Linda de la Garza, Ph.D.

Valdosta State University

Department of Chemistry

1500 N. Patterson Rd.

Valdosta, GA 31698-0020

(229) 333-5340 (office)

ldelagarza@valdosta.edu

    EDUCATION

    PhD Chemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe AZ
    December 2002

    Thesis: “Porphyrin-Derivatized Nanoparticulate Electrodes in Biomimetic        
    Photoelectrochemical Cells”.

    Adviser: Professor Devens Gust.

    BS Chemistry, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, Mexico
    December 1995

    Thesis: “Synthesis of Polyoxometalates”.

    Adviser: Professor Emeritus Javier Rivas Ramos.

    RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

    2008 Summer    Faculty in the Faculty and Student Research Team Program at
          Argonne National Laboratory.     

    2005- Present  Assistant Professor, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

·   Interdisciplinary research for undergraduates: Electrochemistry and Photochemistry.
 

    2003- 2005  Postdoctoral Appointee, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL

                     Mentor: Dr. Marion C. Thurnauer

·   Developed detection systems for DNA hybridization based on nanoscale charge transfer on TiO₂ photoelectrodes gaining experience in

·  Chemical modification of semiconductor nanoparticles for long-range charge separation.

·  Spectroelectroelectrochemical characterization of surface states.

·  Patented an electron/ion conductive wafer for cofactor regeneration and characterized the electrochemical behavior of the NAD/NADH redox couple in the matrix.

    2000- 2003   Research Assistant, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

                       Adviser: Professor Devens Gust.

·   Patented an enzyme-based photoelectrochemical cell for production of renewable energy. This work involved interdisciplinary research in bio-inorganic materials mimicking photosynthetic processes using analytical, photochemical, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical techniques.

·   Constructed an organically-modified field effect transistor that operated as a pH sensor in collaboration with students and professors from other university departments (Chemical Engineering, Physics and Electrical Engineering).

    1995    Undergraduate Research Assistant, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios

               Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

               Adviser: Professor Emeritus Javier Rivas Ramos.

·   Conducted research in synthesis and characterization of polyoxometalates.

    TEACHING EXPERIENCE

    2005 - Present   Assistant Professor, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA

·   Survey of Chemistry I.

·   Principles of Chemistry I.

·   Principles of Chemistry I Laboratory.

·   Principles of Chemistry II.

·   Principles of Chemistry II Laboratory.

·   Senior Seminar.
·   Special Topics: Photobiology.

    2002- Present     Supervised undergraduate students performing research work.

    1998- 1999         Teaching Assistant, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

    OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

    1996-1997  Customer Service Supervisor, Advanced Chemical Technology
    Mexico

    1995-1996  Quality Assurance Lab Coordinator, Advanced Chemical Technology
    Mexico

    PATENTS / PUBLICATIONS

·   2 patents submitted.

·   18 publications in peer reviewed journals, 1 manuscript in preparation.

·   16 abstracts published.

 
    AWARDS

         ·   DOE/NSF, Argonne National Laboratory Faculty and Student Team Program,
          Summer 2008.

·   Center for Applied Research, College of Arts and Sciences, Valdosta State University, Internal Grants, 2005 & 2007.

·   Honorable Mention for the work “Porphyrin Dyad Sensitizers for Photoelectrochemical Cells”, The Electrochemical Society, 2001 Meeting.

·   Student of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Research Training Program in Biomolecular Nanotechnology (IGERT – National Science Foundation), Arizona State University, 1998-2002.

·   Distinction for Academic Excellency, Nuevo Leon Colleges Federation, 1996.

·   1^st Place Award for the work “Microwave Radiation Catalyzed Reactions”, Mexican Chemical Society, 1995 Student Congress.

    AFFILIATIONS

·   American Chemical Society

                     Secretary of the Southwest Georgia Section (2007 & 2008)

·   The Electrochemical Society

·   Georgia Academy of Sciences

    ACADEMIC / COMMUNITY SERVICE

·   2007 Day of Science, DOE, Faculty participant with 5 undergraduate students, 2007.

·   Participant in outreach activities to expose high school students to science, 2001-Present (GA Science and Engineering Regional Fair, Douglas, GA).

·   Invited participant to national activities on postdoctoral experience: Postdoctoral Appointment: Roles and Opportunities Workshop, National Science Foundation, 2003.

·   President of the Chemistry Students Society, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, 1994-1995.

·   Organizer of the IV Student Chemistry Symposium – Materials Sciences, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, 1994.
 

Prof. de la Garza
Present and Past INSTITUTIONS

Valdosta State University

Arizona State University

Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM or Tec de Monterrey)

Instituto Cultural Tampico (ICT)

Argonne National Laboratory



 

Professional ASSOCIATIONS

American Chemical Society



The Electrochemical Society


Georgia Academy of Sciences

COMMUNITY Service

GA Science and Engineering Fair