TEACHING

Spring 2016 Chem290: Being Human in STEM

This is a collaboratively designed, project-oriented course that looks specifically at the theme of diversity within STEM fields--at Amherst College and beyond. We plan to ground our understanding of the STEM experience at Amherst in national and global contexts, specifically looking at the way in which gender, class, race, sexuality, and geographic upbringing might shape these experiences. We will accomplish this goal two distinct ways: first and foremost, we will conduct in-depth research into these topics, looking at peer-reviewed articles and surveying existing best practices at our peer institutions. We will supplement this research with weekly interviews with STEM students, faculty, staff and alumni. These interviews will give us a better understanding of the history and present of the Amherst STEM environment. Together, we believe these two components–-research and testimony--will be instrumental in guiding Amherst to develop a more inclusive STEM community for all. We will present our results (and final projects) in a salon at the end of the semester; we will also share them via this student-designed website.

Spring 2016 Chem151: Introductory Chemistry

Fall 2015 Bio/Chem 330: Fundamental Principles of Life at the Molecular Level

Spring 2015 Chemistry 151: Introductory Chemistry

Fall 2014 Chemistry 151 Tuesday AM lab

Fall 2014 Biol/Chem 330: Biochemical Principles of Life at the Molecular Level

Spring 2014 Chemistry 151: Introductory Chemistry

Team Chem mixer with 2013 Team Biochem!

Fall 2013 Biol/Chem 330: Biochemical Principles of Life at the Molecular Level

Staying lively at 8:30AM: Team Biochem's video birthday card to Dr. Jaswal Senior (Alice)

As future health professionals, scientists and patients, each student researched the biochemical role of a specific rogue molecule involved in a human disease. In designing the poster to present their capstone research project, students incorporated concepts from the course, read primary literature, and refined their posters and presentations to be accessible to non-scientists and scientists alike.  Amherst community members, including faculty, staff, students and administrators (including President Biddy Martin!) attended our Open House. Click photo to see additional photos by Rob Mattson.