Dr. Ken Mantei
Professor
Ken Mantei gained a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Indiana University in
1967. He minored in physics and analytical chemistry. His interest in computational
chemistry led into computer science. During 1985-86, he completed all but
the thesis requirement for an M.S. degree in Computer Science. He has presented
work on videocassette instruction for labs and on Gear's algorithm for integrating
stiff systems (e.g. differential equations describing atmospheric chemistry).
He has published papers on flash photolysis, mass spectroscopy, implementing
FORTH, and two freshman chemistry lab experiments.
Mantei's M.S. coursework enabled him to expand his teaching into the computer science area. For several years he taught two-thirds time in the Computer Science Department. Beginning in 1990-91 he returned to full-time chemistry teaching. His primary chemistry assignment is the physical chemistry sequence. He also teaches Chemistry 105, labs in Chemistry 100, 215, 216, 245, and Natural Sciences a capstone course in Energy (NSCI 320). From 1975-84, Mantei chaired the Department. He recently was chair of the College Evaluation Committee, and is currently on the University Evaluation Committee.
His research interests include quantum mechanics calculations, reaction kinetics modeling, and interfacing experiments to computers. Mantei is a member of the American Chemical Society.
