Green Chemistry

Green chemistry is a vital part of the mission of the chemistry department to invent new solutions to environmental problems. Many of our faculty are active researchers in green chemistry, and contribute to the College's mission towards environmental stewardship.

Faculty Projects in Green Chemistry:

Akiko Fillinger studies how to generate hydrogen fuel using sunlight and leads the Ithaca College biodiesel program.

Anna Larsen studies how to make "ionic liquids" which have promise as solvents which can be easily reused and recycled.

Mike Haaf studies chemical catalysts to make polylactic acid, a biodegradable plastic from renewable feedstocks

Scott Ulrich is exploring ways to generate biofuels from bacteria

Janet Hunting is synthesizing critical components of fuel cells

The department is committed to helping students learn how to use chemistry to solve real-life problems and put thier skills to use.