Free Online Textbook Development

The Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) has awarded Professor of Chemistry Julio de Paula a $25,000 Cottrell Plus SEED grant.  The Cottrell Plus SEED (Singular Exceptional Endeavors of Discovery) Awards support “exceptionally creative new research or educational activities with potential high impact.” Dr. de Paula’s proposed educational project, “Applications of Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy to Chemical Analysis: Free Resources for Undergraduate Education,” will result in the assembly of a free online textbook, to be published in three languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese). The textbook will focus on various applications of atomic and molecular spectroscopy in chemical analysis, including food science, archaeology, environmental science, astronomy, forensic science, biosensors, art conservation, and chemical engineering. This project will involve a truly multi-disciplinary team including scientists, librarians, artists, and language experts; supported by Watzek Digital Initiative staff and IT, Lewis & Clark undergraduates will help with technical components of the textbook including online design, art, production videos, and composition and performance of an original soundtrack for the videos. External constituents include Dr. de Paula’s collaborators from the University of Barcelona and the University of Portland.

Dr. de Paula was named a Cottrell Scholar by the RCSA in 2015, making him uniquely eligible for one of these competitive awards; just three SEED grants were awarded this year, and Dr. de Paula’s was the only educational award. More information about Dr. de Paula’s research and professional activities is available here.

July 2018