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What’s Happening in Chemistry Circles |
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http://www.chem.tamu.edu/ugrad/
[a publication of the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University]
written by Dr. John L. Hogg
NEW CHEMISTRY MAJORS POLICY
Effective with the Summer of 2006, the following conditions will be applied to students seeking to change their major into chemistry, double major or double degree in chemistry, or remain in chemistry beyond the first year. Students enrolled in the chemistry program prior to the summer of 2006 will be given a maximum of two semesters to complete Math 151/152 or Math 171/172 but will not be held to the standard of C's or better in these courses if they completed Math 151/152 or 171/172 prior to the summer of
2006.
To Remain In Chemistry: Students must
maintain a 2.00 GPR overall and in chemistry
courses. First year students must have received
credit for either Math 151 (4) or 171(4) and Math
152 (4) or 172(4) with C's or better in both
courses by the end of the first calendar year after
enrollment at A&M except under the following
condition. An exception will be made for
students who have completed only Math 151(4)
or 171(4) by the end of the first calendar year if
they earned a C or better in either Math 151(4) or
171(4) and are enrolled for Math 152(4) or
172(4) in the following semester. This allows
students to be able to take Math 150 (pre-calculus) during their first semester at A&M if
they are not prepared to enter calculus. Such
students will be allowed to remain in the program
at least for the following fall semester contingent
upon making a C or better in Math 152 or 171.
To Change Into Chemistry:
Students
who wish to change into chemistry after
beginning A&M in another major must have an
overall GPR of 2.5 or better and a 2.5 or better in
chemistry and math courses. They must also have
credit for Chemistry 101(4) and 102(4) or
equivalent and Math 151(4) or 171(4) with a C or
better in all chemistry and math courses.
To Seek A Double Major or Double
Degree in Chemistry:
Students must have an
overall GPR of 3.0 or better and at least a 2.5 in
chemistry and math courses and must have
completed Chemistry 101 (4) and 102(4) or
equivalent and Math 151(4) or 171(4) with C's or
better before this paperwork may be initiated.
The “capacity of the program” to accommodate
additional majors may limit the number of
students accepted for double majors or double
degrees.
We feel this policy is being implemented
with the best interests of the students in mind.
Students who have not met this standard of
performance in the past have generally fared
poorly in the program, often struggling to pass
other chemistry, physics and mathematics or
statistics courses. Students should feel free to
contact Dr. Hogg to discuss their individual
situation.
This policy has been approved by Dr. Tim
Scott, Associate Dean for Student Relations in the
College of Science, and Dr. Mark Weichold, Dean
of Undergraduate Studies and Associate Provost
for Academic Services.
MAY 2006 GRADS ANNOUNCED
Twenty eight chemistry majors received degrees at the May 12, 2006 commencement ceremony.
Brian Cole, Adam Dao, Holly Henderson, Nicholas Huggins, and Casseday Richers graduated summa cum laude (GPR > 3.9). Nicholas Grizzle and Rachel Wooley graduated with magna cum laude honors (GPR 3.70 - 3.899). Carissa Smith graduated cum laude (GPR 3.50 - 3.699). Lindsey Riddle received a second B.S. degree in biology and Brentley Smith had a double major in chemistry and philosophy.
The eighteen students receiving the B.A. degree were: Claire Borne, Brian Cole, Sheena Ellis, Nicholas Grizzle, Ann (Holly) Henderson, Christine Kochart, Marcie Madore, Neeley Morgan, Jenna Nelson, Jesse Poucher, Lucki Quirindongo, Lindsey Riddle, Brentley Smith, Carissa Smith, Meghann Smith, Rachel Wooley, Blake Yarbrough and Debby York.
The ten student who received the B.S. degree were: Adam Dao, Jose Delgado, Garry (Smitty) Grubbs, Angela Hoover, Darijana Horvat, Nicholas Huggins, Stephen Kerlegon, Hannah Malcolm Casseday Richers and Patrick Vinas.
