Discipline: Chemistry
With more than ten years of teaching experience, I joined the College of the Rockies team in August 2007. As part of the University Arts & Sciences department, I teach first- and second-year chemistry courses.
After obtaining my Ph.D. in the field of synthetic inorganic chemistry from the University of Windsor, I worked as a research associate at the University of Ottawa and Wayne State University exploring the chemistry of catalysts and main-group compounds.
My hands-on experience includes 12 years as an analytical chemist and spectroscopist in British Columbia, performing analyses of various samples for research and industry, especially the pulp and paper industry. During that time, I also taught undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in organic, inorganic, analytical, and environmental chemistry, and was the recipient of an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2006.
At the College, I focus my efforts on introducing novel experiments into our laboratories. Some of these laboratory experiences have their roots in modern analytical techniques that are used every day in industrial labs. Outside of the classroom, I pursue my interests in chemical education, and I think the College of the Rockies is an ideal place to do that. With a mandate of education and teaching, I find that everyone at the College is supportive and focused. In the years that I have been here, I have had many refreshing and informative discussions with colleagues devoted to teaching and student success.
My contributions to research are found in one patent and 18 publications, most recently in the Journal of Canadian Petroleum Technology and Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. Promoting science within our community, I have served as the Chief Judge of the East Kootenay Regional Science Fair for more than 10 years. When I am not on campus, I can often be found enjoying the scenic golf courses of southeastern British Columbia.