Faculty Profile
Olivia Wilkins
Assistant Professor of Chemistry (2024)
Contact Information
Rector Science - Stuart Hall
717-245-1295
Bio
Dr. Olivia Harper Wilkins is an astrochemist interested in disentangling the evolution of chemical complexity that emerges alongside star and planet formation. In her research, she uses both telescope observations and laboratory experiments. She is especially interested in using isotopologues to study the chemical processes that yield organics in the interstellar medium and solar system small bodies such as comets. Dr. Wilkins is also an artist who uses different creative media to communicate science within the astrochemistry community and for the general public.
Education
- B.S., °µÍø½ûÇø, 2015
- Ph.D., California Institute of Technology, 2021
2026-2027 Academic Year
Fall 2026
CHEM 141 Accelerated General Chem w/Lab
A one-semester introductory course for students who are especially well-prepared for general chemistry, replacing CHEM 131, 132 as a prerequisite for more advanced courses in the major. Topics include atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, acid/base chemistry, solubility, and transition metal chemistry. The laboratory experiments will relate directly to topics covered in lecture, and will include statistical analysis of data, molecular modeling, instrumental methods of analysis, and quantitative analytical and inorganic chemistry. Admittance into this course is based on a placement exam.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week.
CHEM 341 Quantum Chem & Spectroscopy
Examines how the Quantum Theory, and in particular the Schrödinger Equation, makes possible the determination of translational, rotational, and vibrational energies of molecules, and how spectroscopy experimentally determines the energy and hence structure of atoms and molecules.
Three hours classroom per week. Prerequisites: 132 or 141, MATH 171 and PHYS 141 or 131, or permission of the instructor. NOTE: PHYS 141 or 131 may be taken concurrently with CHEM 341.
Spring 2027
CHEM 132 General Chemistry II with Lab
A continuation of Chemistry 131. Topics covered in the second semester will include: kinetics, equilibrium, acids, bases, and buffers, thermodynamics, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry, and transition metal chemistry.
Three hours of classroom and three hours of laboratory per week. Prerequisite: 131.
CHEM 490 Astrochemistry
Astrochemistry is the study of molecules in space, where physical conditions are quite different from those on Earth. In this course, we will explore chemistry laboratories on other planetary bodies, including a moon where it rains methane into hydrocarbon lakes, planets where it rains diamonds, and comets containing some of the most primitive material in the solar system. Then, we will venture into interstellar space to discuss the evolution of chemical complexity alongside star and planet formation, including how prebiotic chemistry is seeded in cold interstellar dust and gas. On our journey through space, we will practice using primary literature, basic proposal writing, and oral presentations.