schoolscolleges2020 hed news


LECTURE SERIES. From left to right: Xavier Ateneo College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr Juliet Dalagan, University of Newcastle's Discipline of Chemistry head Dr Clovia Holdsworth, and XU Chemistry Department chairwoman Dr Analyn Asok. Supplied photo.

The Chemistry Department of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan kicked off their lecture series for this school year with a powerhouse.

Last June 22, Dr Clovia Holdsworth from the University of Newcastle in Australia gave a talk on analytical methods and polymer research.

She discussed different analytical methods employed in the design, synthesis, and characterization of polymers, in particular, Potentiometric Titration, Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMRS).

The study of polymers is an important field of research across many disciplines like biology, engineering, and chemistry. Polymers have many commercial applications such as those of synthetic plastics, thermoplastics, biopolymers, and molecularly imprinted polymer-based sensors (used to measure phosphate concentrations in water treatment facilities), among others. 

Holdsworth, a Filipina, is the head of the Discipline of Chemistry in the Australian university and is currently engaged in researching on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs).

Led by College of Arts and Sciences dean Dr Juliet Dalagana (who is also a chemist), faculty members and students of BS Chemistry attended the said seminar.

This lecture series by the Chem Dept aims to provide students with insights and backgrounds on research and various academic endeavors and to give the faculty an avenue for scientific discussion and collaboration.∎


VISITING PROFESSOR. Dr Clovia Holdsworth from the University of Newcastle gives her lecture to BS Chemistry students. Supplied photo.