Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Encyclopedia
The Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (BSNES) is a fully accredited degree-granting institution and the primary college of undergraduate and graduate scientific research at Duquesne University
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
. It was formed in 1994 with the separation of the Biological Sciences
, Chemistry
, and Biochemistry
departments from the former College of Liberal Arts
and Sciences, and subsequently named in honor of the Bayer Corporation
. The school currently houses the departments of Biological Sciences, Biotechnology
, Biochemistry
, Chemistry, Environmental Science & Management
, Forensic Science & Law, and Physics
. The school also collaborates closely with the Mylan School of Pharmacy
. In 2010, the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry was designated as a Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence by Agilent Technologies
, allowing for collaborative research into metabolics, proteomics
, disease biomarkers, and environmental analysis. In 2011, Duquesne University became one of 98 universities nationwide, and one of nine Catholic universities, to be designated as a high research activity
institution by the Carnegie Foundation.
programs offered
Bachelors of Arts (B.A.)
programs offered
Masters of Science (M.S.)
programs offered
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
programs offered
Collaborative arrangements with other basic and applied science departments have led to the joint operation of such facilities as the Sony Microscopy Laboratory featuring state-of-the-art transmission
and scanning electron
microscopes and associated computer imaging facilities, the X-Ray Crystallography Facility, featuring a Rigaku AFC7R diffractometer
, two powder diffractometers
and associated computing equipment. Designated as a Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence to Study Diseases and Environmental Issues by Agilent Technologies
, the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has a research facility equipped with state-of-the-art chromatography
and spectroscopy
instrumentation. Some instruments housed in the facility include:
The center was founded by Dr. Mitch Johnson (1962–2010) and Dr. H.M. "Skip" Kingston of the department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Biological research
The Biological Sciences department operates the Center for Metals in Biological Systems, which was designed to "provide a center of expertise in metals in natural and synthetic materials focused on structure-function relationships and the development of new applications." The center is operated by Dr. Partha Basu of the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Computational sciences
The Institute for Computational Sciences is an interdisciplinary organization of faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students from the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics
, and Computer Sciences
. The institute was founded with the purpose of "consolidating expertise at Duquesne University that fosters interdisciplinary research in computational sciences, provides novel educational experiences for students, and creates joint funding opportunities."
Microwave assisted chemistry
The Center for Microwave and Analytical Chemistry (C/MAC) is a chemical research center founded by Dr. H.M "Skip" Kingston and the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The Center is dedicated to collaborative research, technology transfer and professional education in microwave
, environmental
, and analytical
chemistry, sample preparation and analysis. The Center "solves real problems and meets analysis needs through fundamental, practical, and innovative research and transfers these technologies and methodologies to national and international laboratories and industry."
Biotechnology
The Center for Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary organization of researchers from the Mylan School of Pharmacy
, the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, and the Rangos School of Health Sciences
. Its mission is to enhance the innovative development and application of biotechnology through an interdisciplinary, coordinated research effort across the University, thereby contributing to society and the improvement of the quality of life. Priorities for the Center include: increasing connectivity both within and outside of Duquesne University, providing collaborative research programs and grant proposals, providing seminars and educational programs supporting translational science, and the improvement of core infrastructure. Specific areas of interest include devices and diagnostics, drug discovery, drug delivery, gene therapy, bioremediation, bioinformatics, microbial engineering, analytical methods, pharmaceutics, compliance, and rehabilitation. The center states that their "...modern research laboratories under the direction of our nationally recognized faculty are equipped with state-of-the art instrumentation and comprise more than 15000 square feet (1,393.5 m²) of combined laboratory space."
Dr. David W. Seybert, Dean
Department of Biological Sciences
Dr. Nancy Trun, Interim Chair
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Ralph A. Wheeler, Chair
Center for Environmental Research and Education
Dr. John F. Stolz, Director
Department of Forensic Science and Law
Dr. Frederick W. Fochtman, Director
Department of Physics
Dr. Simonetta Frittelli, Chair
Center for Biotechnology
Dr. Alan W. Seadler, Director
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
. It was formed in 1994 with the separation of the Biological Sciences
Biology
Biology is a natural science concerned with the study of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, origin, evolution, distribution, and taxonomy. Biology is a vast subject containing many subdivisions, topics, and disciplines...
, Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry is the science of matter, especially its chemical reactions, but also its composition, structure and properties. Chemistry is concerned with atoms and their interactions with other atoms, and particularly with the properties of chemical bonds....
, and Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
departments from the former College of Liberal Arts
McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
The McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts, part of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was founded as the College of Arts and Letters, part of the "Pittsburgh Catholic College" in 1878. The College was incorporated in 1882 with the authority to grant degrees in the arts...
and Sciences, and subsequently named in honor of the Bayer Corporation
Bayer
Bayer AG is a chemical and pharmaceutical company founded in Barmen , Germany in 1863. It is headquartered in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany and well known for its original brand of aspirin.-History:...
. The school currently houses the departments of Biological Sciences, Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
, Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
, Chemistry, Environmental Science & Management
Environmental science
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary academic field that integrates physical and biological sciences, to the study of the environment, and the solution of environmental problems...
, Forensic Science & Law, and Physics
Physics
Physics is a natural science that involves the study of matter and its motion through spacetime, along with related concepts such as energy and force. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the universe behaves.Physics is one of the oldest academic...
. The school also collaborates closely with the Mylan School of Pharmacy
Mylan School of Pharmacy
The Mylan School of Pharmacy is one of the ten degree-granting divisions that comprise Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school's first pharmacy class matriculated in September 1925 under the leadership of the founding dean, Dr. Hugh C. Muldoon, and graduated in 1928...
. In 2010, the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry was designated as a Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence by Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies , or Agilent, is a company that designs and manufactures electronic and bio-analytical measurement instruments and equipment for measurement and evaluation...
, allowing for collaborative research into metabolics, proteomics
Proteomics
Proteomics is the large-scale study of proteins, particularly their structures and functions. Proteins are vital parts of living organisms, as they are the main components of the physiological metabolic pathways of cells. The term "proteomics" was first coined in 1997 to make an analogy with...
, disease biomarkers, and environmental analysis. In 2011, Duquesne University became one of 98 universities nationwide, and one of nine Catholic universities, to be designated as a high research activity
Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for classifying, or grouping, colleges and universities in the United States. The primary purpose of the framework is for educational research and analysis, where it is often important to identify groups of roughly...
institution by the Carnegie Foundation.
Areas of study
Bachelors of Science (B.S.)Bachelor of Science
A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate academic degree awarded for completed courses that generally last three to five years .-Australia:In Australia, the BSc is a 3 year degree, offered from 1st year on...
programs offered
- Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Physics, with available concentrations in AstronomyAstronomyAstronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth...
, Condensed MatterCondensed matter physicsCondensed matter physics deals with the physical properties of condensed phases of matter. These properties appear when a number of atoms at the supramolecular and macromolecular scale interact strongly and adhere to each other or are otherwise highly concentrated in a system. The most familiar...
, EducationEducationEducation in its broadest, general sense is the means through which the aims and habits of a group of people lives on from one generation to the next. Generally, it occurs through any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts...
, or broad track
Bachelors of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Arts
A Bachelor of Arts , from the Latin artium baccalaureus, is a bachelor's degree awarded for an undergraduate course or program in either the liberal arts, the sciences, or both...
programs offered
- Biochemistry
- Physics
Masters of Science (M.S.)
Master of Science
A Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
programs offered
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Environmental Science & Management
- Forensic Science & Law
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated as Ph.D., PhD, D.Phil., or DPhil , in English-speaking countries, is a postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities...
programs offered
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
Research facilities
Analytical and spectroscopic researchCollaborative arrangements with other basic and applied science departments have led to the joint operation of such facilities as the Sony Microscopy Laboratory featuring state-of-the-art transmission
Transmission electron microscopy
Transmission electron microscopy is a microscopy technique whereby a beam of electrons is transmitted through an ultra thin specimen, interacting with the specimen as it passes through...
and scanning electron
Scanning electron microscope
A scanning electron microscope is a type of electron microscope that images a sample by scanning it with a high-energy beam of electrons in a raster scan pattern...
microscopes and associated computer imaging facilities, the X-Ray Crystallography Facility, featuring a Rigaku AFC7R diffractometer
Diffractometer
A diffractometer is a measuring instrument for analyzing the structure of a material from the scattering pattern produced when a beam of radiation or particles interacts with it....
