Rate My Professor Forest Robertson

Dr. Forest Robertson serves as Professor of Organic Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Western Connecticut State University. Born and raised in a quiet town in the southwest corner of Connecticut, he graduated from high school in 2003 and attended Western Connecticut State University, where he majored in chemistry. He engaged in various research opportunities within the chemistry department, which ignited his passion for chemical research and pursuit of a graduate degree in synthetic organic chemistry. Robertson graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from Western Connecticut State University in May 2007. In the fall of 2007, he began graduate school at Dartmouth College under Professor Jimmy Wu, focusing his research on the development of efficient synthetic methodologies for the formation of C–C, C–N, and C–S bonds. He earned his Ph.D. from Dartmouth College in 2012. Subsequently, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale University, synthesizing conjugates with potential anti-epileptic properties and efficacy against Alzheimer’s disease. In 2013, Robertson was hired as a Senior Scientist at Global Biomedical Technology, investigating applications for the company’s proprietary adhesive “switch.” During his time at Yale University and Global Biomedical Technology, he taught as an adjunct instructor in the evenings at Western Connecticut State University, delivering the laboratory components of courses ranging from everyday chemistry for non-science majors to organic chemistry for chemistry, biology majors, and pre-medical students.

In 2014, Forest Robertson joined the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Western Connecticut State University as a full-time faculty member, where he continues to share his enthusiasm for chemistry and research with undergraduate students. His research interests encompass synthetic organic chemistry, including the development of efficient synthetic methodologies for C–C, C–N, and C–S bonds, synthesis of conjugates targeting neurological disorders, and applications of proprietary adhesives. Robertson is the corresponding author of the peer-reviewed article 'Hydrolysis of Triglycerides in Cream Using Porcine Pancreatic Lipase: A Model for Undergraduate Lab Experiments,' published in the Journal of Chemical Education in 2020. He has developed innovative courses such as CHE105, transforming the chemistry lab into a crime scene investigation to engage students. Additionally, he has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers, some of whom have pursued advanced degrees at institutions like Dartmouth College. Robertson has held leadership positions, including Chair of the WCSU Sigma Xi chapter.