Vera Kolb, PhD
- Professor - Chemistry Emeritus
- Chemistry Department
- Ph.D., Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 1976
- PHONE: (262) 595-2133
- EMAIL: kolb@UWP.EDU
- https://www.crcpress.com/authors/i6760-vera-kolb
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Organic chemistry lecture
- Organic chemistry lab
- Independent study
- Senior thesis
- Green chemistry
Teaching, Research/Creative & Consulting Interests
Teaching Interests
As a Wisconsin Teaching Scholar (2007-2008), Vera Kolb has studied inductive vs. deductive ways of teaching as applied to organic chemistry synthesis. She has also applied SENCER (Science Education for New Civic Engagements and Responsibilities) teaching approach to astrobiology. Recently, she has completely revised organic teaching laboratories to reflect green chemistry principles. She has also developed green chemistry courses, lecture and lab, for the green chemistry certificate, which is currently offered. She is dedicated to teaching research to students via the independent study and special projects.
Research Interests
1.Organic reaction mechanisms, especially carbanion reactions and electrophilic aromatic nitrations. 2. Prebiotic chemistry: Syntheses under simulated prebiotic conditions. Sugar silicates and their role in prebiotic chemistry. Prebiotic significance of the Maillard reaction. Solventless and solid-state organic reactions as applied to the meteoritic chemistry. Coacervates as prebiotic reactors. Mechanism of the organic reactions in water as applicable to prebiotic chemistry. 3. Green chemistry: Optimization of green reactions. Eco-pharmacology.
Consulting Interests
Green chemistry.
Publications
Selected Publications
2016: Green Organic Chemistry and its Interdisciplinary Applications , CRC/F&T
2015: Oparin’s coacervates as an important milestone in chemical evolution, SPIE (960604, pp.1-5 pp.)
2015: Origins of life: Chemical and philosophical approaches, Evolutionary Biology, (Synthesis Paper), First on Line November 19, 2015, pp. 1-10 (1-10 pp.)
2015: Philosophy of astrobiology: Some recent developments, SPIE (96065, pp. 1-6 pp.)
2015: Prebiotic reactions in superheated water, SPIE (960609D, pp. 1-7 pp.)
2014: Prebiotic Chemistry: In Water and In the Solid State, CRC (199-216 pp.)
2014: Vera M. Kolb, Editor, “Astrobiology: An Evolutionary Approach”, CRC Press/Francis &Taylor, 510 pp. 334 illustrations, ISBN 9781466584617, 2014., CRC
2013: Development of an Algorithm for Life for the Search for Extraterrestrial Life, SPIE (B1-B5 pp.)
2013: Influence of Salts, including Amino Acids, on Rate and Outcome of In-Water Prebiotic Reactions, SPIE (01-06 pp.)
2013: On the Role of Molecular Recognition Principles in Astrobiology, SPIE (1-5 pp.)
2013: Perchlorates are Campatible with Life on Earth - Why not Mars?, SPIE (1-7 pp.)
2012: On the Applicability of Solventless and Solid State Reactions to the Meteoritic Chemistry, International Journal of Astrobiology (43-50, 2012 pp.)
2011: On the Applicability of Solventless and Solid-State Reactions to the Meteoritic Chemistry, International Journal of Astrobiology (43-50, 2011 pp.)
2010: V. M. Kolb, “On the Applicability of the Green Chemistry Principles to Sustainability of Organic Matter on Asteroids”, Sustainability, 2(6), 1624-1631 (2010). , Sustainability (8 pp.)
2007: On the Applicability of the Principle of Quantity-to-Quality Transition to Chemical Evolution that Led to Life, International Journal of Astrobiology, Cambridge University Press, 6(1), 51-57 (2007) (6 pp.)
2007: V. M. Kolb, “On the Applicability of the Aristotelian Principles to the Definition of Life”., International Journal of Astrobiology, 6(1), 51-57 (2007). (6 pp.)
Selected Awards & Honors
Teaching Awards
2013: Recognition of extraordinary dedication and commitment to education in the Southeastern Wisconsin Area , Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Educator Award, Phi Delta Kappa, International, Racine and Kenosha Chapter 1123
2002: Recognition of accomplishments and dedications in education , Southeastern Wisconsin Educators' Hall of Fame , Hall of Fame
Research/Creative Awards
2013: I have received the Phi Delta Kappa Outstanding Educator Award in May, 2013. Phi Delta Kappa is the largest professional association of educators in the world, founded in 1906. My award came from Chapter 1123 (Kenosha-Racine)., Outstanding Educator Award, Phi Delta Kappa
Key Service Activities
Professional Service
2013: Other - NASA
2013: Other - National Geographics
2013: Editor, Journal Editor - Various Journals
UW System Service
: - UW Flexible Degree Option Exploratory Group
Public Service
2014: Member - UW Parkside Symphony and Community Orchestra