Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, 1998, University of Pittsburgh
B.S. Chemistry, 1993, Geneva College
Courses Taught
CHM 100 - Introductory Applied Chemistry
CHM 160 - Chemistry in Art
CHM 221 - Organic Chemistry I
CHM 222 - Organic Chemistry II
CHM 232 - Quantitative Analytical Chemistry
CHM 305 - Advanced Organic
CHM 306 - Instrumental Analysis
CHM 310 - Advanced Lab - Organic
CHM 311 - Advanced Lab - Analytical
CHM 412 - Polymer Chemistry
CHM 421 - Current Topics Seminar
SCS 110 - Introduction to Natural Science Lecture and Lab
Publications
M.R. Stephens, C. MGeary, S. G. Weber, “Kinetic analysis of a photosensitive chelator and its complex with Zn(II)”, Photochem. Photobio., 2002, 75(3), 211-220.
S. J. Woltman, M. R. Alward, S. G. Weber, “Rotating Ring-Disk Electrode Study of Copper(II) Complexes of the Model Peptides Triglycine, Tetraglycine, and Pentaglycine”, Analytical Chemistry, 1995, 67(3), 541-551.
M. R. Alward, “Trends in DNA Genotyping”, TrAC, 1997, 16(5), IX.
M. R. Alward, “Trends in Forensic Chemistry”, TrAC, 1996, 15(5), VI.
M. R. Alward, “Why doesn't industry like our graduates?”, TrAC, 1995, 14(6), V.
Presentations
I. MacKenzie (author present), M.R Stephens, “N-phenyliminodiacetic acid with Zn2+: A Computational and Experimental Binding Study,”, 2014 ACS Student Member Symposium, Duquesne University, April 2014.
M.R. Alward (author present), C. M. Driscoll, S. G. Weber, “Kinetic analysis of a photosensitive chelator and its complex with Zn(II)”, ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 1998.
M. R. Alward (presenter), C. M. Driscoll, S. G. Weber. “Optical Control of Metal-Ion Binding”, Paper No. 1081, 1997 Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, Atlanta, GA.
M. R. Alward (invited speaker), L. Funderburk, J. Grosko, D. B. Knowles, M. T. Stauffer, S. G. Weber, “Photochromism: Molecular Switches in Action”, Geneva College, Beaver Falls, PA, December 7, 1995.
M. R. Alward (author present), L. Funderburk, A. D. Hamilton, D. B. Knowles, M. T. Stauffer, E. van Dienst, S. G. Weber, “Optical Control of Ground State Chemistry”, Poster, Gordon Conference on Biosensors, January 1996, Ventura, CA.
Awards & Distinctions Received
National Science Foundation Fellowship, 1994 – 1998
Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award for a graduate student in Analytical Chemistry with an interest in teaching, 1996
Safford Award for Excellence as a Graduate Student Teacher, 1994
Miles Fellowship, 1993 - 1995
Valedictorian, Geneva College, 1993
McCartney Prize for the best work in the field of science, Geneva College, 1993
Dr. Roy M. Adams Chemistry Prize for excellence in undergraduate research in chemistry, Geneva College, 1992
Geneva College Trustee Scholarship for outstanding academic performance, Geneva College, 1992
Paul H. Gilmore Humanities Award for outstanding work in humanities, Geneva College, 1991
General Excellence Award for scholastic achievement, character and conduct, Geneva College, 1991-1992
Charles Marston Lee Award, Geneva College, 1989-1993
The Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Analytical College Chemistry Award, Geneva College, 1993
Affiliations, e.g., membership in professional organizations, etc.
The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon®). Member of the organizing committee since 2001. Served as Exposition Chair (2017), Housing and Transportation Chair (2015), Science Week Chair (2013), Publicity Chair (2011), Registration Chair (2009), Program Chair (2007), Employment Chair (2005), Audio-Visual Chair (2003). Will serve as Exposition Treasurer in 2019.
Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh. Member since 1994. Served on a variety of Science Outreach committees as well as Chair of the Scholarships and Grants Committee (2006-07 and 2015-16) and Chair of the Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award (2007-08). Served as Secretary in 2012-13 and Treasurer in 2013-14 and Chair-elect in 2015-16 and Chair in 2016-17.
Miscellaneous, e.g., hobbies, sports, personal info, etc.
Married, mother of four boys
Hobbies include walking, reading, racquetball and scrapbooking