1994 - 1996 Columbia University Ph.D. (Chemistry)
1989 - 1994 Columbia University M.Ph. (Chemistry)
1985 - 1989 Universidade Federal de Rio de Janeiro M. S. (Chemistry)
1982 - 1985 Universidade Federal de Rio de Janeiro B.S. (Chemical Engineering)

Email: smblack@nsu.edu
Phone: 757-823-8403

Address: Department of Chemistry
Norfolk State University
700 Park Avenue, WSB 224D
Norfolk, VA 23504

 

I currently serve as CMR Educational Hub Director, Research Associate of the Center for Materials Research and Photonics Materials Research, and Associate Professor in Chemistry. My responsibilities involve coordinating CMR undergraduate and graduate student educational experiences, scholarships, and M.S. degrees in Materials Science programs.

I have taught freshmen general chemistry for science majors, junior/senior mathematical methods and logic for the physical sciences, and graduate level computational chemistry courses. I revamped the general chemistry laboratory course to a project-based approach, and included student-developed projects in physical chemistry laboratory.

In recent years my research has focused on the application of computational chemistry in investigations of the structure and properties of materials with promising electronic and photonic properties. I am also active in educational research, as well as mentoring effectiveness to support greater participation of minorities in STEM fields.

The position at Norfolk State University’s Center for Materials Research affords her the opportunity to encourage and nurture underrepresented minority students along the path of scientific career in materials science.