Dr. Appling earned his B.S. (1980) in textile chemistry and his Ph.D. (1985) in physical chemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology. As a postdoctoral research associate at Brookhaven National Laboratory, he worked with Dr. Michael White on photoionization and photodissociation using synchrotron and laser-based techniques. He taught at the University of Kentucky (1987-92) before joining the faculty at Clemson University as director of general chemistry.

As Director of General Chemistry, Dr. Appling coordinates the 100-level chemistry courses. He provides oversight to the interacting mechanisms needed to teach approximately 3000 students per year. These curriculum elements include the course outline, the common exam system, computer assignments, the course web site, and the classroom demonstration lab. He also guides discussion of curriculum adjustments and program changes.


Research
Dr. Appling's research activities involve development of new materials and methods to improve both instruction in general chemistry and the study skills of general chemistry students. He is exploring the ability of students to learn chemistry using computers. Investigation avenues include the use of CD-ROM technology, Web-based learning, in-class computerized activities and potential gender bias in computerized learning tools. Dr. Appling is co-author of Discover Chemistry, an interactive learning program for general chemistry. The CD-format tutorials are designed as active-learning supplements with built-in elements of exploration and application.

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Recent Publications

J. R. Appling and Jean C. Richardson, Math Survival Guide: Tips for First Year Science Students, 2nd edition (2003), John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY.

J. R. Appling (editor), Chemistry Fourth Edition PHGA Web Site, Prentice Hall Publishing, Upper Saddle River, NJ (2003).

J. R. Appling and C. Frech, Chemistry Fourth Edition Companion Web Site, Prentice Hall Publishing, Upper Saddle River, NJ (2003).

"Discover Chemistry Web Site" Brooks/Cole Publishing, Monterey (1999).

" Discover Chemistry CD-ROM Version 2.0," Brooks/Cole Publishing, Monterey (1998).

"Odd-parity Autoionizing Levels of Atomic Arsenic," J. Electron Spec. Rel. Phen., 85, 93 (1997).

" Discover Chemistry CD-ROM," 637 MB, West Educational Publishing, Minneapolis (1996).

"Electronic Homework Passes First Large Scale Test," Computers in Chemical Education Newsletter, Spring 1995.

"State Selective Production of Phosphorus Ions via Multiphoton Ionization of Atomic Phosphorus," J. Chem. Phys. 1994, 101, 2659.

" Math Survival Guide: Tips for Science Students ," 125 pages, John Wiley and Sons (1994).

"Sodium D Line Emission from Pickles," J. Chem. Ed. 1993, 70, 250-251.

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Awards

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