Experts say engaging students in mathematics and science is one of the most important factors in creating tomorrow's work force. The demand for new mathematics and science teachers in California in the next several years is projected to exceed 22,000, and annual statewide production of teachers in these fields currently averages 2,000, according to a study by the CSU Chancellor's Office.
Andreas Gebauer is one of many CSUB professors who has been working to remedy the problem. Gebauer strives to increase interest in the fields as one of the program directors for the campus' Research Experience Vitalizing Science - University Program.
"The United States faces a severe shortage of students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields," the chemistry professor explained. "This shortage threatens the world leading role of the U.S. in science. One important contributing factor is the lack of science education in high schools, due to both insufficient funding and a lack of qualified teachers.
"The REVS-UP program addresses this by providing high school students the opportunity to participate in research projects, both to teach them the fundamentals and get them exited about science. Projects are offered in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics and physics. Our experience in the past two years shows that this is very well received. All students love their experience and get really excited about doing science and learning science."
The program also engages high school teachers. "We re-vitalize their interest in science and give them ideas for hands-on projects and experiences that they introduce in their classrooms. Teachers are very excited about this opportunity and have already included many of their experiences into the classroom. Overall, the REVS-UP program is very important for the future of Kern County, as well as California and the U.S. We have to get and keep high school students interested in science. Their high school experience decides if they attend college at all, and if they do, what type of major they choose. The absence of a meaningful science education in high school hurts both their prospect of getting into college and the chances of students choosing a science major."
Gebauer began his career with CSUB in fall 2003. Prior to his time in Bakersfield, he was an assistant professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville .
"I really like teaching and wanted to be at an institution that emphasizes teaching. I also love to do research, with my main interest being to introduce undergraduate students to the research process by giving them meaningful experience in cutting-edge research projects," he detailed. "This environment is provided at CSUB. I am happy to have decided to come to CSUB. I have great colleagues in the department of chemistry, the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics as well as all of campus."
Gebauer teaches a variety of courses in his department including inorganic and analytical chemistry, chemical literature and crime scene investigation chemistry. "CSUB has a lot of very talented and dedicated students that deserve every opportunity and our full support," he said.
The 42 year-old professor received a master's in chemistry from the University of Cologne, Germany in 1993. Gebauer then attended the University of Texas at Austin and received his doctorate in organic chemistry in 1997. Afterwards, he did his postdoctoral work in inorganic chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley from 1998 through 2000.
Gebauer received a 2008 Teacher Recognition Award as part of the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program through the U.S. Department of Education. "I was named by Justin Koh as his most inspiring and challenging teacher," he said. "Justin enrolled in many chemistry courses here on campus while attending Stockdale High School. He will attend Harvard University in the fall."