Cloning — Stem cells — Developmental neurobiology — Research on the development of neurons and neurotransmitters — Analysis of neurotransmitters, sympathetic neurons, and target tissues
Stephen E. Asmus Elizabeth Molloy Dowling Associate Professor of Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
B.S., Cleveland State University; Ph.D., University of Michigan
859-238-5318 steve.asmus@centre.edu
Special expertise in the field of developmental neurobiology. Research on the development of neurons and neurotransmitters. Analysis of neurotransmitters being produced in sympathetic neurons that reach different target tissues, addressing the question of how these neurons "know" which of the many types of transmitters to produce, and more specifically, whether different target tissues influence this "decision" process during development. Asmus strongly encourages his Centre students to collaborate with him on research. He has authored or co-authored professional papers for journals including Brain Research, Journal of Comparative Neurology, and Developmental Biology.
Physics education — Solid state physics
William P. Crummett
Associate Professor of Physics
B.S., West Virginia Institute of Technology; M.S., Ph.D., West Virginia University
859-238-5393 bill.crummett@centre.edu
Co-authored, with Art Western, a textbook entitled University Physics: Models and Applications (William C. Brown, 1994). Also collaborated with Western to develop a computer interface and software that measures and demonstrates relationships between position, velocity, and acceleration in introductory physics courses.
Undergraduate instruction in biochemistry and biomolecular biology — Web as a tool in undergraduate science — Research on vitamin A metabolism
Stephanie Dew Associate Professor of Biology
B.A., Centre College; Ph.D., Vanderbilt University
859-238-5316 stephanie.dew@centre.edu
Long-term research on the proteins and enzymes required for the transport and metabolism of vitamin A, especially in freshwater fish. Role of vitamin A in development. Collaborative research with students - two John C. Young Scholars in four years.
Astrophysical masers — Astronomy
Philip Lockett
Professor of Physics
B.A., Centre College; M.S.E., University of Pennsylvania; Ph.D., University of Kentucky
859-238-5395 lockett@centre.edu
Special interest and expertise in astrophysical masers. Grants and research on the evolution of stars. Articles published in journals including the Astrophysical Journal. Has involved his Centre students in collaborative research.
Analytical chemistry — trace level analysis — Science education and importance of basic research
J. Preston Miles John C. Walkup Professor of Chemistry
B.A., Centre College; Ph.D., University of Kentucky
859-238-5414 preston.miles@centre.edu
An analytical chemist who worked in research and development in private industry before joining the Centre faculty. Deeply committed to collaborative research bringing together students and faculty. Recent research with a Centre student investigating how temperature affects the solubility of a form of carbon molecule known as carbon 60 or C-60 ("fullerenes"). He has developed a number of successful grant proposals on behalf of the sciences at Centre.
Science education at the junior high and high school level — Technology in education
Donna M. Plummer
Associate Professor of Education
B.S., Texas Wesleyan University; M.A., University of Texas; Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
859-238-5308 donna.plummer@centre.edu
Extensive experience teaching science at the junior high, high school and college level. Teaches classes on technology in education, educational psychology and analysis of teaching. Serves as faculty sponsor for the L.I.F.T. program ("Learning Is Fun Together"), in which Centre's education majors teach an evening enrichment program for designated fourth and fifth-grade students. Reviews in School Science and Mathematics and Journal of College Science Teaching.
Biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of plant disease — Long-term research on Fusarium solani, a fungus that attacks soybeans — Undergraduate science education and research
Margaret G. Richey Professor of Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
B.S., M.S., Ph.D., University of Kentucky
859-238-5319 peggy.richey@centre.edu
Expertise on the biochemistry, physiology, and molecular biology of plant disease. Long-term research on a particular fungus that attacks soybean crops (Fusarium solani). An active proponent of student research. Research published in journals including Phytopathology, Journal of Bacteriology, and Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology.
Inorganic chemistry — Liquid crystals — Advisement for pre-medical students
Joe M. Workman
Associate Professor of Chemistry; chief health professions advisor
B.S., Santa Clara University; Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University
859-238-5415 joe.workman@centre.edu
Inorganic chemist with expertise on liquid crystals. Currently investigating a relatively new form of liquid crystal that contains metal ions. Has collaborated with students in research teams each summer since coming to Centre; his former students have won awards including Fulbright Scholarships. Academic advisor to students interested in pre-medical studies. Helped Centre secure a high field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer.
