Dr. Andrea Van Wyk

I joined the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Drake University in August 2024. I specialize in Chemistry Education Research (CER) and Analytical Chemistry. 

During my own undergraduate education, I was initially drawn to chemistry because of the ways it helped me understand phenomena in the world around me. During this time I also came to realize that I loved helping others break down the complex chemistry topics to better understand them and apply them to their own lives. This lead me to graduate school where I learned about the research field of chemistry education research. My dissertation work investigated how we can improve laboratory learning by encouraging faculty to adopt inquiry-based labs and other more authentic research-based labs. 

I was excited to join the Drake Chemistry department to be able to put my research into action through teaching at a smaller, private institution like I enjoyed as an undergraduate student. My current research focus is on supporting students in laboratory learning settings, developing students' scientific, metacognitive, and science communication skills.

Outside of my professional life I enjoy staying active - lifting, biking and running. I also enjoy spending time outdoors hiking and fishing.