معرفی
Erin M. Kolonko is an Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Siena College in Loudonville, NY, where she has been employed since 2012 (initially as Assistant Professor until 2019). Prior to her position at Siena, she was a Visiting Assistant Professor and Scholar at Franklin & Marshall College (2011-2012) and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2008-2010).
Dr. Kolonko earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and her B.S. in Chemistry from Juniata College.
Dr. Kolonko's research spans two primary areas in biochemistry and organic chemistry. In biochemistry, her lab uses biochemical and chemical techniques to understand enzyme structure and activity, with a focus on methyltransferases that are key in human health and disease. In organic chemistry, her group employs NMR spectroscopy to study the rate and substrate sensitivity of the Steglich esterification reaction, aiming to better understand this widely used reaction in academia and industry. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and chemistry through classroom instruction, laboratory courses, and undergraduate research mentorship.
Dr. Kolonko's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on both biochemical mechanisms and organic synthesis methods. Her work shows a progression from fundamental biochemical investigations of protein complexes and signal transduction to applied organic chemistry research focused on greener synthetic methods, particularly in esterification reactions. This dual focus reflects her commitment to both basic scientific understanding and practical applications.
Dr. Kolonko is dedicated to undergraduate education at Siena College, where she teaches Organic Chemistry I and II as well as Physical Biochemistry Lab for senior Chemistry/Biochemistry majors. She maintains an active undergraduate research program, mentoring students in her laboratory on projects related to her two main research areas. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of discovery and new ways of thinking in science education.
Dr. Kolonko's research group operates within the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Siena College, with facilities in the Morrell Science Center where her office (206 Morrell Science Center) is located. The Kolonko Research Group maintains an active presence with dedicated webpages describing their ongoing projects in both biochemistry and organic chemistry research areas.
