Chocolate coated Chemistry - Students are sweet on idea

Tia Brown

Staff Writer

Divan Fard is a remarkable chemistry teacher at Shasta College. Winning the Student Senate Award at Shasta College in 2003, and again being nominated for the Anti-Apathy Award for this year 2007 says just how much his students look up to him.

Fard has been teaching organic chemistry for 29 years, and in that time has developed a way to make teaching more exciting and less boring. Giving chocolate to his students when they show up for class, and then again for participating.

With his outgoing and uplifting personality, being a student in his class would be an honor or privilege.

Fard’s unique way of teaching is what makes his class an unforgettable experience. His students are enthusiastic about chemistry and about their future.

Though Fard teaches chemistry, his teaching skills go far beyond the normal classroom scene. Adding the element of fun and excitement to the table.

Fard has received many letters and e-mails giving thanks from the students and letting him know how much they enjoy the class.

“I just wanted to say that, despite the difficulty of the subject, you made the class interesting and fun,” said former student Serena Pace.

“To be honest, I have never been enthusiastic about chemistry until now…I appreciate the extra mile that you go to make your students feel special and to make your class the best it can be, “ said student Elizabeth Ghiorso.

Fard student Jeff Dotson said, “He treats us as if we were his own children.”

In my opinion I would say that couldn’t be truer. My first interview with Dr. Fard made me realize how much he loves teaching whole-heartedly. It is not only what he does for a living, its what he lives to do.

Divan Fard graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and received his PhD in Organic Chemistry in May 1977.

During January 1995 through 2001, Fard was directing undergraduate research, in collaboration with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Environmental Molecular Science Laboratory, the Department of Energy’s laboratory in Richland, WA.

In 1999, Fard was awarded for promoting educational excellence and contributions to advance the cause of diversity in the state of WA, from the Washington Network for Human Rights.

In 1998 through 2000, Fard was a member of professor’s academy of contextual teaching at the University of Washington and has been teaching here at Shasta College since January 2001.

I personally want to thank Dr. Fard for all of his help, advice, and encouragement that will help me succeed in my goals for the future.