• Expertise: education technologies; chemistry education; analytical methods development and validation; molecular spectroscopy (FTIR, MS, UV-VIS); gas chromatography; chemical product quality issue investigations; coating and adhesive defect investigation; materials characterization; VOC compliance consulting

• Teaching at CSUDH since 2002

• Professional Science Masters, Analytical Chemistry, Illinois Institute of Technology, 2004

• Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry and Biology, La Verne College, 1977

• former President and Laboratory Director, American Research and Testing Inc.

• Member: ACS, AAAS, ADSE, Math/Science Interchange, Out to Innovate, SACNAS, NOBCChE

• AAAS Fellow (Class of 2002), ACS Fellow (Class of 2013)

Classes I've taught:

• CHE 230, Quantitative Analysis Lecture and Lab: since 2005

• CHE 112L, General Chemistry II Lab: Fall 2002, Spring 2003, Fall 2005, Fall 2006, Fall 2007

• CHE 110, General Chemistry I Lecture: Spring 2014; Lab: Fall 2003, Spring 2004, Fall 2004, Fall 2006

• CHE 313L, Organic Chemistry II Lab: Spring 2006

CHE 230 Resources

• Most Recent CHE230 Syllabus and Experiments

• On-line edition of Exploring Chemical Analysis, 5th edition (subscription service)

• Log in to your CHE 230 Blackboard for course information, course documents, on-line homework, etc.

• CSUDH Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

• CSUDH Home

Essays about Science

• Relating to Math and Science

• Just What Does a Chemist DO?

• Adventures of a Chemical Detective

• It's All Chemistry

• The Fundamental Skill Set of a Chemist in Training

Publications

• Rodriguez, K., Jones, A., Belmont, B. Evaluation of Freeze Dried Aloe Vera and Nopal Cactus for Possible Health Treatments by Comparison of Antioxidant Properties and Free Radical Inhibition, Journal of Undergraduate Chemistry Research, 2014, 13(4), 67-70

• Belmont, B., Review of Adhesive Properties of Cyanoacrylates as Compared to Other Acrylic Resins and Epoxy Resins. In Cyanoacrylate Resins, The Instant Adhesive: A Monograph of their Application and Technology, Lee, H., editor, Pasadena Technology Press, 1981, pages 127-129.

I have many interests -- from developing or enhancing experiments for the analytical chemistry classroom, to using analytical techniques for characterizing or investigating a chemical conundrum. I am committed to taking on at least one research student per semester to do research for course credit, with or without nominal support from the CSUDH Office of Undergraduate Research. Talk to me to see whether our mutual interests may lead to me advising/mentoring you in directed research or a supervised project at CSUDH. Here is a list of some projects that I have advised:

• Characterization of high density polyethylene structural failure by brittle fracture; Karl Berwyn (Spring 2012)

• pH optimization and rescue of the Fe(bipy)3 chromophore; Brian Castellon (Spring 2012)

• Construction of a low cost calcium Ion Selective Electrode; Warren Nanney (Spring 2013)

• Construction of a low cost copper Ion Selective Electrode; Warren Nanney (Fall 2013)*

• Comparison of Antioxidant Properties of Nopal and Aloe Leaves; Anthony Jones (coadvisor 2013-2014)

• Methyl Paraben in Blueberries by HPLC-MS-MS; Cassandra Maddux & Elizabeth Grotemeyer (coadvisor 2013-2014)

• Chemical characterization of a copper-azoviolet ionophore; Saad Syed (Spring 2014)*

• Exploration of sensitivity and construction parameters of a copper Ion Selective Electrode; Lisa Dinh (Spring 2014)*

• Determination of Manganese in Steel Sample: Identification and Prevention of Precipitate Produced in Steel Sample; Lara Angela Laurel (Fall 2014)*

• Development of a GC-MS Quick Reference Manual; Noman Al (Fall 2014)

• Development of Copper(II) Ion Selective Electrode Membrane Using Luxol Fast Blue; Lisa Dinh (Fall 2014)*

• Development of a Low Cost Cyclic Voltammetry Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment; Sidney Loretta Domholdt (Spring/Fall 2015)*

• Estimation of Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance of Gasoline Detergent Additives via Ethoxy Assay by GC-MS; Noman Al (Spring 2015)*

• Maker's Electrochemistry: Development of a Low Cost Potentiostat; Justin Hathaway (2016-2018)*

• Hacking Electrochemistry: Implementation of a Low Cost Potentiostat in the Undergrad Teaching Lab; Claire Ladan (2018-2020)

• Development of Environmentally Friendly Precipitation Experiment; Caire Ladan (2019-2020)

• Vitamin C, Acetaminophen, N-acetyl cysteine Cyclic Voltammetry Assay using the TeensyStat; Omar Santizo (2019-2021)

*Supported by the 2013 Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburg Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Research grant