Dr. Samonina Broadens the Impact of Chemistry Education

Dr. J. Samonina is extending the impact of UVA Chemistry beyond Grounds through outreach that supports the next generation of chemistry learners. As part of the ACS Science Coaches Program, Dr. Samonina partnered with K–12 chemistry teacher Katelyn Harlan of Bethel High School in Hampton, Virginia. The collaboration created a meaningful bridge between higher education and secondary education, centered on strengthening chemistry teaching and student engagement.

Throughout the year, Dr. Samonina coached and mentored Harlan on evidence-based teaching strategies designed to support deeper learning in the classroom. Their work focused on active-learning approaches, the use of engagement tools such as iClicker and Poll Everywhere, and ways to facilitate discussion and curiosity about chemistry. Their regular meetings provided a collaborative space where both educators could exchange ideas, reflect on challenges, and explore practical approaches to improve learning and empower both teachers and students.

For Harlan, the partnership came at an especially important moment. After nearly a decade in education, she had recently transitioned from teaching middle school mathematics to teaching chemistry. Working with Dr. Samonina helped her think about how to align her AP Chemistry course with college-level expectations while also maintaining strong student engagement. She found particular value in learning that strategies often associated with K–12 teaching, such as think-pair-share and interactive polling, are also powerful tools in university classrooms.

Reflecting on the experience, Harlan shared her appreciation for Dr. Samonina’s mentorship and expertise, emphasizing how meaningful the collaboration was to her professional growth. Dr. Samonina also highlighted the broader impact of the program, noting, “I am grateful for this program, as it allowed me to make a larger impact, share my teaching experience with a broader audience, and help empower teachers and students alike.” Harlan echoed that gratitude, saying, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with Dr. Samonina and to benefit from her mentorship and expertise. I also sincerely appreciate the American Chemical Society for making this experience possible.” Together, their work demonstrates the value of cross-institutional collaboration in advancing chemistry education and supporting student success.