Associate Professor
Analytical Chemistry
Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
B.S., Canisius University
Dr. Szczepankiewicz enjoys uncovering science principles in everyday life. Naturally, science ties together deep theories and powerful equations, but it all begins with personal observations. Rather than explain chemistry as “that’s what atoms do”, he’d rather discuss the peculiar things you noticed about the helium balloons at your birthday party. Dr. Szczepankiewicz conducts research in photocatalysis with broad implications for energy storage and waste upcycling. He also explores science education methods for all levels. This is particularly evident in the middle school Science Camp program, which he founded in 2001 and has administered ever since.
Publications
Canisius Undergraduates in Bold
Dannenhoffer A.; Baker J.; Pantano N.; Stachowski J.; Zemla D.; Swanson W.; Zurek E.; Szczepankiewicz S.; Kozik M. “Dimerization of cobalt-substituted Keggin phosphotungstate, [PW11O39Co(X)]5-, in nonpolar solvents” J. Coord. Chem., 2014 67, 2830.
Sheridan, P.M.; Szczepankiewicz S.H.; Mekelburg, C.R.; Schwabel K.M. “Canisius University Summer Science Camp: Combining Science and Education Experts To Increase Middle School Students’ Interest in Science” J. Chem. Ed., 2011, 88, 876-880.
Mekelburg, C.R.; Szczepankiewicz S.H.; Hellerer M. “Another Look at the Fizz Keeper: A Case-Study Laboratory Exercise for High School Students” J. Chem. Ed., 2010, 87, 705-707.
Szczepankiewicz, S.H.; Moss J.A.; Hoffmann, M.R. “Slow Surface Charge Trapping Kinetics on Irradiated TiO2” J. Phys. Chem. B 2002, 106, 2922-2927.
Szczepankiewicz, S.H; Bieron, J.F.; Kozik, M. “The Golden Penny Demonstration: An explanation of the Old Experiment and the Rational Design of the New and Simpler Demonstration.” J. Chem. Ed. 1995, 72, 386-388.