Rate My Professor Ron Briggs

Briggs earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, emphasizing Analytical Spectroscopy, from the University of California, San Diego, and San Diego State University in 2004 (dissertation: “High-Resolution Nonlinear Laser Wave-Mixing Spectroscopy for Gas-Phase Environmental and Atmospheric Studies,” advisor: Professor William G. Tong), M.A. in Chemistry from San Diego State University in 1999, and B.S. in Chemistry from UC San Diego in 1994. Previously, as a Graduate Research Assistant (1996-2003), he developed degenerate four-wave mixing spectroscopy achieving parts-per-quadrillion detection limits; taught in summer programs for underrepresented students (1999-2002); and consulted as an Analytical Chemistry Expert Witness (2003-2012). His innovations feature inquiry-based curricula, multimedia-enhanced lectures with pop culture, and game-show reviews, yielding top student evaluations. Awards include the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Outstanding Lecturer Award (2019, 2007), Dean’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2007), and multiple nominations. Publications encompass “Sub-Doppler High-Resolution Wave-Mixing Detection Method for Isotopes in Environmental Applications” (Proc. SPIE, 2004), “Nonlinear Wave-Mixing Spectroscopy for Sub-Doppler Isotope Analysis” (Proc. SPIE, 2005), and his dissertation. He has co-authored presentations at Biennial Conferences on Chemical Education (2014-2022), chaired the Central Arizona ACS Section (2007), and served on committees like Undergraduate Programs and Facilities Renovation.