, two powder diffractometers
Diffractometer
A diffractometer is a measuring instrument for analyzing the structure of a material from the scattering pattern produced when a beam of radiation or particles interacts with it....
and associated computing equipment. Designated as a Mass Spectrometry Center of Excellence to Study Diseases and Environmental Issues by Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies , or Agilent, is a company that designs and manufactures electronic and bio-analytical measurement instruments and equipment for measurement and evaluation...
, the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry has a research facility equipped with state-of-the-art chromatography
Chromatography
Chromatography is the collective term for a set of laboratory techniques for the separation of mixtures....
and spectroscopy
Spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and radiated energy. Historically, spectroscopy originated through the study of visible light dispersed according to its wavelength, e.g., by a prism. Later the concept was expanded greatly to comprise any interaction with radiative...
instrumentation. Some instruments housed in the facility include:
- Agilent Rapid Resolution liquid chromatographHigh-performance liquid chromatographyHigh-performance liquid chromatography , HPLC, is a chromatographic technique that can separate a mixture of compounds and is used in biochemistry and analytical chemistry to identify, quantify and purify the individual components of the mixture.HPLC typically utilizes different types of stationary...
(LC) - Agilent HPLC-ChipHigh-performance liquid chromatographyHigh-performance liquid chromatography , HPLC, is a chromatographic technique that can separate a mixture of compounds and is used in biochemistry and analytical chemistry to identify, quantify and purify the individual components of the mixture.HPLC typically utilizes different types of stationary...
/MS systems - Agilent Mass QuadrupoleQuadrupole mass analyzerThe quadrupole mass analyzer is one type of mass analyzer used in mass spectrometry. As the name implies, it consists of 4 circular rods, set parallel to each other. In a quadrupole mass spectrometer the quadrupole is the component of the instrument responsible for filtering sample ions, based on...
Time of FlightTime-of-flightTime of flight describes a variety of methods that measure the time that it takes for an object, particle or acoustic, electromagnetic or other wave to travel a distance through a medium...
LC/MS - Agilent Triple quadrupoleQuadrupole mass analyzerThe quadrupole mass analyzer is one type of mass analyzer used in mass spectrometry. As the name implies, it consists of 4 circular rods, set parallel to each other. In a quadrupole mass spectrometer the quadrupole is the component of the instrument responsible for filtering sample ions, based on...
LC/MS - Agilent Mass Time of FlightTime-of-flightTime of flight describes a variety of methods that measure the time that it takes for an object, particle or acoustic, electromagnetic or other wave to travel a distance through a medium...
MS - Two Agilent Gas Chromotography/ICP-MSInductively coupled plasmaAn inductively coupled plasma is a type of plasma source in which the energy is supplied by electric currents which are produced by electromagnetic induction, that is, by time-varying magnetic fields.-Operation:...
- Two Agilent Gas Chromotography/EI/CI-MS
- Gerstel MultiPurpose Sampler equipped with SPME, SBSE, and TDUThermal desorptionThermal desorption is an environmental remediation technology that utilizes heat to increase the volatility of contaminants such that they can be removed from the solid matrix . Thermal desorption is not incineration. The volatilized contaminants are then either collected or thermally destroyed...
- Bruker ESIElectrospray ionizationElectrospray ionization is a technique used in mass spectrometry to produce ions. It is especially useful in producing ions from macromolecules because it overcomes the propensity of these molecules to fragment when ionized...
/nanoESIElectrospray ionizationElectrospray ionization is a technique used in mass spectrometry to produce ions. It is especially useful in producing ions from macromolecules because it overcomes the propensity of these molecules to fragment when ionized...
microTOFTime-of-flightTime of flight describes a variety of methods that measure the time that it takes for an object, particle or acoustic, electromagnetic or other wave to travel a distance through a medium... - Bruker 400 MHz multinuclear NMR SpectrometerNuclear magnetic resonanceNuclear magnetic resonance is a physical phenomenon in which magnetic nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation...
- Varian 400 MHz and 500 MHz NMR spectrometersNuclear magnetic resonanceNuclear magnetic resonance is a physical phenomenon in which magnetic nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation...
