GCC Chemistry Faculty and Staff

Faculty and Staff Information (Fall 2009)

Full-time Faculty - in alphabetical order

(Residential, One-Year-Only, and One-Semester-Only)

Instructor Picture	Name, Contact Information, and Website Link (if available)	Faculty Bios
	Bob Blake Office: PS-118A Phone: 623-845-3647 robert.blake@gcmail.maricopa.edu	I originally became interested in chemistry because of a love in cooking. After working at UPS and Zotos, International for two years to overcome the large financial obstacles to a college education, I obtained my BA in Chemistry from UC San Diego and a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from Caltech. I taught at SMU in Dallas for two years, IUPUI in Indianapolis for 4 years and Texas Tech in Lubbock for 8 years. If the trend continues, I will be teaching at Glendale Community College for 16 years. I am also a licensed massage therapist, bass player and runner. I have a PA, drum kit and lots of guitars and amplifiers in my house. My two vehicles are a bicycle and a Hayabusa.
	Laona Burk Office: PS-117 Phone: 623-845-4679 laona.burk@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	Laona likes to....
	Lisa Diebolt Office: PS-122 Phone: 623-845-3573 lisa.diebolt@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	I’m originally from Omaha, Nebraska, and I moved to Arizona to attend ASU where I received both my BS and PhD in Chemistry. My dissertation work primarily involved the synthesis and investigation of solid state materials. After graduate school, I taught Chemistry courses at both GCC and MCC and eventually became a residential faculty member at GCC in 2000. During my free time, I enjoy shooting billiards and have played in several leagues and tournaments. My other interests include reading, playing cards, listening to music, watching movies, swimming, and playing with my Shih Tzu dog. I am also an avid football and basketball fan.
	Wei-Jen Lee Office: PS-121 Phone: 623-845-3771 wei-jen.lee@gcmail.maricopa.edu	Wei-Jen joins Glendale Community College from ASU and North Seattle Community College. She received a BS in Zoology and an MS in Chemistry from ASU. Wei-Jen is originally from Taiwan and was raised in Arizona. She enjoys running - not for sport but for sanity. She also enjoys sketching in her spare time.
	Debbie Leedy Office: PS-120 Phone: 623-845-4770 debbie.leedy@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	Debbie received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Math, and Secondary Education from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. After graduation, she student taught Chemistry and Math and taught summer school before heading out to sunny Arizona for graduate school at ASU. She received her M.S. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. program in Curriculum and Instruction (focusing on Chemistry Education research). Most of her graduate research involved the development of animations and researching different types of technology as ways to improve teaching and learning. Graduate school was followed by a post-doc position working with a geologist to develop interactive animations and websites. Debbie used to spend her weekends climbing rocks but now trains for and competes in triathlons with the goal to compete in the Arizona Ironman on Nov. 22nd, 2009.
	Jason Serin Office: PS-124 Phone: 623-845-4772 jason.serin@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	After completing a B.S. in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University, I received my Ph.D. in Chemistry from Berkeley. During this time, I had the opportunity to participate and lead research projects in synthetic organic, physical, and polymeric chemistry. Prior to my academic history, I served four years with the Marines as a Military Policeman and Special Reaction Team member. I value family, personal development and existential studies. I also enjoy playing and supporting soccer, weightlifting, and gardening. I currently live in Peoria with my wife, Dr. Amy Serin and my son, Christopher.
