Jason Bennett, Ph.D.

Experience

• Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, 2006-2008
  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Associate Professor of Chemistry, July 2014 – Present
  Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, Erie, PA

Teaching 

Teaching Specialties

• Analytical Chemistry
• Quantitative and Instrumental Analysis

Teaching Statement

Analytical chemistry is based on the notion that we cannot understand what we cannot measure. No matter what area of science an individual goes into, they will have to make reliable measurements and interpret data in order to fully understand their results. My teaching philosophy is based upon this tenet and I use it to motivate students to go beyond simple memorization and apply their newly found knowledge to every aspect of their science education. My teaching interests involve General Chemistry II (CHEM 112), Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 227), Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 440 & 441). Analytical Chemistry deals with learning how to make analytical measurements, and how our understanding of chemical behavior in a given sample affects these measurements. The Instrumental courses focus on giving students a solid foundation of instrument operation and attempts to remedy a student's "fragile black box" perception of scientific instruments and let them see what is inside an instrument and how different settings impact the analytical measurements. The experiments are designed to encourage a student to be independent and confident in the laboratory.

Research

Research Interests

My research expertise is in the broad area of electrochemistry, specifically electrocatalysts, sensors, and materials. My research involves two main projects. The first is the development of electrochemical sensors to study dissolved gases in biological and environmental media. For example, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) are three gases produced endogenously within the body know as gasotransmitters. These molecules serve several physiological functions and may be involved in several neurological diseases. Electrochemistry is ideal for monitoring these gases in real-time due to its potential for sensitivity, selectivity, and miniaturization. However, due to current material limitations, there is no way of selectively monitoring one gas in the presence of the other two. This is extremely problematic in ascertaining specific roles of each molecule and understanding how they interact with each other. We are currently investigating potential electrocatalytic materials that will selectively oxidize H₂S over both NO and CO.

The second project utilizes a collaboration with Dr. Justik to utilize hypervalent iodine complexes in conjunction with electrochemistry to develop a senor capable of detecting various phenolic compounds. These compounds are important in several industrial processes and are environmentally hazardous. It is important to develop a method that would allow for continuous monitoring from industrial process to confirm that these hazardous chemicals do not enter the environment.

Funded Projects and Grants

• Bennett, J. A. (Principal Investigator), Grant, "RUI: Advancing Electrodeposited Dicyano-ferriprotoporphyrin as an Electrocatalytic Material Capable of Selectively Oxidizing Hydrogen Sulfide Over Interfering Gasotransmitters," National Science Foundation. $243,462. Funded: July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2016.
• Boyer, E. W. (Principal Investigator), Bennett, J. A. (Co-Principal Investigator), Naber, M. D. (Co-Principal Investigator), Grant, "Atmospheric Mercury Deposition in the Great Lakes Region of Pennsylvania," COP: PA Department of Environmental Protection, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. $304,636.00. Funded: July 20, 2012 - September 30, 2013.
• Bennett, J. A. (Principal Investigator), Grant, "Fundamental Investigation of Electrocatalytic Materials to Promote the Preferential Oxidation of H2S over Interfering Gasotransmitters," Research Corporation for Science Advancement, Corporations. $35,000.00. Funded: July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013.
• Bennett, J. A. (Principal Investigator), Grant, "Teaching & Learning with Technology Campus Innovation Grant," Penn State University Education Technology Services, Penn State. Total awarded: $2,000.00. (submitted: June 2012, funded: 2012).
• Boyer, E. W. (Principal Investigator), Bennett, J. A. (Co-Principal Investigator), Naber, M. D. (Co-Principal Investigator), Grant, "Atmospheric Mercury Deposition in the Great Lakes Region of Pennsylvania," COP: PA Department of Environmental Protection, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. $152,318.00. Funded: June 15, 2011 - September 30, 2011.
• Improving Sensor Selectivity Using Electrocatalysts. Bennett, J.A. (principal investigator). Research Incentive Grant Program for Early Career Faculty, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. $2500. November 2008.