UW-Green Bay
Associate Professor | Chemistry
I am originally from Two Rivers, WI. I started my college career at UW-Green Bay, Manitowoc Campus (then called UW-Manitowoc), where I earned my AAS before transferring to Carroll College (now Carroll University) in Waukesha, WI, for my Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. I earned my Ph.D. in Physical and Materials Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in 2006. In the fall of 2006, I started as a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UW-Manitowoc. I received tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Chemistry in 2012. I typically teach general chemistry for STEM majors. I have also been co-teaching organic chemistry “boot camp” labs with my husband, Dr. James Kabrhel, since 2009. My research is in Chemical Education. My current research project focuses on how alternative grading schemes can benefit students in general chemistry. I love teaching and working with students. I also love chemistry outreach. My passion project is an annual set of chemistry demonstration shows (called Cool Chemistry) performed on the Manitowoc campus that are free and open to the public.
I believe in centering the student and the student experience in my courses. I try to make my courses and my expectations as clear as possible from day 1. I believe in serving students by providing a positive learning environment filled with a growth mindset philosophy that allows them to make mistakes without judgment. Chemistry is a difficult subject, and I do not believe my course should be filled with activities or assessments that make it even more difficult. Instead, I try to break down barriers so students feel comfortable coming to me for help while also trying to master the subject matter. I am currently researching the use of alternative grading schemes to allow students the freedom to choose how assessments will be weighted. This gives my students agency to select the grading scheme that best fits their academic strengths. This can also help increase their metacognition and help them become better college students overall.
