Liz Pillar-Little, Ph.D.
Arts & Sciences
Chemistry
Biography
Education:
B.S. Biochemistry and Applied Forensic Science, Mercyhurst University
Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Kentucky
Courses Taught:
CHEM 1025 Principles of Chemistry
CHEM 2104 Environmental Chemistry
CHEM 2303 Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 2342 Quantitative Analysis Laboratory
SCI 1003 Methods of Scientific Inquiry
SCI 1041 Integrated Science Laboratory
Biography:
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dr Pillar-Little was inspired to pursue a chemistry degree after taking a forensic science course in high school. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in 2009, double majoring in Applied Forensic Science and Biochemistry. Near the end of her undergraduate program, Liz completed a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Duquesne University, where she developed a passion for using her analytical expertise to explore the chemistry of the environment.
She earned her doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Kentucky in 2017, specializing in atmospheric and analytical chemistry. After, Liz worked as a research scientist at the University of Oklahoma conducting research at the interface of weather and atmospheric chemistry utilizing uncrewed systems. She also worked in industry as a QC chemist and an adjunct at Oklahoma State University – ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ before coming to ÂÜÀòÊÓƵ University in Fall 2024.
A product of a liberal arts education, Dr. Pillar-Little is enthusiastic about exploring the intersection of science with other disciplines and enjoys helping students see how chemistry is present in their everyday lives. Outside of academic pursuits, Liz enjoys gardening, baking, video games, playing softball, and doing yoga. She lives in Norman with her partner and their cats.
