Rate My Professor Lauren McMills

Lauren McMills, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Chair in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University, earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Her research specializes in chemical education, emphasizing peer-led team learning and active learning techniques. She has integrated the Peer-Led Team Learning Model, or Workshop Model, into the university's General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry curricula. Under this model, groups of 6-8 students convene for two-hour weekly sessions led by trained peer mentors who guide them through professor-designed challenging problems. This structure shifts from passive learning to active engagement, allowing students to build their knowledge of chemical principles while developing problem-solving, reasoning, and communication abilities. Preliminary assessments reveal that Workshop Model participants achieve higher average performance than their peers outside the program.

McMills' scholarly output includes co-authored articles advancing general chemistry laboratory pedagogy. Prominent publications feature "Mass-Based Approach to the Determination of the Henry’s Law Constant for CO2 (g) Using a Diet Carbonated Beverage" (Journal of Chemical Education, 2019), co-authored with F. Nyasulu, R. Barlag, L. McMills, and P. Arthasery; "Acid-Base Titration Curves in the General Chemistry Laboratory: An In-Depth Study" (The Chemical Educator, 2016); "A Student-Made Silver–Silver Chloride Reference Electrode for the General Chemistry Laboratory: ~10 min Preparation" (Journal of Chemical Education, 2014); "Comparing Mass and Volumetric Titrations in the General Chemistry Lab" (Journal of Chemical Education, 2012); and "The H3PO4 Acid Ionization Reactions: A Capstone Multi-Concept Thermodynamics General Chemistry Laboratory Exercise" (Journal of Chemical Education, 2013). These works introduce safe, efficient, low-waste experiments that connect fundamental concepts like calorimetry, potentiometry, and acid-base chemistry. Her innovations, such as student-made reference electrodes and mass-based titrations, enhance laboratory accessibility and environmental sustainability. As Undergraduate Chair, she oversees advising and contributes to departmental initiatives, including honors programs.