Thomas Wenzel, the Charles A. Dana Professor of Chemistry at Bates, the 1997 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Maine Professor of the Year and past president of the Council on Undergraduate Research, wanted his students to sharpen their problem-solving skills and powers of deduction in the learning process. Thus, he decided to stand and deliver no more.

"The quality of learning I saw as Bates students participated in research made me revise my courses," said Wenzel, who has been recognized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his project-based teaching strategies and involving students in undergraduate research at Bates. "My students now undertake ambitious lab projects at both the introductory and advanced level. Not surprisingly, they thrive when given the opportunity to be more independent in their thinking."

So, too, has Wenzel thrived in the culture of learning opportunity at Bates. Collaboration with environmental studies faculty members led to his development of a new, thematic general chemistry sequence, connecting topics with study of the environment. His participation in faculty seminars over the past seven years on the relationship between women's studies and science gave him the background and confidence to teach a new course "Women in Chemistry."

"There's an unusual level of faculty interaction among what seem like disparate disciplines," said Wenzel, who has been awarded more than 12 NSF grants since he began teaching at Bates nearly 20 years ago. "These connections have enriched my personal and professional life at Bates."