Scott A. Sinex

CURRENT INTERESTS  

Latest work has ventured into developing Google Sheets projects dealing with climate change that examine large data sets, such as from NASA, with big scatter.  A series of YouTube videos were developed to guide users through Google Sheets computations, graphing, mathematical modeling, and adding interactivity and dealing with error analysis for Sheets simulations.  A NEW collection of Climate Change Sheetslets is available too.

...and for you DIYers, NEW Climate Stripes:  Make Your Own via GSheets, a poor-mans introduction to data science!  

The introduction of guided-inquiry based activities into chemistry, materials science (partnering with Josh Halpern at Howard University), and Earth/space sciences using technology as an enhancement tool for learner-based instruction.  Recent efforts involve the development of interactive Excel spreadsheets or Excelets to enhance conceptual understanding via mathematical modeling of data, multivariable simulations, and error analysis.  We have also started to have students use Google Sheets to develop online collaboration and computational skills.  See our updated Data Pool in the Cloud website for more information.  Do students want more online collaboration?  Click here!   

Exploring the use of Hypothes.is, a free app for web-based annotation especially collaborative annotation in the classroom.  See Leveraging Technology to Create Social Readers to get started. 

We have developed a LibreTexts General Chemistry for Engineering, which is used in CHM 2000 and continue to add interactive features to enhance the student learning experience [MOST 2019 Conf. poster].  New LibreTexts Introduction to Engineering that combines integrating computer programming with the introductory engineering topics into a new two-semester sequence is now available [MOST OER Virtual Showcase 2023].  

PSMSL tide gauge data rescue project participant to help transfer scanned ledger data to online forms, see UK Tides project in Zooniverse.  This will extend tide gauge data for a number of gauges back into the mid-1800's to examine sea level rise.  Now with 165 records transferred! 

Weather Rescue - Oxford project participant to help transfer scanned ledger data to online forms to enhance weather observations taken in Oxford in the 1800's.  Now with 300+ pressure records transferred!

PAST INTERESTS

Former member of Calvert County Environmental Commission (Appointed member:  March 2008-March 2017; Chair:  2015-2016) 

Modeling and Visualization Workshop leader for high school teachers through the Maryland Virtual High School including co-developer of Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center CAST Professional Development Program modules for Computational Reasoning in High School Science and Math.

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Geochemistry, University of Maryland at College Park, 1981

M.S. Geology, Miami University of Ohio, 1975

B.S. Geology, University of Maryland at College Park, 1973 (major in both chemistry and geology)

HONORS AND AWARDS  

2014 Best Zone Paper Award, June 2015 from American Society of Engineering Education Conference in Seattle, WA. [paper]  (YouTube Video)

Chemical Excelets: Interactive Excel Spreadsheets for General Chemistry gets Five-star Editor Review in Merlot, June 2013 (now under peer review).

Undergraduate Computational Engineering and Sciences Award, November 2010.  For developing interactive spreadsheets for computational chemistry presented at SC10 Education Program in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Verona Computational Science Teacher Leader Award, November 2008.  For exemplary use of computational science tools with college students and leadership in advancing the integration of computational science into the classroom teaching of others presented at SC08 Education Program in Austin, Texas.

Award for Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Technology, April 2002.  For infusion of technology and mentoring faculty presented at the 13th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning in Jacksonville, Florida.

Prince George's Community College Faculty Senate Excellence Award, October 1997. For overall contributions to the college.

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, July 1997. Certificate of appreciation for volunteer service toward quality of life improvements to WSSC employee and customer communities.

Maryland Association of Science Teachers (MAST) Award, November 1995. For excellence in science education at the college level.

Food and Drug Administration Commissioner's Special Citation, June 1989. For outstanding dedication to the protection of the public health during the 1989 imported fruit tampering emergency.

GRANTS

See our article The Engineering Program @ PGCC in the LinkedIn Pulse summarizing our partnership with Howard University:  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/engineering-program-pgcc-scott-sinex/