Chemistry prof’s award to fund science outreach

To help bridge the gap between research and teaching in science education, the National Science Foundation has awarded its highest honor for excellence in both disciplinary scholarship and undergraduate education to chemistry professor Arthur Ellis.

As one of seven recipients of the first Director’s Award for Distinguished Teaching Scholars, Ellis will receive a $300,000 grant to help fund projects that enhance the scientific education of undergraduate students and the general public.

Ellis’ research team is investigating semiconductors and metals at the nanoscale, or the scale of individual atoms. He often finds that developments in the lab lend themselves to new opportunities in the classroom.

“My coworkers and I try to take cutting-edge research in materials science and use it to help students appreciate the connections between fundamental concepts and real-world materials and devices,” Ellis says.

An example of this approach involves light-emitting diodes — tiny chips made of semiconducting materials that can emit different intensities of light when exposed to certain chemicals. With colleagues in chemistry and engineering, Ellis explores how these devices can be used as chemical sensors that detect environmental dangers, such as a gas leak or a chemical spill in a river. At the same time, the Ellis group is developing instructional materials both demonstrating and explaining the principles behind LED colors.

In many instances, the teaching tools Ellis brings to class result from a need to have a tangible model to explain abstract ideas. When he and his colleagues wanted to show how atoms pack themselves into solids, they developed a kit with which students could build their own atomic structures, such as those of table salt and diamond. “We needed something visual and tactile to help students learn how atoms are arranged in solids,” Ellis explains.

This kit, along with others demonstrating concepts in nanoscale science and technology, are distributed to teachers and the general public throughout the country. Ellis’ NSF award will lead to more instructional materials on nanoscale science and engineering for educators. “These awards are far-reaching because they will foster innovative educational developments,” says Judith Ramaley, NSF’s assistant director for education and human resources. “They will further enhance connections between fundamental research and undergraduate education.”

The Director’s Award honors individuals with distinguished records of educating undergraduates while they make advances in science, mathematics, engineering or technology. Ellis will be honored Nov. 8 at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C.