Jacquelin Woodford
Lecturer in Chemistry
Creating engaging and active classroom for introductory and organic chemistry courses.
My research interests lie at the intersection of organic chemistry and biochemistry. I am interested in synthesizing new polymers that can be used to stabilize therapeutic and bioactive peptides. Many therapeutic peptides are too unstable, or are degraded too rapidly inside the body to be useful therapeutics. Using polymers, we can potentially package and protect the therapeutic peptide so that it can achieve its therapeutic potential.
My teaching interests involve the use of new teaching technologies that can enhance the student experience in the classroom. I also strive to create an active and engaging class where students are encouraged to participate in their own learning. Finally, much of my curriculum incorporates real world examples so that students leaving my class have a better chemical understanding of the world around them.
Outside of the classroom, I am interested in increasing and retaining underrepresented students in STEM. Additionally, I also strive to create a community here at Wellesley that is inviting to all members of our community.
Outside of Wellesley, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
Education
- B.A., Indiana University
- Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Current and upcoming courses
This gateway course provides an integrated introduction to the application of chemical principles to understand biological systems and covers the content of both BISC 110/BISC 110P/BISC 112/BISC 112Y and CHEM 105. It is designed for students whose interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology and must be taken concurrently with BISC 116. Students will learn how structure and function of biological systems are shaped by principles of atomic properties and chemical bonding. Cellular metabolism and molecular genetics are integrated with quantitative introductions to thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. Other topics motivated by the application of chemistry to biology include nuclear chemistry and cellular growth and differentiation. The laboratory is a hands-on introduction to spectroscopy, microscopy, and other experimental techniques, as well as quantitative analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing. Successful completion of this course enables a student to take any course for which either CHEM105 or BISC 110/BISC 110P/BISC 112/BISC 112Y is a prerequisite.
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A foundation course that provides an integrated introduction to the application of chemical principles to understand biological systems and covers the content of both (BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, or BISC 112Y) and CHEM 105. It is designed for students whose interests lie at the interface of chemistry and biology and must be taken concurrently with CHEM 116. Students will learn how structure and function of biological systems are shaped by principles of atomic properties and chemical bonding. Cellular metabolism and molecular genetics are integrated with quantitative introductions to thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics. Other topics motivated by the application of chemistry to biology include nuclear chemistry and cellular growth and differentiation. The laboratory is a hands-on introduction to spectroscopy, microscopy, and other experimental techniques, as well as quantitative analysis, experimental design, and scientific writing. Successful completion of this course enables a student to take any course for which either CHEM105 or (BISC 110, BISC 110P, BISC 112, or BISC 112Y) is a prerequisite.