Scott BurFaculty

I grew up in Gaylord, Michigan, a small town in the northern part of Michigan's lower peninsula.  In high school, I was on the debate and forensics teams, wrestled (109 lbs), and played football (right guard...I bulked up to 125 for football). I received my B.S. from the University of Michigan in 1994 and worked as an extern (like an intern, but I already had my degree) with Parke-Davis pharmaceuticals (now a part of Pfizer) in Ann Arbor, Michigan for one year.

After college, my wife and I moved to Austin, Texas.  I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin in 2000 under the supervision of Professor Stephen F. Martin. I worked on new ways to make molecules, specifically molecules containing nitrogen atoms.  I also worked on the application of these methods to the synthesis of complex, biologically active molecules.

Upon completion of my PhD, we moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I worked under an NIH postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratories of Professor Albert Padwa at Emory University.  My work there also involved new ways to make molecules.  It was during this experience that I decided to pursue an academic career.

I joined the faculty at Gustavus Adolphus College in 2003.  I primarily teach organic chemistry, but have occasionally taught a medicinal chemistry course and a course based on fermentation.

Aside from chemistry, I enjoy being outdoors during the summer (camping, hiking, fishing). 

Courses Taught