Welcome!!

As the staff physical chemist at Augusta State University, I routinely teach the principles of chemistry sequence and the physical chemistry sequence. In addition, each spring I am fortunate to teach a special course in instrumental design. On occasion, I get an opportunity to refresh my knowledge and skills within the physics domain, teaching the algebra based physics sequence or upper level courses.

Over the years I have taken steps to ensure that the quality of my teaching has improved. By keeping track of alternative teaching models, I have constructed a hybrid classroom environment for all of my courses where lecture is the rarity and collaborative learning is the norm. The success observed for both the level of understanding and student grades has been the driving force in my curricular changes, and they have been extremely positive thus far.

Research, too.

I have numerous research interests that are in progress or just completed. These include:

• Oscillating Electrochemical Reactions
• Terahertz spectroscopy to detect explosive compounds (with Rob Foltynowicz from Sandia National Labs)
• Uses of computational chemistry in the physical chemistry laboratory
• Using "Video Tutorials" to enhance student understanding out of the classroom
• The Gibbs Free Energy and the Classical Catenary Problem

In addition, I enjoy assisting and being involved with the POGIL group and the strides they are making in methods of education in high school and higher ed.

Short Bio:

• Born in Detroit, MI
• BS from Lyman Briggs School, Michigan State University (1988)
• MS from Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University (1995)
• PhD from Department of Chemistry, Purdue University (2001)
  • Advisor: Edward R. Grant
• Visiting Professor at Depauw University (2001)
• Assistant Professor at Augusta State University (2001 - 2006)
• Associate Professor at Augusta State University (2006 - )

A Man's Best Friend

Here are some picks of my lab, Sagan.