معرفی
Chris Nichols serves as Professor and Department Chair of Chemistry at California State University, Chico, where he has taught since 1999. His academic journey spans undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia, a PhD at UCLA under Michael Jung, and postdoctoral work with Nobel laureate K. Barry Sharpless at The Scripps Research Institute.
Education:
- BSc in Chemistry, University of British Columbia
- PhD in Chemistry, University of California, Los Angeles (1997)
Dr. Nichols' research centers on organic synthesis of natural products, with focus on marine-derived compounds including corydendramine A and phenguignardic acid. His dual expertise bridges synthetic methodology development and chemistry education innovation, particularly through guided-inquiry (POGIL) techniques and classroom response systems in organic chemistry instruction.
His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to both chemical research and pedagogical advancement, with educational methodology papers appearing alongside synthetic chemistry studies in peer-reviewed journals.
Scientific Awards:
- NSERC Scholarship (Canada)
As Department Chair since fall 2020, Dr. Nichols oversees curriculum development and laboratory modernization while maintaining active research supervision. His leadership emphasizes undergraduate research opportunities through the Chemistry Summer Research Institute and integration of modern synthetic techniques into the organic chemistry curriculum.
