Barnabas Gikonyo

Director of Introductory Chemistry Labs and Lecturer
ISC 317B
585-245-5490
gikonyo@geneseo.edu
he/him

Barnabas Gikonyo has been a member of the Geneseo faculty since 2008.

Stay happy, you have incredible value.
-Barnabas Gikonyo.

 

Image
Portrait of Barnabas Gikonyo

Fall 2024 Office Hours

Mon 11:30a-12:30p
Thurs 11:00a-12:30p
Fri 12:00p-1:00p
by chance (walk-ins) or by appointment.

Curriculum Vitae

Education

  • Ph.D. (Organic and Materials Chemistry), Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Illinois.

  • B.S. Kenyatta University, Nairobi.

Interests

PhD Work: The syntheses, characterization, functionalization and application of various polymeric materials as "biomaterial bridging surfaces" for the repair of spinal cord injuries.

Current: The functionalization and use of osteoconductive cements for the repair of critical sized bone defects/fractures.

Classes

  • CHEM 119: Introductory Chemistry Lab

    An introduction to the experimental techniques and methodology used to explore matter and chemical reactivity. Experiments include the synthesis and characterization of a compound, identification of unknown substances, an exploration of the gas laws, volumetric and gravimetric analysis, structure and bonding, and acid/base chemistry.

  • CHEM 129: Intro to Lab Research in Chem

    An introduction to research methods used in chemistry laboratories. Topics include utilizing chemical literature, experimental design and iteration, and scientific communication. Students complete a quantitative analysis project utilizing spectroscopic methods and write a technical report describing their work.

  • CHEM 211: Organic Chemistry I

    An introduction to modern organic chemistry using a functional group approach. Topics include structure/reactivity relationships, reaction mechanisms, stereochemistry, and spectroscopy.

  • CHEM 290: Chemistry Research

    This course provides an opportunity for students to engage in an exploratory laboratory research experience with a Chemistry Department faculty member. Research positions are arranged by consultation with the course instructor, faculty mentor, and student. A learning agreement and permission of instructor is required for class registration; use the link in section notes to submit a permission request. May be repeated for credit without exceeding a maximum of 4 credits. This course is graded on an S/U basis and cannot count toward the major.

  • CHEM 490: Advanced Chemistry Research

    An individual, student-led, advanced laboratory research experience with a Chemistry Department faculty member. Working with a faculty mentor, students design, perform, and analyze the results of a laboratory experiment. Students submit a written laboratory report that conforms to American Chemical Society Guidelines and a self-reflection about their experience. A learning agreement and permission of instructor is required for class registration. Use the link in section notes to submit a permission request.