Amy Graham

Degrees and Appointments

• Associate Professor of Practice, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2020 to present
• Graduate College Faculty Fellow for TA Training, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2020 to present
• Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2015 to 2020
• Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2011 to 2015
• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Specialty: Analytical Chemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 2000-2010
• B.A., Chemistry (Minor: Philosophy), College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, 1996-2000

Teaching
My primary roles are teaching large General Chemistry courses in Collaborative Learning Spaces (CLSs). In my classes, I use Active Learning strategies and a teaching team to maintain a productive and engaging classroom environment. I aim to build an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students, recognizing the immense mental health challenges faced in the university environment. I have extensive experience (5+ years) facilitating Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs) at the University of Arizona, where I have learned and shared a host of evidence-based practices for teaching and learning. I have expertise in training both Learning Assistants (preceptors) and Teaching Assistants in pedagogical methods, where I have constructed courses (IA 495/596: Learning Assistant Best Practices) and D2L Discover Courses (LA Training Course (ITP) and GTA Training Materials) in these areas that are available to the entire UArizona community. I have also created a podcast entitled PEP Talks: Productive Educational Practices, where I interview members of the UArizona teaching community (graduate students, faculty, and staff) about their journeys and best practices. 

Areas of Expertise: Chemistry Education, Training and Coordination of Learning Assistants, Training of Teaching Assistants, Teaching in Collaborative Learning Environments, Teaching Large Classes (200+ students)

Awards and Recognition

• 2023 Gerald J. Swanson Prize for Teaching Excellence: Recognizes excellence in undergraduate teaching at the University of Arizona.
• 2023 College of Science Galileo Circle Copernicus Award: Recognizes extraordinary accomplishments of non-tenure eligible faculty and staff in the College of Science who significantly advance the mission of the department and the knowledge base within the discipline.
• 2023 Women’s Basketball Staff & Faculty Appreciation: Invited by a former student to participate in a tour of the athletic facilities and academic support units available to student athletes and be honored at half-time for our contributions to student success. 
• 2017 College of Science Distinguished Achievement in Science Education Award: 2017 recipient of the award that recognizes outstanding contributions toward the improvement of science and math education, to improve teaching and learning of students by adopting innovative and evidence-based teaching practices. 
• 2015 AAU STEM Excellence in Teaching Award: Fall 2015 recipient of the award that celebrates innovative teaching methods in learner-centered classrooms that emphasize active engagement. 

Conference and Workshop Participation

• 2023 Conference Talk: Graham, Amy L. Using Mindset and Motivation to Improve Student Success and Attitudes about Chemistry. ACS Northwest Regional Meeting, Bozeman, MT, June 28-30, 2023
• 2023 CRCDI: Culturally Responsive Curriculum Development Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (June 12-16, 2023). 
• 2023 CoMInDS Summer Workshop: Improving the Preparation of Graduate Students to Teach Undergraduate Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, University of Maine, Orono, ME (June 7-9, 2023). 
• 2023 CUES MECha Workshop: Teaching & Learning Assistants in the Classroom, Across Disciplines, Organizing Committee: Planned the topics and structure of a 2-day Center for University Education Scholarship (CUES) Mapping Educational Challenges (MECha) Workshop of employing, preparing, and evaluating TAs and LAs who assist in educational endeavors our courses. Prepared and facilitated the session on preparing and training TAs and LAs for their roles.  
• 2021 Conference Talk: Graham, Amy L. Using Collaboration and Mindset to Improve Student Success and Attitudes about Chemistry. ACS Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting, Tucson, AZ, October 20-23, 2021
• 2018 Conference Talk: Graham, Amy L. Training of Learning Assistants to Support Student Learning in a Collaborative Classroom. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, South Bend, IN, July 29-August 2, 2018
• 2018 Conference Talk: Using Student Collaboration and Technology to Improve Success in Large General Chemistry Classes. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, South Bend, IN, July 29-August 2, 2018
• 2017 and 2018 Learning Assistant Alliance International Conference, Participated in interactive conferences dedicated to the training and management of Learning Assistants. Attended presentations on development of Learning Assistant mentoring programs, development of online pedagogy courses, sustained professional development of Learning Assistants, and the roles of research and assessment in Learning Assistant programs.
• 2016 Conference Talk: Graham, Amy L. Active Learning Strategies for Teaching General Chemistry in Collaborative Learning Spaces. Biennial Conference on Chemical Education, Greeley, CO, July 31-August 4, 2016
• 2016 ACS Leadership Institute: In preparation for the role as Chair Elect (and eventually Chair) of the Local Section of the American Chemical Society, several workshops were attended to enhance participation of local membership, create interesting programming, and network with the larger ACS community.

Key Words: Learning Assistants, Large Introductory Classes, General Chemistry, Teaching Assistants, Faculty Learning Communities, Collaborative Learning Spaces, Pedagogy Training Courses