Michael Berger engages students in sustainability and the environment while teaching analytical chemistry, quantum chemistry, environmental science, climate change, and sustainability. Nominated for U.S. Professor of the Year (April 2015) by Simmons College, Michael was recognized as an outstanding undergraduate instructor and positively influencing the lives and careers of students. He has integrated research into several teaching laboratories, providing opportunities for mentoring and student engagement in authentic environmental problems. His current research focuses on analysis of contamination in air, water, sediment and plant samples using x-ray fluorescence, gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis.
Education
Michael Berger studied chemistry at Cornell (BA) and Harvard Universities (PhD), and at Brandeis University where he conducted photochemical research as a postdoctoral fellow. Joining the corporate world, first at Itek Corporation, then at Polaroid Corporation, he was awarded seven patents on photography, photochemistry, and polymeric coatings. Later as a consultant to an environmental engineering firm, he authored twenty-eight Environmental regulatory reports that involved field work, environmental risk assessments, and a working knowledge of Massachusetts and EPA environmental regulations. He has authored twenty-two peer-reviewed articles in the fields of environmental chemistry, photochemistry, kinetics, and post-secondary pedagogy.
Courses
- Advanced Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 341)
- Quantum Mechanics (PHYS/CHEM 332)
- Lessons from Iceland: Sustainability and Cultural Ecology (Maymester travel abroad)
- Sustainability and Climate Change (CHEM 327 and HON 308)
Community Engagement
- Brookline Town Meeting Member
- Founder and Advisor to the Brookline GreenSpace Alliance
Research/Special Projects
- Analysis of the Muddy River
- Analysis of contaminants in cosmetics, food, soil, sediment, river water and air.
Publications/Presentations
Co-editor for "Environmental Research Literacy: Classroom, Laboratory, and Beyond; Welch, L., Berger, M., Roberts-Kirchoff, E., Benvenuto, M., Eds.; ACS Symposium Series Vol. 1351; American Chemical Society, 2020. DOI: 10.1021/bk-02020-1351
“Analysis of Contaminants in Muddy River Sediment using XRF and Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry – An Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory and Research Investigation” M. Berger, Environmental Research Literacy: Classroom, Laboratory, and Beyond; Welch, L., Berger, M., Roberts-Kirchoff, E., Benvenuto, M., Eds.; ACS Symposium Series Vol. 1351; American Chemical Society, 2020. DOI: 10.1021/bk-02020-1351
“Using Local Water Resources for Environmental Education and Research” M. Berger Environmental Research Literacy: Classroom, Laboratory, and Beyond; Welch, L., Berger, M., Roberts-Kirchoff, E., Benvenuto, M., Eds.; ACS Symposium Series Vol. 1351; American Chemical Society, 2020. DOI: 10.1021/bk-02020-1351
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
- American Chemical Society
Michael Berger in the News
Professor of Chemistry Michael Berger Recounts the History of the Avery Ashdown Exam
Simmons has a direct connection to the legacy of chemist Avery Ashdown (1891-1970). Based on conversations with former Simmons Department of Chemistry and Physics Chairs Professors Leonard Soltzberg, James Piper, and Peter Bowers, Professor Michael Berger has pieced together the...
Shout-outs from Students and Alums
From the Muddy River to Community Farms: Research Possibilities for Simmons Students
We spoke to Samantha Margolin '23 about how her research projects at Simmons prepared her to expand her confidence, and her burgeoning career.
Jessica Wei '22 on Creating a Path in Environmental Science and Sustainability
Jessica Wei, a 2022 graduate of Simmons University, has formed a path into the field of environmental science and sustainability. With a major in Environmental Science, specializing in the chemistry track, and minors in Sustainability and Economics, Jessica's journey has...