Jenny Vu

Dr. Jenny M. Baxter Vu is an associate professor in the Department of Physical Sciences. An organic chemist with experience in pharmaceutical research and chemistry education, she teaches undergraduate chemistry courses, develops innovative laboratory curricula and mentors undergraduate researchers.

Dr. Vu earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Columbia University. Before entering academia, she spent five years as a research scientist at Merck in Rahway, New Jersey, where she worked in both natural products and process development chemistry. Her research included natural products drug-discovery efforts targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), as well as the development of robust, scalable synthetic methodologies for pharmaceutical manufacturing. She contributed to the process development of telcagepant, a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist developed for the treatment of migraine.

Dr. Vu's scholarly interests span organic chemistry, natural products chemistry, analytical chemistry and chemistry education. She is passionate about designing laboratory experiences that bridge the gap between classroom instruction and real-world scientific practice, helping students develop the technical, analytical and communication skills needed for careers in science and engineering.

Drawing on her industrial research background, Dr. Vu develops guided inquiry laboratory experiences that encourage students to think like practicing scientists rather than simply follow experimental procedures. She has modernized undergraduate laboratory instruction through the integration of electronic laboratory notebooks, scaffolded scientific writing, oral presentations and authentic research experiences that emphasize critical thinking, collaboration and scientific communication.

Dr. Vu actively mentors undergraduate research projects in natural products chemistry, environmental analytical chemistry and polymer science. Her students have investigated the extraction and characterization of plant-derived compounds, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of hydrosols, analytical methods for emerging environmental contaminants and the synthesis of self-healing polymeric materials through interdisciplinary collaborations. She also mentors undergraduate researchers through summer research experiences and university-funded initiatives. Her students have presented their work at Embry-Riddle's Discovery Day and regional and national scientific conferences.

Committed to advancing chemistry education, Dr. Vu's educational scholarship focuses on increasing student engagement, confidence and scientific reasoning through active learning and guided inquiry. She has received Embry-Riddle Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence Teaching Innovation Mini-Grants supporting the modernization of laboratory instruction through digital technologies and innovative course design.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Vu serves as the chemistry tutor coordinator for the Academic Advancement Center and is actively involved in undergraduate research mentoring, STEM outreach and curriculum development. She is dedicated to preparing students for success in graduate school, professional programs and careers in science through rigorous instruction, authentic research experiences and meaningful faculty mentorship.