Petra Van Koppen
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My first 12 years were spent in a small town near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. I loved living in Holland but immigrating to California was exciting because it allowed me to explore a new environment and a different culture. I did my graduate work here at UCSB and received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry. As a lecturer, lab coordinator and outreach program director, I enjoy working with students, graduate student instructors, K-12 students and teachers. I have a daughter and son who are both attending Universities.
Research Interests
My research has focused primarily on transition metal ion chemistry, to understand how certain molecules that contain metal ions are able to facilitate reactions that are important in a variety of applications, including biochemical reactions that occur in living systems and organometallic reactions that are important in large scale industrial production processes. Over the last four years my research focus has turned to education. I have initiated and developed an outreach program to help elementary school teachers develop curriculum units that meet the 5th grade physical science standards for California Public Schools, and to inspire 5th grade students to pursue science and higher education. In the outreach program, my efforts are not only directed to improve educational opportunities for K-12 students, but also to help students succeed in their transition from high school to college and from college to graduate school
Teaching Style
My main goal in teaching is to motivate and inspire students. I want students to enjoy the learning process and learn how to think for themselves. I like to engage students into discussions by asking questions. I also use demonstrations as a tool to draw students into discussions and to help explain concepts. Chemistry lends itself well to demonstrations and they are fun. I like to apply learned concepts to everyday life, and to show how these concepts relate to other fields of study. I want the students to see how chemistry is relevant to their lives and to their other courses and also to understand enough of the details and develop sufficiently strong problem solving skills, to allow them to be successful throughout their academic career.
Idea of a Good Time
I have a great time teaching, learning, and understanding how other people think and learn. I love sports, including tennis, running and hiking. Running along trails, or on the beach is a great way for me to relax and put things in perspective. I also love spending time with the family. I enjoy the simple everyday activities as well as traveling in Europe or the United States.
Most Important Thing to Learn at College
To find a subject that really excites you. To learn how to manage your time and to balance your work and personal life. To network with peers, faculty, and advisors. To learn how to learn, to ask questions and to be open to new ideas. To establish your identity and understand who you are. To learn how to make your own decisions, weighing the positives and the negatives.
Advice for New Students at UCSB?
Challenge yourself beyond what you may think you can do. Take advantage of the many opportunities available at UCSB. To be successful in all of your classes, study 5 hours per day. Study before, between and after classes. Take some classes for fun. Ask for help when you need it.
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