Dr. Kurt Winkelmann

 

My research students and I engage in both chemistry and chemical education research. My research is interdisciplinary – recent projects have involved collaborations with faculty and students in chemistry (of course), engineering, biology, mathematics, and education, as well as scientists at NASA and private companies. I encourage students to stop by my office or contact me to discuss any projects that interest you.

 

I have a strong interest in understanding student learning in the chemistry laboratory and classroom. Current and past projects include developing and assessing new academic courses, creating and implementing new lab experiments for first-year students, and using digital learning environments (virtual worlds) for chemistry lab, among others.

 

My chemical research explores the properties and chemical reactions associated with nanoscale materials. Nanoparticles have a high ratio of surface area to volume and their properties vary with particle size. Our research spans the disciplines of physical chemistry (especially kinetics), materials chemistry, environmental science, and biochemistry.

 

chemistry, chemical education, virtual reality, kinetics, photochemistry, photocatalysis, nanotechnology, materials, environmental chemistry