Rate My Professor Richard Pennington

Dr. Richard Pennington is a Professor of Chemistry in the School of Science and Technology at Georgia Gwinnett College, where he has served since August 2007. Originally hailing from north of Manchester, England, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry with a minor in Spanish from the University of East Anglia and a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Wyoming. Prior to his appointment at GGC, Pennington was an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha from 2003 to 2007, where he received the Excellence in Teaching Award for 2005–2006. At GGC, he employs evidence-based teaching practices, including flipped classroom models with self-produced preparatory videos, lesson plans, and accessible textbooks to prepare students effectively for challenging chemistry courses. His pedagogical innovations incorporate technology such as mobile applications, augmented reality for molecular models, and student-engagement strategies to foster success in organic chemistry.

Pennington's research specializations center on organic synthesis as a teaching tool, enhancing undergraduate research experiences through course-embedded projects, and leveraging technology for improved student preparation and engagement outside the classroom. His scholarly contributions include co-editing the 'LABORATORY TEXT - Chemistry 2211K/2212K Second Edition' (2024), 'Insights and Initiatives While Teaching Organic Chemistry I and II with Laboratory Courses in the Time of COVID-19' (2020), 'Maximizing Student Engagement Outside the Classroom with Organic Synthesis Videos' (2019), 'AR Chemistry: An Undergraduate, Technology-Based Research and Development Initiative To Incorporate AR Molecular Models in the Chemistry Curriculum' (2019), 'Augmented Reality Chemistry: Transforming 2-D Molecular Representations into Interactive 3-D Structures' (2018), and 'Enhancing Research Skills and Attitudes in Undergraduate Organic Chemistry with a Course-Embedded Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) via Green Organic Synthesis' (2017), among others, with over 200 citations. He has earned numerous accolades for his teaching excellence, including the GGC Outstanding Teaching Award (2023–2024 and 2012–2013), Regents’ Teaching Excellence Award from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents (2013–2014), Technology Association of Georgia Excalibur Award (2011), Blackboard Catalyst Award for innovative mobile technology (2012), and Top Claw Recipient at GGC.