Release date: Nov. 20, 2003
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or dhammac@emory.edu

Emory Professor Makes Learning Chemistry an Organic Experience

Organic chemistry has tripped up many a would-be doctor on the path to medical school, but at Emory University one teacher has sought to turn what is typically a universally dreaded requirement into a fulfilling learning experience.

Matthew Weinschenk, a senior lecturer in chemistry, has devoted his career to sharing his passion for the discipline and unraveling the mysteries of what is an extremely challenging subject for many. The youthful and often spiky-haired 32-year-old chemistry lecturer came to Emory in 1999, specifically hired to teach one of the department's most difficult courses, after earning his doctorate at Yale University.

Tiffany Hodges, a neuroscience and behavioral biology major from Georgia, took the chemistry course last year to enhance her understanding of the subject. She loved Weinschenk's class so much that she is now a mentor for students tackling the course this year.

"Dr. W is an excellent professor. He makes science cool," says Hodges.

Since his arrival, Weinschenk has easily connected with his students by referencing everything from music to movies to sports in his lectures. Weinschenk also has been known to sponsor donut-eating contests and spout rap tunes to explain concepts, and he'll even pull all-night study sessions with his students before an exam. And, for a teacher who has 240 students this semester, he makes a point of getting to know every student's name. "I've always had a knack for remembering names. My trick is to put names to faces simply by collecting their exams by hand," he says.

A native of Pennsylvania, Weinschenk comes from a family of teachers and knew early on where his career path would lead him. He discovered the subject he wanted to teach after taking organic chemistry his sophomore year of college and loving the complexity of the subject.

"Chemistry is so challenging for most people, so I thought I could, as a teacher, make it fun for people, make it a better experience and more bearable," he says. "I love teaching and challenging students and developing a community of scholars."

Since his arrival, Weinschenk has received numerous nominations each year for most influential and rigorous professor by students in the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. "That's the kind of effect I would hope to have and, coming from students, this sort of recognition means a lot to me," he says.

And for undergraduates plowing through one of the toughest classes of their academic careers, Hodges says "Dr. W's" devoted enthusiasm for the subject and his students is the key to his success and theirs.

"Not only is he brilliant, but more importantly, he is so animated and enthusiastic about the subject. This really seems to rub off on the students and compels them to strive to do well in the class. He is very responsive and makes sure that students understand particular concepts. Simply put, he cares about us."

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