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John Osambo

Education

Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 2009
Thesis title: "Chemical Sensors Based on Swellable Polymer Microparticles and Molecular Imprinted Polymers"
Advisor: Professor Rudolf W. Seitz
Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE),Egerton University, Kisii College campus, Kisii, Kenya, 1999.
BS. Honors (Chemistry & Mathematics), Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya, 1991

Teaching Experience

Dr. Osambo joined the department in August 2013. Prior to joining University of New Haven, Dr. Osambo was a visiting chemistry instructor at Colby Sawyer College. He has also been an Adjunct Faculty Chemistry instructor in Plymouth State University, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Worcester State University, Northern Essex Community College and also a visiting instructor at College of The Holy Cross.

01/2012-08/13  Visiting Assistant Professor of chemistry: Colby-Sawyer College
Teaching Chemical Principles lectures and labs, preparing course  syllabus, exams, homework, and grading. Advising undergraduate  students.

02/2010- 05/2012   Adjunct Faculty: Plymouth State University
Teaching general chemistry lectures and labs, preparing course  syllabus, exams, homework and grading. Advising undergraduate  students.

 09/2011-12/2011   Adjunct Faculty: Worcester State University
Teaching general chemistry lectures and labs. Preparing course syllabus, exams, homeworks and grading, advising undergraduate students.

09/2010-05/2011   Chemistry Instructor: University of Massachusetts Lowell
Teaching General Chemistry I and II, Preparing syllabus,  exams and grading. Reviewing text book for the course.

01/2009-05/2011,   Chemistry instructor: Northern Essex Community College
Teaching lectures and labs in Introductory Chemistry and  Physiological Chemistry, Preparing course syllabus, exams, and grading.

 08/2008-12/2009,   Lead Teaching Assistant: University of New Hampshire
Coordinating and supervising general chemistry lab and tutoring process. Assigning grading and proctoring responsibilities to teaching assistants.

 08/2007-05/2008, Visiting Instructor: College of The Holy Cross
Teaching General Chemistry and conducting discovery general chemistry labs. Teaching Chemistry and society (none science major) course. Prepared course syllabus for both general chemistry and chemistry and society courses. Prepared and graded homework and exams for both general chemistry and chemistry and society courses

Summer 2007, Instructor for general chemistry II: University of New Hampshire
Reporting to Chemistry department chair.  Prepared the course syllabus.  Prepared, moderated, and administered homework, tests, and examinations.  Supervised teaching assistants for general chemistry labs.  Participated in designing of general chemistry labs.  Overseeing the running of general chemistry labs

Spring 2007, Co-instructor for general chemistry (II) recitation sessions with  Prof. Rudolf Seitz.
Assigned, and evaluated recitation problems.  Taught recitation classes with instructor.  Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemistry, University of New  Hampshire.  Conducting General Chemistry recitation session with faculty member.  Taught general Chemistry labs band tutored general Chemistry.  Graded quizzes, homework and examinations.

2001-2006, Teaching Assistant: University of New Hampshire
Tutoring general chemistry.  Maintained and tested laboratory instruments in readiness for chemistry  experiments.  Designed experimental procedures, identified and rectified technical  problems in general chemistry labs.  Taught general chemistry labs

1992-1999, High School Chemistry Teacher, Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Nairobi Kenya
Taught Chemistry, designed, and graded tests, homework, and  examinations, participated in educational conferences and teacher.  Workshops Counseled and advised students on conduct and career  opportunities.

Dr. Osambo’s graduate research focused on synthesizing functionalized or smart polymer microspheres for both molecular and transition metal ion recognitions. Developing chemical sensors for analysis of glucose, caffeine, and theophylline. 

  • 2006-2007: Research Assistant, University of New Hampshire 
    Supervisor: Professor Rudolf W. Seitz
    Synthesized monomers for preparation of polymer microspheres.  Synthesized and characterized molecular imprinted polymer microspheres (MIP) for analysis of caffeine, theophylline, and glucose.  Experience in analytical spectroscopic techniques.
  • 2001-2006: Graduate Research, University of New Hampshire 
    Advisor: Professor Rudolf W. Seitz
  • 1991-1992: Research Assistant, Muhoroni Sugar Company Ltd. Muhoroni, Kenya
    Separated and purified various brands of spirits by fractional distillation process in industrial scale.
  • Fluorescent Ratiometric Indicators Based on Cu(II)-Induced Changes in Poly(NIPAM) Microparticle Volume. John Osambo1, W. Rudolf Seitz1, Daniel P. Kennedy1,2, Roy P. Planalp1, Aaron M. Jones2, Randy K. Jackson2, and Shawn Burdette3.  
  • Sensors 2013, 13, 1341-1352; doi:10.3390/s130101341
  • 2007-National American Chemical Society, Division of Analytical Chemistry poster presentation, Boston, MA.
  • 1998 - Team Leader of the Year Award, Kenya National Examinations Council, Nairobi, Kenya
  • 1997 - District Level Chemistry Teachers Award, Department of education, Kisii District, Kenya    
  • 1995 - Provincial Science Teachers Award, Department of education, Nyanza Province, Kenya
  • 1994 - Science Project Facilitator Award, Kenya High Schools Science Symposium
  • American Chemical Society (ACS) 
  • New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE)
Related Links Tagliatela College of EngineeringDepartment of Chemistry and Chemical & Biomedical EngineeringB.S. in Chemistry