Christina Chant Associate Professor of Chemistry
Bio
Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University, 2002 – Chemistry (Biophysical Chemistry)
B.S., SUNY College at Plattsburgh, 1996 – Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry (dual major)
Postdoctoral associate, University of Vermont, 2002-2005 – Structure and function of catalytically-active RNA molecules
TAAP program for alternative licensure in teaching, 2008 – Middle-level science endorsement
Areas of Expertise:
Protein structure and stability, biophysical chemistry, computational protein design, applications of molecular biology in a protein lab, ribozyme folding and function, environmental chemistry, chemistry education in middle grades, chemistry education for non-science majors
Courses I Teach:
General Chemistry I and II
General Chemistry I and II labs
Integrated Chemical Analysis (ICA)
Organic Chemistry I lab
Physical Chemistry I
Physical Chemistry I lab
Biochemistry I lab
Senior Seminar
Research
Grants:
2015
Received SMC Faculty Development Committee grant for research project on the development of an undergraduate laboratory to study changes in fluorescence and NMR of a protein upon DNA binding
2014
Received SMC Junior Faculty Summer Research Grant for the development of an undergraduate biochemistry lab focusing on the enzyme-Induced hyperchromicity of DNA
2013
Received SMC Faculty Development Committee grant for a project on the use of a calmodulin fusion system of the expression and purification of proteins in E. coli
2011
Received SMC Faculty Development Committee grant for developing a protein-based therapeutic for the treatment of prostate cancer
Attended the Ribozyme & RNA Catalysis: International Workshop, Dundee, Scotland, August, 2002
Publications:
The asterisk after a name indicates an SMC student.
Toomey, Christopher G.*, David Weiss*, Alan Chant, Megan Ackerman*, Bethany A. Ahlers, Ying-Wai Lam, Christopher Ricciardi*, Dana Bourne*, and Christina M. Kraemer-Chant, “Development and Applications of a Calmodulin-Based Fusion Protein System for the Expression and Purification of WW and Zinc Finger Modules”, Advances in Biological Chemistry, 2017, 7.02:89-106.
M. Ackerman*, C. Ricciardi*, D. Weiss*, A. Chant and C.M. Kraemer-Chant, “Analyzing Exonuclease-Induced Hyperchromicity by UV Spectroscopy: An Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory Experiment”, Journal of Chemical Education, 2016, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00095.
C.M. Kraemer-Chant and A.L. Schroll, “Analysis of an Alpha Amino Acid by Fourier Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry: Identification and Titration”, Chemical Educator, 2015, 20:285-288.
C.M. Kraemer-Chant, J. Heckman, D. Lambert and J. Burke, “Cobalt(III)hexaammine-dependent photocrosslinks in the hairpin ribozyme,” Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry, 2014, 131:87-98.
A. Thittai, J-M. Yamal, L.M. Mobbs, C.M. Kraemer-Chant et al, “Axial-Shear Strain Elastography for Breast Lesion Classification: Further Results from In Vivo Data,” Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, 2011, 37 (2):189-197.
A. Thittai-Kumar, L.M. Mobbs, C.M. Kraemer-Chant, B.S. Garra and J. Ophir, “Breast tumor classification using axial shear strain elastography: a feasibility study,” Physics in Medicine and Biology, 2008, 53:4809-4823.
R. Righetti, B.S. Garra, L.M. Mobbs, C.M. Kraemer-Chant, J. Ophir and T.A. Krouskop, “The feasibility of using poroelastographic techniques for distinguishing between normal and lymphedematous tissues in vivo,” Physics in Medicine and Biology, 2007, 52:6525-6541.
A. Chant and C.M. Kraemer-Pecore (joint first authors), R. Watkin and G. Kneale, “Attachment of a histidine tag to the minimal zinc finger protein of the Aspergillus nidulans gene regulatory protein AreA causes a conformational change at the DNA binding site,” Protein Expression and Purification, 2004, 39:152-159.
J.A. Knappenberger, C.M. Kraemer-Pecore and J.T.J. Lecomte, “Insertion of the cytochrome b5 heme-binding loop into an SH3 domain. Effects on structure and stability, and clues about the cytochrome’s architecture,” Protein Science, 2004, 13:2899-2908.
C.M. Kraemer-Pecore, J.T.J. Lecomte and J. Desjarlais, “A de novo Redesign of the WW Domain,” Protein Science, 2003, 12:2194-2205.
C.M. Kraemer-Pecore, A.M. Wollacott and J. Desjarlais, “Computational Protein Design,” Current Opinion in Chemical Biology, 2001, 5(6):690-695.
Presentations/Posters of Original Work by Mentored Students:
The asterisk indicates an SMC student. The main presenter is underlined. National and international meetings are in bold italics.
