Pratt-Chemistry-etc.
Bio
In my spare time I am a “starving “actor.
-Chemistry
My interests in chemistry range from organometallics to nanomaterials.
-ETC.
My interests in theatre range from improv to classic and modern plays.
What I am doing right now
-Chemistry
Arsenic adsorption in water via ceria nanoparticles
(2015- pRESENT)
.jpg)
.jpg)
In 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adjusted its standard for arsenic, a known carcinogen and neurotoxin, in drinking water from 50 ppb to 10 ppb. (1) This updated standard has caused new problems in regions of the country including Oklahoma, Nevada, and New England. (2-4) To help address these problems, new cost-effective methods must be studied. Adsorption of arsenic via nanoparticles is a popular method. In this study, a graphene scaffold charged with ceria nanoparticles was used as an adsorbent and its performance was analyzed in relation to other popular adsorbents.
-Chemistry
The Effects of Directing Groups in
Rhodium-Catalyzed Carbon-Carbon Bond Activated Decarbonylation Reactions
(2013-PRESENT)
The activation of carbon-carbon single bonds is a challenge due to the inherent strength of the bonds as a result of a lack of flexibility in the sigma bond and steric congestion that can occur around the bond. Through the use of a rhodium catalyst, these bonds can be activated to enable new reactions. The decarbonylation of aryl ketones using rhodium catalysts has recently been developed. (1) This reaction is unable to occur without the presence of a nitrogen directing group. The rate of catalysis is affected by the directing group present in the aryl ketone.
-Etc.
Vanderprov
(2012-PRESENT)
Vanderprov is a student-led improvisation team dedicated to
giving the students of Hope College and the residents of Holland quality
improvisational entertainment suitable for the entire family to enjoy at no
entry cost. I currently act as the treasurer/manager for the group.
What I have done
-Etc.
Dr. Cardin – Children’s Hour (2014)
-Etc.
Touchstone – as you like it (2013)
wise men do foolishly. (1.2.85-86)
-Chemistry
Macatawa Watershed Project: Fecal Contamination and Microbial Source Tracking (2012)
In Ottawa County, sewage waste pipes are separated from the groundwater pipes. The runoff from these groundwater pipes travels to Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. In recent years, bacterial contamination has been detected in Lake Macatawa and the surrounding watershed area. The contamination may be caused by a few factors, such as sewage seepage into the groundwater pipes or fecal matter from agricultural farms. This project relies on water and soil samples from various locations in the watershed for bacterial testing. Bacterial cell concentrations were found by using Idexx trays and mTEC agar plates. E. coli cells were characterized using quantitative PCR. Both human-based and cow-based E. coli have been detected in high amounts using qPCR. Collected soil cores show high concentrations of coliform when water was passed through them, but there were low counts when the soil itself was tested. In agricultural soils, the opposite was true for E. coli, which is indicative of E. coli’s adhesive nature.
