Emphasizing Learning: The Impact of Student Surveys in the Reform of an Introductory Chemistry Course

KATHERINE M. VAN HEUVELEN is the Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Diversity and an associate professor of chemistry at Harvey Mudd College. She earned a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a BA in chemistry and religion from St. Olaf College. Her research focuses on the role of metals in biological systems. She teaches general chemistry, advanced inorganic chemistry, the chemistry of cooking, and writing.

LAURA PALUCKI BLAKE is Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Effectiveness at Harvey Mudd College. Her primary role is to coordinate data collection, interpretation, and dissemination to support teaching and learning and decision-making across the college. In addition, her research interests include access and equity for women and minorities in higher education.

G. WILLIAM DAUB is the Seeley Wintersmith Mudd Professor of Chemistry and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He earned a PhD from Stanford University and a BA from Pomona College. His research interests center on pericyclic processes and regio- and diastereoselective reactions. He teaches general chemistry, organic chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, and writing.

LELIA HAWKINS is an associate professor of chemistry at Harvey Mudd College. She earned a PhD in oceanography and a BS in chemistry and environmental systems from University of California–San Diego. Her research interests include atmospheric aerosol chemistry and its intersection with global climate change. She teaches general, analytical, and environmental chemistry, climate change, and writing.

ADAM R. JOHNSON is a professor of chemistry at Harvey Mudd College. He earned a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BA in Chemistry from Oberlin College. His research interests are in the fields of asymmetric catalysis and ligand design. He is a founding member of the online inorganic chemistry community of practice IONiC (www.ionicviper.org).

HAL VAN RYSWYK is the John Stauffer Professor of Chemistry at Harvey Mudd College. He earned a PhD in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a BA in chemistry from Carleton College. His research interests center on low-cost photovoltaics. He teaches introductory courses in chemistry as well as advanced courses in analytical and materials chemistry.

DAVID A. VOSBURG is a professor of chemistry at Harvey Mudd College. He earned a PhD in organic chemistry from The Scripps Research Institute and a BA in chemistry from Williams College. He is a Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar and Fulbright-García Robles Scholar. His research spans organic synthesis and green chemistry. He teaches organic chemistry, general chemistry, biochemistry, and writing.