Chemistry Alumni

After IWU

I received a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) Degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1976.

Where Now

In Bloomington, Illinois. I moved back here immediately after graduating from Dental School, and opened my own dental practice in August 1976.

Present occupation

Dentist. Self employed.

For Fun

I fly. I am licensed as an instrument rated commercial pilot. I have been flying since 1970, and it is my favorite “escape”. I have flown all over the U.S., and from Fairbanks, Alaska to the Virgin Islands. Every time I get into an airplane, I feel privileged to live in a time when this is possible

Favorite IWU Chemistry Memory

Dr. Wendell Hess. He was the Chemistry Department Chairman and my faculty advisor while I was at IWU. He was (and still is) one of the most clear thinking, honest, positive, energetic, and generous people I have ever met. He has been a role model for me throughout my life. IWU has played a big part in our fam-ily’s life. My wife, Sue, has worked in the Presidents office for the last 11 years. And three of our children have graduated from Illinois Wesleyan.

Favorite Quotation

“Thought creates reality” and “Everything is happening at exactly the right time. Relax and enjoy the adventure.”

Meet Daniel MilliganClass of 1972

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After IWU Ph.D. Medical College of Wisconsin Pharmacology Toxicology 1978 M.S. Medical College of Wisconsin Pharmacology Toxicology 1976

Postdoctoral training:1978-1980 Vanderbilt University, Center in Environmental Toxicology Nashville, Tennessee

Professional employment:1980-1986 Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York.l986-1994 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York1994-present Professor, Dept. Pharmacology & Toxicology, University at Buffalo.State University of New York, Buffalo, New York2010-present Research Professor and Director, Environmental Health Sciences Division, Dept. Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo Where NowUniversity at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY

Present occupationProfessor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Research Professor and Director, Environmental Health Sciences Division, Dept. Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Health Professions

For FunTravel, photography, boating, fishing

Favorite IWU Chemistry MemoryGiving a senior seminar on aspirin, that highlighted the work of Sir John Vane and the role of prostaglandins on the actions of aspirin.

Meet Jim OlsonClass of 1974

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After IWU

Doctor of Medicine from University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine

Where Now

In Chicago, IL

Present occupation

Chairman of Department Family Medicine at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

For Fun

I am a huge soccer fan, I follow the Chicago Fire and Manchester United of the Barclay’s Premier League in England.


Dr Rettich asking our p-chem class “are you having fun?’ we would reply yes and he would say “you are not here to have fun” (joking).

Favorite Quotation

Capt. Picard: [to Wesley Crusher] The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the *truth*, whether it’s scientific truth, or historical truth, or personal truth.

Meet Dr. Jose F. ElizondoClass of 1986

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After IWU

Ph.D in organic chemistry at Washington University; post-doc at Monsanto; teaching at SIU-Edwardsville; Scientist at Apath

Where Now

Spencer Fane, LLP in St. Louis

Present occupation

Advisor and Patent Agent


Dr. Frank’s coffee fueled organic lectures.

Meet Gale StarkeyClass of 1988

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After IWU

M.S. degree in January 1991 from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, performing natural products research with Professor Kenneth Rinehart.

Where NowMahomet, IL (near Champaign), living with my wife, Dawn, and two children, Hope and Michael.

Present occupationLaboratory Manager, Illinois State Water Survey (part of the Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability at the University of Illinois), Champaign, IL.

For FunI like to participate in activities with my family, including marching band, Boy Scouts, and travelling. I also like to perform science demonstrations (thanks for the influence Dr. Bailey and Dr. Rettich!) for various kids’ groups, through work, school, Scouts, or other avenues, and participate in other educational outreach activities. I currently am an event supervisor for the National Science Olympiad (running Envi-ronmental Chemistry for regional, state, and national competitions).

