Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Publications
Grants
Accomplishments
Synergistic Activities (Within the institution)
Synergistic Activities (Outside of the Institution
Certification
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic
Debbie Campbell-Rance

Debbie Campbell-Rance

Richmond,VA

Summary

Innovative Chemistry Instructor specializing in curriculum development and multimedia instruction. Expertise in student assessment creates engaging learning environments that enhance comprehension. Background in analytical chemistry and Chemical and Life Science Engineering supports impactful educational experiences.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chemistry Instructor

Brightpoint Community College
Chester/Midlothian, VA
01.2019 - Current
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive chemistry coursework and instruction to engage students and foster academic growth.
  • Created weekly modules that incorporated multimedia elements (videos, slideshows, and interactive activities) for introductory chemistry (lecture and lab), and general chemistry I and II (lecture and lab).
  • Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments that reinforced key concepts and enhanced students' understanding of chemistry principles.
  • Assessed student performance using exams, quizzes, presentations, projects, and other assignments.
  • Evaluated students' comprehension of classroom topics in assignments, quizzes, and exams.
  • Evaluated students' performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
  • Provided timely feedback on students' work to clarify misconceptions and support their academic development.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress through grades, attendance logs, and other documents.
  • Prepared comprehensive course syllabi outlining expectations for class participation and assessment criteria.

Engineering and Physical Science Instructor

Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA
01.2011 - Current
  • Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments to deepen understanding of engineering principles and physical science concepts in Introduction to Engineering I and II.
  • Designed lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and experiments to reinforce learning objectives.
  • Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies, including flipped classroom, peer teaching, and project-based learning, to actively engage students in scientific concepts.
  • Integrated technology into classroom lessons by using online resources such as simulations (PhET).
  • Evaluated student performance through assignments and exams.
  • Prepared comprehensive course syllabi outlining expectations for class participation and assessment criteria.
  • Collaborated with faculty on course development and assessment.
  • Wrote grant proposals to secure funding for essential supplies and materials, enhancing resources for science projects.

Chemistry Instructor

Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA
01.2011 - Current
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive chemistry coursework, fostering student engagement and understanding.
  • Created weekly modules that incorporated multimedia elements such as videos, slideshows, and interactive activities for students in general chemistry I and II lecture and lab; chemistry and society lecture and lab; and analytical chemistry lab.
  • Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments, improving students' practical skills and conceptual grasp of chemistry.
  • Ensured that students know and follow the laboratory safety procedures in the chemistry laboratory
  • Evaluated students' comprehension of course contents via exams, quizzes, and assignments.
  • Delivered timely feedback on student work to address misconceptions.
  • Collaborated with faculty to review and enhance the General Chemistry I and II curriculum, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
  • Advised undergraduate students on research projects, guiding them through methodologies and experimental design.
  • Prepared comprehensive course syllabi outlining expectations for class participation and assessment criteria.

Research Associate and Graduate Student

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
01.2013 - 01.2022
  • Conducted literature reviews to support research projects and grant applications.
  • Compiled and refined research findings for presentations and publication submissions, enhancing clarity and impact.
  • Created presentations to explain research findings to colleagues and supervisors.
  • Evaluated neuroprotective effects of iron-chelator-polymer conjugates and injectable iron-chelating hydrogel, contributing to understanding of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation mechanisms.
  • Analyzed experimental results to ensure alignment with standard procedures and identify areas for further investigation.
  • Trained junior staff members on proper laboratory techniques and procedures.
  • Managed laboratory supplies and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
  • Actively participated in weekly meetings with the research team to discuss progress towards project goals.
  • Conducted synthesis and characterization of iron chelator-polymer conjugates in laboratory setting.
  • Performed synthesis and characterization of injectable iron-chelating hydrogel in research lab.
  • Conducted 2D culture techniques for human neural stem cells in sterile environment.
  • Developed 3D culture of human neural stem cells on iron-chelating hydrogel substrate.
  • Performed viability and proliferation assays on human neural stem cells
  • Performed laser confocal microscopy characterization on human neural stem cells
  • Cleaned and prepared lab equipment for solutions, specimens and samples.
  • Identified and fixed issues with lab equipment to achieve more accurate lab results.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow researchers.

