Faculty Profile: Dr. Sean Mo
Sean Mo has an undergraduate professor to thank for both his love for chemistry and his desire to teach.
“I had an incredible physical chemistry professor at Whitman College, and he made us appreciate the field of chemistry,” the assistant professor of chemistry says. “Furthermore, it was his personable interaction with his students in class that really drew me into the field. I learned a lot from him, and the rest is history.”
Sean came to Alma in 2006 after earning his doctorate in physical chemistry at Emory University. His research topics are in the fields of renewable energy, carbon nanotubes, and bioluminescence.
“Alma provides the personal teacher-student interaction that is critical at the undergraduate level,” he says. “It is hard not to truly get to know your students and enjoy the learning experience.”
The interaction with students is Sean’s favorite part of teaching at Alma. A liberal arts education means he gets to teach students with a variety of interests.
“One former student, Jane MacDonald, was a double major in chemistry and dance/theatre, and now is pursuing a doctorate degree in biochemistry. Another student, Thomas Montgomery, was a chemistry major and played varsity football and baseball, and is now attending medical school,” he says.
“Alma College has many talented and dedicated students who are willing to work hard to learn more about different topics they care about.”
In his spare time, Mo enjoys working on cars, autoX, ultimate frisbee and traveling.
