Global challenges like climate change demand urgent action, and chemistry is at the center of these emerging solutions. However, graduates starting chemistry-based careers often leave the classroom unprepared to tackle complex global issues. In this podcast, we speak with Dr. Alison Flynn, Principal Investigator of the Flynn Research Group, about how her team is developing strategies to create more engaging and effective learning experiences for students, including the integration of systems thinking into the curriculum. We explore her educational journey, what inspired her to focus on chemistry education, how systems thinking can be applied in classrooms, her thoughts on AI as an emerging educational tool, and more. We also share insights from Dr. Peter Mahaffy on educational resources available to support instructors. 

Learn more: https://www.flynnresearchgroup.com/

00:11 | Introduction
01:23- Dr. Flynn's education background
02:49| Challenges and highlights of researching chemistry education
03:40| What is systems thinking
06:24| How to integrate systems thinking into the classroom
07:32| Comment from Peter Mahaffy on tips for educators
07:50| Challenges in organic chemistry and how to succeed
09:14| Redesigning the UOttawa curriculum
11:10| Artificial Intelligence as a tool
13:20| The future of chemistry education
14:48| Conclusion and closing remarks

Soundtrack by The Underground Drive. All rights reserved. Listen more:

https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/the-underground-drive/1571062779

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sCJG8TMQyTZ9FDd1JjJmR

Justin Nguyen (Producer), Sophia Guy (Host), Induja Arulchelvam (Writer), Kathleen Connolly (Social Media Producer)