Michelle M. Ivey, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Chemistry

Environmental and Physical Chemistry

Office: SC 117

Phone: 443-334-2415

Email: mivey@stevenson.edu

Education:

B.S. in Chemistry; Harvey Mudd College

M.S. in Physical Chemistry; University of California, Irvine

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry; University of California, Irvine

Research Interests

My research uses ion chromatography to probe research questions of environmental interest, such as analysis of food, fluoride in the environment, and analysis of local water systems. One current project is quantifying nitrate and nitrite in cured meats such as hot dogs, ham, salami, and luncheon meat. Salts of nitrate and nitrite are used in the curing of meat to prevent the growth of microorganisms such as Clostridium botulinum, but these ions can cause toxicity in humans and animals, due to their role in the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. I am looking to expand these techniques to quantify nitrate is naturally found in green leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, and celery.

Another project I am working on is incorporating computational chemistry into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Students working with me help develop the activities before they are implemented in our classes, as well as optimize the activities so that they can be performed in a 3 hour lab period.

Courses Taught

General Chemistry 1 & 2

General Chemistry Lab 1 & 2

Environmental Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics

Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics