Faculty Spotlight
February - March 2007: Dr. Jamie Adcock
Over the years she has produced over 50 publications, and holds nine patents in fluorine chemistry research. In addition, Dr. Adcock has done chemical consulting with major chemical firms in the areas of general chemistry; fluorine chemistry; and chemical synthesis, especially processes using elemental fluorine. She has also served as a chemical consultant in legal matters concerning industrial accidents, waste disposal, environmental remediation, analysis of chemical systems, and determination of the etiology of a chemical accident.
Teaching the ResearchDr. Adcock has conducted research and taught chemistry at UT Knoxville since 1974. For many researchers, teaching may be viewed as a chore or a distraction. However, Dr. Adcock views it as an opportunity to share her research while possibly inspiring future chemists. She brings her research interests into the class by using examples of chemistry being used to solve problems. “For example,” she says, “most new drugs, agricultural chemicals, and veterinary medicines incorporate fluorine or fluorocarbon groups into structures to increase therapeutic potency or to minimize side effects. Helping students to see the importance of chemistry in their lives piques their interest."
Dr. Adcock says she likes teaching, “because I know I have an influence on the development of young minds. It keeps me in touch with each generation and the issues they find important. It also keeps me aware of how science is impacting each new generation and allows me to help students see connections between what they are studying and their ‘real world.’” According to Dr. Adcock, "allowing them to see the importance of chemistry in our everyday lives, especially in the lower-level classes, is where I see the relevance of what I do in research coming into the classroom. Some students see chemicals as having a bad connotation - ‘chemicals in the environment.’ What they don’t recognize is that all things are composed of chemicals. Everything can’t be bad unless you are a cynic or nihilist. Making them realize that chemicals are the building blocks of all things in the world is important in giving them a more balanced view.”