- SGI Itanium-2 supercomputersSupercomputerA supercomputer is a computer at the frontline of current processing capacity, particularly speed of calculation.Supercomputers are used for highly calculation-intensive tasks such as problems including quantum physics, weather forecasting, climate research, molecular modeling A supercomputer is a...
- Numerous other spectrophotometricSpectroscopySpectroscopy is the study of the interaction between matter and radiated energy. Historically, spectroscopy originated through the study of visible light dispersed according to its wavelength, e.g., by a prism. Later the concept was expanded greatly to comprise any interaction with radiative...
and chromatographic instruments
The center was founded by Dr. Mitch Johnson (1962–2010) and Dr. H.M. "Skip" Kingston of the department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Biological research
The Biological Sciences department operates the Center for Metals in Biological Systems, which was designed to "provide a center of expertise in metals in natural and synthetic materials focused on structure-function relationships and the development of new applications." The center is operated by Dr. Partha Basu of the department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Computational sciences
The Institute for Computational Sciences is an interdisciplinary organization of faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students from the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics, Mathematics
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
, and Computer Sciences
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
. The institute was founded with the purpose of "consolidating expertise at Duquesne University that fosters interdisciplinary research in computational sciences, provides novel educational experiences for students, and creates joint funding opportunities."
Microwave assisted chemistry
The Center for Microwave and Analytical Chemistry (C/MAC) is a chemical research center founded by Dr. H.M "Skip" Kingston and the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The Center is dedicated to collaborative research, technology transfer and professional education in microwave
Microwave chemistry
Microwave chemistry is the science of applying microwave irradiation to chemical reactions. Microwaves act as high frequency electric fields and will generally heat any material containing mobile electric charges, such as polar molecules in a solvent or conducting ions in a solid...
, environmental
Environmental chemistry
Environmental chemistry is the scientific study of the chemical and biochemical phenomena that occur in natural places. It should not be confused with green chemistry, which seeks to reduce potential pollution at its source...
, and analytical
Analytical chemistry
Analytical chemistry is the study of the separation, identification, and quantification of the chemical components of natural and artificial materials. Qualitative analysis gives an indication of the identity of the chemical species in the sample and quantitative analysis determines the amount of...
chemistry, sample preparation and analysis. The Center "solves real problems and meets analysis needs through fundamental, practical, and innovative research and transfers these technologies and methodologies to national and international laboratories and industry."
Biotechnology
The Center for Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary organization of researchers from the Mylan School of Pharmacy
Mylan School of Pharmacy
The Mylan School of Pharmacy is one of the ten degree-granting divisions that comprise Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school's first pharmacy class matriculated in September 1925 under the leadership of the founding dean, Dr. Hugh C. Muldoon, and graduated in 1928...
, the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, and the Rangos School of Health Sciences
John G. Rangos School of Health Sciences
The John G. Rangos School of Health Sciences is one of the ten constituent colleges that comprise Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.-History:On January 29, 1990, Dr. John E...
. Its mission is to enhance the innovative development and application of biotechnology through an interdisciplinary, coordinated research effort across the University, thereby contributing to society and the improvement of the quality of life. Priorities for the Center include: increasing connectivity both within and outside of Duquesne University, providing collaborative research programs and grant proposals, providing seminars and educational programs supporting translational science, and the improvement of core infrastructure. Specific areas of interest include devices and diagnostics, drug discovery, drug delivery, gene therapy, bioremediation, bioinformatics, microbial engineering, analytical methods, pharmaceutics, compliance, and rehabilitation. The center states that their "...modern research laboratories under the direction of our nationally recognized faculty are equipped with state-of-the art instrumentation and comprise more than 15000 square feet (1,393.5 m²) of combined laboratory space."
Administration
Office of the DeanDean (education)
In academic administration, a dean is a person with significant authority over a specific academic unit, or over a specific area of concern, or both...
Dr. David W. Seybert, Dean
Department of Biological Sciences
Dr. Nancy Trun, Interim Chair
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Dr. Ralph A. Wheeler, Chair
Center for Environmental Research and Education
Dr. John F. Stolz, Director
Department of Forensic Science and Law
Dr. Frederick W. Fochtman, Director
Department of Physics
Dr. Simonetta Frittelli, Chair
Center for Biotechnology
Dr. Alan W. Seadler, Director