Meziani embracing role as first Goeders Endowed Professor in Chemistry

Meziani embracing role as first Goeders Endowed Professor in Chemistry

Dr. Mohammed Meziani remembers being drawn to the practical applications of chemistry when he was a student and being enthralled with the discoveries it advances. He transferred that interest into a teaching career and engages his Northwest Missouri State University students in research and co-curricular opportunities that foster a similar passion for learning.

"I found it very interesting," Meziani said. "You can do with it something that is very practical. For example, just look around you. I see paint, I see plastic, I see things. Everything is made from chemistry."

For his effort to help students develop confidence in their ability to understand and apply scientific concepts, Meziani serves as Northwest's inaugural Calvin and Marilyn Goeders Endowed Professor in Chemistry, a designation bestowed on him last fall.

"Being named the Goeders Endowed Professor has been both a tremendous honor and a meaningful source of support over the past year," Meziani said. "Beyond the recognition, the award has strengthened both my teaching and research by providing additional opportunities to pursue innovative ideas, invest in student-centered research and expand scholarly activities. It has also given me greater flexibility to dedicate time to mentoring undergraduate researchers and advancing projects with the potential for long-term impact."

During its first year, the endowed professorship has enabled Meziani to expand opportunities for undergraduate research, strengthen his scholarly productivity and create more meaningful learning experiences that prepare students for graduate study, professional careers, and research in chemistry and nanoscience.

With support provided through the Goeders endowed professorship, Meziani has worked with undergraduate students to publish two peer-reviewed papers with a third manuscript in progress. His research group also presented its findings at the Missouri Academy of Science's annual meeting in April.

That research includes development of accurate analytical methods to study the quantification of toxic trace elements in consumable fish - work that advances analytical chemistry while providing valuable information to assess human health risks associated with environmental contaminants. Another area of research within Meziani's realm is the development of polymer nanocomposites with potential applications in advanced electronics, electric vehicles and energy systems.

"Students learn to think critically, solve complex problems, work collaboratively and take ownership of their research projects - skills that prepare them for graduate study, professional careers and lifelong scientific inquiry," Meziani said. "Seeing my students develop into confident, independent researchers and watching their work culminate in conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications is one of the most meaningful and rewarding outcomes of my research program."

Meziani says his designation as the first Goeders Endowed Professor in Chemistry has supported new approaches to his classroom teaching, too.

"In the classroom, it has encouraged me to continue integrating active-learning strategies and real-world applications into chemistry courses, helping students connect fundamental concepts with current scientific and technological challenges," he said. "The support has also enabled me to explore new instructional methods that foster student engagement, critical thinking and problem-solving skills."

A native of Morocco, Meziani earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry at Mohamed I University in Morocco before moving on to the University of Montpellier in France, where he completed his master's and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry. He next worked in a postdoctoral role at Clemson University in South Carolina, drawn to the United States by its technology advances, before joining the Northwest faculty in 2010.

In his work with students, Meziani strives to facilitate an environment that is collaborative, respectful and friendly. He has served as a research advisor to more than 60 undergraduate students in chemistry and nanoscale science, providing them with hands-on training in organic chemistry, nanoscience, instrumentation, experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication. He also has served as a faculty advisor for Northwest's Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society.

"Chemistry is often viewed as a difficult subject, and one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is witnessing the moment when students connect abstract principles to real-world phenomena and realize that they are capable of mastering challenging material," Meziani said. "Beyond conveying scientific knowledge, teaching allows me to mentor students, encourage critical thinking and help them develop problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional careers."

About the Calvin and Marilyn Goeders Endowed Professorship in Chemistry

The Calvin and Marilyn Goeders Endowed Professorship in Chemistry was made possible last year by a gift from Cal Goeders, a 1953 Northwest graduate, and his late wife, Marilyn. An endowed professorship gives special recognition to a faculty member for continued exemplary service to their field while providing funding support for professional development and enhanced instruction.

After graduating from Northwest with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and serving in the U.S. Navy, Cal enjoyed an 18-year career with Dow Chemical Company, where he worked as a chemist, research manager and marketing executive. In 1980, he founded Caltech Industries in Midland, Michigan, to invent and develop products for infection control at health care facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and physician and dental offices. He served as Caltech's president until retiring in 1996.

In 1997, he established a program through which retired scientists and engineers volunteered their time at a low-income elementary school in Midland. The program substantially raised state test scores and encouraged students to develop an interest in science.

The endowed professorship is the second at Northwest, joining the Dennis C. Dau Professor of Instrumental Music, a position currently held by Dr. Jiwon Choi.

To make a gift in support of the Calvin and Marilyn Goeders Endowed Professorship in Chemistry, or to make a gift to another Northwest fund, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/GiveOnline or contact the Office of University Advancement at 660.562.1248 or [email protected].