Research Associate

University of Richmond
Richmond, VA
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Conducted literature reviews to identify gaps in research and inform project direction.
  • Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support research goals.
  • Analyzed experimental results and determined whether results fit within standard procedures.
  • Studied the electrochemical interactions between proteins and synthetic nanomaterials.
  • Prepared research findings for presentations and publication submissions.
  • Developed presentations to effectively communicate research findings to colleagues and supervisors.
  • Proposed innovative ideas and solutions that improved research approaches and project outcomes.
  • Trained junior staff members on proper laboratory techniques and procedures.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Managed laboratory supplies and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.

Research and Teaching Assistant

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
01.2005 - 01.2010

Teaching Assistant for General Chemistry Lecture and Laboratory and Teaching Assistant and Co-instructor for Quantitative Analysis Laboratory

  • Assisted professors in preparing and organizing course materials for lab and recitation, enhancing student understanding and engagement.
  • Delivered pre-lab lectures for quantitative analysis, effectively conveying essential concepts to students.
  • Provided academic and technical support to students during the recitation and lab activities.
  • Graded assignments (pre-labs, pre-lab quizzes, lab reports and exams), ensuring adherence to academic standards.
  • Conducted office hours for students needing help with concepts covered in the lab and lecture.
  • Managed the laboratory logistics, including solution preparation, equipment setup, and checking the software applications used for each lab.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all students while adhering to school policies and procedures.
  • Instructed and monitored students in use and care of analytical equipment, laboratory apparatus and materials.
  • Monitored student progress by keeping detailed records of students' attendance and academic performance.
  • Communicated with students regarding deadlines and course requirements.
  • Provided weekly feedback to students regarding the quality of collected data and laboratory reports.

Research Assistant/Graduate Student.

  • Conducted literature reviews to support research projects.
  • Analyzed experimental results to ensure alignment with standard procedures, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of research findings.
  • Prepared research findings for presentations and publication submissions.
  • Created presentations to explain research findings to colleagues and supervisors.
  • Actively participated in weekly meetings with the research team to discuss progress towards project goals.
  • Identified and fixed issues with lab equipment to achieve more accurate lab results.
  • Attended workshops and seminars to enhance learning beyond the classroom.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow researchers.
  • Evaluated process parameters to understand their effect on silicate thin film formation.
  • Determined the influence of the electro-generated catalyst on film morphology
  • Patterned ITO/glass substrate with silica via photolithography.
  • Minimized cross-talk on patterned ITO/glass substrate.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy - Chemical Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
01-2022

Master of Science - Chemistry

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
01-2010

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

University of The West Indies (Mona Campus)
Jamaica, West Indies
01-1999

Skills

Teaching Skills

  • Innovative teaching
  • Curriculum development
  • Course design
  • Student assessment
  • Multimedia teaching
  • Research Skills

Research methodology

  • Scientific writing
  • Data analysis
  • Analytical Skills
  • Analytical chemistry
  • Materials chemistry
  • Organic synthesis
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Cell culture
  • Electrochemistry

Spectroscopy methods

  • Chromatography methods
  • Microscopy techniques
  • Photolithography
  • Atomic Force Microscopy
  • Hydrogels
  • Multicultural sensitivity

