Paul (Ric) Schumacher

Paul (Ric) Schumacher, PhD

Biography

Dr. Schumacher joined the Cedarville faculty as an associate professor in August 2025. His areas of research include electrochemical investigation and analysis of lanthanides and actinides in aqueous solutions. Prior to joining Cedarville University, Dr. Schumacher worked for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory as a Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff for their office of Government and External Affairs. Dr. Schumacher is also a retired Army Colonel who served in both the field artillery and nuclear operations functional area.

Education and Credentials

• PhD in radiological chemistry from Washington State University (2011)
• Master of Science in neuroscience from Washington State University (2001)
• Master of Science in strategic studies from Air University (2014)

Scholarly Works

• "Characterization of the behavior and mechanism of electrochemical pre-concentration of plutonium from aqueous solution," Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
• "Electroanalytical chemistry of lanthanides and actinides," Reviews in Analytical Chemistry
• "Cathodic Preconcentration of f-Elements on a Mercury Film Carbon Fiber Disk Microelectrode," Analytical Chemistry
• "Preconcentration of f-Elements from Aqueous Solution Utilizing a Modified Carbon Paste Electrode," Analytical Chemistry
• "Preconcentration of Trivalent Lanthanide Elements on a Mercury Film from Aqueous Solution Using Rotating Disk Electrode Voltammetry," Analytical Chemistry

Interests

• Golfing and fishing
• Gardening
• Woodworking
• Birdwatching

Expert Topics

Electrochemistry, radiological chemistry, nuclear weapons, nuclear/strategic deterrence, rare-earth elements

Why Cedarville?

I am called by God to teach and mentor Christian college students in the field of chemistry.