hUMNs of Chemistry #16
Kyle Bantz
She/her/hers
Associate Professor
Tell us about your journey to the University of Minnesota.
I first came to the U in the fall of 2006 as a chemistry graduate student, worked in Christy Haynes' group, and received my PhD in 2011. After a postdoc, I joined the chemistry department at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) as an assistant professor in 2014. During my time at VMI I realized I really enjoyed teaching and running teaching labs. My partner and I also missed living in the Twin Cities. I came back to the U in the Fall of 2017 as the term assistant professor for analytical chemistry.
What courses do you teach? What can students expect to get out of your course?
I teach introductory analytical chemistry lecture and lab, modern methods of instrumental chemistry lab, general chemistry I and general chemistry II. In all of the courses I teach students work on their critical thinking skills and how errors effect the accuracy and precision of their experiments.
Tell us about an important mentor in your academic life?
I can't choose just one, but the chemistry professors at my undergrad, Cornell College, were amazing. They had high expectations, but were always supportive and kind. They made learning tough topics approachable and were amazing role models. I try to be as good of a professor as they were and are each day.
What do you do outside of the classroom/lab/office for fun?
I enjoy being outdoors as much as possible. I like walking with my spouse and dogs, running with my running group, biking, and cross-country skiing. I read cozy mystery novels and travel during breaks in the academic year.
What’s your favorite piece of chemistry/science pop culture media? Why do you love it?
I still love the cheesy 1980's movie Real Genius. The idea of blowing up a giant jiffy pop popcorn bag with a military grade laser to destroy the evil professor's house is still hilarious.
What was your very first job?
I worked as a fry cook at my undergraduate college's snack cafe. I worked the flat top, fryer, and made milkshakes.
Where is your favorite spot in the Twin Cities?
I love the trailhead @ Theodore Wirth Park. I spend most of my winter skiing there and I love how you can be out in nature and be able to see the city skyline.
Tell us about who makes up your household (including pets).
I live with my husband and two golden retrievers, Pepper(11) and Grey(2).
Arceus Pogany
They/Them/Theirs
Senior Laboratory Technician
Please give a brief description of your role within the UMN Chemistry department.
I work with Patrick Schildt and Laura Kundel in the stockroom to support various teaching labs. Getting/creating materials, cleaning spaces and equipment, helping with safety and more to have successful classes.
Tell us about your journey to the University of Minnesota.
I graduated from Macalester college and found it to be the best time of my life. Working in academia was a career goal, since an environment of learning is exactly what I like the best. I had a couple roles in commercial laboratories before ending up at the East Bank. I hope this is the start of a long career at the U!
Do you have a background in or like chemistry? Tell us about it!
My background is in biology, but that's because it was the most broad science major to pick. I have the problem of liking too many different things to pick just one, so that's why I majored in biology. I've always been interested in organic chemistry, since my father was an avid gardener and he had his compost heap down to a science to ensure the right ratio of nitrogen and carbon to get rich soil for his vegetables.
What professional successes are most important to you?
Improving myself every day. Be it with learning a new skill, mastering an old one, or staying informed about scientific discoveries, I like to feel like I go to bed a better person than when I woke up.
What do you hope to contribute to the chemistry community at the University?
Enthusiasm, accuracy, and a cheerful greeting everyday.
What’s your favorite piece of chemistry/science pop culture media? Why do you love it?
The Magic School Bus. I refused to play with dolls, but Ms. Frizzle was my one exception when mom bought a Ms. Frizzle doll from a Scholastic book fair when I was in elementary school. I loved her so much I almost tore her head off, and mom had to meticulously match the thread color with the fabric and stitch it back together. Someday I'll probably buy the whole series on disc if I can find it.
What was your very first job?
I worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington as a Youth Conservation Corps member. I did all sorts of things, like painting park buildings, catching and banding birds, clearing trails, cutting down invasive species, educating visitors, and wildlife surveys to name just some of the fun things I was able to do. I really loved the job!
What do you do outside of the classroom/lab/office for fun?
I like to go hiking in the state parks with my DSLR camera. I will usually have quite a few pictures of fungus, moss, birds, and interesting tree bark by the time I'm finished.
What non-chemistry interest or activity of yours might surprise department members?
I started foraging for mushrooms a few years ago and it's been very fun! A giant puffball even popped up in the front yard that I was able to harvest for stir fry. It really is just like tofu for cooking.
Where is your favorite spot in the Twin Cities?
Lake of the Isles. Mom and I love to walk, bike, or kayak around it. I keep a keen eye out for the birds, as we've seen kingfishers, egrets, loons, herons, and all sorts of migrating songbirds around it.
Tell us about who makes up your household (including pets).
I live with my mom, Gillian and one-and-a-half year old cat, Matey. I also have numerous houseplants and a bioluminescent dinoflagellate (Pyrocystis fusiformis) colony!
Are there any family or cultural traditions you want to share with our community?
I have native white sage growing in the boulevard that we harvest and put into campfires to make wishes and share gratitude for what we have.
Daneasha Zackery
She/her/hers
Graduate Student, Douglas Group
Tell us about your journey to the University of Minnesota.
One day, as an undergraduate, one of my professors approached me about a great opportunity. She had told me about the Chemnext program hosted by the University of Minnesota. She said if I was interested in graduate school, then I should apply immediately (as the deadline was only two days away). I applied, and luckily, I was chosen to come and experience this community that I have come to appreciate dearly. It was during the Chemnext experience that I realized UofM was somewhere I wanted to be.
Are you involved in any student groups? What inspired you to get involved?
I am a member of NoBCChE. I was inspired to connect with other Black scientists along this journey in higher education to extend my sense of community.
What advice do you have for incoming chemistry students?
This journey is not linear, and will most likely be quite difficult at points, but always remember to celebrate your achievements. No matter how small they may seem in comparison to the overarching goal you have in graduate school, they are the things that will compel you to keep going and keep pursuing your dreams.
Tell us about an important mentor in your academic life?
Dr. Eric Crumpler was my first chemistry professor and mentor. He is the person who made me realize that I could pursue chemistry as a career, and his teaching and mentorship taught me the value of "people first" as a way to approach being a scientist. We hold a social obligation to use our knowledge and findings to better the lives of the whole.
What non-chemistry interest or activity of yours might surprise department members?
I am a big foodie and a snack enthusiast!