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
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Karina Kapusta, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Tougaloo College
Dr. Karina Kapusta is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Tougaloo College whose research focuses on molecular modeling, computer-aided drug discovery, and computational biochemistry. Her work integrates quantum and molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics, and machine-learning approaches to study molecular recognition and biomolecular interactions. She is one of the principal investigators for the NSF-funded E-RISE RII project establishing the Mississippi Nano-Bio and ImmunoEngineering Consortium (NIEC), where she leads computational biomedical sciences efforts across two research focus areas and serves as the team lead for Diversity and Culture of Inclusion in STEM. Dr. Kapusta mentors undergraduate researchers and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration to advance computational methods in biomedical and chemical research.
Discipline: Chemistry
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