Annalisa Jordan

Post Doctoral Associate, CLI
Specialty: Chemistry
Phone: 507-258-8226
Fax: 507-280-2820
Email: amjordan@umn.edu

Education

Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Iowa, (expected 2009)
B.A. Biochemistry, College of Saint Benedict, St Joseph, MN, 2004

Background

Annalisa (Ani) Jordan received her Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry from the College of Saint Benedict in St. Joseph, MN in 2004. She has since been at the University of Iowa working on her Ph.D. in Chemistry where her dissertation work has focused on the isolation and characterization of fungal natural products in the pursuit of new antifungal agents. While many are driven by chemical research, Ani’s chief passion is found in chemical education and exploring novel ways to improve upon its delivery. Being here at UMR provides Ani with a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to teach chemistry at the undergraduate level.

Teaching

Chemistry and teaching are two passions of mine. For the past 7 years, I have been fortunate enough to exercise these passions at the university level; teaching introductory, organic, and physical chemistry courses for the College of St. Benedict and University of Iowa. I strongly believe the negative stereotypes associated with the sciences can be directly related to how we as educators teach our students. To rid students of these prejudices, I have worked hard to adapt my teaching methods in order to communicate the language of chemistry in an enthusiastic, informative, and integrative manner to students having a variety of interests and learning styles. UMR has provided me with an amazing opportunity to immerse myself in new teaching methods being developed by our faculty and staff for our integrated BSHS curriculum. I am incredibly excited to work with our students to ensure they receive the best education possible to prepare them for their future careers.

Research Interests

My doctoral research has focused on the isolation and identification of natural products produced by fungicolous, mycoparasitic, and endophytic fungi in the search for new antifungal agents. I have identified over 40 natural products; 6 of which are new chemicals. This research is ideal for both the graduate and undergraduate student. Students learn techniques involved in separation; including various techniques in column chromatography and HPLC. NMR and MS techniques are then used to identify isolated fungal natural products. At UMR, students will gain an appreciation for drug discovery and the rigorous processes involved in all aspects of medicine.

Posters and Presentations

Jordan, A.M.; Gloer, J.B.; Wicklow, D.T. Bioactive constituents of Colletotrichum graminicola and their potential roles in anthracnose stalk rot of maize. Poster presentation at the 50^th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Honolulu, HI. (July 2009)

Jordan, A.M.; Gloer, J.B.; Wicklow, D.T. Diterpenoids of the oidiolactone family and other metabolites from a Hawaiian fungicolous fungal isolate. Poster presentation at the 7^th Joint Meeting of AFERP, ASP, GA, PSE and SIF in Athens, Greece. (Aug. 2008)

Jordan, A.M. Bioactive natural products from fungicolous fungi. Seminar presentation for the College of St. Benedict Department of Chemistry Seminar Series. (Oct. 2007)

Jordan, A.M.; Gloer, J.B.; Wicklow, D.T. Three new phomactin analogs from a Hawaiian fungicolous fungal isolate. Poster presentation at the 48^th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy in Portland, ME. (July 2007)

Post-doctoral work

While at UMR, my post-doctoral work is through the Center for Learning Innovation where I will work closely with other chemists to design and develop curriculum while evaluating and implementing new teaching techniques for students in the BSHS program. I will work closely with other post-docs, faculty, and staff to generate integrated course material to engage students in all aspects of the health sciences.