Waynesburg University will be well represented at the upcoming American Chemical Society (ACS) Conference National Meeting in San Diego, California, in March, where both Dr. Heidi Fletcher, professor of chemistry, and Dr. Evonne Baldauff, chairperson for the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science and Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics, will present on topics relevant to their activities and curriculum on campus.
Dr. Fletcher will deliver a presentation titled, “From Pipettes to Punchlines: How ChatGPT Became My Lab Partner to Classroom Comedian & Everything in Between,” as part of the symposium section, “Best Practices for the Implementation and Use of Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry Education Research and Practice.”
This experience aligns directly with our mission to provide students with a high-quality, innovative education in chemistry and related disciplines."
Her presentation will explore innovative methods for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into chemistry education, with a focus on applications in general chemistry and biochemistry courses. She aims to provide practical insights for educators seeking to incorporate AI tools, like ChatGPT, into their teaching—fostering collaboration and innovation in the chemistry education community.
“Participation in the ACS National Meeting provides an invaluable opportunity to engage with experts in the field, learn from cutting-edge research and exchange ideas on best practices for implementing AI in chemistry education,” Dr. Fletcher said.
Representation at the conference provides several key benefits, according to Dr. Fletcher, which include exposure to new ideas to inspire further innovation in the Department’s teaching methods, and improved course materials, classroom experiences and assessment tools from insights gained.
The presentation will also position the University as a leader in AI integration in education, enhancing the University’s academic reputation and fostering connections with educators and researchers exploring AI’s role in education.
“This experience aligns directly with our mission to provide students with a high-quality, innovative education in chemistry and related disciplines,” Dr. Fletcher added. “By demonstrating the transformative role of AI in education, this conference will empower our faculty to stay at the forefront of educational trends, enhancing both teaching and learning at Waynesburg University.”
Dr. Baldauff will deliver an oral presentation on incorporating entrepreneurial thought and action practices into a chemistry laboratory, an initiative inspired by her involvement in Waynesburg University’s Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program.
“I’m very excited to share this work, which has culminated from my standing in the WU Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows,” Dr. Baldauff said. “I have been incorporating entrepreneurship activities into my inorganic chemistry lab and will be sharing the scope and results with the chemical education community.”
I have been incorporating entrepreneurship activities into my inorganic chemistry lab and will be sharing the scope and results with the chemical education community.”
The Waynesburg University Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows program includes six faculty members from multiple academic disciplines, fostering a culture of proactive and innovative problem-solving to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Their interdisciplinary approach to problem solving in the Plastics to Progress course created on campus received national recognition at the 11th Annual Deshpande Symposium in June 2022, where the University’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program was presented with the Rising Star Award for Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship.
Additionally, Dr. Baldauff and several Waynesburg University students will present a poster at the meeting highlighting the outreach and service activities of the University’s ACS Student Chapter, which has earned “Outstanding Chapter” recognition 17 out of the past 19 years. The session will provide national recognition for the University’s Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science and students.
Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Learn more about Waynesburg University's Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science and the programs available to students at the link below.
