People | Stephen C. Dexter

• B.S., Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Delaware, 1965.
• Ph.D., Applied Science, Metallurgy, University of Delaware, 1971.
• M.S., Applied Science Metallurgy, University of Delaware, 1968.
• Post Doc, Department of Ocean Engineering, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1973.

Marine corrosion and biocorrosion.  Influence of microorganisms and microbial biofilms on the electrochemistry of corrosion reactions and cathodic protection; Electron transfer processes in metal/biofilm systems.

• Determining how the semi-conducting properties of the passive film influence the response of passive alloys to the ennobling effects of natural marine biofilms.
• Measuring the chemistry within thin films of microorganisms and their extracellular polymeric materials that form on metallic,nonmetallic and composite materials immersed in natural aqueous environments.
• Development, in cooperation with Dr. George W. Luther, III, of solid state microelectrodes for use in making these measurements.
• Correlating detailed chemical information with the heterogeneous community structure of natural marine biofilms using laser confocal microscopy and molecular biological techniques.
• Determining and modeling the mechanisms by which the chemical changes within biofilms on metal surfaces affect the electrochemistry of marine corrosion.

The Biocorrosion Research Program is currently supporting one full time graduate student:

• Matthew Strom, Ph.D.  Student (B.S., D'Youville College, 2003) is working in Dr. Dexter's Lab on the passive film and microbe/nanopatterned solid interaction projects.
• Former M.S. Students, Xia Bai and Paul R. Jones, have finished their degrees. A publication based on Xia's work has been published in Electrochimica Acta, and one from Paul's work has been published in Microbial Ecology (see publications list).

• MAST 200: "The Oceans."  A large undergraduate course intended primarily for non-science majors, this course integrates physical, chemical, geological, and biological principles into an overview that addresses why and how the oceans work.

• MSEG 406/606: "Corrosion and Protection."  Based in the College of Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering,  this course may be taken at either the advanced undergraduate or graduate levels.

Advanced graduate courses in the areas of corrosion and biofouling are taught from time to time on an as needed basis.

Martin, F.J., S.C. Dexter, M. Strom, E.J. Lemieux. 2008. Relations Between Seawater Ennoblement Selectivity and Passive Film in Ni-Cr-Mo Alloys.  Submitted: Corrosion Journal (in revision).

Martin, F.J., S.C. Dexter, M. Strom, E.J. Lemieux.  2007.  Relations between seawater ennoblement selectivity and passive film in Ni-Cr-Mo Alloys, Paper#07255, Corrosion 2007, NACE, International, Houston, TX.  

P.R. Jones, M.T. Cottrell, D. L. Kirchman and S.C. Dexter. 2007. "Bacterial Community Structure of Biofilms on Artificial Surfaces in an Estuary," Microbial Ecology, Vol. 53, pp. 153-162. (also Electronic Publication January 2007)

Dexter, S.C. 2006. "Corrosion in Environments - Seawater," In: Corrosion: Environments and Industries, ASM Handbook, Volume 13C, ASM, International, Metals Park, Ohio, pp. 27-41.

Bai, X., S.C. Dexter and G.W. Luther, III. 2005. "Application of EIS with Au-Hg Microelectrode in Determining Electron Transfer Mechanism," Electrochimica Acta, Vol 51, pp. 1524-1533.

Dexter, S.C. 2005. Chapter 43, Microbiological Effects, In: Corrosion Tests and Standards, ASTM Manual 20, Second Edition, R. Baboian, Ed., American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA pp. 509-522. Dexter, S.C., K. Xu and G.W. Luther, III. 2003. "Mn cycling in marine biofilms: Effect on rate of localized corrosion," Biofouling, 2003, Vol. 19 (Supplement), pp. 139-149.

Dexter, S.C. 2003. "Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion," In: Corrosion Fundamentals and Protection, ASM Handbook, Volume 13A, pp. 398-416. ASM, International, Metals Park, Ohio.

Dexter, S. C., K. Xu and G.W. Luther, III.  2003.  Mn cycling in marine biofilms:  Effect on rate of localized corrosion.  Biofouling, Vol. 19 (Supplement), pp. 139-149.

Ruppel, D.T., S.C. Dexter and G.W. Luther, III. 2001. "Role of manganese dioxide in corrosion in the presence of natural biofilm," Corrosion, Vol. 57, (10) pp. 863-873.

Dexter, S.C. and P. Chandrasekaran. 2000. "Direct measurement of pH within marine biofilms on passive metals," Biofouling, Vol.15, No. 4, pp 313-325.

Xu, K., S. C. Dexter and G. W. Luther, III. 1998. "Voltammetric microelectrodes for biocorrosion studies," Corrosion, Vol. 54, No. 10, p. 814.

Dexter, S. C. and J. P. LaFontaine. 1998. "Effect of natural marine biofilms on galvanic corrosion," Corrosion, Vol. 54, No. 11, p. 851.

Dexter, S. C. 1996. "Effect of biofilms on crevice corrosion," Proc. COR/96 Topical Research Symposium on Crevice Corrosion, NACE, Houston, TX, pp. 367-383.

Zhang, H-J and S. C. Dexter. 1995. "Effect of biofilms on crevice corrosion of stainless steels in coastal seawater," Corrosion, Vol. 51, No. 1, 1995, pp. 56-66.

Complete Publication List

Interested students are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Dexter by e-mail prior to making formal application for admission.

The Marine Biocorrosion Program in Dr. Dexter's lab is housed at The College of Marine  and Earth Studies in Lewes, Delaware (Lewes Campus map) 80 miles south of the main campus of the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware. Dr. Dexter is a member of the academic faculty of the College of Marine Studies in the Marine Biosciences Program. He also holds a joint appointment to the faculty in the university's College of Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering (Newark Campus).

Students may enter the interdisciplinary M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Marine Biocorrosion from any of the following backgrounds: Chemistry, Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science or Engineering, Biology/Microbiology/Biochemistry. All students are expected to take courses on Corrosion and Corrosion Electrochemistry, Marine and Environmental Chemistry, Materials Science, Microbiology, and Biofilm Processes, regardless of their undergraduate background.

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