Category: Department Spotlight

I love that I landed in a department with brilliant faculty and students who are passionate about science and working to change the world. Meet Emily Schjoth, one of the newer additions to the department, who is managing chemistry’s program and project funds (especially the 136 shops), and reporting needs.  “I’ll be chemistry’s communication conduit …

Teaching is very personal; we’re all very invested in the work we do for students and for TAs, so this coalescing work is important, occasionally challenging, and satisfying. Meet Stephen Block! Stephen earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry with the Wright group in 2012. While he came from a family of teachers and enjoyed teaching, …

I find my role fulfilling because I believe that the work we are all doing here together can make a positive difference in our communities and the world. Meet Kayla Driscoll! Working for the department for nearly nine years, Kayla is the associate director of faculty services and works closely with the chair to track …

Coming to work is invigorating and inspiring! My fellow CLC’ers are incredible teachers and supportive colleagues, and our students are eager to learn and grow. I learn something new every day! Meet Tracey Reitz! Tracey has just completed her second year as our Chemistry Learning Center (CLC) director. Tracey has been with the department for …

Every day is different and I’m lucky to work with such a talented group of people.  Meet Kimberly Hazen, the department’s marketing and communications manager for the last two years. She is tasked with improving our department’s visibility and prestige by sharing stories of our impact, achievements, reputation, and standing as a top-tier institution so …

I really enjoy working with my colleagues and the students. Meet Liana Lamont!  Liana teaches introductory general chemistry courses (Chem103 and Chem104) for up to 350 students. She coordinates these same courses for up to 2300 students per semester taught by multiple lead instructors. She develops materials to be used in lectures, discussion sections, and …

There is a reason everyone answers “What do you like most about your job?” with “the people”.  The people I interact with on a day-to-day basis are kind, compassionate, and eager to do their best for the good of the department and the people we serve. Meet Rachel Bain! As the senior instructional technology specialist …

I enjoy being able to help everyone continue their work and research by prolonging the life of their equipment, minimizing downtime, and allowing them to avoid spending an exorbitant amount of money bringing in manufacturer technicians for issues. Meet Amber Bartz!  Amber has been with the department for nearly three and a half years.  Her …

The undergraduate students are incredibly smart; the TAs and instructors are all dedicated. The staff I interact with are some of the best people.  Meet Amanda Buchberger! As the analytical lab director for the department, Amanda works with lecturers, teaching assistants, and faculty to develop and implement our analytical chemistry curriculum for our undergraduate students. …

Everyone here is friendly, dedicated, and great at what they do.   Meet Jeff Bartz! Jeff joined the department in June 2023 as a scientist with the Goldsmith group. Before joining the department, Jeff was a professor at Kalamazoo College in Michigan. Currently, three of his Kalamazoo research students are in the department working on …