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Westminster Chemistry Professor to Present Research at Faculty Forum

Posted on Monday, September 12, 2005

Dr. Peter Smith, assistant professor of chemistry at Westminster College,  will present his National Science Foundation research at Faculty Forum Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 11:45 a.m. in the Sebastian Mueller Theater located in the McKelvey Campus Center.

 Smith collaborated with Dr. John F. C. Turner, associate professor of chemistry and director of the Neutron Sciences Consortium at the University of Tennessee, this summer.

 "We were attempting to create the first example of a molecule containing a direct, unsupported bond between two cerium atoms," Smith said.  This is important because cerium belongs to the group of metals known as the lanthanides, which are not known to form these types of compounds."

 Smith and Turner have developed a strong, continuing partnership.

 "We are currently investigating the creation of new molecules containing cerium that might be useful in converting methane, a major component of natural gas, into hydrogen gas and ethane," Smith said.  "Our goal is to develop a system that will convert methane, which is gas, into hydrogen gas and more easily handled liquid hydrocarbons, such as butane or octane.

 "This research enhances my instruction by equipping me with the tools that I need to conduct leading-edge chemical research at Westminster College," Smith continued.  "I will incorporate this research into my courses.  Chemistry is a hands-on science and is only truly learned in the lab.  My students will be conducting research that has the potential to make production of hydrogen gas much more efficient and cost effective.  Hydrogen gas is being highly touted as a replacement for fossil fuels.  When it burns, the only byproduct is water."

Faculty forum, established in 1990, serves as a venue for the exchange of ideas and information among Westminster College faculty.  Speakers present their research, teaching ideas, lectures, performances, special programs, and uses of technology to keep faculty informed about the work of colleagues from many disciplines.

 Smith, who has been with Westminster since 2002, earned his undergraduate and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Tennessee.

 Contact Smith at (724) 946-7299 or e-mail smithet@westminster.edu for more information.

Dr. Peter Smith