Chemistry professor Laura Hunsicker-Wang is committed to undergraduate education and research, but she also plays in a praise band and is inspired by her sister.
1. What do you like best about Trinity students?
I really like that Trinity students are engaged. In the chemistry department, we have a strong focus on research and the students come to Trinity to do research with us. They get here and are already interested in and seeking out this kind of opportunity and are willing to spend the time engaging in this important experience. The research example is just one of many examples that I could give of the engagement of the students
2. How do you motivate your students?
I tend to be really enthusiastic about the material and I think that translates to the students.
3. What are some of your pre-class rituals?
I usually look over my notes and make sure that I have everything in order, but that is usually the day before. Right before class, I'm usually running from a meeting or working on other things.
4. How did you get involved in your area of expertise?
I've always loved science so I thought from an early age that I would be in some kind of science. I fell in love with chemistry in high school, where I had an amazing teacher. In college, I was able to participate in undergraduate research. I worked on synthesizing air and water sensitive inorganic compounds and that got me hooked on research. I found my love of biochemistry and bioinorganic chemistry in graduate school where I took my experience in working with metals and applied that to metal interactions with RNA. Then as a post-doc, I worked with proteins that bind metals and that is what I continue to do now
5. What is your favorite aspect of teaching? Least favorite?
I love interacting with students and getting to know them. What really motivates me is when the students get the "aha" moment and I get to see that. I hate grading.
6. Who inspires you?
My sister. She has had some incredibly difficult times in her life recently. She has come through those times an even stronger, more positive person and I am inspired by her. I also have the most amazing friends and colleagues that continually inspire me to be a better person, professor and family member.
7. Favorite color?
Green
8. What profession other than yours would you like to attempt?
I love singing and playing music. I currently direct the kids at my church in a children's and youth choir and I also play in the praise band. I would love to be able to do more with music in my church if I were to choose a profession other than this one.
9. What sound do you love? The sound you hate?
I love the sound of children laughing. I have a 9-year-old and a 4-and-a-half year old. When they laugh, it makes me smile from ear to ear. I hate metal scraping on metal.
10. If you were reincarnated as some other plant or animal, what would it be and why?
I think I would like to be a bird, like an eagle. I love the idea of being able to fly high above and look at all the beautiful scenery.
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