On behalf of the CoSM Dean's Circle, the college is pleased to announce David Turner, Ph.D. as this year's winner for the College of Science & Mathematics "Student's Choice Award for Outstanding Teaching."
Below are just a few of the numerous comments received by students:
- He is easily the best instructor I have had at this university. He is extremely personable, fun, and enthusiastic. He is intelligent beyond expectations and knows just how to communicate material to the students. Dr. Turner is one of the few professors I have had here who is more than okay with not following the syllabus to a tee so that his students really can understand the material. Whether it takes him going over a subject one time or ten times, he does what is necessary for us to grasp the material. His fun and outgoing personality make class enjoyable and draws us to him as an educator. I think that many other students can agree with me that he is one of the best instructors we have had and deserves a permanent professorship with the university as well. This is one brilliant mind and incredible educator that Wright State will be sorry to lose if he follows another path elsewhere. Dr. Turner deserves the honor of being selected as CoSM's Teacher of the Year.
- Dr. Turner makes learning inorganic chemistry fun and interesting. He also has taught us a lot about other subjects. I've never enjoyed another class like I do his.
- I nominated this teacher, because he is hands down the best teacher I have ever had. I can't begin to explain how important I think it is when a teacher is passionate about the subject they teach, and he incredibly passionate. He takes the time to make sure that everyone understands what we are learning, while also keeping the class fun and engaging. He also takes the time to relate how inorganic chemistry is important to other career professions, which I believe increases the desire to learn the subject.
Turner graduated Millersville University in 2003 with a BS in Biochemistry and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Ohio State University in 2009, specializing in organometallic synthesis, photochemistry and cancer research. He has worked at AFRL in th thermal management branch, and completed a postdoc at AFIT working on nuclear chemistry from 2013-2016. Then moved back to AFRL to work on high powered weapon systems. Turner started at Wright State in the Fall 2012 as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and teaches a number of our chemistry courses, such as inorganic, intro, and organic chemistry.
His research interests range from working on novel thermoelectric materials to create alternative energy sources to using state-of-the-art materials to fabricate hand-held radiation detectors for special nuclear materials and the development of new laser window materials and laser windows to withstand extremely high powers. Other interests includes synthesis of organometallic complexes for a wide range of applications ranging from quantum encryption to ultra-fast, photo-activated surface modification.
Turner realizes that a majority of students dread taking chemistry. These students often feel the content will be very difficult to learn. He said, "I feel that chemistry is one of the greatest subjects and if it is taught correctly, if the teacher engages with the students, and if the information is presented in a way that everyone can understand it, then the students will see what I see and realize how truly amazing chemistry is."
This award is managed by the CoSM Dean's Circle to provide an opportunity for students to recognize an educator who is passionate about their discipline, who have a desire to improve understanding and critical thinking, and who have a commitment to students' education. Thank you to the 250+ students who participated and took the time to vote this year.
"I was extremely surprised about receiving the award, and was completely unaware that this award even existed, said Turner. My students took it upon themselves to nominate me and vote for me. I am very grateful for the opportunity to teach at Wright State and to have received this award. Teaching the students at this university is my true reward. "
Congratulations, Dr. Turner! Thank you for being an outstanding teacher.
