Karen Sinclair Molek

Karen Sinclair Molek is Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry in the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering at the University of West Florida. She also holds leadership roles as University Fellow for Advancement, Administrative Fellow for Student Engagement, and Director of multiple Scholars Programs including NIH MARC U*STAR/URISE, UWF STEM Scholars, and Chemistry Scholars. She began teaching at UWF in 2008 and has secured over $5 million in external funding.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, University of Georgia
• B.S. in Chemistry, Mercer University

Dr. Molek's research spans physical chemistry, materials science, and STEM education, with a focus on mass spectrometry instrumentation, nanoparticle synthesis, and innovative laboratory experiments. Her work in mentoring and supporting underrepresented and financially disadvantaged students in STEM is central to her mission. She has developed and led nationally recognized Scholars Programs that enhance retention, degree completion, and graduate school matriculation in STEM fields.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a dual trajectory: one in materials and analytical chemistry involving transition metal oxides and SALDI-MS, and another in pedagogical innovation and educational outreach, particularly in broadening participation in STEM. Her work bridges laboratory research and systemic educational reform.

Scientific Awards:

• 2024 Inspiring Program in STEM Award (INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine) – UWF STEM Scholars
• 2021 Inspiring Program in STEM Award (INSIGHT into Diversity Magazine) – Chemistry Scholars
• National ACS Zaida C. Morales-Martinez Prize for Mentoring ACS Scholars
• UWF Excellence in Teaching and Advising Award
• UWF Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award
• UWF Distinguished Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activities Award
• UWF President's Award for Leadership in Diversity

Dr. Molek has personally mentored 71 undergraduate research students and directed programs supporting over 650 students in the STEM Living Learning Community. She has secured major grants from the National Institutes of Health (over $4 million) and the National Science Foundation ($649,888) to fund initiatives that increase access and success for disadvantaged students in STEM. Her leadership has been instrumental in establishing UWF’s first and flagship Scholars Programs, which serve as models for inclusive excellence.

She leads the Chemistry Department and is deeply involved in interdisciplinary teams including the NIH MARC, U-RISE, S-STEM, and STEM Scholars teams, as well as the Chemistry Scholars and Living Learning Community faculty/staff teams.