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Assistant Professor of Chemistry
167 Science Building
Phone: (207)780-4734
E-mail:

University of Massachusetts, B.S., 1977; Ph.D., 1984.
Teaching: general and physical chemistry.

Professor and Chair of Chemistry
352 Science Building
Phone: (207)780-4316
E-mail:

Hobart College, B.S., 1965; Bucknell University, M.S.,1968; University of Delaware, Ph.D., 1973.
Teaching: organic and polymer chemistry.

Prudenté, Caryn

My research interests span the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, immunochemistry, and bio-conjugate chemistry, reflecting the experiences I have gained in both academia and the biotechnology industry. I am interested in synthetically modifying proteins and other biopolymers to afford compounds that demonstrate interesting immunological characteristics. Currently I am designing an antibody-based diagnostic tool that will be capable of testing environmental samples for mercury contamination. Utilizing modern analytical mass spectrometry techniques (MALDI-MS) I have analyzed important structural features that characterize the modified proteins. I am also involved in a synthetic methodology project, in which I am attempting to exploit the reactivity of aziridines and aziridiniom ions to generate substituted pyrolidines from β-amino radical precursors. Students enrolled in Organic Chemistry Laboratory may prepare synthetic targets relevant to some these targets.

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Rhodes, Gale

Outside of my teaching, I develop self-guided learning materials for beginners in structural biology, which is the branch of the life sciences that deals with how molecular structure leads to biological function. My projects include a book on macromolecular structure determination by X-ray crystallography, NMR, and homology modeling; online tutorials in molecular graphics and bioinformatics; and online aides for evaluating the quality of macromolecular models. I am also interested in connections between science and literature, so I am putting together an anthology of literary works that reflect their authors' interest in, and sometimes profound insights into, what scientists have discovered about nature. I also enjoy tennis, bird-watching, old movies, motorcycles, and watching my wife's horse (from a safe distance). I cannot be bribed for better grades, but if you want to try anyway, the secret word is chocolate, and darker is better.

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Tracy, Henry J.

I’m interested in compounds that luminesce. Luminescence is a property of only a small number of compounds. It’s a photophysical process in which a species absorbs light, attaining a higher energy state, and then, after a delay, emits light of a lower energy than it previously absorbed. If the species is efficient at luminescence, the researchers can detect even minute concentrations of the compound. I’ve been making a group of luminescent organometallic compounds that have the potential to be used as safe, non-invasive probes for the study of DNA and protein activity.   Another exciting application of the luminescent compounds that I have been making is the fabrication of electroluminescent devices for the electronics and semiconducting industries.
In the last ten years, I’ve supervised about twenty undergraduate research students in this research. Many have presented their accomplishments at national conferences and some have been authors on research papers. My other interest is chemical education. My colleagues and I are continually seeking ways to serve our students’ needs. One initiative is our "Writing across the Chemistry Curriculum" program that we have incorporated into all of our laboratory courses. Our goal is to graduate students whose writing and computer skills compliment their proficiency as chemists. I continue to try new ways to engage chemistry students, some of the methods are group assignments, active learning strategies, and incorporation of basic research into laboratory courses.

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Stebbins, Richard G.

My current research interests are focused on the improvement of grades 6-16 mathematics and science education across the State of Maine. Activities associated with this effort include recruiting more and better qualified teachers, the effective professional development of current 6-16 faculty, and the dissemination of positive and interesting grant findings. In my other life, I enjoy hiking, fishing for striped bass with my brother, spending time with my family, traveling/living in other countries, and reading. I'm most happy when I am outdoors in a warm place.

Schaeffer, Rhonda

Administrative Assistant
161 Science Building
Phone: (207)780-4232
E-mail: