Mark B. Masthay is an associate professor and the former chair of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dayton. He previously taught at Drake University, New Mexico Highlands University, and Murray State University. His diverse research interests include the photochemistry and photophysics of visual pigments and carotenoids, with a view to understanding the role of light in age–related vision loss, as well as skin cancer and immune system suppression; the statistical mechanics and thermodynamics of small systems, with a view toward creating miniaturized thermometric devices; and pedagogical reform in chemical education. His academic work has appeared in numerous peer-reviewed journals.