Type Of Business:
University
Expertise:
Dr. Parker's expertise is in analytical chemistry.
Major Product/SVS:
Higher Education, Research
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading Mysteries
Education Degrees:
Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry, Wayne State University (1966); Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, Wayne State University (1962); Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Minor in Physics and Mathematics, University of Michigan (1958)
Affiliations Awards:
American Chemical Society; National Science Teachers Association; Society for College Science Teachers; Sigma Xi; Council for Undergraduate Research (1998-2004); Engineering Society of Detroit (1994-2001); American Society for Testing Materials (1985-1999); Society for Applied Spectroscopy (1967-1999); Ohio Academy of Science (1987-1992); Technical Society of Toledo (1987-1992)
Industry:
Scientific Research
Date of Distinction:
4/10/2009
Career Achievements:
Approximately 56 Publications; One Book in Print, Entitled 'Analytical Chemistry of Molybdenum,' Springer-Verlag (1983)
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Mr. Parker's chemical research with an emphasis on conveying science interest to young people separates him from his peers.
Expanded Biography:
Mr. Parker’s early involvement with the Boy Scouts program both as a scout and later as a scout leader convinced him that he would pursue some type of teaching career. His high school chemistry teacher served as the catalyst that directed him towards the sciences, particularly chemistry. His undergraduate college training was completed with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a state secondary teaching certificate. He desired to remain close to his family, and accepted a teaching position at a nearby town close to where he had been raised. During those years his interest in chemistry became more significant. He left teaching to return to studying on a full-time basis and received a Master of Science in chemistry. It was proven to be a busy year for him as he also married and began to search for a teaching position at the college level. Mr. Parker was accepted provisionally in the Chemistry Department of the University of Toledo in Ohio. Again, this was within convenient driving distance of his family’s home. After one year at the University of Toledo and upon completion of his Ph.D., he advanced to the rank of assistant professor. His career at the University of Toledo was long and fruitful where he was able to advance through the ranks to a full professor before retiring after 28 years. Although he supervised some master candidate students, his research centered mainly on literature reviews and the completion of a single reference book. He was fortunate during that time to meet several internationally-renowned chemists, and to have Professor Xi Minliang as a visiting scholar from mainland China, with whom Mr. Parker collaborated on various research projects. He focused the later years at the University of Toledo on teaching mostly entering freshman, with visits to area schools for science demonstrations, and with secondary school student and teacher programs and workshops. Several of these involved joint industrial and academic cooperation. An opening at the Natural Science Department of the University of Michigan-Dearborn allowed him to move even closer to his residence in Michigan. His assignment there dealt almost exclusively with an introductory general science course for non-science liberal arts students covering both lecture and laboratory. In this position, his earlier background in scouting coupled with a general knowledge in various science areas served well in providing meaningful experiences for the students. He was also fortunate to participate in a Detroit, Michigan area pre-engineering program for middle and senior high school students transported to the college campus for a six-week long summer instruction. He believes that science teaching remains a vital part of education, and great strides are being made especially with computer-assisted instruction. As Mr. Parker follows the current advances in teaching methods, the opportunities are extremely exciting for present day exposure to science and to learning in general.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of his career was experiencing the publication of his book.
Charity:
American Red Cross
Number Of Years In Profession:
39
Number Of Years In Current Position:
16
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his ability to impart knowledge to others.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
He became involved in his profession because he developed an interest in the industry while in high school.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Parker has published a host of papers on chemistry and other related science topics.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Lecturing on Analytical Chemistry, Conducting Research and Development
Education Certifications:
Secondary Teaching Certificate
Awards/Honors:
Partners in Excellence Award, Toledo City Schools, OH (1990)