Faculty and Staff

Teaching:
Dr. Ondera teaches General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry through student-centered, evidence-based instruction that fosters critical thinking, scientific communication, and meaningful engagement with chemical concepts.

Research Overview:
Dr. Ondera conducts multidisciplinary research in radiochemistry, nanotechnology, and organic and metal-based therapeutics, focusing on targeted radiopharmaceuticals, nano-enabled drug delivery systems, and radioisotope purification to advance precision cancer therapy and imaging.

Ms. Ellis serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Department of Chemistry and Physics, supporting departmental operations, communications, and administrative services for faculty, staff, and students.

Teaching:
Ms. Eley teaches General Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Instrumental Analysis, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical laboratory skills. Her teaching and service excellence have earned multiple SGA Faculty of the Year Awards, the NSLS Excellence in Service Award, and the Alpha Chi Sigma Ronald T. Pflaum Award.

Creative/Scholarly Activities:
 Ms. Eley actively engages in STEM outreach through science fairs, community presentations, the Mississippi Science Festival, and STEM Day programs that inspire and support K–12 students as they explore science and STEM careers.

Teaching:
Dr. Cooper teaches General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemistry Seminar, employing student-centered, evidence-based strategies to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and scientific problem-solving.

Research Overview:
Dr. Cooper conducts research in environmental chemistry and geochemistry, investigating the fate, transport, and remediation of uranium and other contaminants in soil and groundwater by developing advanced sorbent materials and studying contaminant behavior under varying biogeochemical conditions.

Teaching:
Dr. Chatman teaches General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry Seminar, and Chemical Literature, emphasizing quantitative reasoning, scientific communication, and research-based learning.

Research Overview:
Dr. Chatman’s scholarship focuses on chemistry education research, leveraging technology-enhanced learning, data analytics, and quantitative modeling to improve student engagement, achievement, and success in STEM disciplines. Dr. Chatman’s research draws on expertise in mathematical modeling, statistics, and large-scale data analysis.

Teaching:
Dr. Singh teaches Physical Science, General Physics, Modern Physics, Spectroscopy, and Instrumental Analysis, emphasizing fundamental principles, analytical techniques, and hands-on scientific inquiry.

Research Overview:
Dr. Singh conducts interdisciplinary research in functional materials and nanotechnology, developing sustainable sensors, nanomaterials, and advanced imaging platforms for environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, food safety, and biomedical applications.

Teaching:
Dr. Hossain teaches General Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, emphasizing conceptual understanding, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning, and the practical application of chemical principles.

Research Overview:
Dr. Hossain conducts interdisciplinary research in semiconductor nanomaterials, chemical sensing, photocatalysis, and renewable-energy materials, while advancing the field through undergraduate mentoring, peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, conference participation, scholarly peer review, and collaborations across chemistry, materials science, and engineering.

Teaching: Dr. Khan teaches Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, Chemical Research, Inorganic Chemistry, and General Chemistry, emphasizing research-informed, student-centered instruction that links analytical techniques to real-world environmental challenges.

Research Overview: Dr. Khan conducts interdisciplinary research in environmental analytical chemistry, integrating air pollution, atmospheric chemistry, environmental toxicology, and air quality modeling to advance understanding of pollutant impacts and support sustainable environmental management.