Environmental Chemistry ― Undergraduate and Graduate Classroom, Laboratory, and Local Community Learning Experiences

There is probably no more direct connection between the science of chemistry and our modern society than that encompassed in the field we now call environmental chemistry. As populations have grown, and population density in certain areas has increased dramatically, the impact of all human presence on our air, water, and soil has become pronounced. In many cases, the impact has been negative, yet every human being must leave some footprint of their time on Earth, no matter how small. This makes it important that we examine our surroundings in some detail. This book is an impressive collection of ways that environmental chemistry is explored by both undergraduate and graduate students in independent research projects and course-based undergraduate research experiences. Students are exploring these topics in interdisciplinary groups both within their institution and the greater community.

Elizabeth Roberts-Kirchhoff is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy. Her research interests include the mechanism of action of cytochrome P450 enzymes; the analysis of metals in food and health supplements including kelp, clay, and protein powders; and the analysis of pesticides in water. Roberts-Kirchhoff received a B.S. in Chemistry from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan. After postdoctoral research at Wayne State University and The University of Michigan, she joined the faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1997.

Mark Benvenuto is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Detroit Mercy, in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and a Fellow of the American Chemical Society. He has also been an advisor to the UDM ACS Student Members Chapter for many years. Benvenuto received a B.S. in chemistry from the Virginia Military Institute and, after several years in the Army, a PhD. in inorganic chemistry from the University of Virginia. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the Pennsylvania State University, he joined the faculty at the University of Detroit Mercy in 1993.