Dr. Vaughan's interests and background

Let's see...

My academic background since high school

• 1977, Bachelor of Science in chemistry, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
• 1981, Doctor of Philosophy in organic chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
  (This began at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• 1981-'82, NIH Postdoctoral Fellow

My work career

• 9 years as research chemist, project leader, etc., at several medical diagnostic companies. I have been involved in the creation and development of diagnostic assays used by clinical labs, physician's offices, and the general public. These include tests for
  1. abused drugs (e.g. THC, cocaine, amphetamines),
  2. therapeutic drug monitoring (e.g quinidine),
  3. neurotransmitter levels as tags for various psychiatric conditions (e.g. MHPG, 5-HIAA),
  4. pregnancy,
  5. AIDS,
  6. strep throat, and
  7. new diagnostic technologies.
• Adjunct teaching (Palomar Community College) and high school teaching (as a student teacher and substitute) for a year or so in San Diego.
• One year (barely!) teaching eighth grade. Ugh.
• Now working on my eighteenth year here at BC!

...and things I enjoy doing!

• Computational chemistry and molecular modeling/graphical analysis (you might notice the influence this has on my classes :-)
• Linux, in the form of Debian (Sid). All my work is done in Linux, including all that you see and get here. Playtime (e.g. Freespace, etc.) uses that other OS.
• Hiking and backpacking. The further from the crowds, the better...
• Skiing (when there's snow).
• Sailing!
• Amateur astronomy.
• AYSO refereeing and coaching. This is a great volunteer organization, and it's for the kids. Interested? Get involved!
• Kayaking the Kern river
• Learning to play the 'cello (!).
• Involvement in the Bakersfield Youth Symphony (now a Board member :-)

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Last updated 05/25/2010