David Stone

My research interests lie in two primary areas: chemical detection and measurement, and chemical education. In the former, I am interested in the development of simple, low-cost sensors and sensor systems for continuous monitoring of important chemical species. In the latter, I am interested in the use of computer technology to aid student learning, and in the connection between high school and university experience as it influences success in first and second year chemistry courses. 

One on-going project involves the development of simple ion-selective electrodes for the continuous monitoring of nitrate and nitrate in aqueous environments. Current work exploits chemically modified semiconducting polymer coatings for the potentiometric and cyclic voltametric simultaneous determination of nitrate and nitrate. 

Educational initiatives include the development of virtual chromatography experiments to supplement higher-level courses in analytical chemistry, and the production of multimedia learning objects covering basic laboratory skills. Finally, a major chemical education research project is being studied in an attempt to identify factors that influence student outcomes and the learning experience in first year undergraduate chemistry courses.