The second annual Ottenbrite Seminar Series brought together donors and scientists. Pictured from left to right: Claudio Verani, Gemma Grey-Hall, Shelley Ottenbrite, Dave Ottenbrite, Ruth Ottenbrite, Mark Ottenbrite, and Christa Brousseau. [Courtesy of Gemma Grey-Hall]
By Sara Elliott
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry hosted Christa Brosseau of Saint Mary’s University as guest speaker for the second annual Ottenbrite Seminar Series, held Friday, Oct. 24.
Dr. Brosseau shared her insights into next-generation plasmonic sensors, sustainable nanotechnology, point-of-need medical diagnostics and green mining technologies.
Her presentation drew students, staff and faculty eager to engage with current advancements in sustainable chemistry and applied research.
The seminar series is made possible by a gift from the Ottenbrite family in memory of University of Windsor alumnus Dr. Raphael Martin Ottenbrite (BSc 1958, MSc 1962, PhD 1967) and his wife Nancy Ottenbrite (BA 1960), a retired public school teacher.
Dr. Ottenbrite, who died in 2021, was a professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he founded the Center for Industrial Polymer Research. Over his career, he authored more than 250 journal articles, held more than 30 patents and received five citations from NASA for pioneering work on high-temperature polymers for spacecraft. In 2015, he received a UWindsor Alumni Award of Distinction.
Members of the Ottenbrite family—including Dr. Ottenbrite’s nephew, daughter, son and cousin—attended the event, continuing a legacy of giving and engagement with the University of Windsor.
The Dr. Raphael Martin Ottenbrite and Nancy Ottenbrite Lecture Series in Chemistry and Biochemistry is supported by an endowment from the couple, both proud UWindsor alumni.