College of Arts and Sciences

Chemistry Faculty

Michael Marvel
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
mmarvel@aurora.edu
844-5638

Educational Background

• BS, 2003, Connecticut College
• PhD, 2008, Northwestern University

Courses Taught

Outside Experiences and Hobbies
Mike Marvel received his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Northwestern University, where he synthesized new optical materials for use in laser pointers and flat screen televisions. He currently resides in Chicago with his fiancé, Carlie Shane Friedman. They are hoping an English bulldog named George will move in soon. Mike’s research interests include the synthesis of novel fluorinated polyoxometallates that may be used as shape and size-selective catalysts. In his spare time, Mike enjoys playing softball, tennis, basketball, running, eating, and pretty much anything else that involves breaking a sweat.  

Chetna A. Patel
Associate Professor of Chemistry
cpatel@aurora.edu
844-5513

Educational Background

• BS, 1986, University of Illinois at Chicago
• PhD, 1991, University of Illinois at Chicago

Courses Taught

Outside Experiences and Hobbies
Chetna Patel earned her PhD in organic chemistry from University of Illinois at Chicago in 1991. Her postdoctoral research at the University of Notre Dame was on the synthesis of antifungal agents. From 1992-1995, she was employed as a Process Development Scientist at Haarmann and Reimer Corp. (a Bayer Company, in Elkhart, IN), where she was responsible for optimizing the extraction and recovery processes of citric acid. Her work at Haarmann and Reimer resulted in three patents.

Chetna has been teaching at AU since 1996. She is interested in exploring pedagogical methods that can help students apply chemistry concepts to biological sciences. Chetna's family includes her husband, Deepak, and two daughters, Tarika and Ritika. When time permits, she enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.