Dorian Canelas

Dorian Canelas is an Associate Professor of the Practice of Chemistry at Duke University’s Department of Chemistry, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, since 2020. His work focuses on implementing student-centered pedagogies, chemical education research, and macromolecular applications in industrial and biological contexts (e.g., microelectronics, gene therapy delivery).

• Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (1997)
• B.S., Northeastern University (1993)

Research interests bridge chemical education and polymer science, emphasizing STEM retention, equity in science education, and sustainable polymerization techniques in supercritical CO2. Publications highlight trends in MOOCs, cooperative learning, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Key awards include the inaugural Judith Deckers Teaching Award (2025) and finalist status for the Judith Deckers Prize (2024). He has secured grants from the National Science Foundation, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Education, and NIH for projects like the COMPASS PROJECT and SAGE program.

• Recent courses: Organic Chemistry I & II, Modern Applications of Chemical Principles, First-Year Seminar on Chemistry and Society.

Professional activities include leadership in Bass Connections teams, service on the AP Chemistry Development Committee, and long-term involvement with the American Chemical Society.