EMMANUEL ARKOH-MENSAH
Brookings,SD
Summary
Equity-minded Chemistry educator (Ph.D. Chemistry may 2026) with over nine years of teaching experience across secondary and higher education. Extensive experience teaching General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry lecture and laboratory courses to diverse, first-generation, and non-traditional students. Demonstrated expertise in culturally responsive teaching, curriculum development, student learning outcomes assessment, laboratory safety, and instructional improvement. Strong technical background in chemical instrumentation (NMR, GC-MS, HPLC, IR, UV-Vis). Proven success improving student retention and achievement, including increasing female participation in STEM by 87%. Committed to student-centered, innovative instruction aligned with community college missions and core values.
Diligent Educator with solid foundation in research methodologies and data analysis. Effectively contributed to multiple research projects, showcasing keen eye for detail and problem-solving abilities. Demonstrated strong collaboration and critical thinking skills in both independent and team-driven environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant, Organic Synthesis
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
- Conducted multi-step organic synthesis and compound characterization.
- Supervised and mentored undergraduate research students.
Graduate Teaching Assistant / Instructor
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
01.2019 - Current
- Taught General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry I & II, and Biochemistry laboratory courses (100+ students annually).
- Prepared and delivered engaging, discipline-appropriate instruction aligned with course syllabi and departmental standards.
- Designed inquiry-based laboratory activities emphasizing data analysis, scientific reasoning, and chemical safety.
- Trained students in proper use and troubleshooting of laboratory instrumentation, including NMR, GC, GC-MS, HPLC, IR, and UV-Vis.
- Developed digital pre-laboratory modules and safety resources, improving student preparedness and compliance.
- Maintained office hours and provided academic support through mentoring, exam reviews, and individualized feedback.
- Collaborated with faculty on curriculum alignment, common assessments, and student learning outcomes development.
Adjunct Lecturer, General Chemistry
University of Cape Coast, College of Distance Education
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Taught General Chemistry lectures to large, diverse distance-learning cohorts.
- Maintained currency in course materials and instructional strategies to support non-traditional learners.
- Evaluated student learning outcomes and provided timely, constructive feedback.
- Advised students on academic progress and referred them to appropriate support services.
Chemistry Teacher / Assistant Head of Science Department
Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School, Ghana Education Service
Ghana
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Delivered General and Organic Chemistry instruction to large, diverse student populations.
- Developed and assessed quizzes, examinations, and laboratory activities to evaluate student progress.
- Led curriculum development and assessment aligned with national standards.
- Increased national examination pass rates by 25% through student-centered and active-learning strategies.
- Directed STEM mentoring initiatives, resulting in an 87% increase in female student participation.
- Coordinated laboratory instruction, safety training, and science outreach activities.
Teaching Assistant
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Kumasi, Ghana
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Assisted with Organic and Organometallic Chemistry laboratories.
- Demonstrated laboratory techniques and supervised safe laboratory practices.
- Evaluated laboratory reports and supported student skill development.
Middle School Science Teacher
New Ebu D/A Junior High School
Ghana
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Delivered inquiry-based science instruction using low-cost, hands-on experiments.
- Improved student engagement and achievement through project-based learning approaches.
Education
Ph.D. in Chemistry (ABD) - Chemistry
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
Kumasi, Ghana 10.2011 - 06.2015
Skills
- NMR GC-MS HPLC IR UV-Vis
- Solution preparation Equipment operation and troubleshooting
- Laboratory inventory and safety compliance
- Project management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Analytical thinking
- Academic presentations
- Self-directed and motivated
- Problem-solving
- Scientific communication
- Subject matter expertise
- Strong work ethic
- Lab safety procedures
- Course materials creation
- Faculty collaboration
- Teaching students
Accomplishments
- Effectively mentored stem students and archived 87% success in female stem participation
- Improved students outcome by increasing standardized exams pass rate by 25% through active learning strategies.
- Enhanced 100+ students preparedness by developing pre-lab modules
- Improved experiment efficiency 30% by introducing revamped protocols and procedures.
- Trained 150+ undergraduate students on laboratory techniques and research fundamentals.
Timeline
Graduate Teaching Assistant / Instructor
South Dakota State University
01.2019 - Current
Adjunct Lecturer, General Chemistry
University of Cape Coast, College of Distance Education
01.2018 - 01.2019
Chemistry Teacher / Assistant Head of Science Department
Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School, Ghana Education Service
01.2016 - 01.2019
Teaching Assistant
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
01.2015 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Science - Chemistry
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science And Technology
10.2011 - 06.2015
Middle School Science Teacher
New Ebu D/A Junior High School
01.2009 - 01.2011
Graduate Research Assistant, Organic Synthesis
South Dakota State University
Ph.D. in Chemistry (ABD) - Chemistry
South Dakota State University
COURSES TAUGHT
- General Chemistry I & II (Lecture & Lab)
- Organic Chemistry I & II (Lecture & Lab)
- Biochemistry Laboratories
- Non-Majors and Pre-Health Chemistry
TEACHING & ASSESSMENT EXPERTISE
- Culturally responsive and inclusive pedagogy
- Student learning outcomes development and assessment
- Curriculum and laboratory coordination
- Academic advising and student mentoring
- Instructional improvement and reflective teaching
- Laboratory safety and chemical hygiene
HONORS
Honors Society Award for Excellence in Teaching, SDSU
SERVICE & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Undergraduate Research Mentor, SDSU
- STEM Outreach Facilitator (underserved communities)
- Midwest ACS Conference; Sioux Valley ACS Conference
- Pedagogical Workshops, SDSU Center for Teaching & Learning