AUGUST 2006 GRADS ANNOUNCED
Six chemistry students completed degree requirements and received their diplomas on August 11, 2006. Joshua Garey and Maral Kawasmi received their B.A. degrees. Angelica Cantillo, Kelly DeCock, Laura Launer, and Katherine Walton received the B.S. degree and Angelica graduated cum laude.
CONGRATULATIONS
Tabitha Roybal, B.A. chemistry major, has been accepted to attend Proctor and Gamble's Research and Development Colloquium in Cincinnati Ohio in October! Congratulations, Tabitha.
OLD AGS
Nnenna Agba (B.A. 2003) has left her job in the chemical industry and moved to New York City to pursue her modeling career after her successful stint on the “America’s Next Top Model” this past spring. Although she didn’t win the top prize, she did very well on the show. She has signed a modeling contract with MC2 Karin Model Management in NYC. I think you may still reach Nnenna at: NnennaAgba@yahoo.com
Lucki Quirindongo (B.A. 2006) has accepted a position to teach high school chemistry at Ellison High School in Kileen beginning with the fall 2006 term.
Peter Duong (B.A. 2000) has decided to change careers. He is leaving his position as a high school chemistry teacher to enter pharmacy school at A&M Kingsville Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy. He may be contacted via e-mail at: pduong2000@hotmail.com
Dr. Valerie Meyers (B.A. 2000) is now working with the Toxicology Division at the Texas Division of Environmental Quality in Austin. She provided the following description of her duties in an e-mail in May. “The combination of my chemistry and pathology degrees fairly directly translate to toxicology. Regulatory toxicology is something I knew absolutely nothing about previously. Basically, we set regulatory guideline levels for permitting and monitoring (mostly air, but water and soil too) to protect human health. We analyze data from the lab to determine whether or not these levels have been exceeded and when they are of concern. We often speak to the public about environmental concerns and act as expert witnesses for permit trials and even criminal trials every now and again.” Friends may contact Valerie at: agbonfire00@yahoo.com
Tanya (Tryon) Jensen (B.A. 1995) is now teaching high school chemistry at Seven Lakes High School in Katy. Her contact e-mail is: carl-jensen@earthlink.net
Dr. Christopher Govea (B.A. 1995) is currently Assistant Professor of Radiology and Chief of Musculoskeletal Imaging at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. You may contact him at: christophergovea@hotmail.com
Dr. Jeff Riblet (B.A. 1983) sent the following e-mail in May with some family news I’ll share with you. “How’s it going. Just thought I’d drop a line to see how things are. Things are well with us. The kids are now 9 and 6, they are beating us to death with all their kid stuff. I’m now in private practice in General surgery in Portsmouth Va. Things are good and I don’t miss all the trauma. We are in the final stages of a home addition. Unfortunately our 90 day build has taken a year and 11 days. I’ve been doing a lot myself as the contractor decided he didn’t have to finish the job. Val and I have done hardwood floors, dry wall, tile shower installation, plumbing, electrical, cabinets, you get the picture, but we’re almost done and have a lovely home on the James river. We’re looking forward to the summer and some fun. Hope this finds you and yours well. If you and Janet find that you are in our neck of the woods come by and see the sights of Va. Beach and Williamsburg.” Jeff’s e-mail is: jriblet@csa.hrcoxmail.com
Margaret Haring (B.S. 2002 in chemistry and in physics) provided the following news in June. “Hello, How are things in College Station? I just thought I'd let you know that I have now officially completed my teaching certification program. I am certified for Math 8-12 and am taking the Science composite 8-12 test next Saturday. I am teaching at a little public school in East Austin about a mile from my house. Right now I have students in Pre-Cal, Algebra II, and Physics. My school, Garza Independent, is a pretty great match for me. It serves a very diverse population, is self-paced, and has a really supportive environment. My kids, Ptolemy and Elizah, are doing well. Elizah plans to read all summer, and Ptolemy will continue to attend preschool. Tom, my husband, will finish his MSLS in the fall and is looking for employment afterwards. As things settle at school I plan to get back into working on my degree from UT. I kind of feel like getting a Master's and then applying to other schools after I have worked three years at Garza. Maybe by then Elizah will be ready for a move and I can get a fresh start with my PhD experience.” Friends may contact Margaret at: margaret_haring@yahoo.com
