Anthony W. Howcroft, PhD

Affiliated Programs

• Chemistry (BA/BS)

Education

• PhD, Chemistry (2023)
  Drexel University (PA)
• BS, Chemistry (2016)
  University of Kansas (KS)

About Me

As an instructor I model my classroom around engaging students in authentic experiences in chemistry and showing them how to effectively study and develop their understanding of chemistry by equipping them with the skills they need to build a firm foundation in science. Since all students come into the classroom from a variety of backgrounds and experiences it is my goal to create a classroom and laboratory environment that encourages students to be more self-reflective, curious learners, critical thinkers and adapt at collaborating effectively with others.

In the classroom I utilize active learning pedagogies such as guided inquiry activities and clickers, in addition to lecture, to help engage and equip students for success. In the laboratory setting my goal is to develop a laboratory curriculum that engages students in a research-like experience where they are actively doing chemistry like a chemist would, opposed to using traditional cookbook laboratory protocols. I also believe it is important to emphasize green chemistry practices in the laboratory setting as this reflects the future of the chemical industry and most importantly enables us as chemists to effectively steward the resources and planet we have.

Research Interests

My expertise is in Chemical Education Research (CER), where my interest has been in how student's self-efficacy (belief in their ability to do chemistry) changes as they progress through chemistry courses. I am also interested in understanding how we can better support student learning by leveraging the way in which we design our chemistry courses to improve student outcomes.

Publications

• Howcroft, A.W.; Stanford, J; Interlante, L; DeVita, J; DiNardo, J; Jiang, X; Winters, R; Ashe, D; Boersma, J; Fontecchio, A; McGee, B; Mongan, W; Townend, P; Bolton, K; Brewe, E., “The Development and Initial Validation of the Experiential Learning Instrument (ELI)”. (2024). Educational Research. Under Review.
• Rockcliffe, F., Stanford, J., Howcroft, A.W., Martin, A., Silverman, J., Switalski, R., Mathieu, R., Fontecchio, A. Promoting future faculty pedagogical and change leadership development through the CIRTL Forum, a professional conference for higher education stakeholders. (2024). Journal on Centers of Teaching and Learning. Under Review.
• Howcroft, A.W., King, D.B., “Impact of the Timing of Content Introduction on Student Exam Performance in General Chemistry”. (2024). Journal of College Science Teaching.
• Colmer, H.E., Howcroft, A.W., Jackson, T.A., "Formation, Characterization, and O—O Bond Activation of a Peroxomanganese(III) Complex Supported by a Cross-Clamped Cyclam Ligand," Inorganic Chemistry. (2016).

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Chemical Society - Division of Chemical Education

Awards

• University Teaching Assistant Excellence Award, Drexel University (2022)
• Ruth and Eugene Rosenbaum Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, Drexel University (2021)
• ACS Chemistry for Life: 2016 Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry, American Chemical Society (2016)