Biographical Sketch
Patricia Heiden received a Bachelors of Science degree in Chemistry from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from The University of Akron. She joined the Department of Chemistry at Michigan Technological University in 1994. She is now a Professor of Chemistry at Michigan Tech, in Houghton, Michigan.
Green Chemistry Teaching Experience
In addition to teaching the concepts of Green Polymer Synthesis and Eco-composites within the context of a regularly taught Polymer Chemistry course, Patricia is also designing a new course in Green Chemistry and Polymer Science that will be dedicated to these issues along with the design of new chemical platforms from biomaterials and, thanks to participation of other faculty, address end-of-life issues and environmental fate.
Green Chemistry Research Summary
Patricia’s research activities involve nanoparticles and nanomaterials of various kinds, but some of these activities directly relate to Green Chemistry issues. Examples of these activities involve design and testing of biocide-containing nanoparticles that function as controlled release devices within the treated wood. These nanoparticles can preserve wood and wood products with less leach of the biocide into the environment. Other research involves use of rice husk, an abundant bio-waste material in much of the world, and studying its ability to be used as reinforcement in biocomposites. Undergraduate researchers are frequently introduced to these concepts with projects such as making and testing of corn husk or rice husk composites.
Contact Information
415 ChemSci
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI 49931
Phone: (906) 487-3452