The following was submitted to the CASE Dean’s March 2026 Newsletter.

The research group of Dr. Greg Tschumper published a paper in the Journal of Physical Chemistry A that introduces a novel way to quantify subtle “internal” attractions in molecules, known as intramolecular hydrogen bonds, that are challenging to isolate. By using a rigid norbornane scaffold to minimize distortion of the molecular framework, they were able to systematically test how strongly different acceptors interact with a proximal OH donor and identify easy-to-track spectroscopic “fingerprints” of these interactions that can help scientists recognize similar effects in more complex molecules. This work advances understanding and more reliable predictions of forces that preferentially stabilize certain molecular shapes — supporting advances in areas like drug discovery, catalysis, and materials design, where small changes in molecular interactions can have big effects.

Field station directors Dr. Robin Verble and Dr. Dave Duvernell led a pilot alumni expedition to monarch butterfly overwintering sites in February 2026. Participants — including 2020 alumna and scientist Lilly Germeroth and Dr. Margret Grebowicz, Weiner Distinguished Professor of the Humanities and Professor of Philosophy — explored the complexities of monarch migration and observed the butterflies in their overwintering habitat outside Mexico City.

The history and political science department was well represented at the 68th Annual Missouri Conference on History. The department sponsored keynote speaker Walter D. Kamphoefner, introduced by Dr. Petra DeWitt, associate professor of history. Three history majors presented research papers: Milo Hathaway, “‘The Mantle of Our Fathers’: The Political and Ideological Evolution of the St. Louis Turnvereine”; Dino Masic, “Eagle Ascendant, Lion Languid: Anglo-German Rivalry at the St. Louis World’s Fair”; and Caden Rector-Current, “Microcosm of the American Tanker: The Life and Death of Lt. George A. Current.”

Faculty members also contributed as panel chairs and moderators. Dr. Andrew Behrendt led the panel “Facing the Facts of Fiction: Working with Imaginative Sources in Historical Inquiry.” DeWitt chaired “From World’s Fair to World War I and Turnvereine: Primary Research in Missouri History.” Dr. Chris Ketcherside chaired the “Stars & Stripes” panel.