BOONE, N.C. — College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps members serve as representatives to all college constituents, creating, promoting, and executing opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students, nominated by the chairs of departments across CAS, represent the college at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors, and alumni. Throughout the month, we will be introducing new members in the 2026-27 academic year through a question-and-answer format.
Ella Tynan
Year: Senior
Major: Chemistry (Certified Chemist)
Minors: Mathematics, Physics
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
What brought you to App State?
“Besides the beautiful scenery and hikes, I loved the community that App State offered! Between the school pride I feel at the football games to the tight circle the Chemistry department has offered me; Appalachian makes me feel at home.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
American Chemical Association
Appalachian Chemical Society
Tri Alpha Honor Society
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
A.R. Smith Chemistry Scholar
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship
Dr. William & Karen Hunter Scholarship
First UMC Of Belmont Lester L. Carpenter Scholarship
Piedmont Lithium Power for Life Scholarship
Theodore Drury Stowe Science & Technology Scholarship
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Legacy of Finer Womanhood Scholarship
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“Inorganic chemistry! In combination with completing the lecture and lab, I am currently doing research in Dr. Christian Wallen's inorganic chemistry lab. I am working on the synthesis and coordination of metal-sulfonamidate pyridine complexes. Although most of my lab work has been unsuccessful in coordination with sulfur compounds, I am currently moving to computational modeling to understand why they are not binding. The department even acknowledged my passion for the discipline last year when I won the Inorganic Chemistry Award!”
Senior chemistry major Ella Tynan presents her research on the synthesis of sulfonamide‑pyridine metal‑organic complexes. Working in Dr. Christian Wallen’s inorganic chemistry lab, Ella explores sustainable synthesis using earth‑abundant metals and computational modeling to understand complex bonding behavior. Photo submitted
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“D.D. Doughtery Hall! I am currently an SI Leader and a Front Desk Assistant for the Student Learning Center. Both of these jobs bring me so much joy, and I have found a wonderful community from doing it. This is a place for me to engage in the jobs that I love, be productive, get some schoolwork done, and even have a chance to see some of my friends!”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“Board game nights in Cone Hall! My friends and I would bring our board games and stay up all night in the conference room having a great time!”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“Everything! Boone has been the perfect place to experience college for me.”
What are your hobbies?
“I love to crochet, play board/card games, hang out with my friends, and play with my cats!”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite TV show is Glee!”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member who has made an impact on your life and how.
“My research mentor, Dr. Christian Wallen! Not only has he taught me so much in the classroom, but he gives great life advice as well. Although I am a very ambitious and hard-working person, before meeting Dr. Wallen, I really had no direction or plan for my plans after college. He has guided me in finding where I belong and what I aspire my future to look like.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“Hands-on research! Compared to larger schools, our department is rather small, but that means so much possibility for growth, hands-on instruction, and specialized opportunities!”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemistry! I am currently on the search for the perfect graduate program.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I have two black cats! I rescued them in November 2025 as kittens from a shelter in Charlotte. They are sisters, and their names are Eve and Eden! The way you tell them apart is Eve has orange eyes and Eden has green eyes.”
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About the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
The A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in chemistry with eight different concentrations, and an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science degree in fermentation sciences. The department’s programs prepare students to attend graduate and professional schools, as well as for employment in the pharmaceutical and fermentation industries and other business sectors. Learn more about the A.R. Smith Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences
About the College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers, and one residential college. These units span the humanities and the social, mathematical, and natural sciences. CAS aims to develop a distinctive identity built upon our university's strengths, traditions, and locations. The college’s values lie not only in service to the university and local community, but through inspiring, training, educating, and sustaining the development of its students as global citizens. More than 6,800 student majors are enrolled in the college. As the college is also largely responsible for implementing App State’s general education curriculum, it is heavily involved in the education of all students at the university, including those pursuing majors in other colleges. Learn more about CAS
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
September 17, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Smiling woman with long wavy blonde-brown hair, nose ring, and burgundy sleeveless top, posed against a gray studio background
CAS Corps member Ella Tynan is a senior chemistry major from Charlotte. Photo submitted