Chris Whitehead
He/Him
I am gay and I am a chemist.//
I am an assistant professor at Union College in Schenectady, New York working with undergraduates on environmental applications of quantum dots. Previously, I studied metal oxide nanocrystals as a postdoc at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Prior to that, I obtained my PhD from Colorado State University, where I elucidated the nucleation mechanism of an iridium nanoparticle system.
For me, being gay in STEM has often been a lonely experience as there was rarely another person in the room that shared my identities. Hence, one of my primary goals as a professor is to be the professor that I never had. I want to make LGBTQIA+ students feel seen, embraced, and empowered. I want them to know that they belong and can wholeheartedly pursue their scientific goals!
Outside of teaching and research, I love to run long distances, compete in Masters swimming, and casually play volleyball. When I need a break, I like to curl up with a good book or find happy hour margaritas with my friends.