What in your life drew you to your current field of study?
I got interested in chemistry at a young age, perhaps because a friend of my parents was a chemist and he took an interest in my early development and convinced them to get me a chemistry set. But really in 9th grade when I had a wonderful teacher who loved chemistry, and I learned to love balancing chemical equations.
What do you hope your students gain from studying or working with you?
I hope the students learn to appreciate the incredible bounty of structures and functionality that can be found in the chemistry of carbon. And that there is very little in their world that isn't related to organic chemistry.
What are you passionate about in your personal life?
My hobby is training and running the sport of dog agility. It is great exercise for you, builds a strong relationship between you and your dog, and it is fun! There is ample opportunity to make friends, both people and dog friends, and the sport not only provides physical exercise but mental exercise as well. And your dog keeps you humble and gives you plenty of chances to laugh at them, at yourself, and with your friends.
