Donald Decoste

Donald Decoste is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Department of Chemistry in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. He has been a core member of the General Chemistry teaching faculty since 1996. Before joining the university, he taught high school chemistry and mathematics in Bakersfield, California. His roles include academic advising for students pursuing teaching careers (including those in the MSTC Program) and co-authoring three chemistry textbooks.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry (1988), University of Illinois
  • Ph.D. in Chemistry (1996), University of Illinois

His teaching philosophy emphasizes conceptual understanding of fundamental chemical principles and the active role of students in constructing knowledge. He developed Chemistry 495, a course preparing undergraduate and graduate students to teach high school chemistry. Key influences include educational theorists like John Dewey and Richard Feynman, focusing on meaningful pedagogical engagement.

No notable scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided materials. His advising contributions and curricular innovations are central to his professional profile.