Faculty and Staff
Department Chair
Professor Jeff Bartz teaches Physical Chemistry I and II and Introductory Chemistry I and II. His research group works in the area of chemical dynamics, focusing on the photochemistry of NO-containing molecules. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and the American Physical Society. In his spare time he skis, rides bike, goes to the gym, and is a Cub Scout leader.
Professor Laura Furge's major area of interest is biochemistry with research interests in cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism. She is on the Editorial Board of the journal Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education and is a Member of the following professional organizations: American Chemical Society, American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her personal interest include playing violin, sewing & quilting, and spending time with her family. Laura Furge's page
Professor Truss' professional area of interest is Medicinal Biochemistry. As such, she is interested in the understanding how proteins interact and how those interactions can be exploited in drug design. Currently the main focus in the lab is understanding the mechanisms underlying activity of nitric oxide synthases. In particular her work has been focused on understanding the role that nitric oxide synthase plays in Alzheimer's disease. She is a member of the American Chemical Society and of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She is on the local advisory board of the ACS Women's Commission, a platform she uses to push forth her agenda of equalizing science education for young girls, particularly underrepresented girls from K-12th grades. Her personal interests include black and white photography, watching CSI, going bowling, watching baseball (preferably live), and being at home with her family.
Allison McKenna has a Masters Degree in Biological Sciences from Western Michigan University. She performed research in the area of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry with specific interest in plant defense mechanisms. She started at Kalamazoo College in 2003 and is in charge of the chemistry stockroom, oversees the Chemistry Department TAs, is the Chemical Hygiene Officer, a lab instructor, and an academic advisor. She is married with two children and loves to train for and compete in triathlons.
Tom's duties include maintaining all of the Instrumentation for the Science Division along with setting up Physics Labs. When Tom started at the College in 1987 computers were a rare thing to be found on campus. Now he maintains over 50 machines just used in the Science Division. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his 2 children when they are home from college and spending time outside.
Since September, 2007 Dr. Martha Warpehoski has directed the Biology & Chemistry Center. The Center's aim is to "increase overall achievement of students in the first-year biology and chemistry courses". Dr Warpehoski enjoyed working as a medicinal/organic chemist at Upjohn/Pharmacia/Pfizer for 22 years. She is married and has two grown sons. In her spare time she volunteers at the Kalamazoo County Democratic Party.
Andra Elksnis is the Office Coordinator and is committed to empowering students and staff at the college. She has a Master's Degree in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University and she enjoys art, fly fishing, and old movies. Andra's page