The Midland Section of the American Chemistry Society selected Dave Karpovich as the regions Outstanding College Chemistry Teacher Award winner for 2012. The award is presented annually to an individual in Bay, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland or Saginaw counties who makes a substantial contribution to science learning through his or her own voluntary efforts.

Dr. Karpovich is an exemplary instructor, said Deborah Huntley, dean of SVSUs College of Science, Engineering and Technology. He is down to earth, yet professional, and very clear in the expectations he holds for his students. He holds a strong conviction that research is a key component of a strong undergraduate education, which is why he incorporates hands-on experience. Plus, he brings just enough humor to the classroom to sustain student attention, but without sacrificing the message or the importance of the topic.

Karpovich joined the SVSU faculty in 1998 and accepted an appointment as the H.H. Dow Endowed Chair in Chemistry in 2010. He teaches courses in general, analytical and environmental chemistry; he also leads a tutoring program where SVSU students volunteer in local high schools.

A resident of Gagetown, Karpovich has a long history of scholarly interest in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. One current research project which includes SVSU students and is a partnership with Delta College was cited as a premier example for similar partnerships throughout the Great Lakes states and nationwide during the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement Symposium and Capitol Hill Poster Session in Washington, D.C., in March. The project includes field, classroom, teaching, lab and community-based research components, and aims to assess methods to restore the Kawkawlin River in a way that can be replicated elsewhere in the Saginaw Bay Watershed.

Karpovich completed a Ph.D. at Michigan State University and a bachelors degree at SVSU. He received the award at the annual American Chemical Society recognition banquet Thursday, May 3, at the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center in Midland.

With more than 154,000 members, the American Chemical Society is one of the worlds leading sources of authoritative scientific information. Chartered by Congress, the group comprises chemists, chemical engineers and other experts in related fields, and creates a professional organization for members around the globe. For more information on the Midland Section, visit its website at http://www.midlandacs.org

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Karpovich wins chemistry teacher award