BIOGRAPHY
Born and raised in Romania, Dr. Gabriela Chilom discovered her passion for chemistry in ninth grade while studying the periodic table and the fascinating properties of elements. She was captivated by how much scientists of the past uncovered without modern technology, and that same sense of curiosity continues to guide her career. Over time, her passion evolved into a deep commitment to teaching, mentoring and research.
Dr. Chilom finds daily inspiration in chemistry’s ability to reveal the secrets of molecular structures, develop sustainable materials, advance renewable energy, protect the environment and improve human health. At Utah Tech, she is dedicated to inspiring students to explore the beauty and impact of chemistry—both in solving global challenges and in improving everyday life.
PREVIOUS TEACHING
Dr. Chilom began her teaching career as a graduate assistant, leading laboratory courses in general, physical and analytical chemistry. Over the years, her role expanded to mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, visiting scientists and postdoctoral researchers, helping them build technical skills and confidence in the lab. At Utah Tech, she combines classroom teaching with research mentorship, providing students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for academic and professional success.
EXPERIENCE
• More than 25 years of combined classroom teaching and research mentoring
• Expertise in environmental chemistry and analytical instrumentation
• Faculty mentor for undergraduate research and student presentations
RESEARCH & INTERESTS
Dr. Chilom’s research centers on environmental chemistry, with a focus on how the chemical composition and structure of natural materials influence their environmental behavior. She develops advanced analytical techniques to study complex systems and evaluate how contaminants affect material properties. Her work investigates the fate, transport and interactions of pollutants—from traditional contaminants to emerging concerns such as microplastics and pharmaceutical residues. Ultimately, her goal is to deepen understanding of material–contaminant interactions and to advance analytical strategies for detection, assessment and mitigation.
PRESENTATIONS
• Microplastics in Soil: Testing Detection Limits with FTIR and DSC, Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research (2025)
• Developing a New Differential Scanning Calorimeter for Heterogeneous Complex Mixtures, Utah Conference for Undergraduate Research (2025)
• Complex Responses of Desert Soil Properties to Organic Amendment Applications, National Conference for Undergraduate Research (2024)