Get to Know a Member – Evonne Baldauff, Ph.D.
1. What is your work and ACS (if applicable) title?
ACS Pittsburgh: Director and NCW Outreach Coordinator Pittsburgh section, Work: Professor of Chemistry / Chair, Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science and Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, & Physics / Assistant Provost for Faculty Excellence, Curriculum Development and Online Learning
2. How many years have you been in the ACS?
ACS National since 2001, 22 years / Pittsburgh Section since 2013, 10 years (thanks to Heather Juzwa for asking me to join!)
3. What is the biggest benefit of ACS Membership?
Getting involved in the Pittsburgh Local Section and the Student Communities (Undergraduate) allowed me to meet so many amazing people with whom I respect enormously and enjoy working alongside! ACS gives me the chance to serve the chemical community, promote chemistry in our geographical region, and encourage students that chemistry is a wonderful career path.
4. What did you want to be when you were a child?
For a brief time in elementary school, I thought I’d like to be a teacher. That didn’t last long. I thought about – of all things – becoming a journalist (not at all my skillset). Then in high school, my uncle encouraged me to do something in science because I was good at math. He was right!
5. What made you fall in love with Chemistry?
I really enjoyed doing the calculations in my high school chem classes!
6. What is your favorite part of your career or job?
The phrase that best describes my motivation is “make it work.” Whether that involves developing new teaching strategies in the classroom or finding ways to interest more students in pursuing chemistry, I find the most satisfaction in my work when I can find innovative, creative, or unique strategies to get things done efficiently and effectively.
7. What is your favorite book and why?
This is a hard question; I like a lot of books. The one that first came to mind is Midnight’s Children by Salmon Rushdie. It is one of the most intricate, unique stories and writing styles I’ve encountered.