Gretchen Adams
Director of Undergraduate studies
Gretchen Adams received her undergraduate degree in Teaching of Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 1998. She earned her Masters of Science in Teaching of Chemistry from UIUC in 1999. She joined the Chemistry Department at UIUC in January 2003. Prior to this, Gretchen taught high school science in Iowa for four years. In addition to teaching chemistry courses with the General Chemistry division, she directs the Chemistry Merit Program for Emerging Scholars and serves as the Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Teaching Philosophy
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." Albert Einstein
Outreach
Gretchen does several large demonstration shows, small-group presentations, and hands-on activities every year for the state of Illinois community and schools at large. She is most known for her demonstration shows and presentations to prospective and incoming freshman on how to be a successful science student in college (often co-presented with colleague Don DeCoste).
Courses Taught
- Chemistry 101, Introductory Chemistry
- Chemistry 108, The Chemistry of Everyday Phenomena
Awards
- 2012 Faculty Honoree, Illinois Women's Basketball Team
- 2011 School of Chemical Sciences Outstanding Staff Award
- 2011 IlliAAC Annual Outstanding Established Program Award
- 2010 Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teacher of Freshman Award
- 2008 School of Chemical Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award
- ICES List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent by Their Students: Fall 2004 to present
- 1999 School of Chemical Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award as a TA
Grants Awarded
- National Science Foundation S-STEM Grant, 2012
- The Dow Chemical Company Aid to Education Grant, 2012
- National Science Foundation STEP Grant, "Merit-Based Immersion Program for Students and Teachers (MIST)", 2007
- The Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc. Special Grant Program Recipient, 2003
Publications
G.M. Adams and J.M. Lisy, “The Chemistry Merit Program: Reaching, Teaching, and Retaining Students in the Chemical Sciences”, Journal of Chemical Education, Vol. 84, pp 721-726, April 2007
Research
Gretchen's current research involves investigating the factors that influence the retention and success of all undergraduate chemistry majors at the University of Illinois, with a secondary emphasis on underrepresented groups.
Conference Presentations
- NCTM Regional Conference, November 2012
- NCTM Regional Conference, October 2011
- NABT National Conference, November 2009
- Celebrate Youth Conference, May 2012, 2010, 2009 and 2008
- ACS National Meetings, March 2009, 2006 and 2005
- NSTA National Conferences, March 2012, 2009 and 2008
- Enhancing Chemistry Conference, March 2008
- UIC STEM Conference, September 2007
- ICUC FYI Chemistry Conference, May 2007
- EIU Math Conference, March 2007
