Did You Know?
Did you know about Ch101 (Chemistry Tutorials)?
Ch101 (Chemistry Tutorials) is a three-unit class in CCE offered to undergraduate students during the spring term. These tutorial classes on special topics in chemistry are designed and led by graduate student and postdoc instructors with the guidance of experienced faculty members.
This quarter, 5th year graduate student Kim Pham, co-advised by Prof. Kimberly See and Prof. Scott Cushing, decided to teach a Ch101 course titled “Historical and Novel Applications of Electrochemical Technologies” that aims to teach students significant historical milestones in electrochemistry, help students develop foundational electrochemical laboratory skills, and expose students to current challenges in climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability within the context of electrochemistry. Her course bridges her interests in teaching, electrochemistry research, and renewable energy.
Students participate in three interactive laboratory modules to build skills in setting up a variety of electrochemical experiments, including electrolysis, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. For the class’s final project, students are tasked to research and learn about a commercially relevant electrochemical process or device, its historical routes, and current challenges and innovations in its respective area.
Kim was encouraged to teach Ch101 from her advisor, Prof. Kimberly See, to explore her interests in teaching, especially at underserved institutions after her PhD.
Kim Pham
“My experience in designing and teaching Ch101 has been incredibly rewarding. At this stage of my PhD, there are incredibly few opportunities to (1) design a completely new course (and have that course count as an official 3-unit course offering) and (2) actually teach students and see them learn and grow in my class. I felt empowered to pursue this opportunity after taking E110: Principles of University Teaching and Learning in STEM with Dr. Melissa Dabiri (CTLO).
I was excited to have the opportunity to directly apply everything that I learned from E110 to Ch101 and see its direct and positive impact on my students. I know that if I want to continue pursuing a teaching career, Ch101 would serve as a monumental experience in refining my own teaching pedagogy to better serve students. I truly believe that the best students and learners are raised by dedicated and inspiring teachers, and I hope to be that guiding figure wherever I go.”
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