A native of Pittsburgh, Dr. Gallaher possesses a lifelong passion for science and science education and has over 30 years of teaching experience at the college level. Dr. Gallaher’s doctoral research focused on the development of ultrasensitive detection techniques for extremely low concentrations of fatty acids in the bloodstream as markers of certain disease states. He has also published papers examining the role of high temperatures and oxygen levels on the auto-oxidation of aviation fuels for the U.S. Navy. In his role at Carlow he serves as Professor of Chemistry and Director of the undergraduate chemistry program. Dr. Gallaher has focused his recent scholarly efforts on grant writing to obtain opportunities for Carlow students, including several grants to purchase and upgrade departmental instrumentation and a recently funded grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to award scholarships to economically challenged students seeking STEM degrees. Dr. Gallaher is devoted to showing students that chemistry is “everywhere and everything” and helping them understand the role that science literacy plays in the creation of a just and merciful world.

Education

• PhD – Analytical Chemistry, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA (1999)
• BS – Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (1993)

Professional Membership

• American Chemical Society (ACS)
• Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP)
• Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP)
• Pennsylvania Academy of Sciences (PAS)
• Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
• Society for Science and the Public (SSP)

Research

• National Science Foundation Grant – “Supporting Undergraduate STEM Graduation and Career Pathways Through Student and Faculty Learning Communities,” Carlow University Celtic STEM Initiative, 2021
• Fluorescence Derivatization and Detection Strategies for Capillary Electrophoresis and HPLC: Laser-induced fluorescence has been recognized as the most sensitive method of detection following separation by capillary electrophoresis. Derivatization chemistry is often required to extend the advantages of LIF to the target analyte. Fluorophore design, derivatization chemistry, and detection schemes are investigated and optimized to permit detection at ultra-trace levels.
• Near-Infrared Fluorescence Labeling and Diode-Laser Induced Fluorescent Detection: LIF detection schemes in the near-infrared region of the spectrum are an attractive alternative to visible fluorescence due to decreased backgrounds and interferences, and as a result, increased detection sensitivity. The use of high-powered diode laser sources can help provide high sensitivity at a very low cost. The development of new fluorophores and derivatization chemistry are critical to the extension of NIR fluorescence detection to relevant analytes.
• Design of Selective Stationary Phases using Molecular Imprinting Strategies: Molecular imprinting technology is one method of generating chromatographic stationary phases which demonstrate a high degree of selectivity for a target analyte. Imprinted stationary phases have the potential to offer rapid, selective, and rugged analyses for analytes with clinical, biological, or pharmaceutical relevance.
• Bioanalytical Separation Method Development: Within this broad research category, Dr. Gallaher is most interested in developing CE and HPLC separation methodology for analytes with biological, medical, and pharmaceutical importance. Method development employing multi-dimensional separation schemes, selective stationary phases, and highly efficient/sensitive separation modes can be combined to develop analysis schemes for target analytes at trace levels in complex matrices.

Publications

• B. Beaver, V. Sharief, Y. Teng, R. DeMunshi, J.P. Guo, E. Katondo, D. Gallaher, D. Bunk, J. Grodowski, P. Neta; “Development of Oxygen Scavenger Additives for Future Jet Fuels. A Role for Electron-Transfer-Initiated Oxygenation (ETIO) of 1,2,5-Trimethylpyrrole?” Energy & Fuels 2000, 14, 441-447
• Gallaher, D. L.; Johnson, M. E. ‘Nonaqueous Capillary Electrophoresis of Fatty Acids Derivatized with a Nearinfrared Fluorophore’ Analytical Chemistry, 2000, 72(9), 2080-2086. 
• Gallaher, Jr., D. L.; Johnson, M. E. “Development Of Near-Infrared Fluorophoric Labels For The Determination Of Fatty Acids Separated By Capillary Electrophoresis with Diode Laser Induced Fluorescence Detection”. Analyst, 1999, (124) 1541-1546.
• Gallaher, Jr., D. L.; Johnson, M. E. “Characterization of a Rugged, Open-Gap Flow Cell for Confocal LaserInduced Fluorescence Detection in Capillary Electrophoresis.” Applied Spectroscopy, 1998, 52(2), 292-297.

Awards & Recognition

• American Institute of Chemists Foundation (AIC) – Outstanding Senior Student Majoring in Chemistry (1993 – University of Pittsburgh)