Dr. Dan Sykes
I received my B.S. in the Geological Sciences from the University of Oregon, a Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of Alberta, and held a postdoctoral research appointment in Experimental and Theoretical Igneous Petrology at Caltech. Other positions include Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta teaching a course in Prospecting, Visiting Assistant Professor at Cal State Fullerton teaching Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology and at Edgewood College in Madison, WI teaching Environmental Sciences and Land Use Planning and as the Lab Director for Analytical Chemistry at UW-Madison. In 2001, I came to Penn State to direct the undergraduate analytical and physical chemistry laboratory programs. Since then I have taught a total of 16 different courses – nine of which I created or co-created (CHEM 227, 233, PSU 016 forensics freshman seminar, FRNSC 427W, 475, 485, 532, 801, 831) – and completely revised the curricula in the advanced 400-level capstone analytical courses (423W and 425W). In 2004, I worked closely with Bob Shaler to help found Penn State’s Forensic Science Program. My interests focus on the development of new instrumentation and the modification of existing instrumentation to characterize chemical systems in novel ways, environmental chemistry, and forensic science. In my spare time I enjoy hiking, backpacking, sailing, and soccer and always looking forward to my next visit to either Mt. Adams (WA) or Yoho National Park (BC) – pretty much anywhere in the PNW.
Walker Stradley
I am fourth year chemistry major from Plano, Texas. My interest in chemistry primarily came from high school, where my chemistry teacher was one of the most supportive teachers I have ever had. Once in college, I realized my interest in analytical and environmental chemistry. I joined the Sykes lab in the Fall of 2022, and at that time I started my current project, studying the adsorption of organic pollutants onto the surfaces of microplastics, which has also sparked some interest in polymer chemistry. I was able to work on this project over the summer thanks to the Benkovic Summer Research Award, and will be able to present on my research at the national ACS conference in New Orleans in 2024. After graduation, I plan on continuing my chemistry education, and I am currently applying to PhD programs. In my free time, I enjoy playing games with friends, baking, and reading.
Jake Ehrbaker
I have always loved science from a young age, and discovered a passion for chemistry in high school. At this same time, I took on more responsibility by becoming a pool operator. I was responsible for testing the pool chemistry and balancing it as needed. It was these experiences that led me to pursue a degree in chemistry at Penn State. While I always enjoyed my chemistry classes, I was always most fascinated by analytical chemistry. After taking analytical chemistry, I reached out to learn more and join the Sykes research group in January 2023. In my research experience, I have learned more about electrochemical techniques discussed here. I have also developed an interest in PFAS, which I have been able to explore in other classes such as Environmental Chemistry, Molecular Spectroscopy, and Chromatography and Electrochemistry. I plan to pursue further education in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry in Sweden and am currently applying to master’s programs. In my free time, I love exploring different hobbies and learning various skills. Some of these hobbies include spending time outdoors, language learning, baking, learning piano, drawing, botany, and many more!
Molly Burns
I am a fourth-year chemistry major originally from Potomac, Maryland. I joined the Sykes lab during my second year in Fall 2021 and worked on a project determining antioxidant content in beer. Once the project wrapped up, I started working on the characterization of microplastics using FTIR, which led me to my current project where I am investigating microplastic content in the Susquehanna River. I have been working on this project since May 2022, collecting water and soil samples from four locations along the river for analysis two years in a row. Thanks to the Erickson Discovery Grant and Benkovic Summer Research Award, I have spent the last two summers in State College focusing on my project. I was able to present my initial findings at the national ACS conference in Spring 2023 (Indianapolis, IN), and plan to do so again at the conference in Spring 2024 (New Orleans, LA). Working on this project has made me realize that I want to go into environmental chemistry in the future, as I am very passionate about the topic. Outside of the lab, I like to go on hikes, bake with my roommates, and watch the Big Bang Theory.
Morgan Claypoole
I am a fourth-year chemistry major originally from Kutztown, Pennsylvania and developed my love of chemistry from my classes in high school. I worked as a lab aid for my chemistry teacher, helping to prepare any materials that were needed for the lab classes. In college, I discovered that I particularly enjoy organic and analytical chemistry, which led me to join the Sykes research group in the fall of 2023. Currently, my research involves the use of HPLC columns. After graduating, I aim to continue a path of research or pursue a masters overseas, with an end goal of teaching chemistry. I am passionate in my belief that good chemistry teaching would aid in a better understanding of most sciences and want to work to improve it. Outside of classes, I enjoy cooking/baking, spending time in nature, and crocheting.
Linn Hoole
I am a fourth-year toxicology student originally from Chicago, Illinois. I moved to Pennsylvania in 2010 and have always been passionate about science, especially chemistry and pharmacology. During my sophomore year, I started research on cytotoxicity of cancer drugs and agonists and antagonists of nuclear receptors PPARa and PPARg. I joined the Sykes lab in summer 2023, initially helping Molly with her research on microplastics in the Susquehanna River, but quickly started my own research on microplastics in blood. I hope to present my findings at the national ACS conference in spring 2024 and plan on continuing research on microplastics and environmental toxicology after graduation. When I’m not in the lab, I crochet, write, read sci-fi and horror novels, and look after my betta fish Leviathan.
Amelia Volpe
I am from New York City and went to Bronx Science, a school known for its science program and research. During my time there, I participated in the research program, where I worked at Lehman College on chromium-doped zinc gallate, a NIR persistent luminescent nanoparticle. I attribute my interest in Chemistry to this experience, leading me to pursue a BS in Chemistry. I began my degree with a physical chemistry focus, but eventually learned that I enjoy being in the lab more than theoretical chemistry. I am now following a more analytical focus, with the eventual goal of working in environmental remediation or sustainability. I participated in an REU in Summer 2023 at the City College of New York, investigating photocatalytic nanomotors for renewable hydrogen generation. My research with this lab revolves around the photodegradation of PVC in synthetic seawater and regular water. After graduation, I hope to pursue a MS in sustainability or engineering. Outside of lab, I enjoy running, art museums, and fostering dogs!
Hyeon Bang
I am a first year Chemistry major and Chinese minor from South Korea. I moved to the United States during the summer of 2018, freshmen year of my high school! Spending most of my time in nature, I am passionate about environmental chemistry and entomology. I joined Dr. Sykes lab during the first semester of my first year, since I am highly interested in the research about micro/nano-plastics and their impact on the environment. Currently, I am using Nanoparticles Tracing Analysis (NTA) to observe the degraded plastic distribution in mineral and salt water. As the winter approaches, I love to collect samples of snow from State College and see if there are any microplastics in the snow. In the future, I hope to conduct research on utilizing enzymes found in insects to degrade microplastics. Outside of education, I enjoy writing music, playing instruments, and trying new foods!
Former Group Members