Rate My Professor Paul Cooper

Paul Cooper serves as Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Yale University, joining the Department of Chemistry in 2019. He brings extensive teaching experience from his prior faculty roles at George Mason University, where he worked as an assistant professor and associate professor from 2007 to 2018. Cooper earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors in chemistry in 2000 and his Doctor of Philosophy in 2005, both from the University of Western Australia. His Ph.D. research centered on infrared matrix isolation spectroscopy of water complexes and the chemistry of solar system ices, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Terry Quickenden. Following his doctorate, he pursued postdoctoral research at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, investigating the chemistry of proton-irradiated ices relevant to Jupiter’s Galilean moons under Dr. Marla Moore. At Yale, Cooper instructs undergraduate courses in general chemistry lecture and laboratory as well as physical chemistry laboratory. He maintains active engagement in chemical education, serving as a contributing author to the Top Hat General Chemistry interactive textbook. Cooper has received recognition for his teaching excellence, including the GMU College of Science Teaching Award and the GMU Teaching Excellence Award. He participates in professional development initiatives at the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, such as the Course (Re)Design Institute, STEM Learning Community programs, and the Faculty Teaching Academy. His academic focus encompasses physical chemistry with interests in spectroscopy of small molecules and planetary ice analogs, complemented by contributions to instructional methods that support student learning in undergraduate settings.

Throughout his career, Cooper has emphasized the integration of research-informed approaches in classroom instruction while fostering inclusive and effective learning environments for students. His background in both laboratory research and educational practice informs his current role, where he adapts pedagogical strategies to meet evolving needs, including collaborative efforts among lecturers to transition courses during the pandemic. As a dedicated educator, Cooper continues to support the Department of Chemistry’s mission through his commitment to undergraduate instruction and ongoing professional growth in teaching methodologies.