Chemistry faculty help train high school teachers

September 15, 2021

As forensic science television shows have risen in popularity, the tools used have gained recognition and generated interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

High school educators such as Cynthia Greer want to expose students to the concepts, equipment and career fields, but lack the in-depth knowledge and access to the equipment to do so. Thanks to a professional development workshop hosted by the University of North Georgia (UNG) and the Georgia BioEd Institute, Greer has added insights about gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to her curriculum this school year.

"My students from last year were frustrated because I hadn't taught them about chromatography, which was on the end-of-pathway course test. But I don't have a chromatographer, so I couldn't," Greer said. "Now I can."

Greer, who teaches biotech at North Hall High School, gained knowledge about the instrument during a "Chemistry in Biotech Workshop." Through the BioEd Institute and with support from Recro Gainesville, about a dozen educators from eight county school systems and one private academy received first-hand knowledge about mass spectrometry, chromatography and spectrometry. They also got a bird's-eye view of the scientific equipment in action before getting hands-on experience.

"The UNG faculty explained the functions of the instrument and got even more in-depth than I expected," Greer said. "They also talked about the career applications, which is important for my students. Then they showed us a basic dry run of the instruments, which was good. I hope to take my students to see them at UNG and ask questions."

Dr. Patricia Todebush, associate head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UNG, said four faculty members in her department helped with the workshop this summer. She was pleased to partner with Georgia BioEd in this endeavor.

"We are filling a need in the community and helping improve the future of Georgia Educators," she said. "As we help teachers, they help students. And the BioEd Institute is progressing science education through its initiative for Georgia."

Kristin Boscan, director of Georgia BioEd Institute, was glad the workshop came to fruition. She explained the institute and UNG had planned the professional workforce development session in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused its cancellation.

"Then Cynthia Greer reached out to us about chromatography and spectrometry," Boscan. "It was the perfect opportunity to conduct the workshop."