Development of Surface Modified Electrodes

            Catechol and catecholamines are important neurotransmitters secreted in the brain and control locomotion.  Mental and behavioral disorders such as Schizophrenia, attention deficient disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, eating disorders, epilepsy, amphetamine addiction, cocaine addiction are all associated with altered levels of the neurotransmitters in the brain.  Therefore, a technique for detecting these neurotransmitters could lead to rehabilitation for these common disorders and diseases. 

Research studies of interest involve modification of electrode surfaces utilizing conducting polymers as detectors for neurotransmitters.  Over the years, conducting polymers have been utilized in various ion-selective electrodes and have been ideal because of their chemical recognition function and high chemical stability.  The present interest is to study the development of a novel type of poly crown ether electrode that is capable of selectively determining some 1,2 dihydroxybenzenes (neurotransmitters).

Chemical Education Research/Chemistry Based Modules

Chemistry by Inquiry is a set of laboratory-based modules that provide step-by-step introduction to chemistry and the chemical concepts.  The Chemistry by Inquiry laboratory based modules is being extensively researched and tested in the classroom.  These lab-based modules are being researched and developed:

• To prepare pre-service and inservice K-12 teachers to teach chemistry as a process of inquiry
   
• to help underprepared students succeed in the mainstream chemistry courses that are the gateway to science related careers
   
• to provide liberal arts students with direct experience in the scientific process thus establishing a solid foundation for scientific literacy

Additional Information about Dr. Lunsford:
Presentations
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Department of Chemistry
(937) 775-2855
Department Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
chemistry@wright.edu