Education
Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, 1975
M.S. in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, 1971
B.S. in Chemistry, Drexel University, 1970 (Magna cum Laude)
Philadelphia High School for Girls, 1965
About Pauline
Research Interests
I am conducting research to design and explore novel computational models of chemical
systems. With my primary collaborator, Dr. Carl Barratt and several bright undergraduate
students, I have been devising chemical models based on mathematical paradoxes as
a means of revealing novel molecular mechanisms with applications to chemistry, biology
and chemical engineering. These projects have resulted in several publications and
student presentations; several grant applications are being directed to support our
research.
Our recent studies have addressed an unanswered question in chemistry: How did chemical
systems evolve to give the necessary precursors for life on Earth and, perhaps, elsewhere?
We have found simple chemical systems that generate nonlinear kinetic relationships
where symmetry is broken at defined fixed temperature conditions. Other studies have
highlighted the role of thermal cycling in the replication of dsRNA and have addressed
the emergence of complex metabolic pathways on the early Earth. These studies are
making an important impact on understanding prebiotic chemistry and are providing
the basis for directing experimental approaches to better understand the chemical
evolution of life.
Special Topics
- Computational Chemistry (with Dr. D. Xiao)
- Origins of the Universe and Life (Honors with Dr. M. O’Connor)
- Emerging Infectious Diseases (Honors with Dr. C. Vigue)
University Service and Awards
Recent University Committees
- Faculty Senate, Senator representing Tagliatela College of Engineering - 2012 - present
- Faculty Affairs Committee, Member, 2016 - present
- University of New Haven Honors Committee, Member, 2007 - present
- University Institutional Review Board, Member, - 2003-Current
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chair – 2009-2012
- University Information Technology Advisory Committee, Member and Chair, - 2003-2010
Recent Awards and Honors
- University of New Haven Award for Excellence in Teaching with Technology – May, 2014
- University Research Scholar – 2007 - 2013
- Visiting Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University - 2003 – present
- University of New Haven Award for Excellence in Teaching – May, 2009
- University of New Haven Center for Experiential Education 2009 LEARN Award for Excellence for
- Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research
- National Experiential Education Certification, 2008
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