Maria V. Schiza

Dr. Maria V. Schiza is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Millersville University, part of the College of Science and Technology. She has been with the institution since August 2005 and teaches a wide range of undergraduate chemistry courses, from introductory levels to advanced analytical and forensic chemistry.

Her educational background includes a B.S. in Chemistry from Roosevelt University (1995) and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of South Carolina (2001), followed by postdoctoral research at the same institution focusing on thin film fabrication and optical sensing.

Dr. Schiza's research centers on the development and characterization of nanomaterials for analyte sensing and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants such as organochlorides and organophosphides. She employs the sol-gel process for nanoparticle synthesis and investigates their chemical and physical properties using advanced spectroscopic techniques including Raman, FTIR, fluorescence, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Surface morphology and structural analysis are conducted via TEM, SEM, AFM, and STM.

The publications listed reflect a strong focus on optical and electrochemical sensing, nanomaterials, and spectroscopic instrumentation, with a peak output between 2001 and 2007. Her work bridges analytical chemistry, materials science, and environmental applications, particularly in detection and remediation technologies.

She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Chemical Society (ACS), the Middle Atlantic Association of Liberal Arts Chemistry Teachers (MAALACT), the Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PAS), and the Southeastern Pennsylvania Section of the ACS (SEPSACS).

Dr. Schiza has supervised independent research through Chem 498 and continues to mentor students in laboratory-based inquiry. While no specific grants are mentioned, her research has led to multiple peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Her work contributes significantly to the development of novel sensing platforms and functional materials.

Her laboratory activities involve the synthesis and characterization of functional inorganic nanoparticles and thin films, particularly for sensing applications and environmental photocatalysis. The integration of optical and electrochemical methods suggests a multidisciplinary approach to materials development and analysis.