Kassahun W. Beyene
3643 Kenbrooke Court
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
(269)-353-2968
email: kbeyene@mvsc.k12.in.us
______________________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
Teaching Chemistry, and Research in Chemical Education.
EDUCATION
Teacher Certification, Western Michigan University,1999.
Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, 1993.
MS, Analytical Chemistry, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 1987.
BS(with distinction), Biology/Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, 1982.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE
Michigan Professional Educator’s Certificate, Chemistry (DC), and Biology (DA), 2006 - 2010.
State of Indiana Professional Educator’s License, Chemistry & Life Sciences, 2005 - 2015.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH (NIH)
Chemistry Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. March, 1993-December, 1994.
Developed new methodologies using organotransition metals, and synthesized novel 5 and 6 carbon
centered chiral intermediates for captive use. Planned and carried out experiments from design to
synthesis, separation, purification and analysis. Performed data analysis and wrote technical reports.
Operated: NMR (Varian 200 &300), FT-IR, UV/VIS, and polarimeter.
DOCTORAL DISSERTATION
“Synthesis and Chemistry of Polyorganosilicon Compounds. I. Mechanistic and Structure-Property
Relationships by Spectral and Thermal Techniques; II. Positive-ion and Collision-Activated Dissociation
Mass Spectral Studies of Organosilanes.” Ph.D. Dissertation, Cleveland State University, Dec., 1993.
MS THESIS
“Kinetics and Mechanism of Metal Exchange Reactions in a Model Amino-carboxylate, MS
thesis, Western Michigan University, Dec., 1987.
HONORS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Member of the American Chemical Society since 1985.
2. Member of the International Association of Theoretical & Applied Limnology, 1998-.
3. Research Assistant, Chemistry Department, Western Michigan University, June - Aug 1999.
4. Morris Hood Junior/TEAM 1999-2000 Scholarship, Education Department, Western
Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 49008.
5. IFESH-EFA Visiting Professor, a volunteer in South Africa in 1997, and taught chemistry at
University of Zululand.
6. NIH, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 1993-1994.
7. Teaching/Research Fellowship, Cleveland State University, 1991-93.
8. Teaching /Research Assistantship, Western Michigan University, 1985-7
9. Volunteer in Boy Scout activities in Kalamazoo, 1995-97.
10. Volunteer in Chemistry Merit Badge Day Program, Department of Chemistry
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, April 1997.
PERSONAL: -Strongly motivated, sincere, enthusiastic and a team player.
FURTHER DATA UPON REQUEST
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
1. Teacher, Merrillville Community Schools Corporation, 2004 - Present. Teaching Chemistry/science
at Merrillville High School. I plan and implement lesson plans. Developed instructional materials
and laboratory activities appropriate to all students.
2. Teacher, Kalamazoo Public Schools, Aug, 2000-Dec, 2003. Teaching Chemistry/science at
Central High School. I plan and implement lesson plans. Developed instructional materials
and laboratory activities appropriate to all students. KCHS is operating under a 4X4 Block Schedule. I
use teaching skills that reflect new brain research related to various learning styles, cooperative learning,
hands-on learning and an interactive classroom.
3. Chemistry Faculty, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, fall, 2002-2003. A part-time position with full
teaching responsibilities for lecture and lab in General Chemistry (Chem. 102), and use technology to meet
student needs. Contributed towards class scheduling, prepared course materials, developed teaching, and
assessment methods.
4. Participant in the KPS Curriculum development program in summer, 2000. I wrote and
published a curriculum guide for AP chemistry course for the district.
5. Teacher in the Summer 2000 High School Science and Introductory Physical science. I have
developed instructional materials, laboratory activities, computer/internet based science lessons
and student centered learning approaches to enable students at risk.
6. Teacher, Kalamazoo Public Schools, December 8, 1999-2000. Teaching AP Chemistry at
Loy Norrix High School. I planned and implemented instructional and lab lessons. Developed
instructional materials, computer-based interactive/no interactive tutorials and instrument
based laboratory activities appropriate to all students.
7. Intern-Teacher of chemistry/Science, Central High School, Kalamazoo, 1999. I planed and
implemented lesson plans and worked with students at individual and group level.
8. Pre-intern in Chemistry, Kalamazoo Central High School, Sept., to Dec. 1998. I observed,
and participated in 10-12 grade classrooms teaching/learning activities. I implemented lesson
plans and worked with students at individual and group level.
