Wendy Brotherton

Wendy Brotherton is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Science and Mathematics at Midway University, where she joined in 2022. She also serves as the Chemical Hygiene Officer for the university, overseeing laboratory safety protocols.

Her research lies at the intersection of organic and bioorganic chemistry, with a focus on the design and application of 1,2,3-triazole-based systems. Her work includes the development of FRET-based biosensors and additive-free copper(II)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (AAC) reactions, contributing to advancements in click chemistry and molecular sensing.

Dr. Brotherton teaches a range of undergraduate courses including Principles of Chemistry, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, and Biochemistry, playing a central role in chemistry education at Midway.

During her postdoctoral fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University, she developed a bichromophoric FRET system using 1,2,3-triazole linkers that activates in viscous environments or upon binding to fluorogen activating proteins (FAPs), enabling environment-sensitive fluorescence signaling.

Her graduate research at Florida State University investigated the chelation ability of the N2 nitrogen in 1,2,3-triazole rings, leading to the discovery of copper(II)-based AAC conditions that do not require exogenous additives, enhancing the practicality and efficiency of click reactions.

She earned her B.A. in Chemistry from Berea College and completed her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Florida State University.

Dr. Brotherton advises undergraduate researchers and contributes to curriculum development and laboratory safety through her role as Chemical Hygiene Officer. While no formal grants are listed, her research program supports hands-on student training in synthetic organic chemistry and biophysical methods.

She is actively involved in building a research program in chemical biology and sensor development at the undergraduate level.