Favorite IWU Chemistry MemoryAll of the staff at IWU were great, and they helped make the Chemistry Department about more than just tests and lab reports. I enjoyed the class demonstrations, Dr. Ret-tich’s sense of humor in P-Chem, and the ASC activities. I suppose one of my favorites was watching the science professors compete for the best demonstration (I think the prize was a “Golden Erlenmeyer” award), with judging done by the students. It was an opportunity to tell Dr. Rettich “more chemistry needed to be explained.”

Favorite Quotation“Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life.” —Linus Pauling

Meet Daniel L. WebbClass of 1989

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After IWU

Ph.D. in inorganic/analytical chemistry from the University of Minnesota, 1995

Where Now

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Present occupation

Professor of Chemistry

For Fun

Spending time with family, golf, bowling, wine tasting


Many, many, many . . .

• Doing undergrad research on nitrous acid photochemistry

• Friendships with fellow chem majors

• Lab Techniques class -- explaining to Dr. Rettich how we would spend the day “at the library.”

• Advanced Organic class -- trying to use KMnO4 in every synthesis problem and naming it the “Arte Johnson Memorial Reagent”

• Running the old 60-Mz permanent magnet NMR -- don’t drop the tube in without a spinner!

Favorite Quotation

“Two wrongs don’t make a right, but three rights make a left . . .”

Meet Christopher ExstromClass of 1990

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After IWU

Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana Univeristy.

Where Now

Tucson, Arizona

Present occupation

My position title is Senior Chemist, and I am the Quality Assurance Officer for the City of Tucson Water Department

For Fun

I really enjoy traveling. I’m a certified SCUBA diver, so I use that as an excuse for many trips. Tucson is only a 4-hour drive from the beach in Mexico, so that’s an easy getaway. At home, I am always reading, and do a lot of walking/hiking in the Arizona sunshine.


I remember folding many paper airplanes (along with the other senior chemistry majors) and distributing them to the General Chemistry class to be simultane-ously launched at Dr. Rettich during his lecture.

Favorite Quotation

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”. —Will Rogers

Meet Leanne NieukirkClass of 1992

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After IWU

I completed a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the University of Michigan in Bill Roush’s group and subsequently did two years of postdoctoral research at Harvard University with Eric Jacobsen.

Where Now

I live in Indianapolis, IN with my wife Julia.

Present occupation

I am a senior research scientist in Discovery Chemistry at Eli Lilly and Company

For Fun

I enjoy running and have recently completed two half marathons. I also like to play golf.


I always enjoyed the funny quotes on Dr. Bailey’s analytical chemistry exams (but they didn’t make the exams any easier).

Favorite Quotation

“Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t you’re right” —Henry Ford

“I’m a great believer in luck. I find the harder I work the more of it I have.” —Thomas Jefferson

Meet Dustin MergottClass of 1998

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After IWU

In 1999, I joined Pfizer Central Research in Groton, CT, where I worked on me-dicinal chemistry research projects in the antibacterials and respiratory areas. In 2002, I moved to the Medicinal Chemistry Department of Lilly Research Lab-oratories in Indianapolis, IN, where I have been working primarily on cardiovas-cular and bone/muscle research projects.

Where Now

I live in Indianapolis with my wife, Tara (Spano) Gavardinas 99, and our very spoiled dog, Scraps.

Present occupation

Consultant Organic Chemist at Lilly Research Laboratories. Responsibilities include coordinating research team activities, structure-based drug design, compound library/platform design, structure/activity relationship (SAR) ex-ploration and assisting the team from taking projects/compounds from the target hit/target of interest through the clinical candidate stage.

For Fun

I have been performing in live shows as a lead guitarist in several local Indianapolis rock’n’roll bands. I spend my free time on landscaping/gardening and carpentry.


Eeyore hanging out in the lab.

Favorite Quotation

“Don’t take life too seriously.” —Anonymous

Meet Kostas GavardinasClass of 1999

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After IWU

I went right into the “working world” after IWU. I married my husband, Dale, in 2002. We have two children together – Christopher, 4 years old, and Katie, almost 2 years old.

