James Klino

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

SUNY Cobleskill

Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!   Chemistry rocks!   Chemistry is fun!  

Education:

	Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, University at Albany, Albany, NY (in progress).
	M.A. with Thesis in Organic Chemistry, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY (1998).
	B.S. in Chemistry, Houghton College, Houghton, NY (1996).

A little background... 

        I have always enjoyed science and helping others learn.  At SUNY Cobleskill, my love for teaching has grown more and more each year with the opportunity to teach students, both science majors and non-science majors alike (I wonder sometimes whether I learn more from the students or the students learn more from me).  

Educational theory and the classroom

        With the possible exception of those that already love chemistry, most students don't think of chemistry as the first course they would want to take in college. Yet, a background in chemistry is highly useful in a world so reliant on the science of chemistry. It's all around us! And chemistry should be fun!

        The application of educational research in curriculum and instruction in chemistry education is a current focus of my doctoral studies in education. Hands-on learning experiences help students learn important concepts in chemistry so they can apply it in the sciences, the workplace, and most importantly everyday life. 

        Presently, I teach the Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis courses at SUNY Cobleskill. Relevant educational research has helped me develop curriculum and instruction in these courses. The application of chemical principles in light of real-world examples and environmental issues help make chemistry applicable to what students should know about chemistry in whatever field they plan to work. However, personal experience with teaching students has also contributed to my teaching methods in these courses. The human interaction factor is just as important in teaching, if not more at times, than teaching methods alone.   

Chemistry research 

        My Masters degree work at the University at Buffalo was in the synthesis of tamoxifen analogs using diazo compounds. I am presently interested in the chemical synthesis of biologically-important substances and "green" methods of organic synthesis. Part of the work of my Masters thesis was published under the direction of Dr. Huw Davies. 

Doctoral studies

        I am pursuing a doctorate in curriculum and instruction at the University at Albany. My educational research interests lie in reform efforts for undergraduate chemistry instruction and curriculum in order to help make chemistry relevant in student learning experiences. 

Getting students interested in the environment

        The Department of Natural Sciences is involved with Hofstra University on a grant project called CERTIN.  The project is based on encouraging high school science students to study the environment in their classes.  Area school districts focusing on the environment in their science curriculum in this project include Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, Gilboa-Conesville Central School and Middleburgh High School.