Celeste Davis (B.A. 2000 in chemistry and in English) wrote in May to share some news of her recent accomplishments. “Hey Dr. Hogg: Hope all is going well. I thought I would give you an update. I am presently about to graduate from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University with an MFA in Writing and Poetics, Concentration Poetry. Probably not the most common of degrees for a previous chem major. I also completed my thesis which is an interdisciplinary study of poetry as salt and salt as poetry through the lens of commodification and lack of permanence value of objects. It was wonderful. I have finally bridged the gap between the writing and the chemistry and seem to be using the two interchangeably. I am on the hunt for employment, so if anyone is looking to hire an experienced A/E/C Marketing Consultant, I am the woman. I know it seems strange to combine it all together into Arch/Engineering/Construction, but that is where I fit the best. It allows me to be creative in a technical environment. I am living in Boulder right now, and will probably move to Denver for employment. Life is good overall, I really enjoy seeing the Orbitals and reading about the activities and life changes we have all been making. Take care. Oh, this is my e-mail if anyone wants to get in touch: celestualstarz@yahoo.com
Angela Hoover (B.S. 2006) has accepted a position with Halliburton in Ft. Worth as a project engineer. After a period of training in Ft. Worth she will be moving to Odessa, Texas. Friends may e-mail her at: angelhoover@gmail.com
Ronaldo (Ron) Cavazos, Jr (B.A. 2003) stopped by in late July to say that he has now completed his teacher certification. He taught last year at Veteran’s Memorial High School in Mission, TX. He will be teaching at Sharyland High School this year and will also begin work on a Master’s degree at UT- Pan American. You may still contact him at: ron@neo.tamu.edu
Sarah Holt (B.A. 2003) sent the following news recently.”Hi Dr. Hogg! Just thought I'd sent in an update for Orbitals. Richard (Anthony) Rodriguez (B.A. 2003) and I were married on June 3rd of this year. We bought a new house in Missouri City, a suburb of Houston, so that he could be close to Champion and I would have an easy trip to the Medical Center. We're enjoying being together in the same city. Finally, I started my rotations in July and I've been amazed at the hospitals here in Houston. I just finished my general hospital rotation and I'm starting one in infectious disease on Monday. Anthony is continuing to do well both at work and in school. He's been able to get some more classes in than he expected and will graduate in May with his masters. Hope all is well with you and the chemistry department. Hopefully, we can make it up to College Station for a game this year and come by to say hello.” You may send congratulations to the newlyweds at: sarahholt@mail.utexas.edu
Emily Brock (B.S. 2004) sent an e-mail to say that she is still teaching dance and has made the Dallas Mavericks dance squad once again. Friends may contact Emily at: emily_brock@hotmail.com
Eric Hendrickson (B.S. 2005), who works with G.E. Water and Process Technologies as a water chemist, sent the following announcement about career opportunities with G.E. Please take advantage of these. “Dr Hogg, I am going to be hosting the GE booth at the engineering career fair on 9/19. You might mention to your students that there are many openings for chemists within GE as well as summer intern positions. If they would like to stop in, I can answer some of their questions and compare o-chem horror stories with them. I will try to stop by and see you on the 19th if I can get a chance.” You may contact Eric at: eric.hendrickson@ge.com and may check the G.E. web site at: www.gewater.com
FREE TUTORING OFFERED AT THE STUDENT LEARNING CENTER
The Student Learning Center (formerly known as the Center for Academic Enhancement) is now located in Hotard Hall. They offer free drop-in tutoring as well as tutoring by appointment. The drop-in tutoring is located in Room 106 Hotard Hall from 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tutoring by appointment is more limited but you may schedule an appointment by calling 845-2724. For details of courses and schedules, please see their web site at: http://www.tamu.edu/cae/tutoring.shtml
FREE DRAWING SOFTWARE
There are some free chemical drawing programs that can be downloaded from the Internet. One popular one is called ISIS/Draw. It can be downloaded at http//www.mdl.com/downloads/downloadable/index.jsp There is another called ChemSketch that can be downloaded at http//www.acdlabs.com/servlets/UserAuth?pr=chsk80
CHECK YOUR DEGREE AUDIT
Please go to myrecord.tamu.edu to check your degree audit. This will tell you what courses you are still missing from your degree plan and, in the case of directed electives, tell you which courses will satisfy core curriculum requirements. Often, you will be able to answer your own questions about missing requirements if you simply check here before calling our office.
