Texas Tech University Application Essay

I’m writing to apply for the position of assistant professor of chemistry announced in the HigherEdjobs web site. I received my Ph.D in chemistry in 2015, and currently working as a post doctoral research associate at Texas Tech University (TTU). I have been in undergraduate teaching for almost nine years, and I could bring some real world experience to the college teaching role. My experience in the teaching of general chemistry, Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, quantitave and qualitative analysis methods in chemistry, mentoring undergraduate students as a post doctoral research associate and as a graduate student have provided me the background necessary to successfully assume the position that you have described.

Even though currently

As a graduate teaching assistant at TTU, I have taught different laboratory classes such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic Chemistry. In General chemistry labs gravimetric and titrimetric methods were used as quantitative analysis techniques. During my teaching and research carrier, various instrumental methods such as NMR, IR, and UV-VIS spectroscopy, GC-MS, HPLC, X-ray Diffraction, combustion analysis were used to characterize the compounds. The experience I gained from each lab was very different. I had to customize my teaching skills and methods based on the students’ backgrounds, abilities and interests since every student is unique and different. Also, it is essential to creatively use various active learning methods such as group discussions, presentations and the use of physical objects or specimens when necessary to visually prove the concepts. I had the opportunity to use these strategies when I taught CHEM 4105 inorganic chemistry lab. In that lab I was tasked with designing experiments including heavy experimental and instrumentation skills, writing

Hopefully, the skills, discipline and encouragement that they have attained in their journey in my class go beyond the classroom and are used to improve their lives and also the lives of others around them. Students often see the teacher as a role model from whom they seek advice on topics ranging from fundamental concepts to future career development. Through nine years of teaching experience, I have helped many students to gain leadership skills and self-confidence in order to develop their careers. Chemistry plays a major role in the liberal arts college for both science and non-science majors. I always believe I have done my best commitment to initiate and develop tomorrow’s scientific leaders in the field of education, research, medicine and industry. Critical thinking skills will always improve by learning and practicing the scientific processes where it can be applied in any academic discipline. Understanding the basic principles of chemistry for non-science majors allows them to explore the subject to some extent as well as helping students to make connections between science and “real life.” I would bring to this position experience not only in teaching but also in research. I’m most interested in working in a community college environment for I enjoy the mix of student backgrounds and varying levels of experience and ability that are found there. I look