Teaching & Outreach
Teaching and Outreach
Outreach – Grassian Group
Professor Grassian and her group are involved in a range of activities related to teaching and outreach. Mentoring and training the next generation of future scientist are important to all group members. Research focus areas of the Grassian group (environment, climate, health, nanoscience) are of broad interest to a variety of active learners that includes elementary school/middle school/junior high school students and their parents, high school students and retirees. Grassian group members have opportunities to give talks, interact, demonstrate and teach about their research and its benefits to society.
Teaching, Curriculum Development and Mentoring – VH Grassian
Professor Grassian has taught a wide range of classes at the University of Iowa that crosses departments and colleges including:
Chemistry Courses: 4:007 - General Chemistry I, 4:14 - Principles of Chemistry II, 4:16 - Principles of Chemistry Laboratory (now combined as 4:12), 4:131 - Physical Chemistry I, 4:132 - Physical Chemistry II, 4:238 - Surface Chemistry and Heterogeneous Processes, 4:242 - Statistical Mechanics, 4:191 Graduate Chemistry Orientation
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Courses: 52:195 Surface Analysis: Contemporary Topics: Chem & Biochem Engr taken by graduate students in engineering.
Environmental Sciences Courses: 159:010/100 – Environmental Sciences Seminar (taken by undergraduate environmental sciences B.S. majors).
Additionally, at the University of Iowa, Professor Grassian has mentored over one hundred students in her laboratory including twenty two students who have received their PhDs under her guidance. Two of her Ph.D. students received distinguished dissertation awards from the Graduate College. She has mentored and worked with nearly thirty postdoctoral and visiting scientists. Many of her students have gone on to develop research programs in the chemistry of environmental interfaces as well as in energy at academic institutions and national laboratories. Some students have gone into industry and have specialized in instrumentation development. In 2008, Professor Grassian received the Outstanding Graduate Student Mentor Award in recognition of her engagement and efforts as a mentor to students.
Professor Grassian has also been involved in several curriculum initiatives including the development of the chemical sciences track of the B.S. degree program in environmental science and has advised other faculty on developing similar programs at their institutions. She has directed two NSF-funded REU programs including the interdisciplinary program on Environmental Systems through the Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research. Because of these initiatives and her excellence in scholarship, she has been the recipient of the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence in 2006.