Publications

  • Jiang, C.; Campbell-Rance, D.; Wu, S.; Wang, Y.; Sun, H.; Xu, Y; Wen, X., Expansion and differentiation of human neural stem cells on synthesized integrin binding peptide surfaces., Biomedical Materials, 2024, 19, 4, 045033
  • Jiang, C.; Zeng, X.; Xue, B.; Campbell-Rance, D.; Wang, Y.; Sun, H.; Xu, Y., Wen X., Screening of pure synthetic coating substrates for induced pluripotent stem cells and iPSC-derived neuroepithelial progenitors with short peptide-based integrin array., Experimental Cell Research, 2019, 380, 1, 90-99, 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.04.013, 04/11/19
  • Li, X.; Campbell-Rance, D.S.; Liu, X.; Zhang, N.; Wen, X., Injectable Hydrogel for Neural Tissue Regeneration, Injectable Hydrogels for Regenerative Engineering, L.S. Nair, 2015, Imperial College Press, Hackensack, NJ, 303-354
  • D.S. Campbell-Rance, T.T. Doan, M.C. Leopold, Step, Sweep, Pulse and Frequency-Based Techniques Applied to Protein Monolayer Electrochemistry at Nanoparticle Interfaces., Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 2011, 662, 2, 343-354
  • Collinson, M.M.; Higgins, D.A.; Kommidi, R.; Campbell-Rance, D., Electrodeposited Silicate Films: Importance of Supporting Electrolyte., Analytical Chemistry, 2008, 80, 3, 651-656

Grants

  • Acquisition of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for Multidisciplinary Research at Virginia State University, Department of Defense (DoD) Research and Education Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI), 2018-2019, Co-Principle Investigator
  • CAREO Seed Grant for the Study of Health Benefits of Gnetum Africana, A Vegetable Common to Some Sub-Saharan Countries., College of Agriculture, Virginia State University, 2018-2020, Co-Principle Investigator

Accomplishments

HI Bridge to Academica Fellowship 2021

Synergistic Activities (Within the institution)

  • Co-Director, VSU STEM Summer Institute – Pathways to Science and Engineering, 2025
  • Director, VSU STEM Summer Institute - Pathways to Science and Engineering, 2024
  • Faculty Senate FS Strategic Planning Committee, 2024-2025
  • Faculty Senate Representative, Department of Engineering, 2023-2024
  • Department of Engineering Retention and Recruitment Committee, 2022-Present.
  • Judge, VSU Undergraduate Research Symposium 2018-2023
  • VSU/CVUMSP STEM Day Coordinator, 2013

Synergistic Activities (Outside of the Institution

  • Eat. Talk. Write (Culture Encounters, Richmond Public School After School Program) 2025-Present
  • Culture Encounters, Richmond, VA. (Conversations that connects, Eat. Talk. Connect, and Richmond International Dance Festival) 2023-2025
  • World Changers STEM Summer Institute, Waverly, VA. 2023
  • Science Fair Judge, Ephesus Junior Academy, Richmond VA, 2012-2015

Certification

Quality Matters Online Teaching Certification

Professional Development

  • 2026 Understanding AI: Open Conversations About Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education, Dr. Gabriella Waters, Director, Center for Responsible AI
  • 2025 Summer Institute for Aspiring Chairs, Deans, and Directors.
  • 2024 Using AI to Enhance Student Engagement (VSU Professional Development Series)
  • 2023 HI Bridge to Academia Summer Institute
  • 2023 Academy of Process Educators Conference
  • 2023 Leveraging AI in Academia Workshop (VSU Professional Development Series)
  • 2022 Successful Transition to the Academic Realm (STAR2.0) Summer Institute
  • 2020 Quality Matters Teaching Online Certification
  • 2017 Academy of Process Educators Workshop

Timeline

Chemistry Instructor

Brightpoint Community College
01.2019 - Current

Research Associate and Graduate Student

Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2013 - 01.2022

Engineering and Physical Science Instructor

Virginia State University
01.2011 - Current

Chemistry Instructor

Virginia State University
01.2011 - Current

Research Associate

University of Richmond
01.2010 - 01.2011

Research and Teaching Assistant

Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2005 - 01.2010

Doctor of Philosophy - Chemical Engineering

Virginia Commonwealth University

Master of Science - Chemistry

Virginia Commonwealth University

Bachelor of Science - Chemistry

University of The West Indies (Mona Campus)
Debbie Campbell-Rance