Dale Wilger joined Samford University in 2015. Originally from Western New York, he obtained his BS degree in chemistry from Fredonia State University. As an undergraduate, he studied the photochemistry of naturally occurring grape antioxidants with Professor Philip Kumler. Before coming to Samford, he studied organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with Professors Marcey Waters and David Nicewicz. Dr. Wilger has studied diverse topics, including peptide chemistry, energy transfer, and photoredox catalysis. He is deeply interested in developing new chemical reactions that are catalyzed by the first-row transition metals. First-row transition elements provide promise for new and useful chemical reactions, while remaining less toxic, less expensive, and more environmentally sustainable. At Samford, Dr. Wilger primarily teaches organic chemistry, one of our most important technologies since it allows natural resources to be converted into medicines, fuels, materials, and foods.  He maintains an active research group, so if you are interested in developing a new chemical reaction, please do not hesitate to ask. When Dr. Wilger is not at Samford, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Colleen, and their three children, Benjamin, Ruth, and Caleb.

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