LARGE CLASS OF FRESHMAN CHEMISTRY MAJORS ARRIVES
While not quite a record enrollment, we welcome 82 freshman chemistry majors to the program for the fall 2006 semester. This entering class fell two short of tying the all-time record of 84 freshmen in the fall of 2004. We have now averaged 81 freshman chemistry majors over the past three years. This is a significant increase over the previous average of 54 from 1996-2003. We welcome the following students to the department:
Luciana Alvarado McKinney
Gabriela Bechara Pflugerville
Whitney Becker Austin
Eric Bockoven The Woodlands
Kaitlyn Burke Denton
David Burkett Aledo
Tara Carrasco Del Rio
AshleyCook Houston
Jasmine Cunigan Beaumont
CaylenDalrymple Freeport
Rash-Dat Danmola Hempstead
Roberto DeAlba Laredo
Rock Demarais Tomball
AshleyDixon Spring
Austin Dobbs Houston
Courtney Dorsey Athens
Michelle Drumm Waxahachie
Amanda Dunham Katy
Xing Fang College Station
Katie Foyt McKinney
Samantha Fulbright Waco
Michael Galvan Brownsville
Michael Gross The Woodlands
Helen Hamilton Sealy
Terra Hamilton Bedford
Lance Helberg Lohn
Jessica Hemann Wylie
Joshua Hunt Pasadena
Joshua Ivy Temple
Joseph Jacobs Mesquite
Christopher Jones Houston
Jessica Joseph Fort Worth
Lacie Kilsby West Columbia
Ian Kissell MidLothian
Nicole Konelick Edmond, OK
Justin Law Tamuning, GU
AshleyLittle Huntsville
Catherine Loftis San Antonio
Michael Lucas Houston
Max Marshall Austin
Roxanna Martinez Marfa
Christopher McCarty Canton
Elizabeth McCaskill Pantego
Mallory McFarland Denton
Whitney Meador Amarillo
Clayton Mercer Burleson
Christine Nguyen Sugar Land
Andy Nguyen Richardson
Robert O'Brien Austin
Sara Patterson Houston
Trey Patterson Crosby
CrystalPenaloza Dallas
Fallon Pitts Troy
Daniel Pliego New Braunfels
Katherine Popelka Colleyville
Margaret Rameriz Wichita Falls
Jennifer Rankin Nacogdoches
Jennifer Reed San Antonio
Bryan Rosewell Cookville
Jessica Sanchez San Antonio
Daniel Sanders Waco
Alex Schrumpf Tyler
Kevin Scott Georgetown
Steven Sfamenos Spring
Peter Smith Saint Louis, MO
Candace Strayer Palestine
Jenna Thornton Taylor
Andrew Tindall Kingwood
Kirby Tinsley Canyon
Travis Triola Houston
Aric Turner Garland
Caitlin Walker Evedale
Andrew Warren The Woodlands
Kathryn Webb Colorado Springs, CO
Dustin Weghorst Austin
Emily Weiss Jonesboro, AR
Hannah Werner Round Rock
Danielle West Houston
Jamie Wheeler Georgetown
Daryl Whitlow LaPorte
Sam Wilson Yancey
Ian Wright San Antonio
TRANSFER STUDENTS JOIN THE PROGRAM
Nine transfer students joined the chemistry program for the fall semester. We welcome the following to the program:
Sean Anderson Amarillo College
Jennifer Cayton Collin Community College
Aaron Gobert San Jacinto College
Matthew Hebert East Texas Baptist University
April Holly McNeese State University
Noelle Jobe Baylor University
Alexander Pemba Blinn College
Sandani Samarajeewa Fairleigh Dickinson University