Dr. Gretchen Adams

Assistant Professor of Chemistry Get Contact Info

TEACHES IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAM(S)

Chemistry Department of Computational and Physical Sciences

Biography

Gretchen Adams received her undergraduate degree in Teaching of Chemistry from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) in 1998. She earned her Masters of Science in Teaching of Chemistry from the University of Illinois (UIUC) in 1999. She subsequently started her Ph.D. program in 2011 and finished with a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2016, also from the University of Illinois. She taught high school science for 3.5 years and then joined the Chemistry Department at UIUC in January 2003. In addition to teaching university chemistry courses, she directed the Chemistry Merit Program for Emerging Scholars and served as the Director of Undergraduate Studies. From 2017-2022, she served in an administrative and managerial role with the latest title of Senior Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Recruitment, Advising, and Enrichment in the College of Applied Health Sciences. Ready for a new challenge, Gretchen is now an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Carroll University in Waukesha, WI.

Education

Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
M.S. Teaching of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
B.S. Teaching of Chemistry with a Minor in Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

Areas of Specialization

Chemical Education

Scholarly and Professional Achievements

Books Authored or Co-Authored, Including Textbooks

Adams, G. (2024). Digital Consultant and Contributor, Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste’s Chemistry, 11th Edition, Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. (2018). Digital Consultant and Contributor, Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste’s Chemistry, 10th Edition, Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2018). Complete Solutions Manual for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 9thEdition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2018). Student Solutions Manual for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 9thEdition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2014). Complete Solutions Manual for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 8thEdition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2014). Student Solutions Manual for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 8thEdition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Grosse, C., & Adams, G. M. (2013). Standardized Test Practice and Printed Test Bank for Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste's World of Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole/Cengage Learning.

DeCoste, D. J., & Adams, G. M. (2013). Worksheets for Classroom Activities, Team Learning, and Projects to accompany Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste's World of Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole/Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2013). Meeting Individual Needs Toolkit to accompany Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste's World of Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole/Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2013). Complete Solutions Manual for Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste's World of Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole/Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M., & Torre, F. J. (2007). Study Guide for Kelter/Mosher/Scott’s Chemistry: The Practical Science, 1st Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2007). Test Item File for Zumdahl/DeCoste’s Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 6th Edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Adams, G. M. (2007). Test Item File for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 7th Edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Zumdahl, S. S., Zumdahl, S. A., DeCoste, D. J., Adams, G. M. (2006). Test Item File for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 6th Edition. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Articles in Journals

McCarren, E. M., Adams, G. M., & McNeilly, J. R. (2024). What Makes a Grade? Harnessing Demographic and Supportive Factors to Predict General Chemistry I Completion. Journal of Chemical Education, 101(6), 2279-2289.

Adams, G. M., & Lisy, J. M. (2007). The chemistry merit program: Reaching, teaching, and retaining students in the chemical sciences. Journal of Chemical Education, 84, 721-726.

Conference Papers

McNeilly, J. R., Adams, G. M., McCarren E. (2023). Improving STEM Graduation Rates through a Multifaceted Scholarship Program at an R1 Institution. Paper presented at the national meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.

Creative Works

Adams, G. M. (2024). End-of-Chapter Problems Online Directed Feedback for Seager/Rye-McCurdy/Yoder’s Fundamentals of Chemistry for Today, 1st Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2022). End-of-Chapter Problems Online Directed Feedback for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 11th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2021). End-of-Chapter Problems Online Directed Feedback for Zumdahl/DeCoste’s Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 9th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2020). End-of-Chapter Problems Online Directed Feedback for Zumdahl/DeCoste’s Chemical Principles, 8th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2020). ChemWork Chapter Questions for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2019). End-of-Chapter Problems Online Directed Feedback for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2019). End-of-Chapter Problems Online Directed Feedback for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 10th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2018). ChemWork Chapter Questions for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 9th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M., & DeCoste, D. J. (2016). Pre-lecture Chapter Questions for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 10th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2014). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Seager/ Slabaugh’s Chemistry for Today: General, Organic, and Biochemistry, 8th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2014). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 8th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2013). Power Point Ancillary Slides for Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste's World of Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole/Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2013). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Zumdahl/Zumdahl/DeCoste's World of Chemistry, 3rd Edition. Boston, MA: Brooks/Cole/Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2013). Power Point Ancillary Slides for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 9th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2013). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 9th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2012). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Chemical Principles, 7th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2011). Power Point Ancillary Slides for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, 1st Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2011). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry: An Atoms First Approach, 1st Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2010). Power Point Ancillary Slides for Zumdahl/DeCoste's Introductory Chemistry: A Foundation, 7th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2010). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Ebbing/Gammon’s General Chemistry, 9th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2008). Power Point Ancillary Slides for Zumdahl/Zumdahl’s Chemistry, 8th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Adams, G. M. (2008). Online Interactive Example Exercises for Bettelheim/Brown’s Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry, 9th Edition. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Grants Awarded

