New Faculty Profiles
I would like to show to my students that science is not only equations and numbers, but also actually a process of solving a mystery.
Justyna Widera
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Please give us a brief overview of your background, area of expertise, research and teaching.
I come from a research oriented background. Previously I worked as a post doctorate for some time at different universities in Germany and then in the United States at Miami University. Afterwards, I held a position at Air Force Research Laboratories that also focused on various research oriented activities but with very little teaching. One summer I was assigned to work with students who had received research scholarships with the Air Force and I fell in love with teaching and working with students. I realized this was the missing component of my job, and I decided to apply for a teaching position.
What made you choose to come to Adelphi?
My campus visit made a big difference. After having the interview with the chemistry department, I felt this was a place where I could accomplish a lot, where the expectations are high, and there’s an appreciation for people with creative skills and fresh ideas. Additionally, they were looking for a person to develop the area of analytical chemistry and that is exactly my area of expertise.
What has been your experience so far?
Adelphi is a great place to work. I have learned that since the day I came here. I worked at different institutions and I have never found so much friendship, collegiality, and such a nice atmosphere as here. The most important part is that people actually want you to succeed here. I often talk to my colleagues, and I gratefully hear and share advice, discuss how to accomplish a goal, how to move towards a higher level.
What do you wish to contribute, what do you feel strongly about in regards to teaching or in your specialization.
Right now, I am developing the curriculum for the quantitative analysis and instrumental analysis courses for fall 2006 and spring 2007. Instrumental analysis has not been taught here for a long time, so this is something very challenging, and I love to be challenged. It is something in my nature; I just like to do something that is difficult or has not been done.
Generally, I know my place as a scientist. I know what I like and what I am good at, but I am now learning my place as a teacher. That’s another reason why I feel this department has so much to offer. We have many experienced teachers that give me great advice on how to make teaching and learning enjoyable and effective. Being around other teachers will help me to grow and become a better teacher myself. I set high standards for myself and my students because I feel that teaching is good only if is challenging for both, students and teacher. So I try to challenge myself with all the material I develop and every time I walk into the classroom.
The research I am doing focuses on using various materials and techniques to create novel sensors. Recently, I received the Fredrick Bettelheim Research Award that allows me to work with my students on the development of a fuel acidity sensor. The other project involves creating polymer modified electrodes to detect neurotransmitters, which are part of the brain chemistry. Another project is focused on the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel material such as CdS nanoparticles for sensing purposes. In that matter, I am looking into opportunities to collaborate with physics department faculty. They are doing similar research, but from a different angle, so I think there are possibilities for a very nice interdisciplinary project.
Even though I have been here for only a short time, I already have seven students that are interested in being in my research group. I feel a great excitement coming from our undergraduate students about being involved in research. I feel very passionate about helping them and introducing them to this field. I could be the first person to do that, so I need to do this job very well!
What do you wish to impart to your students?
I would love my students to have the passion for science that I have. I can not imagine doing anything else in my life.
I would like to show to my students that science is not only equations and numbers, but also actually a process of solving a mystery.
They need to learn how solving a scientific question is often a very time consuming process in which many scientists throughout the world
are involved. Via collaborative initiatives, conferences, and publications we exchange thoughts and share results, which help put together
the pieces of the big picture. Sometimes we find out that we are not ready to answer the original question but that we need to solve
another problem first, which will be equally worthwhile.
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