Robert W. Kitchin
Chairman, Department of Chemistry and Physics
Professor of Chemistry and Physics
Bolivar, MO 65613
Courses Taught: Environmental Chemistry, Chemistry Seminar I/II, Physical Science for Elementary and Middle School Teachers and Statics.
Educational and Professional Background: Kitchin earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from Mississippi State University. He has also completed additional study at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Kitchin's professional experience includes 30 years of College Teaching, 18 months of Chemistry Quality Control and two years research on Fuel Cell Technology. He received the College of Science and Mathematics Faculty Service Award (April, 2005), and the Parkway Distinguished Professor Award (May, 2005).
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Science Teachers of Missouri (STOM)
- National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
CURRENT PROFESSIONAL ASSIGNMENTS (Non-Teaching)
- Chairman, Department of Chemistry & Physics
- Criterion III Co-Chair, HLC Steering Committee
- Member, Teacher Education Council
- Member, University Benefits Committee
- Member, College of Science and Mathematics Safety Committee
PUBLICATIONS (Journal Articles)
- “Detection of Methanol in Wine by Microwave Spectroscopy”, Robert W. Kitchin, Robert E. Willis, and Robert L. Cook, Analytical Chemistry, 53, 1190 (1981).
- “The Microwave Spectrum, Dipole Moment, and Molecular Conformation of 2-Cyclohepten-1-one”, Robert W. Kitchin, Thomas B. Malloy, Jr., and Robert L. Cook, Journal of Molecular Spectroscopy, 57, 179 (1975).
- “The Molecular Conformation and Dipole Moment of 1,4-Thioxane from the Microwave Spectrum”, Robert W. Kitchin, Thomas B. Malloy, Jr., T.K. Avirah, and Robert L. Cook, Journal of Molecular Structure, 24, 337 (1975).
SCHOLARLY ACTIVITIES
- Two Week Graduate Education Workshop Instructor on Physical Science Laboratory Techniques (June 2003).
- Southwest Baptist University Education Day Presentation on “How to Coordinate a Science Fair” (October 2001).
- Presented a Compilation of Instructional Materials for the newly required History and Philosophy of Science and Technology course at a Science Education Conference held at the University of Missouri-Columbia (March 1998).
- NSF Two Week Summer Seminar Attendee on Microcomputer-based Physics Lab Teaching Methods held at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania (June, 1994).
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Multiple Presentations of “Chemistry Magic Shows” to Elementary/Middle/High Schools, Church Groups, a Boy Scout Group, and at a Regional Science Fair (1984 – 2006).
- Presentation on Meteorology for a Library Focus Group of Elementary School Students in Stockton, MO (July 2003).
- Judging Coordinator for Multiple Local and Area Science Fairs (1996 – 2005); Ozark Regional Science/Engineering Fair Judge in Springfield, MO (April 1995 – April 1999).
- Presented a Chemistry Magic Show and a Computer-Based Motion Demonstration to middle school students at the Academy for Health Education and Careers held at Citizens Memorial Hospital (Bolivar, MO); Member of the Academy Planning Committee (July 1995).
- Presentation on Introductory Optics to Fourth Grade Summer School Students at Bolivar Elementary School (June 1995).
- Presented a program on Microcomputer-Based Physics Laboratory Experimentation to area physics teachers for the Missouri Academy of Sciences (Physics Section) at Fair Grove, MO High School (May 1995).
- Member of Springfield, Bolivar, and Republic Community Bands (1999 – 2006); First Baptist Church Orchestra Member (1994 – 2006); Member of SBU Symphonic Winds and various SBU Brass Ensembles (1994-2008).
- Member of Messiah Project Orchestra; Traveled to Poland and Austria for Multiple Performances; Multiple Performances in Springfield, MO and surrounding area (1999 – 2002).
- Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church of Bolivar
PUBLICATIONS (Laboratory Manuals)
- Author of Laboratory Manuals for Introduction to Earth Science, for Introduction to Physical Science, and for Physical Science for Elementary and Middles School Teachers
- Co-Author of Laboratory Manuals in General/University Physics I, General/University Physics II, General Chemistry I, General Chemistry II, and Principles of Chemistry.
