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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Rachel Roller, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Belhaven University
Dr. Rachel M. Roller is an analytical chemist with expertise in paper microfluidics, pharmaceutical quality screening, chemical education, and the history and philosophy of science. Dr. Roller employs paper microfluidics in inquiry-based chemistry labs for in-person or remote learning, as well as for illicit drug detection and to screen for substandard and falsified pharmaceuticals in low- and middle-income countries. Her work on scalable paper-device fabrication methods includes a patent application for roll-to-roll manufacturing of air-gap paper analytical devices.
Discipline: Chemistry
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S. Ariel Kelley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Belhaven University
Dr. Kelley’s research group focuses on synthesizing novel nitrosamines and probing their behavior with advanced techniques, including NMR, FTIR, UV-Vis, and X-ray diffraction. A central goal is to trap reactive nitrosamine intermediates in cocrystals using supramolecular strategies, enabling detailed study of their chemistry while reducing environmental risks. At a primarily undergraduate institution, she mentors students closely, giving them hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation and experimental design.
Discipline: Chemistry
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