Academic Areas of Expertise:

• Analytical Chemistry

Courses Taught at LVC

CHM 305 Analytical Chemistry

CHM 306 Instrumental Analysis

CHM 307 Quantitative Chemical Analysis Lab

CHM 308 Instrumental Analysis Lab

COE 273NS The Evolution and Science of Global Energy Use

CHM 490 Chemical Sensor and Biosensors (advanced chemistry elective)

Occasionally Taught:

CHM 111 Principles of Chemistry I

CHM 112 Principles of Chemistry II

CHM 113 Introductory Laboratory I

CHM 114 Introductory Laboratory II

CHM 115 Techniques of Chemistry I

CHM 116 Techniques of Chemistry II

Research Topics:

My research is focused on applications of biofuel cells, particularly in energy conversion or sensing devices.

Student and Faculty Research:

The Rasmussen Lab adapts biological and electrochemical systems to solve important problems. Currently, we are working on two projects. The first is a biosensor for earlier diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. This paper-based sensor responds to changes in concentration of two Parkinson’s biomarkers by changing color. The color change is recorded photographically and analyzed with computer software to correlate to biomarker concentration.

The second project is focused on developing an electrochemical method to determine the identity and concentration of chemicals secreted at the roots of food crops. The ultimate goal of the project is to tailor biofuel cells that operate using the chemicals of highest concentration for a specific plant.