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Lori Allen

  • Associate Professor and Department Chair
  • Chemistry Department
  • Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1994
  • PHONE: (262) 595-3420
  • EMAIL: allen@uwp.edu
Lori Allen

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Atomic Spectroscopy
  • Gas and Liquid Chromatography
Originally from Southern Illinois (go Salukis!), I am a first generation college student. My passion for chemistry developed in high school where chemistry gave purpose to math and explained how things work! An undergraduate research project (Donnan dialysis) became a Master's thesis, and paved the way for me to explore the role of aerosols in analytical instrumentation for my Ph. D. My Ph. D. experience opened the doors for a my postdoc at the National Center for Toxicological Research which allowed me to reconsider "chemistry" with "instrumentation". From postdoc to UW-Parkside where I am privileged to allow students to explore and uncover how instruments work and the "hidden" chemistry that occurs within the instrument and on the bench. In closing, Southern Illinois also means go Cardinals!

Teaching Interests

I enjoy teaching beginning chemistry, but in many ways, my real passion is analytical chemistry. For beginning chemistry, I enjoy the conversations that occur when students challenge me to explain concepts in different ways because it pushes me to think and rethink how I present information. Analytical chemistry is supreme because it is the discipline that ensures that the numbers are good. Analytical chemistry and instrumentation is a blend of math, chemistry, and physics.

Research Interests

One area of research involves method development and validation for cannabinoids in plants, extracts, concentrates, foods, and consumer care products. A second area involves methods that speciate elements in natural samples. An example of this is the determination of chromium (III) and chromium (VI) in water and beverages.

Consulting Interests

As part of my involvement with the SCJ Integrated Science Laboratory, I consult with various faculty and area companies on short term projects. This work is mostly carried out by undergraduates who I supervise. Prior to this, I consulted (pro bono) with an NGO in Cambodia on drinking water testing.

Selected Publications

2022: Sorption of acridine orange on non-swelling and swelling clay minerals, Crystals (118 pp.)

CHEM 100 - The World of Chemistry
CHEM 103 - General Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 206 - Quantitative Chemical Analysis
CHEM 299 - Independent Study:
CHEM 306 - Chemical Instrumentation
CHEM 398 - Ind Study: Lit &/or Comp Rsch
CHEM 400 - Instrumental Analysis Lab
CHEM 494 - Internship in Chemistry
CHEM 499 - Independent Study:
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