Research

Academic Scholarship: Chemical Education

I am a passionate educator with many years of teaching experience and a strong commitment to chemical education, innovative teaching practices, and student success. I earned my M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rhode Island (URI) and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Brown University. Throughout my career, I have taught at several institutions, including Brown University, Providence College, Salve Regina University, the Naval Academy Preparatory School, and a private high school in Rhode Island.

My teaching philosophy is inspired by Ignacio Estrada’s words: “If a child cannot learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” I strive to make chemistry accessible, engaging, and meaningful through active learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and hands-on experiences.

At URI, I developed CHM 101 and CHM 112 workbooks to strengthen students’ conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills, as well as new laboratory manuals for Chemistry majors that emphasize experimental design, critical thinking, and professional scientific writing. I also developed CHM 371 to prepare undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs) to become effective peer mentors, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, and serve as accessible academic resources for students seeking additional support.

My scholarship focuses on chemical education, teaching pedagogy, and active learning. Through the 2023 Champlin Foundation Grant, I provide independent study opportunities in corrosion and corrosion prevention, allowing students to design their own projects, gain hands-on research experience, and explore pathways toward a Chemistry minor. I also received multiple URI ATL Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Grants to further support students’ learning experience.

My dedication to teaching has been recognized through several awards, including the 2013 Rhode Island American Chemical Society Chemistry Teacher of the Year Award, the 2024 URI Arts and Sciences Teaching Excellence Award, the 2024 URI General Education Teaching Award, the 2024 URI Inclusive Teaching Excellence Award, and the 2026 URI Honors Faculty Excellence Award. My ultimate goal is to inspire students to develop confidence in chemistry, become independent learners, and apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.