Brandon Magers, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair of Chemistry & Physics
Belhaven University
Magers is a computational chemist specializing in electronic structure theory, applying ab initio and density functional methods to study small and medium-sized molecular systems. His expertise includes predicting geometries, spectral properties, and energetics; exploring mechanisms; calculating binding affinities; and mapping potential energy surfaces. He also evaluates non-covalent interactions such as van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding to advance understanding of molecular behavior. In chemistry education, Magers integrates computational methods into undergraduate curricula, enhancing student learning. He leads an active undergraduate research group that investigates problems at the interface of chemistry and physics.
Discipline: Chemistry
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Christopher T. Jurgenson, Ph.D.
Sullivan-Outlaw Professor of Biochemistry
Delta State University
Dr. Christopher T. Jurgenson is the Sullivan-Outlaw Professor of Biochemistry at Delta State University. Trained at Cornell University and Yale University, his research spans structural biology, computational biochemistry, and natural product enzymology, with expertise in X-ray crystallography, and structure based enzymology. His lab investigates the structural and mechanistic basis of alkaloid biosynthesis while advancing undergraduate research at a primarily undergraduate institution. A former scientist at Merck & Co., Dr. Jurgenson also develops innovative pedagogical strategies, integrating 3D printing, spectroscopy, and computation to enhance STEM education.
Discipline: Chemistry
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David Magers, Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry
Mississippi College
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Discipline: Chemistry
Institutional Profile
Manliang Feng, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Tougaloo College
Dr. Manliang Feng is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics in the School of Natural Sciences at Tougaloo College. His research focuses on the development of polypeptide-based multi-functional drug carriers for targeted and image-guided drug delivery, with the goal of improving cancer therapies by enhancing delivery efficiency and reducing side effects. He also investigates the electron transfer mechanisms of metal enzymes and their roles in biocatalysis. In addition to his research, Dr. Feng is dedicated to undergraduate education and mentorship. He has secured significant external funding, including a National Science Foundation award, to promote student engagement in chemistry through innovative pedagogies such as adaptive learning, Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL), and Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs). He also collaborates with faculty in the School of Natural Sciences on comprehensive initiatives designed to strengthen the STEM pathway at Tougaloo College. Dr. Feng is committed to advancing STEM education and preparing the next generation of scientists and health professionals.
Discipline: Chemistry