Where Now

I am living in a little town called Lakewood in Illinois. We are right inbetween Huntley and Crystal Lake.

Present occupation

I am currently teaching Accelerated Chemistry and a class called Chemistry of Foods at Fremd High School in Palatine, IL.

For Fun

I love to travel anyplace warm, I love to cook, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.


All those late night study sessions at the Science Center with Bill, Becca and Jer. “Hiding” in the science center with my group members late one night after the building had officially closed to finish up a lab after hours!

Favorite Quotation

“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” —Forest E. Witcraft

Meet Jennifer CarlsonClass of 2000

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After IWU

I earned my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Illinois in March of 2009 after completing my thesis research under the watchful eye of Prof. Scott Denmark

Where Now

I live with my wife Allyson, son Andrew, and daughter Elizabeth in Ledyard, CT.

Present occupation

I am a synthetic leader/medicinal chemist in the CNS group at Pfizer, Inc.

For Fun

I enjoy playing in the yard or at the beach with my family, as well as reading and going for runs.


My favorite IWU memory was doing synthesis labs: I remember my first reaction (a 1,4 conjugate reduction using CuI/LAH) and my last (an attempted hydrogena-tion of a CBz group)! (Whew, that was 12 years ago!)

Favorite Quotation

“We all ride for nothing, cause this train never stops” — Ben Folds

Meet Dr. Christopher ButlerClass of 2002

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After IWU

After graduation, I accepted a job as a research scientist in the Chemical De-velopment group at Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI), a contract phar-maceutical company in Albany, NY. At AMRI, I worked to optimize chemical reactions in preparation for large scale manufacturing.

Where Now

I now live in Evanston, IL while working at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, IL.

Present occupation

At Abbott, I work as a chemist in the Pilot Plant performing large scale chemistry (up to 10 kg) and generating the first batches of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s) that will be used for toxicity studies and clinical trials.

For Fun

I like to stay active playing softball, basketball, golf and soccer.


One of the following: —My first research paper publication —New group member initiation in Dr. Mohan’s lab —Late nights at Ames finishing PChem labs

Favorite Quotation

“Back off, man. I’m a scientist.”—Dr. Peter Venkman

Meet Patrick HayesClass of 2002

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After IWU

I received my Ph. D. from Caltech in 2005, and did my thesis research with Prof. Geoffrey Blake. I then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to do a postdoc with Prof. Benjamin McCall.

Where Now

I live Decatur, GA, a few miles from Atlanta.

Present occupation

I am currently an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Emory University.

For Fun

I love to cook, and so am always looking for new recipes to try. I also enjoy gardening, reading, and watching movies.


I have so many favorite IWU memories, I do not know how to pick just one. In-stead, I will list a few. First would be the ACS travelling shows. It was always a lot of fun to get the students involved and watch young kids learn about chemistry. Strangely, I remember more about the demos that did not work correctly! At one particular show, we discovered -- the hard way -- that the solution for one demo was the wrong concentration, and Jeremie Moll lit a student’s dollar bill on fire. We were mortified, but the student thought it was the best science class ever!

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Meet Dr. Susanna WidicusClass of 2002

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Another favorite memory from IWU was making the “Becky Ball” for an inor-ganic class project. The assignment was to find all of the symmetry elements of C60, and so we made a giant model of a C60 molecule. It was so large that Dr. Roesner could climb inside of it. So, we named it the “Becky Ball.”

I also fondly remember our crazy antics as summer research students. One should always be aware of the perils involved in testing the emergency shower in the stockroom and having chair races in the service corridor. Also, watch out for the horizontally-firing water faucet in the synthesis lab!

Favorite Quotation

I have two favorite quotes:

“It doesn’t matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn’t matter how smart you are. If it doesn’t agree with experiment, it’s wrong.” —Richard Feynman

“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called research, would it?” —Albert Einstein

Dr. Susanna Widicus ’02 (continued)

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After IWU

Ph.D. (2002-2008) from Boston College with Dr. Amir Hoveyda

Post-doc (current) at Harvard Medical School with Dr. Jon Clardy

Where Now

Cambridge, MA

Present occupation

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Harvard University, Boston, MA.

