Lecturer in Chemistry Paul Cooper came to Yale University in 2019 with multiple years of undergraduate and graduate teaching experience from George Mason University (GMU). In the past, Cooper has worked as an assistant and associate professor.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in chemistry and his Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Western Australia in 2000 and 2005, respectively. His Ph.D. studies focused on infrared matrix isolation spectroscopy of water complexes and the chemistry of solar system ices alongside his faculty supervisor Dr. Terry Quickenden. As a postdoctoral researcher, he studied the chemistry of proton irradiated ices relevant to Jupiter’s Galilean moons under the guidance of Dr. Marla Moore at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
At Yale, Cooper teaches the physical chemistry lab and general chemistry lecture and lab courses to undergraduate students.
In addition to teaching, he pursues opportunities to develop professionally at the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. He has participated in Poorvu’s Course (Re)Design Institute and STEM Learning Community programs. And he recently completed the Faculty Teaching Academy program.
Cooper has received awards for his excellence in teaching, including a GMU College of Science
Teaching Award and a GMU Teaching Excellence Award.
Learn how he and the team of lecturers adapted their teaching methods during the pandemic.