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Academics - Chemistry Faculty & Staff

Academics - Chemistry Faculty & Staff

Laura Wysocki

Professor of Chemistry, Edwin J. Peck/David A. Phillips Professorship in Chemistry, Dept Chair

CONTACT:

Hays Science Hall 312
765-361-6262
wysockil@wabash.edu
Curriculum vitae

Picture of Wysocki, Laura

Laura Wysocki began teaching at Wabash College in 2011 and specializes in Organic Chemistry. Dr. Wysocki focuses on the synthesis and study of fluorescent dye derivatives that can be used as sensors or enzyme substrates. She has always been inspired by the interdisciplinary nature of science and enjoys working with undergraduates in her laboratory exploring new ideas. She has recently taught special topics courses in natural product synthesis, the chemistry of the pharmaceutical industry, and dye chemistry.

As a proud Wisconsin native, Dr. Wysocki loves living in the Midwest. When she is not in her laboratory or office, she enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her students and colleagues across campus.  She can usually be found cheering on her favorite sports teams, especially on the football field and basketball court. March Madness is her favorite holiday.

 


EDUCATION

Postdoc at HHMI – Janelia Research Campus, 2008-2011
Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 2008
B. A., magna cum laude, with honors in Chemistry and Integrated Science Program, Northwestern University, 2003


RECENT COURSE OFFERINGS

Chemistry 101 – Survey of Chemistry
Chemistry 221 – Organic Chemistry I
Chemistry 321 – Organic Chemistry II
Chemistry 421 – Special Topics in Organic Chemistry (Modern Reactions in Organic Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, or Dye Chemistry)
Enduring Questions


RECENT PRESENTATIONS

Wysocki, L. M. Learning from Darkness: Tailoring Fluorescent Dyes. Presentation at Janelia Probefest 2018, Ashburn, VA, October 2018.

Wysocki, L. M.; Drury, S. A. M. Encouraging Bridges: Connecting Scientists and the Public in the Classroom, Laboratory, and Beyond. Presentation at the American Chemical Society 255th National Meeting & Exposition, New Orleans, LA, March 2018.

Wysocki, L. M. The Power of Darkness: Contrast in Fluorogenic Dyes. Presentation at the American Chemical Society 252nd National Meeting & Exposition, Philadelphia, PA, August 2016 (invited).

Wysocki, L. M.; Drury, S. A. M.; Novak, W. R. P.; Rush, R. A.; Stucker, K.*; Douglas, A.* Deliberations in Chemistry: Innovating Undergraduate STEM Education. Presentation at the AAC&U Crossing Boundaries: Transforming STEM Education Conference, Seattle, WA, November 2015.

*indicates an undergraduate author


RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Gruber, T. D.; Krishnamurthy, C.; Grimm, J. B.; Tadross, M. R.; Wysocki, L. M.; Gartner, Z. J.; Lavis, L. D. Cell-Specific Chemical Delivery Using a Selective Nitroreductase-Nitroaryl Pair. ACS Chem. Biol. 201813 (10), 2888–2896.

Drury, S. A. M.; Bost, A. G.; Wysocki, L. M.; Ingram, A. L. Encouraging Science Communication through Deliberative Pedagogy: A Study of a Gene Editing Deliberation in a Nonmajors Biology Course. J. Microbiol. Biol. Educ. 201819 (1), accessed online April 2, 2018.

Drury, S. A. M.; Stucker, K.*; Douglas, A.*; Rush, R. A.; Novak, W. R. P.; Wysocki, L. M. Using a Deliberation of Energy Policy as an Educational Tool in a Nonmajors Chemistry Course. J. Chem. Educ. 201693 (11), 1879–1885.

Kitley, W. R.*; Santa Maria, P. J.*; Cloyd, R. A.*; Wysocki, L. M. Synthesis of High Contrast Fluorescein-Diethers for Rapid Bench-Top Sensing of Palladium. Chem. Commun. 201551, 8520–8523.


HONORS AND AWARDS

McLain-McTurnan-Arnold Research Scholar, Wabash College
Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Chemistry–Biology Interface NIH Training Grant
Graduate Research Program for Women Fellowship
McElvain Fellowship
Phi Beta Kappa


PODCAST

Wysocki discusses the joys of the laboratory and her proximity to the Nobel Prize.