What draws you to the field of chemistry?

The sciences have always fascinated me, particularly the complexities of chemistry and its broad applications. Chemistry is, literally, everywhere!

What about teaching energizes you?

I enjoy helping my students discover the relevance of chemistry in their life and the roles it plays in everything from the reactions that make their own body tick to the climates of distant planets.

What are your favorite courses to teach?

I especially enjoy teaching physical science. Even though it is not a class for science majors, it dabbles in several areas of science and has many opportunities to have fun in class and lab.

Who are your role models or mentors? How have they influenced you?

My undergraduate professor Dr. Bruce Heyen had a way of teaching that radiated his fascination and excitement for chemistry -- that it was not just problems to solve from a textbook, but rather a compelling, intricate and relevant subject to study. I also had the privilege of organizing youth science activities with him, singing in the choir he directed and sharing the piano duet bench with him several times. I think most significant lesson I learned from him is that studying chemistry can be fun!