Faculty Spotlight
Len Soltzberg
Professor, Department Chair of Chemistry
Encouraging Women in Science Through Generations
Science traditionally has been a male-dominated field. But Simmons Chemistry and Department Chair Professor Leonard Soltzberg is determined to change that trend, one student at a time.
"Women studying science is natural, and Dr. Soltzberg never made it seem otherwise," said former student Afsan Bhadelia, who took Soltzberg's "Introductory Chemistry" course in 1999. "He created an atmosphere where we felt comfortable asking questions, experimenting with our newly learned knowledge, and most importantly, making mistakes. He had genuine confidence that we, as women, could and would make equal strides in advancing scientific discovery and practice."
A photomicrograph taken by a Simmons student
A professor at Simmons's College of Arts and Sciences for 39 years, Soltzberg describes his teaching style as very interactive. He often uses computer animation and other visual aids in his introductory chemistry, quantum chemistry, and materials science classes. These tools help students experience what he calls, "the wonder of the world on the tiny scale of molecules."
Marion Athearn '76 remembers Soltzberg's unique care and respect for his students. That same care was evident when the professor recently encouraged Athearn's own college-aged daughter to visit Simmons.
"My daughter came away from her visit delighted, excited, and determined to take every class he teaches," said Athearn. "I am convinced that the kindness and interest he showed in her, as well as his excitement for the innovative work going on in the department, strongly influenced her decision to apply. I'm happy to say that Genevieve has been accepted and will attend Simmons this coming fall."
To read more about Professor Soltzberg and his body of work, visit Len's faculty profile page. Also, learn more about Simmons' Chemistry department.
