Ellen Mitchell

Introductory Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, Advanced Inorganic Laboratory (including inert atmosphere synthesis), and Environmental Chemistry.

I have worked on a wide variety of research projects with students encompassing inorganic, organic, environmental, and analytical chemistry.  However, my main research interests are in organometallic and porphyrin synthesis as well as computational chemistry.  Most recently research in the lab is focused on the synthesis of novel porphyrins and their metal insertion products. 

In 2011-2012, I have the honor of collaborating with Professor Jun Li in the Theoretical and Computation Chemistry Laboratory in the Department of Chemistry of Tsinghua University in Beijing.  I will be performing research using computational methods to model catalytic systems of interest in environmental science.

“Synthesis and Complexation of Novel Porphyrins.”  Lacey L. Starkey and Ellen M. Mitchell, 241st National American Chemical Society Meeting, Anaheim, CA, March 2011; Abstract CHED 687.

“A Study of the Reaction of Tris(2,4-pentanedionato)ruthenium(III) and Myrcene.”  W. Michael Heiston*, Jude C. Clapper, and Ellen M. Mitchell, Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, April 2009.

“Synthesis of a Hydrogenase-Like Diiron Catalyst Model.” Doug Balmer* and Ellen M. Mitchell, Virginia Section of the American Chemical Society Meeting, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, April 2004.

“Interdisciplinary Approaches for Teaching Environmental Chemistry” Ellen M. Mitchell*, Brian Moores*, Leslie Sherman*, and Kevin Bennett*, 36th Annual Meeting of the Middle Atlantic Association of Liberal Arts Chemistry Teachers, Hood College, Frederick MD, October 12, 2002. (invited talk)

“Steps toward Novel Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) Derivatives:  Synthesis of terephthalate esters and bis(hydroxymethyl)benzene Precursors to 1,4-bis(chloromethyl)benzene Monomers.”  Lisa S. Ostberg, Michael A. Grimes*, Joseph M. Crockett, and Ellen M. Mitchell, 221st National American Chemical Society Meeting, San Diego, CA, April 2001; Abstract CHED 280.

“Pulse Oximetrey:  An Application of Crystal Field Theory.” Ellen M. Mitchell, 220th National American Chemistry Society Meeting.  Washington, D.C., August 2000; Abstract CHED 290. ‡ (oral)

"The Effects of Pasteurization on conjugated Linoleic Acid in Cows' Milk," Sarah A. Smith*, Brian Lux, and Ellen M. Mitchell, 217th National American Chemical Society Meeting.  Anaheim, CA, March 1999;
Abstract AGFD 98.‡

"A Chromatographic Analysis of Breed Differences in Retinyl Ester and Beta-Carotene Concentrations of Cows' Milk."  Sarah A. Smith* and Ellen M. Mitchell, 50th Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society.  Research Triangle Park, NC, November 1998; Abstract 39.  (oral)   presented at the 3rd
♦A poster version was CUR Posters on the Hill, Washington, D.C., April 1999.