Research Interest 

• Inquiry methods in college and high school lab and lecture courses
• Authentic research modules in first- and second-year courses
• Mathematics preparedness for freshman chemistry
• Student placement in developmental and bridge-up math courses
• Uses of response systems ("clickers") in large chemistry lecture classrooms
• Professional development of teachers at the K-12 level through NEOCEx

Selected Publications

1. Donovan, W.J., Wheland, E.R., Smith, G.A., Bilia, A. Green action through education: A model for fostering positive attitudes about STEM by bringing the scientists to the students, not the other way around.  In Service Learning and Environmental Chemistry: Relevant Connections; Mio, et al.; ACS Symposium Series; Division of Environmental Chemistry, American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 2014. pp. 24-66.  doi: 10.1021/bk-2014-1177.ch003
2. Wheland, E.R., Donovan, W.J., Dukes, J.T., Qammar, H.K., Smith, G.A., Williams, B.L.  Green Action Through Education: A Model for Fostering Positive Attitudes About STEM.  Journal of College Science Teaching (2013) 42(3), 46-51.
3. Donovan, W.J., Media in chemistry education.  In Making Chemistry Relevant: Strategies for Including All Students in a Learner-Sensitive Classroom Environment.  Basu-Dutt, S. (ed.)  Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley and Sons, 2010, pp. 227-250.
4. Donovan, W.J. & Wheland, E.R.  Mathematics and Chemistry: Does a College-Level Mathematics Prerequisite Affect Success in Freshman Chemistry?  School Science and Mathematics (2009) 109(7), 369-380.
5. Donovan, W.J. & Wheland, E.R. Placement Tools in Developmental and Bridge-Up Mathematics Courses.  Journal of Developmental Education (2008) 32(2), 2-11.