	Kim Smith Office: PS-118 Phone: 623-845-4769 kimberly.smith@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	Kim received both her BS in Chemistry and her MS in Chemical Education from Texas Tech University. Following a one year visit to St. Petersburg Russia, she attended Purdue University where she received her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry and Chemical Education. Kim taught and researched at the University of Northern Colorado for two years before deciding she wanted to concentrate more on teaching - and that's how she arrived here at Glendale Community College. Her interests are swimming; reading science fiction; traveling; ballroom, latin, and west coast swing dancing; and her dogs.
	Joe Springer Office: PS-119 Phone: 623-845-3791 joseph.springer@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	I'm originally from Philadelphia and spent much of my youth in the pine barrens and swamps of New Jersey. At Trenton State College I received a B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Physics. While at TSC I did some research on the epoxidation of geraniol, worked as a handyman, and worked in the TSC theater. At Arizona State University, my research in organic chemistry involved the synthesis and photochemistry of molecules that mimic the early stages of photosynthesis. After receiving a Ph.D in Chemistry, I did some research in the synthesis of photoresponsive spyropyrans that change properties upon exposure to UV or visible light. After teaching Organic Chemistry at ASU, I joined the faculty at Glendale Community College. My other interests include backpacking, rock-climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, and exploring Arizona. (And I'm always searching for a good Philly cheesesteak and real pizza.)
	Dr. Staff Office: Stall #3 Phone: 623-845-XXXX	Dr. Staff has attended various schools throughout the world. S/he received a degree in 1922 and started teaching. Given his/her varied background, Dr. Staff has been an integral part of GCC since the campus opened. S/he teaches every course that is not covered by a full-time instructor. Dr. Staff can also teach several classes at the same time in different locations on our campus (much to the dismay of physicists). Dr. Staff does not get much sleep nor does s/he have much time for personal grooming, as is obvious in his/her photo. Nocturnal activities (when s/he isn't teaching) include swinging from trees, listening to the sounds of nature, eating insects, and monkeying around.
	Jason Steward Office: PS-116 Phone: 623-845-3260 jason.steward@gcmail.maricopa.edu Website	Jason joins the Chemistry department after recently earning his Ph.D. from the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University in the Chemical Education Division. His dissertation work focused on working with secondary science teachers and undergraduate students engaged in authentic research experiences. Jason earned a BS in biochemistry from Lee University, although he originally majored in music for several years. Jason looks forward to finally not having to hibernate or shovel snow from his driveway during the winter.
	Christina Clark Office: PS-118A Phone: cclarkchemistry@yahoo.com Website	Originally from San Diego, CA, my chemistry passion began in college where I received my B.Sc. degree from UC San Diego in Biochemistry/Chemistry. I immediately started working for a Pharmaceutical Company in La Jolla as an Organic Process Research and Development Associate. For five years I helped develop medicinal processes that were intended for orphan cancer drug candidates. While working full-time as a process chemist, I also attended graduate school and obtained my Master’s degree in Chemistry through San Diego State University. Great opportunities brought my family to Phoenix where I have been teaching at Glendale Community College as an Adjunct Instructor since 2005. My latest endeavor is training to run my first ½ marathon. My goal is to cross the finish line before the pick-up wagon comes around!

