James Birk James Birk received a B.A. in chemistry from St. John's University (Minnesota) and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Iowa State University. He currently is Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Arizona State University. Dr. Birk bean his academic career at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was appointed to the Rhodes-Thompson Chair of Chemistry. Dr. Birk's teaching responsibilities have included general, introductory, and inorganic chemistry; chemistry for engineers; methods of teaching chemistry; and graduate courses on inorganic reaction mechanisms, chemical education, and science education. He has received awards for Distinction in Undergraduate Teaching and for Teaching Innovation, the National Catalyst Award, and the President's Medal for Team Excellence. He has been a feature editor for the Journal of Chemical Education. Dr. Birk's research has focused on visualization, inquiry-based instruction, and misconceptions (chemistry concept inventory). Read More Read Less