Ph.D., University of Wyoming, 1994
B.A., Chadron State College, 1989

I received a BA in Chemistry and Mathematics from Chadron State College in Chadron, Nebraska. I enjoyed the small class sizes and the one-on-one interaction with the faculty during my undergraduate experience. I then went on to the University of Wyoming for a PhD in Analytical Chemistry. I worked on a project to develop fiber optic monitors for contaminates in ground water. This sparked my interest in environmental chemistry. I also taught undergraduate laboratories and really enjoyed my teaching experiences. My husband got a job at Ford and we moved out to Michigan for 5 years. I taught General Chemistry, Natural Science, Quantitative Analysis, and Environmental Chemistry at University of Michigan-Dearborn and Washtenaw Community College. I worked on a research project to examine the water quality of the Rouge River using Ion Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. I missed the Western friendliness and blue skies and was very glad to move to Colorado. I took a job at Red Rocks Community College in 2001 and I feel this institution offers the best of a lot of worlds. I like the small class size that allows me to get to know the students in my classes and I like our location that attracts many traditional and nontraditional students with a wide variety of interests.

TOP

Tenaya Newkirk
Faculty, Chemistry

Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2009
B.A., University of Colorado, 2005

I received a B.A. in Molecular Biology and Russian from CU Boulder in 2005.  While taking classes there, I loved Chemistry and decided to start graduate school for a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at CSU.  My research at CSU focused on the synthesis of molecules that can be used as cancer treatments. While at CSU, I taught General and Organic Chemistry in courses ranging from 5 people to 200+ people, and taught General Chemistry courses at Front Range Community College. I enjoy teaching smaller classes and getting a chance to know my students and find out what they really need to get from the course to further their career goals.