Rate My Professor Stephen Thong

Stephen Thong, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Ave Maria University. He also serves as Director of the Physics Program and Chair of the Biochemistry Program. Thong earned his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Bowling Green State University, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northwestern University. His doctoral research focused on cation replacement in the rocksalt structure and characterization of the Li1−xHxAlO2 system, with publications including 'Solid solution in the LiAlO2—LiCrO2 ternary oxide system' (Journal of the Less Common Metals, 1989) and 'Characterization of the Li1−xHxAlO2 system; 0.00 ⩽x ⩽ 0.90' (Catalysis Letters, 1992). Prior to his academic career at Ave Maria University, where he joined as Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry in 2018, progressed to Assistant Professor, and was promoted to Associate Professor, Thong held positions in industrial research and development, contributing to numerous patents in personal care and oral health products. Notable inventions include 'Self-heating shave foam product' (US Patent App. 10/914,427, 2006), 'Antiperspirant compositions containing calcium salts' (US Patent 5,955,065, 1999), 'Shave gel products' (US Patent 7,854,349, 2010), and 'Aftershave composition containing phospholipid' (US Patent App. 10/259,249, 2004). He also co-authored clinical studies such as 'Mechanism of action of a desensitizing fluoride toothpaste delivering calcium and phosphate ingredients in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity. Part II' (Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, 2009) and 'Enhancement of plaque removal by baking soda toothpastes from less accessible areas in the dentition' (The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 2011).

Thong's research interests center on Industrial and Applied Chemistry. At Ave Maria University, he mentors undergraduate students in research, as evidenced by his co-authorship on 'In Vitro Refolding of Vault-like Protein Nanocapsules with a Novel Scaffolding Mechanism' (2025), alongside students Gabriela Breen and Anika Lenci, and colleague Rodney Burton, published through the Department of Chemistry and Physics. His work supports the university's mission to form scientists as disciples of Christ, integrating faith and reason in STEM education. Thong contributes to program development, including the launch of a new Engineering minor, and chairs departmental efforts in chemistry, physics, and biochemistry, preparing students for careers in industry and academia.