Dr. Gerdon received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Hanover College, a small liberal arts college in southern Indiana.  He completed his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Vanderbilt University while working under Dr. David Cliffel and Dr. David Wright on multidisciplinary projects in chemistry, nanotechnology, and immunology.  Dr. Gerdon continued his education with a post-doctoral fellowship at the Institute of Collaborative Biotechnologies at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the lab of Dr. H. Tom Soh with Dr. Alan Heeger.  His work in this mechanical engineering lab focused on the use of microfluidic devices for rapid directed evolution and in biosensing as well as on novel nano-positioning using DNA origami.  Since arriving at Emmanuel College, Dr. Gerdon has taught students introductory and analytical chemistry and has received funding from the National Institute of Health and National Science Foundation.  When not in the classroom or lab, you’ll find Dr. Gerdon running half-marathons, hiking across New England and the country, and playing the saxophone.

Education
2006 Ph.D. – Analytical Chemistry – Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
2002 B.A. – Major with Distinction in Chemistry – Hanover College, Hanover, IN

Positions
2022 – Professor – Emmanuel College, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Boston, MA

2014-2022 – Associate Professor – Emmanuel College, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Boston, MA
2016-2019 – Chair, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Emmanuel College, Boston, MA
2015 – Visiting Scholar – Vanderbilt University, Department of Chemistry, Nashville, TN
2008-2014 – Assistant Professor – Emmanuel College, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Boston, MA
2007-2008 – Post-doctoral Research Associate – University of California, Santa Barbara, H. Tom Soh Lab, Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies, Santa Barbara, CA
2007 – Post-doctoral Research Associate – Vanderbilt University, David Wright Lab, Department of Chemistry, Nashville, TN

Courses Taught

CHEM 1101 – Principles of Chemistry I

CHEM 1102 – Principles of Chemistry II

CHEM 1103 – Chemical Perspectives

CHEM 2104 – Analytical Chemistry

CHEM 2106/2116 – Chemistry of Brewing

CHEM 2114 – Chemistry of Fire and Explosives

CHEM 3108 – Fundamental of Instrumental Analysis

CHEM 3160 – Seminar in Chemistry

CHEM 4194 – Internship in Chemistry

CHEM 4178 – Directed Study

Nanotechnology Talent Identification Program (TIP), Duke University, 2005, 2006
Biomedical Research Institute for HS Students, Emmanuel College, 2010-2014
Middle School Science Lessons – Vanderbilt Students Volunteering for Science (VSVS), Vanderbilt University, 2002-2006

Professional Activities and Service
Member of Societies: American Chemical Society, Materials Research Society

Member, ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry, Education Committee – 2019-

Member, PUNC – Primarily Undergraduate Nanomaterials Cooperative – 2021-

Emmanuel College – Emmanuel Science Seminar Series Coordinator – 2009-2011

Emmanuel College – Science Living Learning Community Coordinator – 2010-2012

Emmanuel College – ecEDGE Faculty Mentor – 2010-2011

Emmanuel College – Health Professions Advisory Committee – 2012-2018

Emmanuel College – Ultimate Frisbee Faculty Advisor – 2013-2019