Profile

Dr. Matthew Staffier has been teaching at Endicott since 1999. He received a BS in Chemistry from Merrimack College and a Masters and Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. Professor Staffier's research involves monitoring marine ecosystems for toxic metal contamination using the indicator organism Mytilus edulis. Currently, he along with colleague Dr. Mari Butler are working, in collaboration with Gloucester Maritime Museum, on monitoring the effects that the current dredging of Gloucester harbor is having on the bioavailable levels of copper and cadmium in harbor. Dr. Staffier is also very interested in climate change; specifically on energy infrastructure and the role that nuclear power can play in decreasing the carbon dioxide emissions associated with electricity generation. Dr. Staffier has also worked outside the science department helping to further bring academics into the Endicott's dorms to help enhance the schools academic culture.

Research

Professor Staffier's main research interest involves the monitoring of toxic metals, such as cadmium, in the environment. Professor Staffier's main tool for quantifying metals is an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). A plasma is made up of hot ionized gas approximately the temperature of the sun.  When metals are introduced into the plasma, the intense energy causes elements to emit characteristic radiation that can be used to determine metal concentrations in a sample. 

Scholarly Presentations:      

Staffier, Matthew & Butler, Mari. Using Blue Mussels to Measure Contamination in a New England Harbor.  National Science Teachers Association National Conference 2015. Chicago, Illinois. March 2015    

Staffier, Matthew. Understanding the Role of Nuclear Energy in the Fight Against Global Climate Change. National Science Teachers Association National Conference. New Orleans, Louisiana. March 2009

Staffier, Matthew. Let's review the science fundamentals that are required in order to understand the complex issues associated with global climate change. National Science Teachers Association National Conference. Boston, Massachusetts. March 2008

Staffier, Matthew & Butler, Mari. Utilizing Satellite Imaging in the Environmental Classroom.  National Science Teachers Association National Conference.  Anaheim, California. March 2006

Staffier, Matthew. Today's Choices Tomorrows Disasters. New England Sociological Association Conference.  Boston, Massachusetts. 2006 

Staffier, Matthew. Advantages of Utilizing Green Technology and Prefabricated Geometric Construction in Rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan.  International Security Studies Section Conference. US Army War College, Carlisle, PA, 2003 

Staffier, Matthew. Bioaccumulation of Toxic Metals by the Mussel Mytilus edulis. National Association of Biology Teachers National Conference. Orlando, Florida. 2001

Courses

General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation
Forensic Science
Environmental Issues