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Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Kansas

Presidential Teacher
2003-2006

Recognizing that future research chemists are the product of stimulating undergraduate experiences, we are blending modern methods of instruction including technology with timely demonstrations and environmentally responsible laboratory experiments for an effective chemistry curriculum. As laboratory teaching assistants, graduate students are members of the total team contributing toward positive attitudes for Ohio University undergraduates and aiding in the personal approach necessary for learning. While serving as a link between professor and student, the TA's have the opportunity to look into the learning processes in chemistry and help devise better methodology for undergraduate instruction.

Computer and multimedia technologies in the lecture and laboratory settings is available for all students. Graduate students will have the opportunity to become familiar with these media and to assist in the development of appropriate materials as instructional aids. For example, the dynamics of a chemical system may be presented through animation, video libraries and digitized video from our own laboratory. We anticipate extending the laboratory experiences of undergraduates via the Internet by data sharing and discussions with students from other universities.

The microscale approach to General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry laboratories minimizes chemical waste and also affords new ways to observe chemical phenomena. Our undergraduate laboratories are conducted in microscale wherever possible. New experiments are being developed to expand the approach. Research students may have insights in expanding this approach to new areas.

Incorporation of research techniques into the general chemistry curriculum is another area of interest. For example, an exposure to mass spectrometry for general chemistry students has been coordinated by a team of the instructor, a guest researcher, technician and graduate student assistants. A prospective graduate student may have an opportunity to demonstrate a research technique as an undergraduate course enhancement.

"A Large Lecture Hall Activity -- Writing Your Name in Chemistry." J. Chem. Educ. 1993, 70, 37.

"Integration of Research Instrumentation into the General Chemistry Curriculum Part I; Mass Spectrometry. K.E. Eichstadt, J. Chem. Educ. 1992, 69, 48-51.

"A Compendium of Models and Analogies for Classroom Instruction" K.E. Eichstadt, Abstract 45-5 from the 13th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education of the American Chemistry Society, Bucknell University, Aug. 1994.

"Interpreting Chemical Information from the Lay Press as Essay Exam Questions in Large Sections of General Chemistry" J. Laughlin and K.E. Eichstadt, Abstract 58-C2 from the 13th Biennial Conference on Chemical Education of the American Chemistry Society, Bucknell University, Aug. 1994.

"Method for Integrating Inventive Teaching with Students Grades: The Creative Quiz" K.E. Eichstadt, J. Chem Educ. 66, 326 (1989).