9. Chemistry Faculty member, University of Zululand, South Africa, July - Dec. 1997. As a Visiting
Professor (IFESH-EFA), I taught organic chemistry to undergraduate and honor students.
Collaborated with colleagues in development of course materials, teaching and assessment methods.
Developed a community out reach program to enhance science education in historically disadvantaged
institution. Provided expertise in chemical research, staff and course development. Organized the setup of a new organometallics research laboratory. Provided expertise in research, and staff development.
10. Chemistry Faculty, Western Michigan University, Jan-May, 1997. A part-time position with full
teaching responsibilities for chemistry lecture and laboratory for Health Professions (Chem. 156).
Used technology to meet student needs and supervised three teaching assistants. Contributed towards
class scheduling, and preparation course materials, development of teaching, and assessment methods.
11. Chemistry Faculty, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Jan-May, 1997. A part-time position with
full teaching responsibilities for lecture in General Chemistry (Chem. 102), and use technology to meet
student needs. Contributed towards class scheduling, prepared course materials, developed teaching,
and assessment methods.
12. Chemistry Faculty, Cleveland State University, 1994. A part-time position with full teaching
responsibilities for organic chemistry lecture (Chem. 372) and laboratory course (Chem. 374). Used
technology (computers, models and audiovisuals) to meet student needs and supervised a teaching
assistant and technical staff in the laboratory. Contributed to class scheduling, observation of
departmental policies in chemical use and safety. Collaborated with colleagues in development of
course materials, teaching, and assessment methods.
13. Graduate Research/Teaching Fellow, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, 1989-93. Instructed
undergraduate laboratories, lecturing students on proper techniques in doing experiments, grading
student reports and exams. Worked on an organosilicon research project funded by NASA Lewis.
14. Teaching Assistant, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, 1985-87. Instructed undergraduate
laboratories, lecturing students on techniques in doing experiments, grading student reports/exams.
15. Lecturer, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, 1978-84. Taught biology lecture and laboratory
courses. Contributed in curriculum development and evaluation methods. Supervised two technical
staffs. Adviser to four students. Chaired the Department Seminar Committee in 1982.
Beyene, Kassahun
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
1. Technology Specialist, External Technology, Pfizer Animal Health, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, 2003-4.
2. Research Assistant, Chemistry Department, Western Michigan University, June - Aug, 1999. Synthesis of
nitrogen macrocycles that have potential in electronics.
3. Research Associate (NIH), Department of Chemistry, Case Western Reserve University, march, 1993-December,
1994. Prepared model compounds that have applications in natural product synthesis. Planned and carried
out experiments from design to synthesis, separation, purification and analysis. Performed data interpretation and
wrote technical reports. Operated and maintained: NMR (Bruker 300, Varian 200 &300), HPLC, GC, GC/MS,
GPC, TGA, FT-IR; and UV/VIS.
4. Analytical Chemist, International R & D Corporation, 1984. Developed methods to study absorption,
metabolism and excretion of drugs in animal models. Analyzed and tested pharmaceutical and agrochemical
samples. Assayed metabolites using HPLC and GC, mostly used established protocols and general laboratory
procedures, and managed multiple projects.
5. Analytical Chemist, Water Reclamation Plant, City of Kalamazoo, MI, 1987. Responsible for collection and
analysis of municipal water supply, and method development and validation. Analyzed samples following
established test methods (ASTM, EPA, FDA), using a variety of chemical techniques (titration, extractions,
filtration, pH and viscosity).
6. Biologist: Ecological studies of the Rift Valley Lakes of Ethiopia. Managed personnel and logistic field
operations. Worked on a wide variety of research topics, (a) seasonal variations in chemistry of the lakes, majorions, dissolved nutrients, conductivities, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and (b) aquatic life, seasonal plankton
composition and population dynamics. Initiated and organized the set-up of a new aquatic research laboratory.
RELATED SKILLS
-Well experienced in computer assisted instructional programs. Use and adaptation of on-line
network systems for learning.
Computers: MS-DOS, Windows 3.xx, windows 95, 98/NT 4, Mac OS 8.5, UNIX, VAX/VMS.
Applications: MSWORD, MS Office 97, WP, WS7, Lotus, Excel, Chemwindow, Chemdraw,
and learning and instructional software packages.
Network: LAN, TCP/IP and on-line network systems.
-Computer techniques for instrument control in method development and data acquisition.
-Computer programming and use in automated method development, chemical processing, and data
acquisition using various chromatographic and spectrometric systems.
