Alexis Courtney Lecturer, Boston University (2020-present) Postdoctoral Fellow, Smith College (2019-2020) Ph.D. Chemistry Boston University (2019) M.A. Chemistry Boston University (2016) B.S. Forensic Science Bay Path University (2013)
As an undergraduate student I attended a liberal arts college and valued the commitment to teaching and faculty interaction with students. My passion for teaching developed while serving as both a tutor and assistant to the chemistry professor at Bay Path and I have dedicated my graduate career to advancing my knowledge of teaching and learning strategies.
During my undergraduate studies, my training in forensic science has given me experience analyzing DNA, biological and chemical samples, as well as, crime scene investigation, evidence collection, anthropology, the legal system, and ethics.
My education has given me mastery over chemistry that I can bring to teaching a variety of chemistry and forensic science courses. My undergraduate research utilized small research projects for exposure to a research environment. I took part in a forensic science research project developing methods for analyzing hair and fiber samples and a biotechnology course, where we worked together towards a goal of turning lawn clippings into fuel for lawnmowers. During the summer of 2012, I participated in the MIT Summer Research Program in Biology (MSRP-Bio). I worked in the lab of Professor Kristala Prather working on optimizing MIOX enzyme activity. My honors thesis work showed the effects of different starch substrates on α-amylase activity.
Throughout my time in the Beeler Lab, I have attained a vast and unique skill set with expertise in flow chemistry. Combining my passion for education and research, I have developed methodology synthesizing pyrroles in flow for use in the undergraduate laboratory. My work in the Gorin Lab focused on using enzyme inspired catalysts, utilizing aptamer-substrate relationships for molecular recognition.
My work has broadened my knowledge of a variety of areas of research ranging from chemical engineering, organic synthesis, cell culturing and biochemical assays.
Currently I am the instructor for both CH203 (Organic Chemistry I), CH174 (Principles of Organic Chemistry) and CH218 (Integrated Science Experience II Lab). I am currently working on new methods of teaching to help students learn organic chemistry!