Loyd D. Bastin

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 past 11 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 also led the redesign of the organic chemistry curriculum to incorporate green chemistry into the lecture and laboratory courses, and I led efforts to have Widener become the first Pennsylvania institution to sign the Green Chemistry Commitment.

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 derivatives, which serve as building blocks for pharmaceuticals used as anticonvulsants, antiepileptics, and antimicrobials. To 'green' the synthetic process, we aim to reduce waste and to find alternative chemicals to use as reagents to replace those that are corrosive, toxic, volatile, and sometimes carcinogenic.

Publications

  • Bastin, L.D. (2011). Environmentally-friendly organic reagents and products. In A. Dicks, Ed., Green Organic Chemistry in Lecture and Laboratory, Chapter 6. CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL: 165–197.
  • Van Bramer, S.E., & Bastin L.D. (2013). Using a progressive laboratory report to develop student writing skills. Journal of Chemical Education 90(6), 745–750.
  • Belford, R.E., & Bastin, L.D. (2013). ConfChem conference on educating the next generation: Green and sustainable chemistry - An online conference. Journal of Chemical Education 90(4), 508–509.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Alpha Chi Sigma, Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), American Chemical Society (ACS)

Awards

  • Cynthia H. Sarnoski Science Faculty Fellow, July 2015–July 2017
  • Widener University President's Lecture, February 2015

News

In the Media

Noteworthy

  • 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/

  • 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/