-Experience handling air sensitive materials using Schlenk and drybox techniques.
-Proficient in general laboratory procedures for synthesis, separation, and purification of organic and
organic and organometallic compounds.
-Proficient in method development, assays, collection and analysis of data using NMR (Bruker 300,
Varian 200 &300), HPLC, GC, GC/MS, GPC, TGA, FT-IR, UV/VIS and Fluorimeters.
-Experienced in analysis schemes for determination of metabolism of pharmaceutical products in animals including
metabolite profile and metabolite identification (using labeled compounds, and HPLC assays).
-Excellent in writing technical reports, proposals and papers.
Beyene, Kassahun
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Michigan Science Teachers Association on March 14 & 15, Grand Rapids , Michigan. Attended the workshop
on material science curriculum development for high schools, and learned about writing and reading in content
area, and assessment.
2. KPS Professional development seminar, “New Teachers Seminar’” January 29, 2003. Parent communication:
building successful partnership for student success. How National PTA standards of excellence and quality
indicators can be used with national standards and reform initiatives to support children’s learning and success.
Family and school partnership, standards for parents and family involvement programs were covered.
Information on Title I parent Corps program in KPS, and the added component: No child Left Behind
Educational Bill, which mandated to appoint a liaison for homeless students to assure barriers to their school
enrollment and achievement are removed, and how assistance is provided to aid to their school success.
Additional information was provided about the shelter support program through a Federal McKinney Grant for
homeless children.
3. KPS Professional development seminar, “New Teachers Seminar’” December 18, 2002. Learned about KPS
professional development program, and issues on teacher certification. Issues on school self-assessment
instruments and Education Yes! A yardstick for excellent schools, and the state of Michigan Board of Education
Standards for Accredition were covered.
4. Instructional and Professional Development Conference, December 5-7, 2002 in Dearborn, Michigan. I
participated in seminars/workshops that help in improving student-learning, classroom management, leadership
skills, performance assessment and accountability.
5. Summer Educational Leadership Conference, MEA, Lake Superior State University, Sault Sue Marie,
Michigan, July 28 – Aug 1, 2002. I represented the Kalamazoo Education Association, and learned new ways
that help Public School system work. I participated in the discussions about the recent education laws and
intellectual property rights and distance learning.
6. 2001 AP Summer Workshops, The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities, Ball State
University, Munice, Indiana. The workshop provided detailed discussions of the AP Chemistry lecture and
syllabus, and testing requirements as recommended by the College Board.
i) AP Chemistry I, June 18-21; these workshop topics covered during the first semester of AP chemistry.
Hands-on lab experiments were conducted in each of these areas. There was also an emphasis on Ap
problem-solving and a very thorough analysis of AP chemistry requirements and exam format.
ii) AP Chemistry II, June 25-28, 2001. In this workshop examines second semester topics ... such as acids and
bases, kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry; detailed specific lab experiments performed that illustrate
each area. There was a daily emphasis on AP probelm-solving and a very thorough analysis of the AP
chemistry requirements and exam format. Training computer based lab and problem solving skills also included
in the workshop. Trained in the use of Obtained 4 college credits.
7. How to Handle The Hard to Handle Student Workshop conducted by the Appelbuam Training Institute,
Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this seminar I learned some skills to capture the students attention and engage them
in the learning process. How to handle the hard-to-handle students delivers strategies, techniques and tactics to
help teachers spend more time teaching and less time discipline. I have completed 5-hours of seminar course, and
a certificate of attendance for May 2, 2001.
8. Positive Discipline in the Classroom by Dr. Jane Nelson, all-day teachers Workshop at Kellog Community
College, Battle Creek, MI, October 13, 2001. Training on how to use kindness, firmness, dignity and respect to
cultivate self-discipline, responsibility, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. Approaches that helps children
to develop a social awareness allowing them to experience real concern of others, their community and their
environment. I have been able to learn countless strategies and helpful hints to develop optimal opportunities for
relating with students.
9. i) Communities in Schools, all-day KPS in-service August 15, 2000. The “Communities in Schools Program”
and Research Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets were explained. This program helps students to be ready to
learn and succeed. Learned about the broad areas of needs for most adolescents: health care, basic needs,
academic support/skill acquisition, family/relationships/social/recreational/ leisure, legal, and vocational. How to
help students to help themselves.
ii) Lab safety, computer lab technology in classrooms, all-day KPS in-service August 16, 2000. Trained in the
use of PASCO lab soft wares and hand-on experiments that can be used in science and chemistry classrooms.
