FACULTY - Ronald L Fedie
Associate Professor
The science process is one that builds on the interplay between theoretical and experimental investigations through time. Chemistry was a path that helped answer many of my natural inquiries. I feel fortunate to live in such a scientifically and technologically advanced era and look forward to future advances, particularly as the atomic and molecular details of nanotechnology is unfolding. As an Associate Professor of Chemistry, I enjoy the dynamics of being in a classroom or laboratory of learners and continually look for ways to engage and motivate the students in chemistry. Staying up with the latest in lab data detection and data analysis technology has been a great aide, as well as keeping an eye out for a good chemistry demonstration. The chemistry demonstrations do not end in the Augsburg classroom as Ron has lead several groups of Augsburg students to local K-12 institutions to spread the good word about science. There is no better reward than to hear an 8th grade science class answer the question, “Who wants to be a chemist?” with a resounding “Me!” This is also a great benefit to the Augsburg chemistry students who have performed the demos and begin to realize the impact they may have in shaping the youth of today, besides having them want to truly understand the kinetics of hydrogen peroxide oxidation or what it is that gives “slime” it’s special mechanical characteristics from a molecular viewpoint.
I’ve been active in the MN Local Section of the ACS (American
Chemical Society) and am the current Chair-Elect. Leading has been
an ongoing life skill for me from Captain of the grade and high
school football teams to President of my campus Chemistry Club
and now to the Chemistry Department Chair and Chair-Elect of the
MN ACS. Through mentoring colleagues and students around me, my
hopes are that some of these skills are passed on to them. I still
feel my best skill is listening, although my Mother may still argue
that one! Listening allows me to continually learn from others.
I believe you can learn something from everyone if you listen hard
enough and I’ve also learned to ask better questions to help
this process, but number one is, don’t be afraid to ask!
I treat every question with respect and make every attempt to answer
or find the answer to what’s being posed (what’s that
kinetics of oxidation stuff?).
I was selected by the 1999 graduating class as the Honored Faculty
in the Science and Mathematics Division at Augsburg College. Professor
(Arlin) Gyberg has been honored twice and team-teaching with him
rubbed off on me, but more importantly he taught me how to win
on the racquetball court! Arlin and I can still be found at the
noon-time gathering of faculty, staff, and alumni on the racquetball
court and I can attest to this a being a great way to stay
connected with the rest of campus.
I also believe teaching one’s passions has a lot to do with making better learners. Augsburg College has given me the opportunity to explore my current interest in polymers. I’ve been able to develop 2 courses: Introduction to Polymers and American Plastic for the non-science major and Physical Polymer Properties as a chemistry major electives course. With 70% or more of today’s chemists working with polymers, it is a worthwhile pursuit for the chemistry major as well as a pertinent topic for the non-science major.
How can’t Augsburg College be teaching good chemistry when the 2003 Chemistry Nobel Laureate was derived from these walls! Congratulation Dr. Peter Agre! I am proud to be a Chemist at Augsburg College.