C. Toomey*, D. Weiss*, A. Chant, D. Bourne*, C. Ricciardi* and C.M. Chant, “Development and Applications of a Calmodulin-Based Fusion Protein System for the Expression and Purification of WW and Zinc Finger Modules”, poster to be presented at the 253rd American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Francisco, California, March 2017. It will also be presented at the SMC Academic Symposium, April 2017, and at the Sigma Xi Induction Dinner, April 2017.
M. Ackerman*, C. Ricciardi*, D. Weiss*, A. Chant and C.M. Chant, “Analyzing Exonuclease-Induced Hyperchromicity by UV Spectroscopy – An Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory”, poster presented at the 251st American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Diego, California, March 2016. Poster also presented at the SMC Academic Symposium, April 2016 and the Sigma Xi Induction Dinner, April 2016.
D. Weiss*, A. Chant, D. Bourne*, C. Ricciardi* and C.M. Chant, “Development and Analysis of a Novel Protein Fusion System for Expression and Purification of Proteins”, poster presented at the 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Denver, Colorado, March 2015. Poster also presented at the SMC Academic Symposium, April 2015; the Sigma Xi Induction Dinner, April 2015; and the Dean’s Reception, April 2015.
C. Ricciardi*, D. Weiss*, A. Chant and C.M. Chant, “Analyzing Exonuclease-Induced Hyperchromicity by UV Spectroscopy – An Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory”, poster presented at the 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Denver, Colorado, March 2015. Poster also presented at the SMC Academic Symposium, April 2015 and the Sigma Xi Induction Dinner, April 2015.
D. Bourne*, M. Smith* and C.M. Chant, “Development and Analysis of a Novel Protein Fusion System for the Expression and Purification of Proteins,” poster presented at the 247th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Dallas, Texas, March 2014. Poster also presented at the SMC Academic Symposium, April 2014; the Sigma Xi Induction Dinner, April 2014; and the Dean’s Reception, April 2014.
Presentations/Posters of Original Work by Dr. Chant:
C.M. Chant, “Analyzing Exonuclease-Induced Hyperchromicity by UV Spectroscopy – An Undergraduate Biochemistry Laboratory,” oral presentation abstract accepted for presentation at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE Biochemistry Laboratory Symposium), University of Northern Colorado, Colorado, August 2016.
D.S. Heroux and C.M. Chant, co-presenters, “A Multi-Year Study on Using First-Day Assessments to Determine Math Readiness for General Chemistry,” poster presentation at the 251st American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Diego, California, March 2016.
C.M. Chant, Sigma Xi Vermont Chapter Induction Dinner welcome speech, March 2015.
C.M. Chant and D.S. Heroux, co-presenters, “Using First-Day Assessments to Determine Math Readiness for General Chemistry,” poster presentation at the 249th American Chemical Society national meeting, Denver, Colorado, March 2015.
C.M. Chant, “On the Interface of Inorganic and Biochemistry: Using a Metal Ion Complex to Study Ribozymes”, Larson Science Lecture Series talk, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, September 2014. (Invited speaker)
C.M. Chant and D.S. Heroux, co-presenters, “Perspectives on Assessing Math Readiness for General Chemistry at Three Institutions,” oral presentation at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (Mathematics; Its Role in Teaching and Learning Chemistry, Part II), Grand Rapids, Michigan, August 2014.
C.M. Chant, S. Lamos, and M. Moffett, Graduate School Discussion Forum hosted by the ACS Student Chapter, SMC, December 2013. (Invited speaker)
C.M. Chant, presenter on undergraduate research and education, Tri-Beta Induction Ceremony, SMC, April 2013. (Invited speaker)
C.M. Chant, “Protein-Based Therapeutics for the Treatment and Prevention of Prostate Cancer,” presented at a Chemistry and Physics Department seminar, SMC, November 2012. (Invited speaker)
C.M. Chant, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Protein Structure and Stability Using Protein Design,” sponsored by Northern New York ACS section and SUNY Plattsburgh, Chemistry Department, presented at State University of New York at Plattsburgh, March 2009. (Invited speaker)
C.M. Pecore, J. Heckman and J. Burke, “Probing the Metal Ion Specificity of the Folding and Activity of the Hairpin Ribozyme,” poster presented at the RiboClub Opening Session, Orford, Québec, September 2004.
C.M. Pecore, D. Lambert, J. Heckman and J. Burke, “pH Dependence of Photochemical Crosslinking in the Hairpin Ribozyme Mediated by Cobalt Hexaammine,” poster presented at the Nucleic Acids Gordon Research Conference, Salve Regina, Rhode Island, June 2003 and at the RiboClub Opening Session, Orford, Québec, September 2003.
C.M. Pecore, J. Heckman and J. Burke, “Elucidating the pH Dependence of the Cleavage Kinetics of a Hammerhead Ribozyme Variant,” poster presented at the Johns Hopkins Folding Meeting, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, March 2003.
C.M. Kraemer-Pecore and J. Desjarlais, “Redesigning the WW Domain,” poster presented at the 15th Symposium of the Protein Society, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 2001.
