Guttman’s Dr. Kim and Mr. Roth Co-Author Article on Transforming Research in the Classroom

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March 5, 2021 | Academics, Experiential Learning, Faculty, Publication, Research, STEM

With Dr. Shen Zhang from the Advanced Science Research Center, CUNY, Guttman Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jihyun Kim and Assistant Director of Academic Technology Christopher Roth has co-authored the article “Research In the Classroom: Introducing Nanomaterials at a Two-Year College.” Published in the International Journal of Research in STEM Education in November 2020, this article illustrates the transformation of research in the classroom within chemistry courses at Guttman. “Students worked in groups to research nanomaterials, came up with a series of carbon nanoparticles precursors from waste materials, and developed simple and cost-effective methods to produce carbon nanoparticles.” Through such “short course-based research experiences,” aided by the use of academic technologies, “students became more active learners,” gained a deeper appreciation of the physical sciences, “increased conceptual learning,” improved critical thinking skills, and connected what students learned about chemistry to their real-life experience. This important work exemplifies Guttman’s institutional emphasis on student-centered course design and experiential learning. The approach “also provided a platform to discuss sustainability, green chemistry, and nanomaterials,” thus preparing students for a role in emerging climate studies, a topic of utmost relevance in the 21st century.

Dr. Kim earned her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She conducted her postdoctoral studies in breast cancer at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, DC, and earned a fellowship from the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Before starting at Guttman in 2017, Dr. Kim taught courses in all areas of chemistry at multiple colleges in the CUNY system, as well as William Paterson University and Ramapo College of New Jersey. Along with Dr. Lawrence Pratt from Medgar Evers College, CUNY, Dr. Kim was awarded a three-year National Science Foundation grant toward the development of a new biofuel from a mixture of brown grease and waste plastics. Her research centers on developing eco-friendly chemical processes to reduce or eliminate toxic chemical waste.

In his current role at the College, Mr. Roth supports technology platforms such as Starfish, Digication, and Blackboard in the efforts to promote student success and engagement. This includes leading professional development for faculty and staff and various educational technology projects. He previously served as Guttman’s Program Coordinator for iPASS and Academic Technology Coordinator. Prior to joining Guttman, Chris worked as the Director of Technology for an event planning organization, overseeing website administration, content creation, membership databases, social media and communications, and event management software. He has also served as the Office Manager for Special Events and Event Planning at the CUNY Graduate Center. Mr. Roth holds a Master’s degree in Information Design and Technology, with a concentration in educational and instructional design. He is a member of the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi.