Honors Program Profile Toby Cree

Jumping In: The Journey through Honors

A Profile of Toby Cree, Third-Year Honors Student

For chemistry major Toby Cree (pictured far right), the Saint Francis University  Honors Program was an opportunity to connect with like-minded students and dive into research early in his academic career. “As a freshman, it was great to take classes with people who were also motivated and wanted to challenge themselves,” Toby explains. The program also introduced him to the world of undergraduate research, something that quickly became a defining aspect of his college experience.

Among his favorite honors experiences were Honors 101 and Directed Readings, courses that encouraged him to explore ideas beyond his major. “Being able to read outside of my discipline and do different activities, like role-playing exercises, was a great way to see things from new perspectives,” he says. Those experiences, along with guidance from faculty like Dr. Art Remillard, helped Toby find his passion for research and sustainability in chemistry.

Toby’s thesis explores sustainable approaches to nanoparticle synthesis, specifically focusing on gold nanoparticles and fluorescent carbon dots. Traditional nanoparticle production relies on hazardous solvents, consumes large amounts of energy, and generates significant waste. Toby’s research integrates the 12 principles of green chemistry to develop a safer, more environmentally friendly method. By modifying the Turkevich method—a common synthesis technique—he aims to reduce the use of toxic reagents and replace them with biodegradable or less harmful alternatives. He also incorporates mechanochemical approaches, which minimize the need for excessive heat and solvents, making the process more energy efficient. “Green chemistry is all about environmental sustainability,” Toby explains. “It’s about using safer materials, reducing waste, and shifting the perception that chemistry has to involve dangerous substances.” His work not only advances the field of nanotechnology but also promotes a more responsible approach to scientific innovation.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Toby is actively involved in the Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (ROCK) program, which brings science experiments to local schools. “A lot of these schools don’t have the funding or resources for advanced science demonstrations, so we bring things like liquid nitrogen experiments and even make ice cream with it,” he says. Toby’s involvement in the ROCK program has helped young students get excited about chemistry and sparked his interest in teaching as a future career path.

Toby encourages prospective honors students not to be intimidated by the program. “It’s not an overwhelming amount of extra work—it’s just a different kind of work,” he explains. “You always get a say in what you’re doing, and in the end, it’s something that strengthens your resume, improves your time management, and proves your ability to commit to a project.”