Jennifer E. Mihalick

Jennifer E. Mihalick is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, where she has established herself as a dedicated educator and researcher in physical chemistry and materials science. She serves as Program Co-chair for the 2025 ACS Great Lakes Regional Meeting and has held leadership positions including former Director of the UW System Women & Science Program (now IDEAS Alliance).

Dr. Mihalick's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Stanford University (1991)
• A.B. magna cum laude in chemistry from Princeton University (1985)
• Dreyfus Fellow at Franklin & Marshall College (1991-1993)

Her research spans multiple domains of chemistry with particular focus on the physical and material sciences. Dr. Mihalick has developed significant expertise in sol-gel synthesis of silica composites, investigating their properties through viscometry and spectroscopy. Her thermochemical studies examine weakly bound adducts using isothermal microcalorimetry and computer analysis. In addition to her laboratory research, she has made notable contributions to science education, particularly in developing interdisciplinary approaches that connect chemistry with art, archaeology, and sustainability. Her work in inclusive teaching practices and supporting women in STEM has been widely recognized and published in prominent educational journals.

Dr. Mihalick's scholarly output reveals a clear trajectory from laboratory-based physical chemistry research toward broader educational and social impact. While her early work focused on thermochemistry and metal binding in aqueous solutions, her recent publications emphasize materials chemistry education, inclusive teaching practices, and professional development for women in STEM fields. This evolution reflects her commitment to making chemistry accessible and relevant to diverse student populations while addressing societal challenges through materials science.

Among her professional recognitions:

• Dreyfus Fellow
• Wisconsin Teaching Scholar (2009-2010)

Dr. Mihalick has mentored numerous undergraduate students through research projects, with several appearing as co-authors on her publications. Her commitment to undergraduate research is evident in her long-standing involvement with the Oshkosh Scholar undergraduate research journal, where she served as Faculty Adviser. She has also contributed significantly to institutional initiatives around inclusive excellence in the classroom, participating in learning communities focused on creating more welcoming educational environments for all students.

Her work extends beyond the traditional laboratory setting, incorporating interdisciplinary collaborations with faculty from Biology, Communication, Education, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and Theatre. These partnerships reflect her belief in the power of cross-disciplinary approaches to address complex scientific and educational challenges, particularly in the realm of materials chemistry and its societal implications.