Kristopher J. Kolonko

Dr. Kristopher J. Kolonko is a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience in chemical instrumentation, specializing in Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. He brings expertise to the SAInT Center where development and application of advanced characterization methods drives undergraduate research and curriculum development at Siena College. With over 14 years as a principal investigator, Dr. Kolonko has a proven track record in mentoring and supervising faculty and students, while overseeing $3 million in scientific instrumentation. His leadership ensures efficient utilization and maintenance of critical equipment, vital for cutting-edge research. Dr. Kolonko has spent two decades shaping Higher Education curriculum and educational materials for undergraduate students. This expertise enriches the role in guiding researchers at Siena College, fostering a dynamic learning environment. Dr. Kolonko also brings valuable industry experience, collaborating closely with the Capital Region's chemical industry to bridge academic research with real-world applications and result in impactful solutions and collaborations.

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

I see my role as an instructor as that of a facilitator. My goal is to provide the necessary information, stimulate curiosity, and model the assimilation and application of knowledge. I encourage my students to take the initiative in solving chemical problems by providing guidance and asking probing questions rather than giving direct answers. This approach helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Recognizing that many career situations involve teamwork within diverse organizations, I emphasize collaborative learning. During laboratory sessions, students work in rotating teams, allowing them to interact with all their peers and appreciate diverse perspectives. This approach fosters a strong sense of community and helps students learn various problem-solving methods.

Creating a psychologically safe classroom environment is crucial. Students should feel comfortable taking risks and sharing ideas without fear of judgment, which fosters innovation and deeper learning. By integrating the principles of pro-social motivation, I highlight how learning chemistry contributes to societal good and mirrors real-world collaboration.

I am committed to continuous learning and adaptability. I regularly seek feedback from my students and adjust my teaching methods to meet their diverse needs. This iterative process of improvement reflects the importance of a growth mindset, both for myself and my students. I mentor students beyond the classroom, fostering their long-term development and professional growth, and emphasize the use of mental models and decision-making skills in problem-solving.

My close contact with students makes me approachable for additional help and encouragement, and I constantly strive to enhance my teaching effectiveness. By creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment, I aim to inspire my students to achieve their full potential in chemistry and beyond.

What I Love About Siena

At Siena College, I've found a place where my passion for teaching and my commitment to student success align perfectly.  Over the years, I've had the privilege of watching my students grow into confident problem-solvers and critical thinkers. Siena's collaborative learning environment fosters a sense of community and encourages students to embrace diverse perspectives. I'm grateful for the opportunity to mentor students beyond the classroom, helping them develop the mental models and decision-making skills necessary for success. Siena's emphasis on continuous learning and adaptability aligns perfectly with my own teaching philosophy. I'm proud to be part of a community that values a growth mindset and fosters a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

My Favorite Courses to Teach

Environmental Chemistry
General Chemistry
Instrumental Analysis
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Organic Chemistry

My Professional Experience

Articles & Book Reviews

• A computational and experimental examination of the CID of phosphorylated serine-H+
  Chemical Physics Letters, vol. 819
  2023
• Comparing the Collision-Induced Dissociation of Trimethyl Lysine+ and Acetyl Lysine-H+
  Chemical Physics Letters, vol. 833
  2023
• Exploring the Efects of Methylation on the CID of Protonated Lysine: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approach
  Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
  2021
• Introducing NMR Spectroscopy Using Guided Inquiry and Partial Structure Templating
  Journal of Chem. Ed., vol. 96
  2019
• Purification and Proteomic Analysis of Major Whey Proteins in a Nutritional Supplement: A Six-Week Undergraduate Independent Project
  The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, vol. 33
  2019
• Synthesis of tetraarylmethanes via a Friedel-Crafts cyclization/desulfurization strategy
  Tetrahedron Letters, vol. 59
  2018
• Self-Assembly of Isomeric Mono-Functionalized Thiophenes.
  Langmuir, vol. 28
  2012
• Mechanistic Studies of the Lithium Enolate of 4-Fluoroacetophenone: Rapid-Injection NMR Study of Enolate Formation, Dynamics, and Aldol Reactivity.
  Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 133
  2011
• Structure and Dynamics of α-Aryl Amide and Ketone Enolates: THF, PMDTA, TMTAN, HMPA and Crypt Solvated Lithium Enolates, and Comparison with Phosphazenium Analogs
  Journal of Organic Chemistry, vol. 75
  2010
• Solution Structures of Lithium Enolates of Cyclopentanone, Cyclohexanone, Acetophenones and Benzyl Ketones. Triple Ions and Higher Lithiate Complexes
  Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 131
  2009
• Stabilization of Ketone and Aldehyde Enols by Formation of Hydrogen Bonds to Phosphazene Enolates and Their Aldol Products
  Journal of the American Chemical Society, vol. 130
  2008
• Unexpected Crystallization of 1,3-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)propan-2-one in Paratone Oil
  Acta Crystallographica Section E, vol. E63
  2007