1. Senior chemistry capstone experience at the University of Evansville: Lessons in life-long learning, professionalism, and philanthropy Kristy K. Miller Ph.D. Associate Professor and Chair Department of Chemistry

2. Overview Background The University of Evansville Department of Chemistry Senior Chemistry Capstone Course Overview Learning Outcomes and Assessment Unexpected Outcomes Student Attitudes/Opinions Impact on Department of Chemistry

3. The University of Evansville Established in 1854 Located in Southwestern Indiana Private, comprehensive university with strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences 2600 students ~$120 million endowment

4. The Department of Chemistry ACS approved 6 tenure/tenure track faculty 1 lab supervisor 1 stockroom clerk 1 administrative assistant 50-60 chemistry/biochemistry majors (freshman-senior)

5. Senior Chemistry Capstone Course Spring semester of senior year General education requirement 2 nd year for course Implemented in 2013

6. Senior Chemistry Capstone Course Professional Development/Resume Writing Guest speaker: UE Career Services Chemical Hygiene and Safety Guest speaker: Manager of UE Risk/Environmental Services Ethics *Philanthropy to the Discipline* Book Reviews The Disappearing Spoon (Sam Kean) The Idea Factor: Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation (Jon Gertner) Uncle Tungsten: Memories of Chemical Boyhood (Oliver Sacks)

7. Senior Chemistry Capstone Course Thesis Project Presentation (research, internship or review topic) Group Project “If given $1 million, develop a well-defined research project and specific objectives that address the project” Oral Exam ACS DUCK Exam

8. Assessment WHERE STUDENTS END UP AFTER GRADUATION! 97.4% (38/39) of students who graduated within the last 5 years are doing something related to their degree ACS DUCK Exam 20-29/6030-39/6040-49/6050-60/60 20131203 20143321 Group Project not acceptablenovicecompetentaccomplishedoptimal 201300024 2014000 9 Oral Exam poordevelopingcompetentexemplary 20131140 20140027

9. Unexpected Outcomes Commitment to philanthropy Class of 2013 contribution to Weller Fund for NMR ($250) Student recruitment Utilizing students as chemistry ambassadors Incoming class of chemistry students up 250% from last two years (20 freshman chemistry majors) “Old” JEOL 300“New” Bruker 400 Class of 2013

10. Student Attitudes/Opinions Overall positive opinion regarding course Most beneficial (although maybe “painful”) Group Project Teamwork Creativity, out of the box thinking Oral Exam Thinking on feet Handling intimidation Philanthropic awareness

11. Impact on Department of Chemistry Continued commitment to philanthropy from alumni and students Alumni challenged seniors (and other graduates/donors) to 3:1 match Class of 2014 raised $650 Allowed for purchase of 3 new rotovaps Alumni student relationships Alumni speaking to capstone class Rotovap Class of 2014

12. What’s Next for Chemistry Capstone? Moving course to Fall instead of Spring Field Trips Local industries Universities Department of Chemistry Social After Annual Science Advisory Council Weekend Targeting Recent Chemistry Graduates 1:1 challenge match made by “older” alumni Environmental Risk/Safety Project

13. Acknowledgements Office of Career Services Environmental Services Office of Development and Alumni Relations Students, Alumni, and Friends of the UE Department of Chemistry

14. Thank You! Questions?