Dr. Altman is from California, where she earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2016. During her time at Cal Poly, Dr. Altman developed a passion for teaching science through the method of “learn by doing,” which continues to be a pillar of her teaching philosophy today.
Dr. Altman continued her academic career to earn her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oregon, where she investigated the unique molecular environment of the oil-water interface. From her research during this time, she is most proud of a publication titled, “Twist and Stretch: Assignment and Surface Charge Sensitivity of a Water Combination Band and Its Implications for Vibrational Sum Frequency Spectra Interpretations,” not only because of the study’s findings and impact in the surface-science community, but also because of the ample resilience the study required.
These experiences and others are what inspire and motivate Dr. Altman to develop courses in the CHC that explore the tangible nature of science and the humanity in science.
CHC Courses Taught:
- HC 241 Atoms: Mother Nature’s LEGOS
- HC 241 Music to Your Ears: The Science of Song
- HC 277 Thesis Orientation
- HC 301 Beneath the Surface Science
- HC 441 The Art of Data Manipulation
