Affirming identity in chemistry classrooms

Stephanie Knezz loves being in the chemistry classroom. First as a student, next as a teaching assistant during her PhD and now as an associate professor of instruction in the department of chemistry at Northwestern University, US.

For Knezz, the early connections she made with excellent educators while studying at a small liberal arts college built a firm foundation towards graduate studies in chemistry that may not otherwise have happened.

‘I loved my professors,’ she says. ‘They were the ones that made the whole experience feel affirming and validating and furthered my interest.’