Timothy G. Strein

Timothy G. Strein is a Professor of Analytical Chemistry at Bucknell University, where he also held a Presidential Professorship from 2014-2017. He earned his B.S. from North Carolina State University in 1988 and his Ph.D. from Penn State University in 1992, working on electrochemistry at microvoltammetric electrodes with Dr. Andrew G. Ewing. Following a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bucknell (1992-1994), he joined the chemistry faculty where he has served as Department Chair (2010-2014), Acting Chair (2006-2007), and Graduate Coordinator (1998-2006, 2015-).

His educational background includes:

• B.S. in Chemistry from North Carolina State University (1988)
• Ph.D. in Chemistry from Penn State University (1992)
• Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellowship at Bucknell University (1992-1994)

Professor Strein's research focuses on bioanalytical chemistry, with particular expertise in capillary electrophoresis (CE), bile salt micelle structure, chiral separations, aqueous NMR spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). His current work (2025) centers on developing rapid, inexpensive methods for chiral separations using CE, investigating the mechanisms that give rise to chiral separations with bile salt micelles by MEKC-CE, and the underlying thermodynamics driving chiral selection. He also conducts collaborative research using NMR to study bile micelle structure and ICP-MS to determine lithium ion concentrations in human blood, correlating endogenous Li levels with neurological health issues.

Analysis of his recent publications (2005-2023) reveals a strong focus on chiral separations using bile salt micelles, with particular emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of chiral recognition. His work spans analytical methodology development, fundamental studies of micellar structure, and applications in bioanalysis. The interdisciplinary nature of his research is evident in publications spanning chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and medical applications.

His scientific recognition includes the Henry Dreyfus Teacher/Scholar Award (TH-98-025). His external funding portfolio demonstrates sustained research support:

• George I. Alden Trust (2025-2030): $150,000 for HPLC instrumentation
• Bucknell-Geisinger Research Initiative (2024-2025): $20,000 for lithium concentration studies
• NSF-ROA Supplement (2021-2022): $29,600 for CE-MS interface development
• NSF-RUI Grant (2018-2021): $211,552 for chiral separation mechanisms
• Multiple previous NSF, NIH, and private foundation grants totaling over $1.5 million

Professor Strein has mentored numerous undergraduate and MS students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, medicine, and government. His teaching encompasses analytical chemistry, chemical equilibria, instrumental analysis, forensic chemistry, and general chemistry. He has served the department in various leadership roles and promotes undergraduate research as a central component of his scholarly activities.