Carole Brown graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.S. in Chemistry (ACS-certified) and a minor in Materials Engineering in 1998. She then headed to sunny Florida where she earned both her M.S. (2004) and Ph.D. (2006) in Inorganic Chemistry from Florida State University. Her research interests involve working with undergraduate researchers to expand the study of metal-doped silica sol-gels and their application to photorefractive materials. She has been teaching general chemistry and inorganic chemistry at NGCSU since she joined the program in 2006. When not in the classroom or lab she enjoys her cats, knitting, and participating in medieval recreation with her husband.

Holly Carpenter graduated with her B.S. as a Chemistry/Biology double major from North Georgia College & State University in 2002. She earned her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Emory University. Her research interests include biomolecular chemistry, biopolymers/materials, and molecular evolution. When she is not in the classroom or in the lab, Holly enjoys running and hiking around the North Georgia Mountains.

Brad Herbert graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Chemistry (minors in math and geology) in 1988 and went directly to work as an analytical chemist for the NutraSweet Company where he worked on sweetener development and patent protection for three years. He completed his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 1995 and accepted a position at NGCSU that same year. His research, done in conjunction with Furman University, has involved the capillary electrophoretic analysis of certain transition metal (TM) complexes that bind strongly to DNA and exhibit the potential to behave as anti-cancer agents when excited by light (i.e photocleavage agents). Brad's personal interests revolve around his family of six, rock and mineral collection, volleyball and other outdoorsy activities.

John Kruger graduated from the University of Wisconsin (Green Bay) with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1989. Simultaneously, he was commissioned as a 2LT in the US Army Chemical Corps. John served on active duty until the summer of 1995. He left the army, got married, and entered Georgia Tech graduate school. Spring 1999, he received a master's degree in Inorganic Chemistry. His thesis topic was synthesizing and characterizing microporous solids primarily using Xray techniques. John joined us at NGCSU in Fall 1999. During 2002, John was mobilized and served his country stationed at Fort Gordon, GA. John, his wife Mary, son James, dog and 3 cats reside in the Canton area and enjoy spending time together.

Mike McGinnis received an ACS-certified B.S. degree in Chemistry from Elizabethtown College in 1992. He attended the University of Tennessee where he obtained his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (1997). His research interests include molecular modeling, microwave assisted alkyl halide reactions and chirality of sodium chlorate and sodium bromate. He is also looking forward to working with the chemistry club who will be providing chemistry outreach demonstrations to our neighboring K-12 schools. Mike spends his free time with his wife and three children.

Dan Thompson graduated from East Texas Baptist College in 1980 with a B.S. in Chemistry and Mathematics. He earned his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (heterocyclic chemistry and conformational analysis) from Oklahoma State University in 1985. He continued his training as a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Michigan (medicinal chemistry). His teaching experience began as visiting professor at Baylor University and continued at Mississippi State University. A desire to be part of a small, but strong, department led him to NGCSU in 1994. His professional interests include working with students, the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds, and chemical instrumentation. He currently serves as the faculty advisor to the Baptist Collegiate Ministries and the Ultimate Frisbee Club. His personal interests include church choir, woodworking, and participating in just about any sport going.

Melissa joined the NGCSU family in May 2005 as Senior Secretary in Alumni Affairs. While at the Alumni Center, Melissa enjoyed working with and getting to know many of our fine Alumni members. She brings many organizational skills to the Chemistry Department as well as a big heart and a good sense of humor. With an A.S. in Education from Young Harris College, Melissa hopes to continue her education here at North Georgia through the TAP program. She enjoys bowling, softball, scrapbooking, being outdoors and spending time with her dog, Rocky.