Survival Guide for General, Organic and Biochemistry
Dr. Richard W. Morrison earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Utah in 1989.  In the summer of 1989 he joined the research group of Dr. Josef Michl as a postdoctoral research associate developing synthetic methods to derivatize and oligomerize tricyclo[1.1.1.0]pentane.  After two years of postdoctoral work at the University of Texas and the University of Colorado, Dr. Morrison joined the faculty at West Virginia University.  During his tenure in West Virginia he established the chemistry computer learning center and directed research studying the impact of partially combusted hydrocarbons that persist in the nation's waterways.  After nine years as a West Virginia Mountaineer, Dr. Morrison and his family moved to Athens, Georgia where he is currently an associate professor of organic chemistry and coordinator of the organic chemistry program at the University of Georgia.  Recently, Dr. Morrison has presented several papers at national meetings describing his educational research in harmonizing the general and organic chemistry curricula.  He is currently co-authoring a general chemistry textbook with Dr. Charles H. (Butch) Atwood.  For an avocation, Dr. Morrison was a classically trained professional trumpeter.  Several of his recordings have aired on national television channels such as the Disney Channel and PBS.Dr. Charles H. Atwood received his BS degree in chemistry from Millsaps College and his PhD in nuclear chemistry from Florida State University. His postdoctoral research was conducted at the Australian National University. A temporary appointment at the University of Georgia was followed by a ten-year stay at Mercer University where Dr. Atwood developed a series of papers on teaching nuclear topics in the chemistry curriculum. In 1995, he joined the faculty of the University of Georgia's chemistry department and was named Coordinator of Freshman Chemistry in 1997. He holds this position to date. . At the University of Georgia, Dr. Atwood has developed significant use of instructional technology in the freshman chemistry program, including pioneering computerized testing. Over the last three years, his research group has studied the use of item response theory to analyze student performance on assessments, with the ultimate goal of improving teaching in the program. He is also the author of two other successful SURVIVAL GUIDES. His hobbies include astronomy, traveling, and bicycle riding.Mr. Joel Caughran received his BS degree in Chemistry and his master's degree in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Georgia. Upon completion of his masters in 1994, he became the director of the Chemistry Learning Center at the University of Georgia; and in 2005, he became the Department of Chemistry's IT manager. He also taught in the General Chemistry program from 2003 to 2005. In his role as IT manager, Mr. Caughran has worked to develop instructional tools that facilitate teaching and learning without being overly intrusive in the classroom. Mr. Caughran is currently working to complete his PhD in Chemical Education at the University of Georgia.