10. Multiple Intelligence, All-day KPS in-service August 21, 1999. The workshop on use and approaches of
new brain research related to various learning styles. Use of cooperative learning models that foster
togetherness and learning among diverse learners. Helpful hints were shared so that all students can be included
in the regular education environment as much as possible.
11. Succeeding with Angry, O.D.D., Aggressive, & Tough Students, Workshop conducted by the Appelbuam
Training Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan. In this seminar I learned some skills to capture the students attention
and engage them in the learning process. How to handle the hard-to-handle students delivers strategies,
techniques and tactics to help teachers spend more time teaching and less time to discipline. I have completed 5hours of seminar course, and a certificate of attendance for December 6, 2002.
12. Positive Behavior Support for All Michigan Students: Creating Environments That Assure Learning. with its May 13, 2002. Functional assessment of behavior and behavior intervention plan components-provides a
way for us for us to commit our talent and our resources to making our schools safe. Proposed changes in
perspective and practice discussed in the workshop and articulated in documents provided offered in the sincere
belief that traditional methods have failed to address ongoing challenging student behaviors. The new
philosophy and promising practices of positive behavior support are offered in the seminar in the belief that all
students are worth the effort.
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ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATIONAL EXPERIENCE
1. Assistant Manager, CRS, United States Catholic Conference, Dana Project, Ethiopia, 1976-77.
Provided leadership in community development program. Other responsibilities included:
-Managed personnel (10 employees), administrative and logistic operations.
-Developed effective public relations and communications strategies: Organized community
workshops and meetings to create understanding of the program, and to improve services.
-Built key external relations with local government and businesses that provided resources.
2. Supervised six teaching/laboratory assistants (Cleveland State University, 1994 and
Western Michigan University, 1997).
Beyene, Kassahun
PUBLICATIONS IN CHEMISTRY
1. Pyrolytic Conversion of Methyl- and Vinylsilane polymers to Si-C Ceramics, J. Material Science, 1995,
30, 3130-3136.
2. Conversion of Organosilicon Polymers to SiC, with F. I.. Hurwitz, “Better Ceramics Through Chemistry VI” (M.
J. Hampden-Smith, W. G. Klemperer and C. J. Brinker, eds.), Material Science Symposium Proceedings, 1994,
346, 623-628.
3. Conversion of Polymers of Methyl- and Vinylsilane to SiC Ceramics, with F. Hurwitz, NASA Technical
Memorandum 106554, 1994,1-6.
4. Synthesis, Structure and Properties of Polycarbosilanes Formed Directly by Polymerization of Alkenylsilanes,
“Better Ceramics Through Chemistry V” (M. J. Hampden-Smith, W. G. Klemperer and C. J. Brinker, eds.),
Material Science Symposium Proc., 1992, 271, 771-776.
5. Gaseous Cation Chemistry of Methylsilanes from Low-Energy Ionization Mass Spectrometry, Collision
Activated Decomposition, and Ab Initio Calculations, submitted to J. Am. Chem. Soc.
6. Gaseous Cation Chemistry of Small Organosilanes from Low-Energy Ionization Energy and Tandem Mass
Spectrometry, ibid. submitted to J. Org. Mass spectr.
7. Mechanism of Alkenylsilane Polymerization, submitted to J. Organomet.Chem.
8. “Synthesis and Chemistry of Polyorganosilicon Compounds. Mechanistic and Structure-Property relationships
by Spectral and Thermal Techniques; and Positive-ion and Collision-activated Dissociation Mass Spectral
Studies of Organosilanes.” Ph.D. dissertation, 1993
9. Kinetics and Mechanism of Metal Exchange Reactions in a Model Amino-carboxylate, MS thesis, 1987.
PRESENTATIONS IN CHEMISTRY
1. “Chemical Education in South Africa,” Annual Conference of World Wide Education Board , May 28,
1999 sponsored by the Department of Chemistry, Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor, Michigan,
49022.
2. “Stereocontrolled Synthesis of Cyclohexanones via Chiral 6-Arene Chromium Complexes,” Inorganic
Chemistry, 237. Great Lakes and Central Joint Regional ACS meeting, Ann Arbor, MI, June 1-3, 1994.
3. “Stereoselective Synthesis Using Arene-Cr(CO)3 Complexes,” Cleveland State University, April 28, 1994.
