Getting to Know the Staff of UVA Chemistry

Compiled and edited for clarity by Hannah Musgrove

Jan Dean-Clemmer

What is your position and how long have you worked at UVA?

“Lab and Research Tech. 42 years overall [at UVA], with 40 years in the Chemistry Department as lab support.”

What do you enjoy about working in UVA Chemistry?

“The diversity of the undergrad and grad students. I owe the worldview I have for life in general to the conversations and interactions with our students over the years. I used to circulate among the lab rooms when we used traditional teaching methods, and each student performed the experiments alone. I was able to know most of the names of our 1200 plus students because of the way we handled equipment checkout and consequently I would know more about them personally.”

What is a piece of advice that you would like to pass on to UVA students?

“1) Don't doubt your abilities or underestimate your intelligence because you did get accepted into UVA after all, right? That counts for something. 2) Do not change your major from Chemistry because of PChem. 3) They really don't want you to fail your required courses for a Chemistry major. 4) For upper-level Chem courses, see your TA or Instructor the first chance you get to find out what they are looking for when grading so your first grade isn't a learning experience.” 

What activities do you enjoy outside of work?

“Crafting in multiple mediums, Rock collecting, landscaping and yardwork.”