I am a Professor in the Chemistry Department at Pacific University and I have been teaching undergraduate chemistry for over 30 years. My expertise is in Physical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry, and my research focuses on the chemistry of interfaces.

My current research examines the potential for using Metal-Organic Framework materials (MOFs) that incorporate a photo-activated 'switch' for use in sequestering carbon dioxide. Students in my lab use computational molecular dynamics to simulate CO2 interactions with the MOF structure. In spring 2026, I was awarded a research grant from The Murdock Charitable Trust to support this project.

I also am the Director of Undergraduate Research for the College of Arts and Sciences at Pacific. I organize and manage Pacific's Summer Undergraduate Research Program as well as the annual Pacific Undergraduate Research Conference.

Additionally, I am the Principal Investigator for a National Science Foundation 'Scholarships for STEM' – or S-STEM – grant. Our program, named 'Pacific Scholarships in Mathematics and Sciences' – PSiMS, supports over 20 STEM majors per year with scholarships and a seminar where student learn how to succeed in a STEM major and about careers in STEM. I also serve as co-PI for two NSF Noyce grants to Pacific's College of Education that supports future STEM teachers.

I conducted research as an undergraduate chemistry major, and because of that experience I chose to teach and conduct research at a small liberal arts and sciences undergraduate college. I enjoy the one-on-one mentoring of student who are passionate about science. The students I have mentored have presented their research accomplishments at regional and national conferences, and several students have continued their education in graduate school and received Ph.D. degrees in chemistry, bioinformatics, and physics.

Office Hours: TBA

LINK: Book an appointment with Dr. J

Walk in visits are always welcome!

STRAIN HALL 107