Jack Yoon '25

Soohwan “Jack” Yoon ’25 conducted research during the summer of 2024 with Dr. Ryan Myers to update general chemistry labs to make them more engaging, practical and relevant for today’s students.

The labs are important tools for teaching students, important skills like problem-solving and how to use lab equipment. General chemistry is a fundamental class not just for chemistry students, but also for biology, engineering and medical sciences.

Jack and his professor redesigned lab experiments to connect with real-world applications and help students understand key chemical concepts. They introduced software such as Microsoft Excel and MolView for analyzing data and visualizing molecules.

They also incorporated lab instruments like atomic absorption spectroscopy, conductivity probes and ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy. Now Jack is researching environmentally friendly methods to remove heavy metal pollution from industrial wastewater as part of his senior capstone, a culminating course in which students have a chance to apply what they’ve learned over four years.

We asked Jack about his research experience.

Why did you want to do research?
I wanted to gain some research experience outside of the classroom to enhance my own understanding of chemistry and get used to the expectations I'll have in graduate school. As my research specialized in chemical education, I also wanted to create a better experience for future students at the university.

How has did conducting research enhance your learning?
Due to the nature of my research, I had the chance to dive deeper into the curriculum and the fundamental chemistry behind the labs and lectures, and in the process, I gained a deeper and more complex understanding of chemistry. I read dozens of labs, connected them with the fundamental chemistry, and improved the overall teaching method that combines multiple subjects to encourage critical thinking in our chemistry classes.

Did doing research help you make any decisions about your future?
Yes. Thankfully, my research presentation was accepted for a conference (the Central Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society), and I was able to attend it. It helped in providing my first real connection to the deeper world of chemistry.

Would you like to do more research?
Yes, as this was a great opportunity for me, and I would love to participate in more research in the future. 

How have you gotten to know your faculty members better through research?
I worked 40 hours a week, for 8 weeks with my principal investigator and professor, Dr. (Ryan) Myers. During this time, we not only got a lot of work done updating the curriculum, but I have also got to know him and the other chemistry professors on a more personal level.