President Kaler learns about the Department of Chemistry

President Eric Kaler met with Department of Chemistry faculty and staff, and a chemistry graduate on Friday, February 24, 2012. Chair William Tolman shared information about the department’s teaching and research innovations, and strengths and challenges.

Sharing the Department of Chemistry's story with President Kaler were:

• General Chemistry Director and Professor Michelle Driessen who explained some of the Department of Chemistry’s innovative teaching initiatives, including an online course, the redesign of general chemistry laboratories, and the development of hybrid online/interactive lab courses.
• Jenny Marshall, a graduate of the Department of Chemistry who is now enrolled in the teaching master’s program at the College of Education & Human Development, who shared the impact of her undergraduate learning and research experiences, which included an internship with Saint Paul Public Schools, study abroad programs, undergraduate research, and volunteer opportunities through Chemists in the Library.
• Professors Thomas Hoye and Theresa Reineke who shared highlights of their current collaborative research.
• Professor and Director of the Center Sustainable Polymers Marc Hillmyer who talked about the importance of partnerships in the work of key university research centers.
• Director of Operations Chuck Tomlinson who illustrated how the department has reorganized to meet current needs.

President Eric Kaler (second from left) met with Department of Chemistry faculty and staff, and a chemistry graduate on Friday, February 24, 2012. He learned about the department’s teaching and research innovations, the department’s strengths and challenges, and listened to a meaningful undergraduate experience. Pictured front row from left next to President Kaler are General Chemistry Director and Professor Michelle Driessen and Department Chair William Tolman. Second row: Professor Marc Hillmyer, chemistry graduate Jenny Marshall, Director of Operations Chuck Tomlinson, and Professor Theresa Reineke. Third row: Professor and Department Vice Chair Ilja Siepmann and Professor Thomas Hoye.