Dr. Anna Gudmundsdottir, Chair of Graduate Admissions and Professor of Chemistry at University of Cincinnati (UC) is visiting the Island from October 29 - November 5 on the invitation of Scholarships for USA (Pvt) Limited. The main purpose of Anna's visit is to promote the 2+2 collaboration UC has with The College of Chemical Sciences (CCS) of the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (ICHEMC) paving the way for CCS students to earn a BSc degree from an institution ranked among the top 200 global universities. The two institutes were joined by Priyanthi Dissanayake of Scholarships for USA (Pvt) Ltd (www.scholarshipsforusa.com) in 2008 to help Lankan Chemists to reach global standards.

Dr. Anna Gudmundsdottir

Anna Gudmundsdottir is a physical organic chemist with research interest in reactive intermediates, reaction mechanisms, organic photochemistry, solid state photoreactions and materials science. After earning a BS degree from the University of Iceland, she obtained an MSc. and PhD from the University of British Columbia.

She did her PhD dissertation with Professor J. R. Scheffer, studying asymmetric induction in the solid state. In 1994-95, she was a visiting scientist with Professor P. J. Wagner at the Michigan State University and investigated photo induced radical cleavage reactions. Between 1996 and 1998, she was a NATO postdoctoral fellow with Professor M. S. Platz at The Ohio State University, studying reactive intermediates. In 1998, she joined the faculty at the University of Cincinnati.

She studies reactive intermediates in solution and in the solid state, poly anilines and photo releasable protecting groups for controlling photo release in various applications. She was awarded an NSF CAREER Award (2001-2006) for her research on triplet alkyl nitrites in solution and the solid state.

Better understanding of these intermediates in the solid state is expected to lead to better design of organic crystals for new materials. Possible applications include photolithography, photo affinity labels for biological molecules, and organic magnets.

Anna will deliver the keynote address as the chief guest at the 4th research session of CCS. She will also meet the senior chemistry students of Asian International, Wycherley International and British School to brief them on global opportunities for Chemists in research and industry. She will share her teaching experiences with A/L Chemistry teachers and guide university lecturers of how to enrol for Doctoral studies with assistantships at US universities.

She will also visit the National Institute of Education on the invitation of its Director General Dr. Upali Sedere to share her experiences and exchange experiences with Lankan counterparts. Among the top officials she plans to meet are Secretary Higher Education, Vice Chancellor Colombo and the Public Affairs Officer US Embassy.

Anyone needing further information are requested to contact Dr. K.A.S. Pathiratne Program Coordinator ICHEMC on 2861653/231, 071/4490312