David Cleary

David Cleary serves as Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Gonzaga University, teaching comprehensive coursework spanning General Chemistry (Chem 101/L) through advanced specialties including Biophysical Chemistry (Chem 450), Polymer Chemistry (Chem 455), and Photoelectrochemistry (Chem 399). His instructional portfolio encompasses 18 distinct courses emphasizing both foundational principles and cutting-edge applications in chemical sciences.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Michigan, 1986

Professor Cleary's research integrates inorganic materials chemistry with environmental applications. Current work focuses on water quality monitoring in Spokane-area streams through collaboration with Civil Engineering, employing ion chromatography, colorimetric assays, and ICP-MS to quantify nitrate, phosphate, and metal concentrations. Historically, his scholarship centered on layered transition metal phosphorus chalcogenides (M₂P₂X₆), investigating intercalation chemistry, photoelectrolysis, and spectroscopic characterization of materials like Cd₂P₂S₆ and lanthanide thiophosphates.

Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals dual scholarly threads: sustained contributions to inorganic materials design (evident in three textbook editions) alongside growing environmental and educational applications. Recent work examines CO₂ effects on aquatic ecosystems and innovative pedagogical approaches using computational tools, while maintaining rigorous materials characterization expertise.

Scientific Awards:

No awards or fellowships were documented in the source material.

Professor Cleary mentors undergraduates through Directed Research (Chem 390) and senior thesis projects (Chem 498A/B), developing curriculum materials that transform unexpected experimental outcomes into teaching opportunities. His environmental collaboration with Civil Engineering demonstrates applied interdisciplinary science, though specific grant funding remains unreported.

His analytical laboratory supports environmental monitoring initiatives through partnerships with engineering colleagues, utilizing specialized instrumentation to evaluate stream remediation techniques and advance practical water quality assessment methodologies.