Abbey Fischer

Abbey Fischer
Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin-Eau-Claire
Host: Professor Jane Wissinger

Abstract

Organic Chemistry Teaching Candidate

First discovered by Otto Diels and Kurt Alder in 1928, the Nobel-Prize winning Diels–Alder reaction is a cycloaddition reaction that has been widely applied in organic chemistry. This atom-economical reaction can be used to introduce chemical complexity in the synthesis of new molecules, including drug molecules and natural products. A conjugated diene and a substituted alkene react intermolecularly or intramolecularly to form a substituted cyclohexene derivative. In this 20 minute mock lecture, Abbey will introduce the Diels-Alder reaction and explain the mechanism and stereochemistry of the products formed.

Following the mock lecture, Abbey will turn to a discussion focussed on her vision for how she might address observations of grade disparities between groups holding a variety of marginalized identities. Data demonstrating these disparities are consistent in introductory STEM courses at many institutions around the country, including the University of Minnesota and including general chemistry. Similar grade disparities are also found in subsequent courses. Abbey will describe her vision of how to close gaps observed, with a particular focus on the large lecture modality (i.e., 200-350 students).

Abbey Fischer 

Abbey earned her Ph.D. in biological chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2005. Since that time, she has been a student-focused and reflective faculty member at a variety of institutions from Marian University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to the University of Minnesota – Morris to the University of Wisconsin Colleges - Barron County, which is now the branch campus of UW-Eau Claire. She has taught primarily first- and second-year courses, including over ten years of organic chemistry, seven years of general, organic, and biochemistry (GOB), six years of general chemistry, and three years of chemistry and culture of food and cooking. Also teaching in the first-year seminar programs at all three institutions positively influenced her approaches to developing community within the classroom and supporting students new to – or returning to – the university. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team across the state of Wisconsin, Abbey published two taxonomies related to High Impact Practices (HIPs). Both aim to bring intentionality to and ensure quality in the design of the engaging educational experiences. The first taxonomy is for use during the creation and evaluation of any HIP, and the second is specific to undergraduate research experiences. Abbey’s commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience was recognized by the faculty and staff of Marian University when they awarded her the 2011 James R. Underkofler Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award. The faculty and staff of UW-Eau Claire – Barron County have presented her with the Faculty Outstanding Service Award multiple times.