4. “Role of Alkyl Group Unsaturation in Si-H/C-H Rearrangements of Gaseous Organosilane Cations,” Organic
Chemistry, No. 396, 208th ACS National Meeting Washington, D.C., 1994.
5. “Positive-Ion Mass Spectra & CAD Spectra of Organosilanes, No.242, 204th ACS National Meeting,
Washington, D.C., 1992.
6. “Polymerization of Vinylsilane by Dimethyltitanocene,” A mechanistic and structural study. ACS Meeting-inminiature, Ursuline College, Ohio, 1991.
7. “Gaseous Cation Chemistry of Primary Organosilanes,” K.Beyene, W. Winnik and J. Masnovi, ACS Meeting-inminiature, Ursuline College, Ohio, 1992.
8. Interpretation of Infrared Spectra of Silicon Containing Polymers, ACS Meeting-in-Miniature, Ursuline College,
Cleveland, 1992.
9. ”Polymerization of Vinylsilane catalyzed by Group IVB Metallocenes.” Materials Division, Ceramic Branch,
NASA Lewis, Cleveland Ohio, Nov. 1990.
10. “Organosilane Preceramics: The Nature of Reactive Intermediates,” Materials Division, Ceramic Branch,
NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 1991.
Beyene, Kassahun
PUBLICATIONS IN BIOLOGY
1. “Comparative Limnology of Two Ethiopian Rift Lakes.” MS Thesis, 1982.
2. Species Composition and Seasonal Abundance of Zooplankton in two Ethiopian Rift Valley LakesAbiata and Langano, Hydrobiologia, 113:129-136 (1984).
3. “Major-Ion Chemistry in two tropical African Lake basins,” in prep.
4. Photosynthetic rates of phytoplankton in two Rift Lakes, in prep.
PRESENTATIONS AND PARTICIPATION IN BIOLOGY
1. “Species Composition and Seasonal Abundance of Zooplankton in Two East African Rift Lakes.”
International Symposium on Tropical Zooplankton, Sao Carlos, Brazil, 1983.
2. Fisheries Status in Inland Waters of Ethiopia, in Rawson Academy Workshop on Ecological Production and
Socio-Economic Values of Canada’s Freshwater Fisheries,” Niagara-On-the-Lake, Nov. 1983.
3. Workshop on Fisheries, Annual Conference of Canadian Fisheries Society, CCFFR-CCRP, Ottawa,
Canada, Jan. 1984.
Beyene, Kassahun
LIST OF REFERENCES:
1.
Dr. Anthony J. Pearson
Supervisor, Research Associateship
Professor and Chair
Department of Chemistry
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
Telephone: (216)-368-5920
Email: ajp4@po.cwru.edu
2.
Dr. John Masnovi
Supervisor, Ph.D. Dissertation
Professor of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Telephone: (216)-687-2469.
Email: Masnovij@po.csuohio.edu
3. Dr. Frank Cody, Teacher
Kalamazoo Central High School
Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Telephone: work: (269) 337-0300
Home: (269) 343-4234
email: buffcody@ameritech.net
4. Dr. Mark B. Sperling, Ed. D.
Assistant Superintendent
Curriculum/Instrction/Personnel
Merrillville Community School Corporation
6701 Delaware Street
Merrillville, IN 46410.
Telephone: work: (219) 650-5300
email:
sperling@mvsc.k12.in.us
5. Dr. Anthony M. Benitz, D.V.M., M.S.
Executive Director
External Technology
Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Inc.
7000 Portage Road Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Telephone: work: (269) 833-3305
Home: (269) 323-4208
email: Anthony.m.benitz@pfizer.com
6.
Mr. Charles S. Pearson, Science Coordinator
Department of curriculum Planning and Innovation
Kalamazoo Public Schools
1220 Howard Street
Kalamazoo, Mi 49008-1882
Telephone: (616) 337-1575
email: pearsoncs@kalamazoo.k12.mi.us
7. Mr. Mark R. Branch, Head
Science Department
Kalamazoo Central High School
Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Telephone: (616) 337-0300
email: branchmr@kalamazoo.k12.mi.us
8.
Dr. Rick Olson, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Dean Science
6767 O Avenue
P. O. BOX 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
Telephone: (616)-372-5522.
email: rolsen@kvcc.edu
9.
Dr. Robert Sutton, Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Chair, Department of Chemistry
6767 O Avenue
P. O. BOX 4070
Kalamazoo, MI 49003-4070
Telephone: (616)-372-5522.
email: rsutton@kvcc.edu