
Department of Chemistry, Geology and Physics , Environmental Science Program
Science News
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
Science alumni gather for Fall social at local brew pub
We had a great evening last Friday at our local brew pub Uniontown with 16 alums, their guests and a handful of faculty. This was our third AU Science alumni social, with the next planned for the spring.
If you are a science alumni you should be receiving email invitations to these events. If you are not, please contact us to update your email address by emailing us at ashland-science@ashland.edu.
Look for your fellow alums in the photos below. We hope to see you at future socials.
Sandra Chapman ('86) and Steve Zody ('86)
Mason Posner (Biology), Janna Pearson ('10), Blair Bowers ('10),
Tricia Montgomery ('10), David Ellsworth ('10) and guests
Tyler McFarland ('18), Troy Chipka, Makayla Chipka ('17)
and Alyssa Predota ('16)
Cortney Kourie ('17), Paul Hyman (Biology), Amy Shuster ('17)
...Read more
If you are a science alumni you should be receiving email invitations to these events. If you are not, please contact us to update your email address by emailing us at ashland-science@ashland.edu.
Look for your fellow alums in the photos below. We hope to see you at future socials.
Sandra Chapman ('86) and Steve Zody ('86)
Mason Posner (Biology), Janna Pearson ('10), Blair Bowers ('10),
Tricia Montgomery ('10), David Ellsworth ('10) and guests
Tyler McFarland ('18), Troy Chipka, Makayla Chipka ('17)
and Alyssa Predota ('16)
Cortney Kourie ('17), Paul Hyman (Biology), Amy Shuster ('17)
...Read more
