Study Conducted at AU Warns of Toxic Metals

Dr. Jeff Weidenhamer

Researchers at Ashland University and Occupational Knowledge International tested 42 samples of aluminum cookware made in 10 developing countries and more than one-third pose a lead exposure hazard.  The cookware also released significant levels of aluminum, arsenic and cadmium.

Published in the February 1, 2017 issue of Science of the Total Environment, the study was coauthored by Jeffrey Weidenhamer (Trustees' Distinguished Professor of Chemistry), Meghann Fitzpatrick (Senior Biology major), Alison Biro (Toxicology '15), Peter Kobunski (Biochemistry '15), Michael Hudson (Associate Professor of Geology), Rebecca Corbin (Professor of Chemistry), and Perry Gottesfeld (OK International).  Visit this AU News Center link for more information.

Ashland Biology major graduates as co-valedictorian

Congratulations to December Biology graduate, Alyssa Predota, who was honored as the University's co-valedictorian.  Alyssa also minored in chemistry and mathematics, completed an honors program research thesis with faculty member Dr. Dolly Crawford and was a member of our University's Choose Ohio First STEM scholarship program.  Pictured below is Alyssa giving her address at our December graduation.

Alyssa will be starting a physician assistant program in Fall of 2017 and is still deciding on which program to enter.  In the meantime she will be interning at a regional women's shelter.

Ashland University Receives $650,000 NSF Grant for Scholarships

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Ashland University $650,000 in S-STEM grant funding.  This five-year project will provide scholarship money to create a Science Scholars program for students pursuing a major in biology, chemistry/biochemistry, environmental science, geology, physics, and toxicology.  Check out this article for more details.

AU Biochemist Honored at Sugar Bowl

 

AU biochemistry grad and linebacker Zach Bernhard was honored on the field during halftime of this week's Sugar Bowl at the Superdome in New Orleans for being one of 25 member's on the 2016 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team!  

 While Zach is completing his MBA this spring he is finishing up a research project on the cadmium content of protein drinks.  In October, he presented a poster on this research at the meeting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Boston.  This poster was co-authored by toxicology alumna Megan Kracker ('16) and faculty mentors David Vanata (Dietetics) and Jeff Weidenhamer (Chemistry).

AU Sciences mourn Michael Hudson’s passing

The Ashland University community and Kettering science faculty and students in particular are mourning the unexpected death of Michael Hudson, longtime faculty member in Geology.  Dr. Hudson passed away shortly before Thanksgiving after a brief illness.  Professor Hudson – “Doc” – was a beloved teacher, mentor to dozens of research students, and will be deeply missed by his faculty colleagues.  The Ashland University Collegian recently published an article on Professor Hudson’s legacy and impact here at AU.