For Fun

I got into distance running in graduate school, and I really enjoy doing races. My favorite alternative exercise is rock climbing with my husband - in the win-ter we go to a climbing gym, and in the summer we explore the outdoor climb-ing options in the area. Less healthy (but still fun) activities mostly involve going out with friends - Boston and Cambridge have some really great bars and restaurants.


I have so many memories, from time spent in Dr. Mohan’s lab, in study sessions with my classmates, picking up trash along the highway, coming up with activ-ities for the travelling show, and in course labs and lectures. The overall good feeling I have when I think of the IWU chemistry department really stems from the fact that we all got along so well.

Favorite Quotation

“I am as happy as I make up my mind to be, and my identity is not determined by my profession.” — my aunt, Rita Koss

Meet Dr. Laura WielandClass of 2002

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After IWU

Pharmacy School at UIC then 1 year community practice residency with Walgreen’s in conjunction with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy

Where Now

Back in Chicago working for Walgreen’s

Present occupation

Pharmacy Manager

For Fun

Reading (catching up on current events and pharmacy news), going to ball-games and movies with friends, playing any sport with the word “ball” in it, staying involved with my religious youth organization, watching shows and movies from my Netflix account


Presenting my research poster at the National ACS Conference in Chicago. It was the culmination of many hours in the lab and made me feel that I had ac-complished something and made a contribution, however small it may be.

Favorite Quotation

“Do the best and leave the rest” —Swami Chinmayananda

Meet Kaushik BhatiaClass of 2003

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After IWU

Southern Illinois University School of medicine. Advocate Christ Medical Center for residency

Where Now

Downers Grove, IL

Present occupation

Emergency Medicine Physician

For Fun

Relaxing with wife Erin O’Neill Zerth ‘03 and 1 year old Ethan


ACS trip to Boston

Favorite Quotation

“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” —Thomas Edison

Meet Herb ZerthClass of 2003

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After IWU

University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I completed my PhD in organic chemistry with Prof. Ronald Raines in 2009. I worked on developing organometallic catalysts for pro-tein chemistry and on the chemical conversion of biomass into fuels and chemicals.

Where Now

Berkeley, California

Present occupation

I work for BP Biofuels at the Energy Biosciences Institute at UC-Berkeley. My job includes both the expected - development of chemical processes for making biofuels - and the unexpected - studying the composition of bioenergy crops and influencing our decisions on crops and agricultural production systems. I never anticipated that my studies at IWU would lead me to tromping around cane fields in central Florida in the heat of the summer!

For Fun

I ran cross country and track at IWU and have continued to enjoy competitive distance running since graduation, including races with my club teams and ultra marathons. I also enjoy hiking and being outdoors, particularly in California.


Chemical demonstrations with the IWU ACS Student Affiliates, especially work-ing with school children and making liquid nitrogen ice cream. Yum!

Favorite Quotation

“Pathetic. That’s what it is. Pathetic. ” —Eeyore

Meet Joe BinderClass of 2004

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After IWU

After graduating from IWU, spent 3 years working in the emergency room at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL. In 2007 I was married to Jennifer Petersen and in October 2009 we had our first child, Nathan James Danielson.

Where Now

We currently live in Shorewood, IL.

Present occupation

Jennifer is a high school math teacher at Joliet Central High School and I am the Associate Director of Business Systems and Data Analysis at The Joint Commission.

For Fun

I still try to play golf as much as possible (which isn’t much) and I love hanging out with our son and teaching him new things.


Spending long nights studying (better known as goofing around) with the other chemistry majors on the 4th floor of Ames.

Favorite Quotation

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” —Albert Einstein

Meet Eric DanielsonClass of 2005

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Chemistry Alumni

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