Service

Service

In addition to teaching and research, my current role also has me working as an instrument/facility manager for the Department of Chemistry. I am often called in to assist with maintenance and repairs of equipment in our small instrument facility (the Curie Lab) and our mass spectrometry facility (the Mass Spec Lab).

The twelve instruments housed in these two facilities are: two Shimadzu gas chromatography-mass spectrometers (GC-MS), Agilent liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS), Bruker high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS), Perkin Elmer inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), Micromeritics Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analyzer, Shimadzu ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, Elementar elemental analyzer (EA), Horiba fluorometer, Shimadzu atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), TA Instruments thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) & differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). 

Curie Lab: Link

Mass Spec Lab: Link

I also work on various renovation and construction projects for our department as well as some public outreach activities.

 

Outreach & Committee Work

Member of TEAMS

As a member of TEAMS (Teaching Excellence and Motivating Success) at Mississippi State University, I am committed to continually enhancing my teaching practices and supporting student success. Through this professional development program, I have engaged with a community of dedicated educators to explore innovative instructional strategies, reflect on classroom experiences, and implement evidence-based approaches to teaching. TEAMS has provided valuable opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and growth, helping me better serve my students and contribute meaningfully to the university’s teaching mission. My participation underscores my dedication to fostering an engaging learning environment.

Advisor to POTR

As the faculty advisor for Physicians on the Rise (POTR) at Mississippi State University, I am proud to support an organization dedicated to empowering aspiring medical students through academic, professional, and personal development. POTR provides a collaborative and cost-effective platform where students can access essential resources such as MCAT preparation materials, physician mentorship, tutoring in challenging STEM courses, and guidance on medical school interview skills. The organization also promotes holistic growth through opportunities in community service, research, and physician shadowing. In my role, I help guide the organization’s mission to cultivate well-rounded, competitive applicants for medical school and to increase the acceptance rate of MSU students into medical programs.

Chemistry Department Committees

As a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Mississippi State University, I actively contribute to departmental operations and student success through my service on several key committees. As a member of the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, I help review and refine course offerings and program requirements to ensure that our curriculum remains rigorous, current, and aligned with the needs of our students. On the Scholarship Committee, I assist in evaluating applications and awarding departmental scholarships, helping to recognize academic excellence and support students financially. Additionally, through my work on the Instrument Committee, I help oversee the maintenance, allocation, and strategic use of our laboratory instrumentation, ensuring that students and researchers have reliable access to essential equipment for teaching and research.

Repair/Maintenance

Description

I am a capable handyman, and as part of my service component, I specialize in repairing departmental instrumentation and conducting essential preventative maintenance tasks. Over the years, I've accumulated extensive experience by successfully handling a wide range of repairs, particularly focusing on our mass spectrometers and their associated accessories. Whether it's troubleshooting issues, fine-tuning equipment, or addressing any other maintenance needs, I'm well-equipped to ensure the optimal functioning of our instrumentation.

Construction/Renovation

Description

My role often involves taking on renovation projects across various laboratories and rooms within the Department of Chemistry. Over time, I've had the opportunity to make significant modifications to nearly all the labs in the department. Since I began my position, I've been entrusted with a diverse range of tasks, including carpentry, demolition, electrical work, pipefitting, plumbing, and fabrication jobs. Whether it's creating new spaces, improving infrastructure, or addressing specific requirements, I've been actively engaged in ensuring our facilities meet the needs of the faculty and staff in our department. 

Logistics

Description

In addition to my regular responsibilities, I'm occasionally assigned to take care of miscellaneous tasks and logistical work within the department. These tasks can range from moving heavy equipment like gloveboxes in and out of lab spaces to more administrative duties like hanging up signage for departmental events. I've also been called upon to do projects like painting and patching drywall when needed. These diverse tasks not only keep things running smoothly but also contribute to the overall functionality and aesthetics of our department's spaces.

Chemistry Department Newsletter

ChemDawg Quarterly

I hold the position of editor and contributor for the chemistry department newsletter. In these newsletters, we highlight recent activities happening in the Department of Chemistry like National Chemistry Week events, upcoming seminars, as well as student and faculty awards and achievements.

Link to Newsletters.