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SUSAN SHIH
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School: College of DuPage I chose chemistry for a number of reasons, the primary one being that I enjoyed it. I had a female chemistry teacher in high school, my mother had a degree in chemistry, her sister was an MD and my father’s brother was a chemist so I had a lot of exposure to it. |
In graduate school, I discovered that I really enjoyed teaching and working
with students. I also discovered that I did not have a knack for laboratory
research work, so education seemed to be the way to go. With the exception
of an 8 year hiatus as a stay at home mom, I have taught at the college level
since 1968.
I especially like working with the students, trying to get them to look at
things on a different level. I also like trying new things in the classroom.
The occasions when former students return to tell me how they are doing is
always gratifying.
I primarily teach science majors and work especially at developing their
critical thinking skills. Even if they do not remember specifics about chemistry
after a few years, as long as they can logically analyze a problem, then
I consider them a success.
We are involved in an NSF grant proposal with UIC and Purdue, among others,
for setting up an undergraduate research center. If this is funded, we have
some exciting times ahead.
I think it’s important to be open to new ideas in pedagogy and to stay
current in curriculum developments. As a woman in what is still generally
considered a “man’s field”, it is important to serve as
a role model and mentor to young women interest in science.
Honors:
“Outstanding Faculty for 2002-2003” in my Division at COD, recognition by my peers. I also served an 18 month term as Chair of the Chicago Section ACS, a position that certainly broadened my view point on what our students need to know. I would encourage anyone interested in chemical education to become a member of the Division of Chemical Education of the ACS. It is a wonderful resource.