Areas of Interest

Inorganic chemistry, chemical education, and chemistry pedagogy

Teaching Philosophy

As consumers, we are constantly bombarded with information.  Told to try this product because it is all natural and chemical free but not use this one because it contains synthetic toxins!  As a chemist it is disheartening and frustrating to see chemicals presented in this fearful light.  My goals as an educator include helping students understand chemical principles and teaching them how to evaluate, interpret, and communicate data.  I accomplish these specific goals by guiding students through the scientific literature.  I show them why we need chemicals to survive and that not all chemicals should be feared.  We examine how scientists evaluate data and present conclusions, then practice these techniques ourselves.  By the end of my courses, students can expect to be more informed consumers and better able to interpret and communicate data.  These skills will serve them well regardless of the career they ultimately choose.  Finally and most importantly, I strive to show my students the valuable roles they play in their communities and that their unique contributions only make our communities richer and stronger.  

Past Courses

• HC 101H: Symmetry
• HC 241H: Pick Your Poison
• HC 277H: Thesis Orientation
• HC 441H: Water: A Deep Dive
• HC 444/441H: Flint Water Crisis
• HC 441H: Verifying the Viral: Investigating Science on Social Media
• HC 477H: Thesis Prospectus
• General Chemistry