Natural Science Faculty
Dr. Jenny Sattler, Chair
Chair, Department of Natural Science
Professor of Physics
Contact Info
Department of Natural Science
Phone: (580) 327-8568
Email: jasattler@nwosu.edu
Office: SC 107-B
Laboratory: SC 108 and SC 110
Education
- Ph.D. East Carolina University (Biomedical Physics) 2013
- M.S. East Carolina University (Medical Physics) 2013
- M.S. University of North Dakota (Physics) 2005
- B.S. University of North Dakota (Physics) 2003
Courses Taught
- General Physics I and II
- General Astronomy
- Radiation Biology
- General Physical Science
- Earth and Space Science
- Modern Physics
- Classical Mechanics
- Nuclear Physics
- Optics
Research/Scholarly Interests
- Cancer biology
- Radiation biology
- Astronomy
Northwestern Roles/Activites
- BEST Robotics
- Science Fair
- Study Abroad
Dr. Adam Alber
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Contact Info
Department of Natural Science
Phone: (580) 327-8559
Email: amalber@nwosu.edu
Office: SC100A
Education
- Ph.D. University of Oklahoma (Organic Chemistry) 2024
- B.S. St. John Fisher University (Chemistry) 2018
Courses Taught
- Chemistry for Non-majors
- Organic Chemistry I and II
- Biochemistry
Research/Scholarly Interests
- Synthetic Organic Methodology
- Organometallic Catalysis
- Micorwave-Assisted Synthesis
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Carbene Chemistry
Career Highlights
- Published in high impact (ACS Catalysis) journal
- Outstanding Organic Graduate Teaching Assistantship Award (2021 University of Oklahoma)
- Roland E. Lehr Fellowship for Teaching Excellence recipient (2023 University of Oklahoma)
Hobbies
- Video games
- Trading card games
- Watching zombie movies
Dr. Nicholus Ledbetter
Assistant Professor of Biology
Contact Info
Department of Natural Science
Phone: (580) 327-8673
Email: nmledbetter@nwosu.edu
Office: SC 201-A
Education
- Ph.D. University of Tulsa (Biology) 2021
- B.S. University of Central Arkansas (Biology) 2016
Courses Taught
- General Zoology
- Natural History of the Vertebrates
- Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy
- Herpetology
- Evolution
- Advanced Biological Statistics
- Museum Techniques
- Evolutionary Development
Research/Scholarly Interests
- Macroevolution
- Evolutionary Morphology
- Evolutionary Development
- Phylogenetics
- Limb Reduction
- Herpetology
Career Highlights
- Authored Nine Publications
- Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Kansas State University
- Research Grant from the American Museum of Natural History
Hobbies
- Herping aka catching/observing reptiles and amphibians
- Nature photography
- Video/trading card games
Dr. Rasika Mohottige
Assistant Professor of Physics
Contact Info
Phone: (580) 327-8566
Office: SC201B
E-Mail: rnmohottige@nwosu.edu
Education
- Postdoctoral Research Associate, Rowan and Rutgers University 2018–2021
- Ph.D. in Condensed Matter (Physics) 2018
- MPhil in Condensed Matter (Physics) 2012
- B.S. in Physics, 2006
Courses Taught
- Classical Mechanics
- Physics I
- General Physical Science
- Earth and Space Science
Research and Scholarly Interests
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Nano Physics and Nanotechnology
- Thin Films
- Solar Cells (CIGS, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells)
- Biomechanics in cricket
Current Research
- Focused on enhancing the efficiency of CIGS solar cells by exploring environmentally friendly alternatives to CdS
- Analyzing the biomechanics of cricket to improve player performance, enhance training techniques, and reduce injury risk
Selected Publications (Peer-Reviewed Journals)
- Mohottige, R. N., Farndale, M., Coombs, G. S., Saburhhojayeva, S. (2024). “Numerical Analysis on the Effect of n-Si on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Based Thin-Films for High-Performance Solar Cells by 1D-SCAPS.” Open Journal of Applied Sciences, 14(5).
- Mohottige, R. N., Kalawila Vithanage, S. P. (2021). “Numerical Simulation on New Device Architecture for CIGS Based Thin-Film Solar Cells Using 1D-SCAPS Simulator.” Photochemistry & Photobiology A: Chemistry, 407.
- Pathirana, S., Mohottige, R., Oncel, N., Cakir, D., Siriwardana, D. (2021). “CrSi2 Crystallites on Si (110).” Surface Science, 703.
- Mohottige, R. N., Banerjee, S., Oncel, N. (2018). “Coulomb Blockade and Negative Differential Resistance at Room Temperature: Self-Assembled Quantum Dots on Silicon(110) Surface.” Surface Science, 677.
- Fatima, I., Oguz, C. I., Cakir, D., Hossain, S., Mohottige, R. N., Gulseren, O., Oncel, N. (2016). “Physical and Electronic Properties of Iridium-Silicide Nanowires on Si (001) Surface.” Journal of Applied Physics, 120, 095303.
- Mohottige, R. N., Oncel, N. (2015). “Iridium-Silicide Nanowires on Si (110) Surface.” Surface Science, 641, 237.
Hobbies
- Playing Cricket
- Traveling
- Outdoor Activities
Dr. Donald Pratt
Associate Professor of Biology
Contact Info
Associate Professor of Biology
Department of Natural Science
Science Building 201-B
Northwestern – Alva
Phone: (580) 327-8562
E-mail: dbpratt@nwosu.edu
Education
- Ph. D. Iowa State University (Botany) 2003
- M.S. Iowa State University (Botany) 1999
- B. S. Brigham Young University (Botany) 1994
Courses Taught
- General Biology
- Ecology
- Plant Kingdom
- Plants of Oklahoma
Research/Scholarly Interests
- Plant Systematics and Taxonomy
- Bryology
- Microevolution
Current Research
- Patterns of Moss Diversity in Oklahoma
Hobbies
- Reading
- Baking
- Traveling
Dr. Jason Wickham
Professor of Chemistry
Contact Info
Department of Natural Sciences
School of Arts and Sciences
Science Building 100-C
Northwestern-Alva
Phone: (580) 327-8560
E-mail: jrwickham@nwosu.edu
Education
- Postdoctoral Research Assistant at Washington University in Saint Loius (WUSTL) 2007-2008
- Ph. D of Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma (OU) 2007
- B. S. of Chemistry from Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) 2002
Courses Taught
- Iodine quantity and distribution in brine waters
- Solid Polymer Electrolyte materials
- Nanomaterials
- Surface modification chemistry
Research/Scholarly Interests
- Mycorrhizal Fungi-Plant interactions
- Bacteria and Human interactions
Career Highlights
- OCAST research and development internship project grant – 2017
- Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Partnership Award – 2017
- OCAST research and development internship project grant – 2014
Hobbies
- Native American artifact and history
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Baseball
- Restoring cars
University Clubs/Professional Organizations
- Co-Sponsor of the Chemistry Club
- Member of the American Chemical Society
- Treasure of the Oklahoma Section of the American Chemical Society