I grew up in a small town (population 470) in eastern Wisconsin, and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with B.S in biochemistry/molecular biology. I earned my Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota where I studied chemical biology.
At BSU, my teaching duties include Medicinal Chemistry, courses that integrate biochemistry and medicine, as well as General and Principles of Chemistry.
My research interests focus on the development of fluorescent imaging agents to detect biological small molecules, such as hydrogen sulfide and reactive oxygen species, that are associated with disease states. Additionally, I am involved in outreach efforts that inspire local youth to pursue future education and careers in the sciences.
I have always lived in the Midwest (where else can a sunny 80 ˚F day be followed by a snowfall?) and enjoy fishing, biking, gardening, knitting, and baking.
Recent Work
Publications:
Harris, S.M.,‡ Peterson, K.L., Bailie,‡M., Tower, C.D., Rundle, B.K., Ricks, T.R., Pierre, V.C. Design and evaluation of an environmental outreach activity for middle school students. ACS Omega, 2020, 5, 25175-25187. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.0c03194
Peterson, K.L., Srivastava, K., Pierre, V.C. Fluorinated paramagnetic complexes: Sensitive and responsive probes for magnetic spectroscopy and imaging. Chem.2018, 6, 160. Invited Review. doi: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00160
Srivastava, K., Weitz, E.A., Peterson, K.L., Marjańska, M. and Pierre, V.C. Fe- and Ln-DOTAm-F12 are effective paramagnetic fluorine contrast agents for MRI in water and blood. Chem. 2017, 56, 1546–1557. doi: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.6b0263
Peterson, K.L., Dang, J.V.*, Weitz, E.A., Lewandowski, C.* and Pierre, V.C. Effect of lanthanide complex structure on cytotoxicity and cell uptake. Chem.2014, 53, 6013 – 6021. doi:10.1021/ic500282n
McGarry, K.A., Hurley, K.R., Volp, K.A., Hill, I., Merritt, B., Peterson, K.L., Rudd, P.A., Erickson, N.C., Seiler, L.A., Gupta, P., Bates, F.S. and Tolman, W.B. Student involvement in improving the culture of safety in academic labs. Chem. Edu. 2013, 90, 1414 – 1417. doi: 10.1021/ed400305e
Peterson, K. L., Margherio, M.J.*, Doan, P.*, Wilke, K.T. and Pierre, V.C. Basis for Sensitive and Selective Time-Delayed Luminescence Detection of Hydroxyl Radical by Lanthanide Complexes. Chem. 2013, 52, 9390 – 9398. doi: 10.1021/ic4009569
Presentations:
Peterson, K.L., Szrot, L. Curriculum-enhancing outreach: Can it increase eighth graders' attitudes toward science?. Poster, National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Virtual, Aug 17-20, 2020, (CHED 1692).
Peterson, K. L., Harris, S. M., Ricks, R.T., Pierre, V.C. Design and evaluation of an environmental outreach activity for middle school students. Fundamentals of Chemistry Outreach Education: From Program Design to Assessment, National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Abstract accepted Jan 17, 2020 (CHED 54). Meeting cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Peterson, K. L., Harris, S. M., Ricks, R.T., Pierre, V.C. Design and evaluation of an environmental outreach activity for middle school students. Sci-Mix, National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Abstract accepted Jan 17, 2020 (CHED 54). Meeting cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Peterson, K.L. Curriculum-enhancing outreach: Can it increase eighth graders' attitudes toward science?. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. Abstract accepted March 31, 2020. Conference terminated due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Peterson, K.L., Stark, A.W,* Dufault, G.M.* Community partnerships in teaching STEM. Minnesota State Board of Trustees Meeting, Bemidji, MN, November 19, 2019.
Harris, S. M., Peterson, K. L., Ricks, R.T., Pierre, V.C. Sparking interest in 6th grade scientists through outreach: Measuring phosphate concentration in local waterways. Gordon Research Conference – Chemical Education and Research Practice, Lewiston, ME, June 18, 2019.
Peterson, K.L. Active lectures featuring "notes with gaps" and live audience polling with Poll Everywhere. There's an App for That, National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Orlando, FL, March 30 – April 4, 2019, (CHED 229).
Peterson, K.L. Required research: Success for all?, Advancing Undergraduate Research in Chemistry: Best Practices for New Frontiers. National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Orlando, FL, March 30 – April 4, 2019, (CHED 1814).
Baker, Z.D.* and Peterson, K.L. Detection of hydrogen sulfide with a coumarin-based fluorescent probe. Undergraduate Research Papers, National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Orlando, FL, March 30 – April 4, 2019, (CHED 255).
Baker, Z.D.,* and Peterson. K.L. Detection of hydrogen sulfide with a coumarin-based fluorescent probe. Minnesota State Undergraduate Scholars Conference, St. Cloud, MN, March 25, 2019. Oral Presentations Second Place Winner.
Peterson, K.L. Active lectures featuring "notes with gaps" and live audience polling with Poll Everywhere, STAR Symposium, Virtual Conference, Feb 8, 2019.
