Dawn Wiser

Dawn Wiser serves as Associate Professor of Chemistry at Lake Forest College, teaching core courses including General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. Her contact information includes department phone 847-735-5092 and email wiser@lakeforest.edu.

Her academic credentials feature a B.S. from Muskingum College (1988), Ph.D. from Colorado State University (1995), and postdoctoral research at Exxon Chemical Company's Baytown Polymers Center (1995-1997).

Her research program centers on Physical Inorganic Chemistry and Computational Chemistry, specializing in Molecular Mechanics Force Field Development and Olefin Polymerization catalysis. She develops computational models for reaction potential surfaces across the periodic table and applies these to industrial polymerization systems, particularly Ziegler-Natta catalysts. Her educational scholarship integrates molecular modeling with NMR analysis in undergraduate chemistry instruction.

Analysis of her 1990-2007 publications reveals consistent focus on computational methods for inorganic reaction mechanisms, with significant contributions to force field modeling (RFF, APT) and stereocontrol in ansa-metallocene synthesis. The work bridges theoretical chemistry, industrial polymer science, and chemical education innovation.

She maintains active engagement with industry through invited presentations at Chevron-Phillips and ExxonMobil, and academic collaborations with Northwestern University and other institutions. Her patent portfolio demonstrates applied impact in polymer chemistry.

While no formal advising relationships are documented, her research collaborations involve multiple co-authors including Adam R. Dunn, Lucas E. Sweet, and Richard F. Jordan. Her work shows sustained funding through industrial partnerships at ExxonMobil during her postdoctoral and patent development phases.

Her research environment integrates computational laboratories with industry partnerships, focusing on molecular modeling of organometallic catalysts and polymerization mechanisms. The work demonstrates strong connections between academic research and industrial applications in polymer science.