Understanding Chemistry through Cars

Geoffrey M. Bowers is an associate professor of chemistry and an adjunct associate professor of materials science and engineering at Alfred University, New York, USA. He earned a BS in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a PhD in chemistry from Penn State University. Dr. Bowers's educational philosophy emphasizes faculty-student co-learning opportunities; uses student-centered techniques and real-world examples in class whenever possible; and stresses authentic assessment, general problem solving, and teamwork skills. He has received several teaching and mentoring awards. Dr. Bowers is also an automotive enthusiast who loves working on cars, driving, and watching many types of racing.

Ruth Bowers is an adjunct instructor of chemistry at Alfred University, New York, USA. She developed and implemented curricula exploring the chemistry of consumer products as an honors seminar course and a regularly occurring high school summer camp. She earned a BS in chemistry from Purdue University and an M Ed in curriculum and instruction from Penn State University. Ruth has also been recognized as an outstanding teacher. She spent her childhood mere miles from the site of one of the first successful test drives of a gasoline-powered automobile in the United States.