Alumni Department Members

Marie Villarba
Website

Eric Lodge
Website

Carol Rodrigues

Part-time (Adjunct) Faculty

Note that adjunct faculty do not have individual offices but share PS-103.
Messages for adjunct faculty may be left with the Chemistry Department Secretary
at 623-845-3675.

Instructor Picture	Name, Contact Information, and Website Link (if available)	Faculty Bio
	Loree Cantrell-Briggs Phone: 623-845-3675 loree.cantrell-briggs@gcmail.maricopa.edu
	Tiffany Downey Phone:
	Beatriz Estrada Phone: 623-845-3675 irasemanau@yahoo.com	I'm originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico and grew up and Phoenix, AZ. I received a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Chemistry at Northen Arizona University. I am currently teaching at a high school as well as GCC. I enjoy running and reading during my spare time. I love to eat...I am a big fan of posole and fettucine alfredo!
	Dean Gundersen Phone: 623-533-6409 gundeda@cox.net	A graduate of Arizona State University and San Jose State University, with instructional experience as a High School and College, plus industrial experience as a Chemical Engineer, Manager, and Program Manager in Semiconductor Materials, Paper Products and Document Binding, Magnetic Media and Disk Drives, Solid Fuel Rockets, and Medical Devices. Currently retired and involved in Hiking, Woodcarving, Ballroom Dancing, Yoga, and World Travel.
	Marty Mastroianni Office: PS-118A Phone: 623-845-4566	Marty Mastroianni has had a broad range of experience in R&D, technical management, and teaching at both two and four year colleges. At Mechanical Technologies Inc, as President and COO, he raised twenty five million dollars from Detroit Edison and the Dept of Energy to form the fuel cell company Plug Power. Marty was Director of the electrical transmission division of EPRI where he was responsible for generating five million dollars a year revenues for this non-profit organization. Teaching experience includes 4 years of chemistry at Glendale CC, one year of upper level chemistry at Maryville College, and freshman chemistry at the University of Tennessee.
	Fritz Mickadeit Phone: 623-845-3123 fritz.mickadeit@gcmail.maricopa.edu	After high school, I was not ready for college so I served in the United States Marine Corps. I then went to college and received my B.S. in physics from the University of California, San Diego. I worked at Sea World performing acoustic analysis of marine mammals and then for the Naval Research Institute. I earned my Ph. D. in physical chemistry from the University of California, San Diego researching nonlinear optical spectroscopy. I enjoy mystery novels, film noir, and mountain biking.
	Rosy Muftikian, Ph.D. Office: PS-103 Phone: 623-845-3123 rosy.muftikian@gcmail.maricopa.edu	She received her masters in Organometallic chemistry at Cal. State Northridge and received a Ph.D. at U of A in Analytical chemistry studying clean-up of well water containing TCE, PCE and PCBs. She worked at a water treatment plant in California, Circuit board industry in Tempe as an R&D chemist, managed an analytical lab in a small chemical plant in Houston, and taught at San Jacinto College in Houston for three years before coming to GCC.
	Dana Perry Phone:
	Catalina Popisteanu Lab Coordinator Office: PS-142 Phone: 623-845-3658 catalina.popisteanu@gcmail.maricopa.edu
	Renu Singh Phone:
	Robert Strelau Phone: 623-845-3123 robert.strelau@gcmail.maricopa.edu
	Sam Supowit Phone: 623-845-4566 samuel.supowit@gcmail.maricopa.edu
	Jelsa Varughese Phone: 623-845-4566 jelsa.varughese@gcmail.maricopa.edu	I am so excited to continue my teaching career here at GCC. I am originally from India, from where I received my Bachelors & Masters degree in Pure Chemistry. I began my career in 1996, as a Chemistry Teacher at a Fire Engineering College. I spent my early married years in Germany, and later moved to Arizona in 2005. After taking the break from teaching, I am so thankful that I have found my passion at the greatest college. When free, I love to spend time with my little kids and my husband. I also love music, travel, movies.
	Ed Vizzini Phone: 623-845-3123 Ed.vizzini@gcmail.maricopa.edu	I have a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry with a specialty in Crystallography and an MS in Inorganic Chemistry. I taught and was an administrator at two Universities for 35 years before retiring - The University of Pittsburgh and Southern Polytechnic State University in Georgia. I did research on protein and barbiturate structures. While at Pitt I also served as the director of Continuing Medical Education for a six county region for 10 years and developed programs for all members of the health community. Before retiring, I served as Dean of Arts and Sciences and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
	George Wittenberg Professor Emeritus Office: PS-103 Phone: 480-966-7747 docgkw@qwest.net Website	George likes to ....

Chemistry Support Staff

Dawna Kremin Chemistry Department Secretary Office: PS-114 Phone: 623-845-3675 dawna.kremin@gcmail.maricopa.edu	Catalina Popisteanu Chemistry Laboratory Supervisor Office: PS-142 Phone: 623-845-3658 catalina.popisteanu@gcmail.maricopa.edu	Lou Sibulkin Chemistry Laboratory Technician Office: PS-142 Phone: 623-845-3658 louis.sibulkin@gcmail.maricopa.edu
Terry Morris Science Lab Supervisor GCC North Office: Phone: terry.morris@gcmail.maricopa.edu		Zeineh Abdel Rahim Chemistry Laboratory Technician Office: PS-142 Phone: 623-845-3658

Last Updated: 01/12/2010

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