Timothy Lerch

T. LerchName: Timothy Lerch 

Hometown: Coopersburg, PA 

Anticipated graduation: May 2026 

Major(s): Chemistry 

Minor: Mathematics 

Internships/Research/Projects:  

  • NSF-REU (Summer '24 at Kent State University): Generating Circular Polarized Emission via Surface-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals
    • Using abundant, renewable cellulose feedstock, I developed smart materials that have applications in advanced sensors and anti-counterfeiting technology.
  • NSF-REU (Summer '25 at SUNY Binghamton): Investigating Nanoalloy Catalyst Performance in Hydrogen Fuel Cells
    • Using advanced characterization techniques, I studied the activity and stability of nanoparticle electrocatalysts for clean energy technology.
  • Millersville Honors Thesis (Spring '23-Fall '25): Structural, Catalytic, and Electronic Studies of Novel N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes
    • 23 novel compounds have been synthesized and characterized, including three versatile N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors, corresponding complexes of rhodium and iridium, and eight catalytically active complexes. These complexes show promising activity in transfer hydrogenation reactions, which are critical to many industrially relevant organic synthetic transformations. 
 Inspirations (for major, research, internship):  

I am drawn to chemistry because it is a central science that is built on fundamental principles. By studying chemistry, I get to learn about the forces of nature that hold matter together, but I also get to learn how to use these molecular patterns and principles to advance technology that affects numerous fields. Materials science, pharmaceutical synthesis, and bulk production processes all rely on chemistry, and my research has the potential to greatly impact these massive industrial sectors. 

Highlights (from courses/internship/research):  

From my undergraduate thesis project, the main highlight has been seeing the payoff of years of hard work. The project has at times been slow and frustrating, but after sticking with it for years, we have seen some very exciting results and have been able to present them at national meetings and in journal articles. From my NSF-REUs, the most rewarding highlights were the people; getting to interact with so many other amazing student researchers, as well as being part of graduate labs with students from diverse backgrounds, was very meaningful. 

Takeaway (from courses/internship/research):  

Fundamentals are the key to understanding. Before diving into anything, I have tried to really understand what I'm working with. As a result, when things in class get more difficult, or when things in the lab aren't working, I can always go back to the fundamentals and figure out where I got lost.  

Advice (for incoming freshman in your shoes):  

Be yourself! When I was an incoming freshman, there was a really impressive senior chemistry major. At first, I wanted to be just like him, but then I realized I could never be him because I'm me. Now, I've been able to have just as much success as him, but I've also put my own twist on my time here at Millersville, and I'm super thankful for that! Also, "success" is not only defined by what we accomplish academically or professionally, but by the impact we have on the people around us.  

Aspirations (upon graduation):  

I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry with the long-term goal of becoming a professor.

What has been the most significant and/or exciting aspect of your work?  

For all of my research projects, the application of the work has always been in sight. Specifically, green chemistry has been the theme of all my projects, whether it was the development of green materials, green energy, or green chemical reactions. I am very passionate about sustainability, so to work on three different projects that all work towards a more sustainable future was super exciting.  

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University 

  • George F. Stauffer Scholarship Endowment
  • Murley '63 Endowed Scholarship for Seniors
  • Dr. Judith Bond Scholarship (From the Southeastern Pennsylvania Section of the American Chemical Society)
  • Dr. R. Edward Rajaseelan Excellence in Chemistry Scholarship
  • Barbara Rogers '63 Scholarship for Excellence in Chemistry Endowment
  • Joseph A. and Linda R. Caputo Scholarship in Chemistry
  • Presidential Fellow Scholarship