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My Background

• Lived in ME, MA, PA, IN, and CA.
• Married 24 years, 2 sons (UCI & PLNU)
• Volunteer of the Year, PUSD
• B.S. Chemistry + Math, Bates College, 1978
• Ph.D. Chemistry, Purdue University, 1985 Thesis: radiochemical trace elemental analysis of meteorites, solar system history.
• Postdoc: UCSD/SIO Climate Change CO₂ Program with CD Keeling, then remote sensing of the ocean at the Calfornia Space Institute
• Air Quality/Environmental Scientist at ICF Jones & Stokes in Scripps Ranch, since January 2008. My current day job.
• Scientist at ENSR in Orange, CA.
• Environmental Scientist at SAIC 1990-2007. (air, water, hazmat, climate, assessment, etc.)
• Adjunct Professor since 1988. Chemistry and oceanography. Miramar College, Mesa College, Grossmont College, Palomar College, National University, MiraCosta College, and Point Loma Nazarene University.
• TA from 1977 to 1984. Bates & Purdue.
• Hobbies: disc golf, photography, web design, politics, music, ecology, nature, birding, biking, running.
• Board member: Rancho Penasquitos Basketball; Point Loma Sports Associates; PLNU Resources Stewardship Task Force; Climate Change Focus Group. Formerly active in Mount Carmel Band, Sundevil Basketball; Sundevil Volleyball; Air & Waste Mgmt Association (San Diego Chair); Mesa Verde PTSA; Canyon View PTA; Science Olympiad; Science Field Day.

I have great respect for students at Miramar, especially those of you who give up part of your San Diego summer to take a class and a lab! Each of you has your own reason that you have made chemistry a priority this semester, so let's make the best of it and learn some chemistry.

What should you call me? Dave, David, or something more formal ... whatever feels right, as long as you do talk to me. I teach because I like helping students learn this stuff, but you have to take responsibility for your own learning, make sure you either understand the material and ask me what I'm expecting you to know. Make sure you know it and can work the problems and examples that I've presented in class.

Ask me questions, send me emails, stay late after lab (a great opportunity if you finish lab early, which will happen more often than you think, especially if you come to the lab prepared), or come visit during my "office hours." Don't just sit there and try to learn from the book. You wouldn't be here if that was the best way to learn chemistry.

Why Do I Teach Chemistry? - I come from a family of teachers. My dad just retired from 50+ years of teaching geology and geography back in Massachusetts and my mom has experience in elementary and preschool education. Teaching has always seemed like a natural thing to do. I love to see the moment when students "get it." Sometimes it takes a while, but with persistence from both of us, you and I will both know when it happens.

I've always been somewhat of an idealist, and it frustrates me to see the propoganda and scare tactics regarding scientific issues from politicians, policymakers, businesses, advocacy groups, and the media these days. People should not be afraid or ignorant of science; they need confidence to be able to make their own decisions and question ideas when they feel a problem exists or information is being held back or twisted. The beauty of science is that it is constantly changing and growing. Knowledge is tentative and current theories depend on their applicability and adaptability to observations and facts.

I like teaching at a small college because I can focus on teaching basic skills to students who want to learn from a real teacher, rather than a graduate student or teaching assistant. I enjoy bringing confidence to students who start out scared or uncertain about chemistry and science, and raising the level of all students so they can have an easier time later on. I'm happy when a former student thanks me for challenging them and giving them the tools to meet this and future challenges, and science-related decisions. I am always glad when a student, who thought chemistry was hopelessly difficult at the start of the semester, leaves with a new sense of confidence.