Carroll University Summer Teaching Impact Grant, 2024

College of LAS at Illinois, Reimaging the General Chemistry Experience: Enhancing Learning Outcomes and Fostering Belonging for Under-represented Students in STEM and Pre-Health Majors, 2022

Students Pursuing Applications, Research, and Knowledge (SPARK) Undergraduate Research Program, 2019, 2021

The Dow Chemical Company Aid to Education Grant, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

National Science Foundation S-STEM Grant, 2012

National Science Foundation STEP 1A Grant, 2007

The Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc. Special Grant Program, 2003

National Science Foundation CCLI Grant, 2016

National Science Foundation WIDER Grant, senior personnel, 2014

The Falkner Fund for Undergraduate Research, 2015

Number of Invited Lectures and Invited Conference Presentations: 35

Service to Carroll University and Profession

Academic Quality Committee, Member (Sept 2023-Present)
Academic Steering Committee, Member (Feb 2023-May 2023)
CHE101, CHE101L, CHE102, and CHE102L Course Coordinator (Sept 2022-Present)
Carroll’s Got Talent, Judge (Feb 2024)
CHE402 Senior Capstone Mentor (Sept 2023-Present)
Faculty Advisor (Oct 2023-Present)

Review Panels

Preliminary Examination Committee Member (Feb 2024)

Runzhi Chen, PhD Student, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, General Qualifying Exam Reviewer (Jan 2023)

Elizabeth Mason, EdD Student, Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 Policies on Academic Probation. Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dissertation Proposal & Defense, Dissertation Committee Member (2021-2023)

Lincoln Academy Student Laureate Selection Panel, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2017 and 2019)

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) General Education Physical Sciences Panel, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, and Illinois State Board of Education (committed AY 2015-2018)

Peer Reviewer, Journal of Chemical Education, American Chemical Society Publications

Public Engagement and Volunteer Activities

Hadfield Elementary School CCE Campus Visit Demonstration Show (2023)

Lake Geneva YMCA Youth Summer Camp Demonstration Show (2023)

School of Chemical Sciences Holiday Magic Demonstration Shows (2005-2019)
Principal Scholars Program (PSP) and Chicago Public High School (CPS) Student Session Presentations (2004-2017)

Readying Illinois Students for Excellence (RISE) Program Parent and Student Session Presentations (2015-2017)

INBOUND Program College of Applied Health Sciences Presentations (2018, 2019)

INBOUND Program Student Session Presentations (2015-2017)

Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Session Presentations (2010-2018)

Southern Illinois Extension Discover Chicago Student Presentations (2008-2016)

Reaching and Educating America's Chemists of Tomorrow (R.E.A.C.T.) Outreach Program Volunteer (2004-2017)

Chambana Science Café Presenter, Urbana, IL (2015)

Merit Immersion for Students and Teachers (MIST) Summer Teacher Workshop Coordinator and Presenter (2007-2014), www.merit.illinois.edu

Science Fair Judge, Next Generation School, Champaign, IL (2013, 2017)

Engineering Design Judge, Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Design Challenge, Women In Engineering, Champaign, IL (2017)

WCIA Channel 3 Morning Show Science Segment, Co-Presenter (2005-2012)

HOBY Youth Leadership Conference, Higher Education Panelist (2011)

ICLCS Teaching Mentor for rural high school chemistry teachers (2007-2009)

Service to Professional Societies or Associations

American Chemical Society (ACS) Milwaukee Section Leadership Team, Secretary (2024-2025)

American Chemical Society East Central Illinois Local Section Undergraduate Research Conference Poster Session Judge, November 12, 2016, Urbana, IL

Member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and former member of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)

Honors and Awards

2017 University of Illinois Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by Instructional Faculty

2017 College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching by Instructional Faculty

2014 University Distinguished Teacher-Scholar

2012 Faculty Honoree, Illinois Women's Basketball Team

2011 School of Chemical Sciences Outstanding Staff Award

2011 IlliAAC Annual Outstanding Established Program Award

2010 Alpha Lambda Delta Outstanding Teacher of Freshman Award

2008 School of Chemical Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award

What is your teaching style?

I hope after a student takes my class, they would agree that these two quotes sum up what drives my teaching style:

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

“Take time to build those memories by taking time to care. Don’t take yourself too seriously, but take those around you whom you care about very seriously.”

What should students know about you?

I feel blessed and honored to be a part of their lives here at Carroll. And, I’m a pyro, so chemistry is a good fit for me.