Dr. Jetty Duffy-Matzner
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
B.S. Boise State University
Ph. D. University of California, Davis

Please share a little about your past. Where did you grow up?
I traveled around the world with a military family and then we settled down in Idaho when I was in 4th grade. I got my undergraduate degree from Boise State University and my Ph. D. from the University of California, Davis.

How did life's path lead you to Augustana?
My husband lured me here with promises of no tornadoes or mosquitoes. Obviously my husband lies. But I grew to love Augustana's sense of community and its extremely high emphasis on quality in undergraduate education.

Why did you study chemistry?
Because it is fun!! I get to blow things up and create molecules that no one else has even considered - how cool is that!

Why should a student major in chemistry at Augustana?
We have a small department with five faculty members. We really think of our students as part of the family. We will learn about your hometown and your interests, but at the same time we will push you to do your very best. We set high standards for our students and they obtain them.

Augustana's medical school placement rate is 92%. What's going on in the Gilbert Science Center?
Our students work extremely hard. As I mentioned before, we care about our students very much. We work to make sure that our students' career goals match their ability and interests. We want our students to be happy, successful, and passionate about their careers.

In your opinion, what are the benefits of a liberal arts education?
There are many programs out there that can cause one to specialize too early. Tomorrow's careers are largely being discovered. A broad background gives one the ability to be flexible and to learn to think creatively in a variety of venues. This is going to be critical for professionals in science and outside of science as we face the challenges of a globalized world. A solid undergraduate liberal arts education is going to provide a solid support for these professionals.

Is study abroad important for science majors?
YES! It is important to understand that the contributions and history of science comes from many different sources. This is going to become extremely important in many areas including scientific ethics as we move on to technologies that can radically change our understanding of our lives.

Do you have a favorite class to teach at Augustana?
I love all of my classes because we have the most AMAZING students! Recently, I got to teach a Capstone class during interim with my husband. It wasn't my favorite class (simply because I don't have one) but it does show the ability to teach interesting and challenging cross-disciplinary courses here and I find that very exciting.

What are your current research interests? Do students help?
I love to make new kinds of molecules that could be useful for polyether antibiotics. I also like to look at methods for traditional organic synthesis that are better for the environment and less toxic. This is called Green Chemistry. I average about 5 undergraduate research students a year in our group. We have published several papers in peer-reviewed journals and actively represent our research at local, regional, and national conferences. Please look at my website for more information: http://faculty.augie.edu/~duffy.

What are some of your interests away from work?
My family! We have three wonderful boys who are the joy of my life. They bring with them an assortment of pets including two lab puppies and three cats. My husband and I also enjoy walking and gardening.

Would you be willing to share some things with us that you're proud of or have accomplished?
I am very proud of our student affiliate group of the American Chemical Society. They have won a national award for their activities every year for the past six years. We are going to Chicago to pick up two awards in March. I am also very proud of my research students who have gone on to many wonderful professions including graduate school, medical school, law school, forensic science, clinical laboratory science and high school educators. They are my hope for the future.

Do you interact with your students outside the classroom?
My husband and I have Duffy/Matzner parties at our house two or three times a year where we average about 35 students in our small house. It is a lot of fun. Most of the learning occurs outside the classroom. That is why we have "open door" policies for students. If the door is open, come on in! I also want my students to know that I want to be a part of their life here. I expect to know when students are singing in the choir, playing in the band, participating in a theatre production, athletic event, etc. so that I can come and beam with pride. We have wonderful students - it is the best "perk" a professor could ever ask for.

Do you have a favorite meal at the Huddle or Commons?
Anything I don't have to cook is my favorite meal! I love the specials at the Huddle but I don't enjoy the workout at the Elmen Center for all those calories!

How would you describe Augustana's student body? And the professors?
We have a student body that is in need of diversity. We have students from fairly similar backgrounds with a strong work ethic and high regard for ethical behavior, which makes teaching any class a lot of fun. It is also fun to make them think outside their comfortable "box". I was amazed at the number of professors at Augie that truly love what they do and are quite passionate about their teaching. This was not the case at many of the institutions that I had previously served. I would love to take classes from many of my colleagues. They really care if students learn the material and they want their classes to be the best possible challenge to help students meet their future goals.