Loyd D. Bastin, PhD
- Associate Dean of Sciences
- Coordinator of Undergraduate Research
- Professor
Media Expertise:
- Science & Environment
Affiliated Programs
Education
- PhD, Organic Chemistry (2000)
University of Washington (WA) - BA, Chemistry (1994)
University of Kentucky (KY)
About Me
I have dedicated my academic career to the incorporation of sustainability and research into the undergraduate curriculum. These passions are evident in the merging of my teaching and research interests over the years. I have created a cyclic research program in the design of greener organic reactions and syntheses that involve Widener undergraduate students from the sophomore organic chemistry courses, the senior chemistry capstone course, and my research lab.
I have worked to incorporate sustainability into all of my courses. I led the redesign of the organic chemistry curriculum to incorporate green chemistry into the lecture and laboratory courses. Additionally, I led efforts to have Widener become the first Pennsylvania institution to sign Beyond Benign's Green Chemistry Commitment. Recently, I have leveraged green chemistry and sustainability to engage my students in community and political engagement projects that include the development of white papers on current environmental issues and the presentation of those white papers to local and state representatives.
Research Interests
My research with Widener undergraduate students focuses on the development of greener syntheses of pharmaceuticals. Currently we are working on the greener synthesis of isoxazole and maleimide derivatives. We look to 'green' the synthetic process by reducing waste, using greener reagents, and designing for energy efficiency.
Media Expertise
- Green Chemistry
- Sustainability
- Environmental justice
Publications
· L.D. Bastin, “Political engagement in Organic Chemistry: An advocacy project utilizing green and sustainable chemistry.” Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews 2023, 16 (1) doi: 10.1080/17518253.2023.2185546.
· L.D. Bastin, A. Martin, “Promoting Political and Civic Engagement in a Non-Majors Sustainable Chemistry Course.” Chapter in Integrating Green and Sustainability Principles into Education; L. Bastin, A. Dicks, Eds.; Elsevier, 2019, 141-162.
· L.D. Bastin, M. Nigam, S. Martinus, J.E. Maloney, L.L. Benyack, B. Gainer, “Synthesis of substituted N-phenylmaleimides and use in a Diels-Alder reaction: A green multi-step synthesis for an undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory.” Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews 2019, 12 (2), 127-135, DOI: 10.1080/17518253.2019.1609596.
· L.D. Bastin, K. Gerhart, “A Greener Organic Chemistry Course Involving Student Input and Design.” Chapter 4 in Green Chemistry Experiments in Undergraduate Laboratories; J. Fahey, L.E. Maelia, Eds.; ACS Books, 2016, 55-69.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Alpha Chi Sigma, Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), American Chemical Society (ACS)
Awards
- Widener University, Distinguished University Professor, 2020-2023
- Widener University, Faculty Institutional Leadership Award, 2018
- Cynthia H. Sarnoski Science Faculty Fellow, July 2015–July 2017
- Widener University, College of Arts & Sciences, Faculty Award for Excellence in Research (Science), 2016
- Widener University President's Lecture, February 2015
News
In the Media
- Delco Today
Delaware County to Host 4th Annual Sustainability Conference
Professor Loyd Bastin will present a session at the upcoming Delaware County Sustainability Conference. Bastin will share about how PA House Bill 109 aims to address cumulative pollution impacts in some of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable areas.
- The Chester Spirit
Widener hosted vital environmental conference; Chester students invited to learn
Loyd Bastin, associate dean of science and professor, authored this article about Widener's recent collaboration with Delaware County to host the 3rd annual Delaware County Sustainability Conference on campus. In addition to professional programming, this year's conference featured activities and hands-on experiments for visiting students from Chester High School.
- Beyond Benign
Green Chemistry Student Research Shines at Widener University’s 2023 SURCA Symposium
Alumni Cloë Di Flumeri '23 authored this article covering their experience coming back to Widener for the 2023 SURCA Symposium to share student research focused on green chemistry. The article features Loyd Bastin, associate dean of science, and students John Samohod '25, Adrienne Gordy '24, Anthony Ruggiero '25, Christina McCullough '24, and Ryan Schlosser '25 sharing about their research.
- Delaware County Daily Times
Delco Institute of Science presents speaker on green chemistry
Loyd Bastin, professor of chemistry and associate dean of sciences, will give a presentation at the Delaware County Institute of Science on March 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
- Delaware County Daily Times
Delco Institute of Science offers free lecture on ranked choice voting
Loyd Bastin, associate dean of sciences and professor of chemistry, will give a lecture on Green Chemistry at the Delaware County Institute of Science on March 11.
Noteworthy
- College of Arts & Sciences
Chemistry Faculty Awarded Inaugural Teaching Green Fellowship from the Green Chemistry Institute
Loyd Bastin, associate dean of science and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, has been chosen as the first-ever recipient of the Teaching Green Fellowship by the Green Chemistry Institute at the American Chemical Society. Bastin will be honored at the upcoming 28th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering (GC&E) Conference.
This award recognizes innovation and creativity in the development of curriculum materials with green chemistry and sustainability topics as a focus, and that prepares students for future careers where they can address global challenges.
Throughout his time at Widener, Bastin strives to incorporate political advocacy and activism into his courses, specifically as it pertains to environmental topics. This award will help provide funding for Bastin and students working with him to assist in their work, as well as travel expenses to attend GC&E Conferences.
- College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry Faculty Member Named Distinguished University Professor
Loyd Bastin was named a Distinguished University Professor at the 2020 Faculty Awards event. The designation recognizes faculty of distinction and demonstrates to the broader community that Widener is committed to recognizing excellence in teaching, scholarship and service throughout a faculty member’s career. Bastin’s passion for promoting sustainable practices has led to an active and productive research program in green chemistry, sustainability and education. His recent co-edited book “Integrating Green and Sustainable Chemistry Principles into Education” and numerous invited presentations reflect his reputation as an important scholar. Bastin’s contributions to university leadership include shepherding the chemistry department to environmentally sustainable lab practices, and raising sustainability awareness across campus. As a member of the Vision 2021 GO Team and as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee, Bastin has worked toward implementing rigorous academic practices, clarifying academic policies and developing new programs for student success.
Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/17386/
- College of Arts & Sciences
Loyd Bastin Co-Edits Book on Green and Sustainable Chemistry Principles
Widener Professor and Associate Dean of Sciences Loyd Bastin co-edited a book “Integrating Green and Sustainable Chemistry Principles into Education.” The book, published in July 2019, draws on the knowledge and experience of scientists and educators already working on how to encourage green chemistry integration into their teaching, both within and outside of academia. One of the book chapters on promoting political and civic engagement in a non-major sustainable chemistry course was written by Bastin and Chemistry Department Chair Andrea Martin.
Share Link: https://www.widener.edu/node/11416/