Motschiedler

Dr. Motschiedler is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at La Sierra University. He also chairs the Pre-Health Recommendation Committee and teaches UHNR 114: The Scientific Process for the Honors Program, fostering critical thinking and student-led research. Previously, he taught at Orange Coast College before joining La Sierra University 20 years ago.

• Education: B.S. in Chemistry from Andrews University; Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from UCLA.
• Research Interests: Focuses on reactions initiated by light (photochemistry) and chemistry education, with roots in his undergraduate Honors Scholarship Project at Bowling Green State University and graduate work at UCLA.
• Other Roles: Succeeded Dr. Gary Bradley in hosting Honors pizza vespers, maintaining a tradition of student-faculty connection.
• Interests: Enjoys reading (e.g., The Overstory), art history (highlighting Leonardo Da Vinci's The Annunciation), hiking, outdoor activities, and travel (Italy, Costa Rica, Iceland).
• Philosophy: Advocates for perseverance through self-doubt and burnout, emphasizing faith-science compatibility in an Adventist institutional context.