We are delighted to announce that Dr. Alec Kroll will join us as Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemistry on September 1, 2024. Beginning in Autumn 2024, he will teach undergraduate general chemistry courses, starting with CHEM 142.
Dr. Kroll received a B.S. in chemistry from Emory University and the Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder. He conducted laboratory research with the Widicus Weaver research group at Emory University during his undergraduate years and returned as a postdoctoral fellow, studying rotational spectroscopy and the chemistry of the interstellar medium. In his doctoral research with the Vaida lab at CU Boulder, he investigated planetary atmospheric chemistry. He specialized in studying the photochemistry of sulfur dioxide and its consequences on aerosol formation. Additionally, he has conducted research in chemistry education through both institutions. His education research at CU Boulder focused on the experiences of LGBTQ+ students in the general chemistry classroom. And his education work at Emory University focused on course development in introductory spectroscopy techniques.
In 2023, Kroll was awarded the CU Green Labs Award for his work in integrating green chemistry concepts for CU’s introductory general chemistry course, which is a highly relevant field of chemistry but often not taught in introductory courses. Kroll was also involved in the Student Academic Success Center program and the Program for Excellence in Academics and Community at CU Boulder. Furthermore, Kroll helped develop Chemistry Unbound at Emory University, a project that aims to overhaul the general chemistry curriculum at Emory and reframe topics for real-world problem-solving.
Welcome, Assistant Teaching Professor Alec Kroll!
It is also our pleasure to announce that Dr. Jiaojian (Tristan) Shi will be joining our faculty in Autumn 2025 as Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Tristan’s research program will focus on nonequilibrium quantum materials chemistry driven by ultrafast high-field laser pulses. We look forward to introducing you to Alec and Tristan in the coming months!
Thanks to Victoria Pang '25 for her contributions to this story.