Nathanael Hunter joined the Department of Chemistry at Kenyon College in 2025. His research is focused on the synthesis of new redox-active main group element compounds. He is especially interested in the potential applications of these new molecules as catalysts in industrially and pharmaceutically relevant chemical synthesis, as well as their applications as sensors for toxic materials. His work aims to develop more cost-effective methods for well-known chemical processes.

Prior to Kenyon, Hunter was an NSF MPS-ASCEND post-doctoral fellow at Texas A&M University, where he studied antimony- and bismuth-based Lewis acids as non-toxic ion transport promoters in biological systems, and as potent reagents in synthetic chemistry.

Areas of Expertise

Catalysis, Main group chemistry, organometallic chemistry

Education

2022 — Doctor of Philosophy from Ohio State University

2017 — Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University

Courses Recently Taught

This laboratory course accompanies CHEM 121 and 122 with an introduction to modern experimental chemistry. Laboratory experiments explore inorganic synthesis, molecular structure and properties, and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on laboratory safety, computerized data acquisition and analysis, and the theory of analytical instrumentation. The laboratory work is organized around individual and team projects. Communication skills are developed through proper use of a laboratory notebook. One three-hour laboratory is held per week. Corequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. First-years and sophomores only. Offered every fall semester.

This course provides a foundation in the principles of structure, bonding and reactivity in inorganic compounds and materials. We emphasize the physical properties that make these materials useful in functional devices and biological systems. Possible applications include semiconductor devices, solar-energy conversion, battery technology, and photonic devices and sensors. Throughout our explorations, we build models, both metaphorical and mathematical, that guide chemists in the design, use and analysis of materials. Prerequisite: CHEM 122, 124 or 231. Offered every fall semester.

In this laboratory course, students engage in projects that integrate inorganic synthesis, analytical instrumentation, and physical measurement, focusing on coordination complexes. The course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. This counts toward advanced lab elective requirement for the major. Prerequisite: CHEM 234. Not offered every year.

Section 01 (0.25 unit): Students engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The time requirement is at least three hours in lab per week. Students learn to search literature and give professional presentations. This course also provides an introduction to scientific writing. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.\n\nSection 02 (0.5 unit): This section is a prerequisite to CHEM 497 and 498. The time commitment is six to eight hours per week in lab. Students learn to search literature and give professional presentations as well as to write scientifically. More details can be obtained from the department chair. This counts toward advanced lab elective for the major. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.