When a passion for chemistry is coupled with exceptional teaching abilities and a lot of humility, the result is an extraordinary professor like Kristopher McNeill. Described as a “combination of Mr. Wizard and Bill Nye the Science Guy,” McNeill uses creative experiments, jokes, and “infectious enthusiasm” to share his love of chemistry with his students. As a result, McNeill is able to make chemistry fun. “Not only did I enjoy going to his class, I looked forward to it every week,” a former student says.

McNeill truly believes in the ability of his students and goes above and beyond to share his knowledge with them. He has held one-hour question and answer sessions for students prior to lectures and spends hours outside of class tutoring.

McNeill also possesses the unique ability to connect with his students and make them feel comfortable. “His push to know all 250-plus students in class shows he respects us,” a former student says. Notably, McNeill takes the time to memorize student’s ID pictures before the first day of class so he can call on his students by name.

In addition to teaching chemistry service courses and two freshman seminars, McNeill has sponsored 23 undergraduate researchers in his lab. “I have never learned more than I did in the time that I spent in Kris McNeill’s research group,” says a former student.

McNeill’s colleagues also hold him in high regard. “As an educator of undergraduates,” one says, “Kris is simply spectacular.”

Visit the Kristopher McNeill faculty Web page here.