ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ

Teaching Assistant Professor Dr. Novella Keeling Ph.D.

What are you most looking forward to as you transition to Biochemistry as a teaching assistant professor?

I'm excited to teach organic chemistry and to engage with content that closely aligns with my background and expertise. Organic chemistry has always been a passion of mine, and I look forward to creating dynamic, supportive learning environments that help students build confidence and mastery in this challenging subject. This transition allows me to focus on areas where I can make the greatest impact, drawing on my experience to highlight the connections between organic chemistry, biochemistry, and their applications in health and research.
 

You have a passion for teaching and this position seems like a great fit in your career - tell us more!
 

My passion lies in creating inclusive and empowering learning environments where students feel supported and confident in their abilities. This role directly supports that mission by providing a platform to shape foundational courses and, hopefully, foster a love for chemistry and scientific inquiry. There is a shared joy when a difficult topic suddenly clicks for a learner – it’s a transformative moment that can change the course of their academic journey.
 

When I was in college, I didn’t initially believe I could succeed in my chemistry courses. However, through the mentorship and encouragement of a small group of professors, I not only mastered the content but was inspired to change my major and pursue more chemistry courses. That experience shaped my understanding of how vital mentorship and a supportive environment are for student success.

I believe every student deserves that same level of guidance and encouragement, and this position will allow me to provide those opportunities. I value the mentorship and engagement aspects of teaching, and this role will enable me to expand those efforts while contributing meaningfully to the Biochemistry and Chemistry communities. By fostering confidence and curiosity in my students, I hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.

You initially transitioned to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ as a Teaching Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering - how will that experience dovetail with your role as Teaching Assistant Professor in Biochemistry?

My transition to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ has been eye-opening, especially in working with biomedical engineering students who are deeply driven by application and innovation. This forward-thinking mindset often leads them to view foundational topics, like chemistry, as less immediately relevant to their goals. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been bridging that gap—demonstrating how a solid understanding of chemistry is integral to driving biomedical advancements and innovation.

As I transition to the Biochemistry department, I am eager to build on this experience by showing students how core chemical concepts are applied across a variety of scientific disciplines. Chemistry provides the foundation for understanding processes at both the molecular and systemic levels, and I look forward to helping students see how these principles directly inform real-world breakthroughs. By fostering curiosity and emphasizing the interconnectedness of scientific fields, I hope to inspire students to approach their studies with confidence, recognizing foundational topics as essential tools for innovation in their respective fields.

Why is Boulder important in your career?

Boulder is more than just a beautiful place to teach – the city provides a community that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive excellence. ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ emphasis on fostering supportive and diverse learning environments aligns closely with my teaching philosophy. I am drawn to Boulder because of its strong STEM focus and the opportunity to contribute to a department that prioritizes student growth and academic rigor. Being part of this environment not only supports my personal growth as an educator but also allows me to contribute to a larger mission of inspiring students and helping them succeed in scientific and health-focused fields.