Rate My Professor Darlene Ingram

Darlene Ingram serves as Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chemistry Program Coordinator in the Natural Sciences & Mathematics division at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where she also acts as Faculty Trustee on the Board of Trustees. A 1991 alumna of the college, she earned her BS in Chemistry and Biology there before pursuing advanced degrees at the University of Louisville: an MS in Organic Chemistry in 2001 and a PhD in Organic Chemistry in 2004. Her dissertation, “Peptide Synthesis and Characterization: Part 1. Synthesis and characterization of cyclic pseudopeptide analogs of endothelin antagonist BQ-123. 2. Comparative study of mild cleavage techniques for solid phase peptide synthesis of penta-, tetra-, and tripeptides,” highlights her foundational work in organic synthesis techniques.

Ingram's career encompasses over two decades of teaching experience, including a tenured Assistant Professor position at Pellissippi State Community College from 2011 to 2012, Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Evansville from 2012 to 2013, Instructor at the University of Southern Indiana from 2018 to 2019, and multiple adjunct and instructor roles at Indiana University Southeast, Pellissippi State Community College, and Kaplan Learning Center. At Kentucky Wesleyan College, she teaches CHEM 321/331 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 322/332 Organic Chemistry II, CHEM 441 Biochemistry, and CHEM 324 Junior Seminar. Her research interests include creative problem solving in chemistry, skin care and cosmetic formulation, peptide synthesis, and synthesis of transition metal complexes to serve as catalysts. Key contributions include presentations at the American Chemical Society Spring National Meetings such as “Making Lemonade-how I got my dream job making the most of an adjunct position” (2020) and “Organic Chemistry Survivor” (2004), the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education on diversity in organic chemistry (2020), and undergraduate research projects like “Peptide Analogs and Alzheimer’s Disease” (2014). Awards include the Southeast Region Teacher of the Year through Kaplan (2007), Online Course Development Program grant from University of Southern Indiana (2016), GAANN Fellowship (1993), and PB&S Chemical Company Award (1989).