Ningfeng (Peter) Zhao
Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Office: Brown Hall 463
Email: ZhaoN@etsu.edu
Phone: (423) 439-4306
Fax: (423) 439-5835
Mail Address: Department of Chemistry
                         P.O. Box 70695
                        Johnson City, TN 37614

Educational Background

Post Doctorate, University of Missouri, University of Nevada, Reno, 2006-2008
Ph.D., Wichita State University, 2005
B.S., University of Science & Technology of China, 2000

Teaching

• Introduction to Chemistry Survey
• General Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory
• Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
• Seminar in Chemistry
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Special topics of Inorganic Chemistry
  

Research

My science/chemical education research focus on K-16 inquiry-based science instruction and professional development. Chemical education, as well as many other science disciplines, has a basic problem that the form of teaching is not optimal for promoting student learning. I have developed interests in inquiry-based chemical/science education. For students, inquiry-based instruction encompasses not only the understanding of scientific concepts and principles, but also the ability to engage in higher-level intellectual activities. For science teachers, it is critical to help them overcome the common constraints of inquiry practice and supports them to develop and implement curriculum that applies the essential features of inquiry, thus to improving both teaching and learning.

 

My inorganic research interest lies in the synthesis and characterization of multi-dentate transition metal complexes, which contribute to the sciences of the new century – material and bioinorganic sciences. Multi-dentate ligands such as polypyrazolylborate, poly(1,2,4-triazolyl)borate, and polythioimidazolylborate are chosen because of their versatility and potential binding capability. Structures, properties, and reactivities of transition metal complexes from the series of ligands can be varied by changing either the center metal ion or the peripheral ligand substituents, leading to the formation of molecular materials with bulky properties, or bioactive molecules that can help understand natural bioinorganic mechanism.

Selected Publications and Presentations:

• Zhao, N.; Witzig, S.; Abell, S.; Adams, J.; Weaver, J.; Schmidt, F.; “Transformative Professinal Development”, J. Col. Sci. Teaching. (in preparation).

• Witzig, S.; Zhao, N.; Schmidt, F.; Adams, J.; Weaver, J.; Abell, S.; “Achievable Inquiry in the College Laboratory: The Mini-journal”, J. Col. Sci. Teaching. (in press).

• Zhao, N. “WileyPLUS with CATALYST”, J. Chem. Educ. 2009, 86, 692.

• Zhao, N.; Van Stipdonk, M. J.; Stern, C.; Eichhorn, D. M.; “Cyanoscorpionates: Synthesis and Crystallographic Characterization of a One-Dimensional Cu(I) Coordination Polymers”, Inorg. Chem. 2008, 47, 5945.

• Zhao, N.; Van Stipdonk, M. J.; Bauer, C.; Campana, C.; Eichhorn, D. M.; “Sandwich Compounds of Cyanotrispyrazolylborates – Complexation-induced Ligand Isomerization”Inorg. Chem. 2007, 46, 8662.

• Zhao, N.; Van Stipdonk, M. J.; Eichhorn, D. M.; “Syntheses and Crystal Structures of 3-tert-butyl-4-cyano pyrazole and its complexes with cobalt(II), manganese(II), and copper(II)” Polyhedron. 2007, 26, 2449.

• Shearer, J. M.; Zhao, N.; “[NiII(BEAAM)](Me4N): A Synthetic Model for NiSOD that Contains Ni in a Mixed Amine/Amide Coordination Environment”, Inorg. Chem. 2006, 45,9637.

• Zhao, N.; Eichhorn, D. M.; “Dichlorobis(3,5-dimethylpyrazole)copper(II)”, Acta. Cryst. 2005,E61, m822.

Last Updated by: Peter Zhao on Oct. 21st, 2009