معرفی
Ian J. Rhile is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and currently serves as the Department Chair at Albright College. He holds a B.S. from Ursinus College and an M.S. and Ph.D. from Cornell University. His postdoctoral work at the University of Washington preceded his appointment at Albright in 2005.
Dr. Rhile’s research focuses on physical and mechanistic organic chemistry, particularly atomic orbitals and proton-coupled electron transfer. His lab investigates base-appended radical cations and their role in hydrogen abstraction from phenols, exploring how molecular structural variations influence reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. He is also dedicated to improving organic chemistry laboratory education through innovative techniques like parametric equations for orbital visualization.
Dr. Rhile has received notable recognition, including the 2011 Dr. Henry P. and M. Paige Laughlin Annual Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching and the 2013 Albright PRIDE Award. He has contributed to institutional committees such as the Middle States Reaccreditation Steering Committee and chaired the Educational Policy Council and Advisory Committee on Rank and Tenure. His service roles include faculty advisor to the Student Government Association and Pride+, underscoring his commitment to both academic excellence and campus community building.
Dr. Rhile teaches a range of courses, including CHE102 (Science of Food and Cooking), CHE105/106 (General Analytical Chemistry), and CHE411/470 (Advanced Organic Chemistry and Chemical Education). He has also been involved in grant-funded research through the American Chemical Society-Petroleum Research Fund (2009-2012).
His work in the Rhile lab emphasizes experimental and theoretical studies of molecular systems, with a focus on understanding fundamental chemical processes. This aligns with Albright’s mission to provide hands-on research opportunities for students, which he actively fosters through his teaching and mentorship.