C.M. Kraemer-Pecore and J. Desjarlais, “Redesigning the WW Domain,” poster presented at the Johns Hopkins Folding Meeting, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, March 2001.
C.M. Kraemer-Pecore and J. Desjarlais, “Sequence Diversity and Structural Specificity in Protein Design,” poster presented at the 19th Summer Symposium in Molecular Biology, University Park, Pennsylvania, August 2000.
Awards & Recognition
Conferences and Workshops Attended:
2015 Vermont Genetics Network and VT EPSCoR Grant Writing Workshop, Burlington, VT
2016 251st American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Diego, CA
2015 19th annual AGTC Core Facilities Open House and Talks, UVM, Burlington, VT
2015 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Denver, CO
2014 Vermont Genetics Network and VT EPSCoR Grant Writing Workshop, Burlington, VT
2014 Vermont Genetics Network Annual Retreat, Burlington, VT
2014 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI
2014 Academic Planning and the Financial Health of the College Symposium, Curricular Design and Teaching Personnel Workshops, SMC
2014 247th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Dallas, TX
2013 114th Annual Sigma Xi Assembly of Delegates, meeting held online
2012 First Aid and CPR for the Workplace training session, SMC
2012 Vermont Genetics Network Annual Professional Development Workshop – “Professional Development Towards Promotion and Tenure”, Norwich University, VT
2011 55th Annual Biophysical Society Meeting, Baltimore, MD
2010 Safe Zone/Safe Spaces Train-the-Trainer Workshop, Harrisburg, PA
2010 Grant Writing Workshop, Clarion University, PA
2010 Academic Advising Workshop, Clarion University, PA
2010 Completed online Desire2Learn training course, Clarion University, PA
2009 Pearson’s “Strategies for (Teaching) Success”, California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA
2004 The Dawn of the New Enzymology Kinetics Workshop, Austin, TX
2003 Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Annual Retreat, Ascutney, VT
2002 Ribozyme & RNA Catalysis: International Workshop, Dundee, Scotland
Professional Organizations and Affiliations:
American Chemical Society – treasurer of the Green Mountain Section of the ACS 2016-present
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society (Vermont Chapter) – vice president, 2013-2014; president, 2014-present
Board of Trustees, Vermont Academy of Arts and Sciences (VAAS) – editor of newsletter, 2014-present; treasurer, 2017-present
Biophysical Society
Interview
I love teaching students that chemistry can be challenging and enjoyable, and I enjoy using math to solve chemistry problems.
I believe that a liberal arts education is fundamental to studying chemistry and biochemistry; in order to be a good chemist, you should understand the topics but also have an appreciation for the ethics of scientific research and how best to communicate your knowledge to various audiences.
In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family, exercise, read, sew, and play the viola and piano.
Recent News
Christina Chant, Bret Findley and Shane Lamos of the Saint Michael’s chemistry faculty all attended the 25th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education at the University of Notre Dame at the beginning of the month. Christina gave a talk, Bret gave a talk and presented a poster — talk title “Introducing Problems Involving Environmental Topics to Enhance Learning and Interest in Physical Chemistry” and poster title “Using Thermo-Solvatochromism to Measure the Impact of Temperature on Solvent Stabilization” — and Shane continued his work writing a national organic chemistry exam for the American Chemical Society. The Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE) is a national meeting sponsored by the Division of Chemical Education (DivCHED) of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The Conference is designed for those who teach chemistry at all levels.
(posted January 2019)
Christina Chant, assistant professor of chemistry, reports that a number of Saint Michael’s students — alumni from previous years and one who just graduated – joined with her in publishing a manuscript on a novel protein expression and purification system, in Advances in Biological Chemistry. This research was also presented by Chris Toomey ’17 (with other Saint Michael’s students and Christina listed as co-authors) at the 2017 ACS Conference in San Francisco.
(posted June 2017)
Christina Chant, assistant professor of chemistry, successfully submitted a paper that was accepted to the Journal of Chemical Education. This paper covers the creation of a new biochemistry lab that is being run in Professor Alayne Schroll’s biochemistry course at Saint Michael’s. The paper includes three Saint Michael’s alumni who studied biochemistry as co-authors, and is a collaboration with a UVM faculty member. It also acknowledges several other Saint Michael’s students for their contributions.
(posted November 2016)
Christina Chant, assistant professor of chemistry, presented a poster on the usefulness of first-day assessments to determine math readiness in the general chemistry classroom (co-authored with David Heroux) at the 249th annual national American Chemical Society meeting in Denver, CO in March.
(posted April 2015)
Christina Chant, assistant professor of chemistry, and David Heroux, associate professor of chemistry, co-presented a talk entitled “Perspectives on Assessing Math Readiness for General Chemistry at Three Institutions” at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education held August 3-7 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (posted August 2014)