Andreas Gebauer

Chemistry professor REVS-UP interest in math and sciences

Andreas Gebauer works with research students.
Left: Teachers and students work together on
science research projects.

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 certification 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 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, an initiative funded by Chevron.

“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 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 excited 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.”

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. My main interest is to introduce undergraduate students to the research process by giving them meaningful experiences in cutting-edge research projects,” he detailed.

Gebauer teaches a variety of courses in his department including inorganic and analytical chemistry, chemical literature and crime scene investigation chemistry. “CSUB has many 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. He did his postdoctoral work in inorganic chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley.

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.”