Associate Professor of Chemistry
A native of the Pacific Northwest, Aaron Van Dyke received his B.S. in Chemistry from Seattle University as a Sullivan Scholar. He went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. Working under Professor Timothy F. Jamison, Dr. Van Dyke developed methods for the synthesis of ladder polyether natural products. He then entered the field of Chemical Biology, training with Professor Anna K. Mapp at the University of Michigan as an American Cancer Society – Michigan Cancer Research Fund postdoctoral fellow.
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Professor Van Dyke began his independent career at Fairfield University in 2013. He was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2019. He has been recognized as Fairfield University's Undergraduate Teacher of the Year, received the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Advising and Mentoring Award and Alpha Sigma Nu's Magis Medal. He serves on the National Selection Committee for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship.
Undergraduates
MATT LITTLE
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Researcher from 2018 – 2022
B.S. in Biology, Class of 2022
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Biography:
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My name is Matthew Little, and I am from Plymouth County, MA. In the Van Dyke lab, I study the biopolymer composition of mononucleated blood cells and the chemical biomakers of social isolation! Prior to joining the group, I studied land use transitions in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest and anxiety-associated behaviors in red wolves. Outside of the lab, I am the captain of Fairfield’s sailing team and enjoy running, practicing languages, and seeing new places!
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MEG RZUCIDLO
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Researcher from 2019 – 2022
B.S. in Chemistry, Class of 2022
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Biography:
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My name is Margaret Rzucidlo and I am from Sutton, MA. I am a chemistry major with a mathematics minor. Working in the lab allows me to explore practical applications of chemistry and exposes me to research methods that I would not see in the classroom. Outside of the lab, I have a pet rabbit and enjoy running and hiking.
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CHRISTINA CARUCCI
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Researcher from 2019 – 2023
B.S. in Biochemistry, Class of 2023
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Biography:
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My name is Christina Carucci and I am from Hilton Head Island, SC. I am a biochemistry major here at Fairfield and I joined the Van Dyke Lab in Fall 2021. In addition to doing research with Professor Van Dyke, I am also an avid member of both the Every Voice Coalition and the Italian Club. After Fairfield, I hope to attend medical school and work with non-profit organizations to provide adequate health care to communities in need.
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JAKE GODWIN
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Researcher from 2020 – 2022
B.S. in Biochemistry, Class of 2022
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Biography:
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My name is Jake Godwin. I'm a biochemistry major and member of Fairfield University's rowing team. I'm currently studying the ability of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to analyze K562 cells. Our hope is to identify unique biomarkers using mass spec.
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