Rate My Professor Stephen Waratuke

Dr. Stephen Waratuke is Professor and Chairperson of the Chemical Sciences Department at Bridgewater State University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a PhD from Purdue University. In his longstanding career at the institution, previously serving as Associate Professor, Dr. Waratuke has played a pivotal role in departmental leadership and faculty development within the chemical sciences.

Dr. Waratuke's research centers on the synthesis and spectroscopic studies of titanium aryloxide, arylsulfide, carbamate, and related organic compounds, investigating their use as catalysts for organic transformations. He focuses on developing both existing and novel organometallic compounds to enable hydroamination and cross-coupling reactions of alkenes and alkynes. This work is conducted in close collaboration with undergraduate majors, emphasizing student involvement in research projects. In 2009, he received a Faculty and Librarian Research Grant for 'Development of Titanium Carbamate Compounds and Study of Their Reactivity,' aimed at creating titanium-based catalysts for efficient hydroamination to produce enantiomeric amines. Dr. Waratuke has contributed to pedagogical innovations, co-authoring the 2016 publication 'Interdisciplinary Research in a Dense Summer Bridge: The Role of a Writing Intensive Chemistry Seminar' in the Journal of Chemical Education, which describes a program integrating research and writing to boost STEM retention and engagement.

He teaches Organic Chemistry I and II (CHEM 343, 344), Organic Chemistry I and II Laboratories (CHEM 343L, 344L), Survey of Chemistry I (CHEM 131), Environmental Organometallic Chemistry (special topics, CHEM 490), Advanced Organic, Environmental, Research Problems in Chemistry (CHEM 390), and Computers in Chemistry (CHEM 100). Through his teaching and mentorship, Dr. Waratuke fosters research experiences and interdisciplinary approaches in chemistry education at Bridgewater State University.