Waynesburg U. professor and 10 students attend Pittcon 2026

Dr. Bradley Davis, associate professor of chemistry, recently attended the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon) in San Antonio with 10 Waynesburg students. Dr. Davis and his students are actively involved in the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP), local societies that help to organize and staff the conference.

Dr. Davis currently serves as the Treasurer of Pittcon. Hailey Crusenberry (pharmaceutical science major), Marah Pegram (forensic chemistry), Riley Ellis (pharmaceutical science), Reagan Mittendorf (forensic science), DaGyn Williams (chemistry), Kalena Mostoller (chemistry), Mya Riggle (forensic chemistry), Macie Kraynak (forensic science), Cami Myers (forensic science) and Ethan Best (chemistry) attended the conference as student aides and helped staff the event.

When not volunteering, students were able to attend the technical program, explore the exposition and take part in professional development opportunities such as short courses and networking sessions. Crusenberry shared her undergraduate research in an oral presentation, while Pegram and Williams presented their work as posters. Crusenberry and Pegram also organized the judging of the Undergraduate Poster Session where various awards were presented.

Hailey Crusenberry presented, "Synthesis of Rufinamide Analogs for Inhibition of Nav Sodium Channels and Epilepsy Treatment." This research was completed during a summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program at the University of Puerto Rico.

Marah Pegram presented research she completed with Mike Cipoletti, assistant professor of forensic science, entitled, "Evaluating chemically dyed hair as forensic evidence via UV-vis microspectrophotometry."

DaGyn Williams presented research conducted during a summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program at Montana State University. The poster was entitled, "Bulk vs Surface Behavior in III-V Semiconductors."

Click here to learn more about outreach and professional development opportunities within the Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science.

Follow the department on Instagram @wu.chemistry.dept.

About Pittcon

Pittcon, a local nonprofit, is focused on science outreach and education. The conference is largely organized and staffed by members of the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) and the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP). The annual meeting is known for its extensive exposition of laboratory equipment and instrumentation in addition to its technical program where research advancements are presented. Proceeds from the annual conference help fund various local, national and international outreach programs.

About Waynesburg U.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University's Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.

Waynesburg University represented at Pittcon 2026

Hailey Crusenberry presented, "Synthesis of Rufinamide Analogs for Inhibition of Nav Sodium Channels and Epilepsy Treatment." This research was completed during a summer REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program at the University of Puerto Rico.