Rate My Professor Tom Riley

Thomas Riley, known professionally as Tom Riley, serves as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. He earned a Master of Science degree from Montclair State University. Riley has demonstrated steady career progression at the institution, beginning as an Instructor of Chemistry documented in the Board of Trustees public meeting in June 2017, where he addressed concerns about academic integrity in online courses. By 2022, he advanced to Department Chair of Chemistry, during which he acknowledged the retirement of Instructional Assistant Barbara Schmidt for her over twenty years of service at a Board public business meeting. In this capacity and beyond, Riley has actively represented faculty interests, including providing written comments on behalf of the Faculty Association during the October 2021 Board meeting.

Riley is a committed mentor in the college's STEM initiatives, contributing to student research and professional development. He co-mentored a project titled "A Spectroscopic Analysis of a Multiglaze Blend" with Lori Uffer for STEM Fellowship Cohort 8 in 2021, enabling hands-on spectroscopic research. In 2025, as part of Brookdale's 11th NASA Internship Cohort, Riley mentored Ava Marszalek on "Evaluating Consumer Water Filter Performance," which examined the efficacy and longevity of consumer water filters in removing contaminants—a project showcased in student presentations and highlighted in college publications like "Pioneers in STEM Excellence." Additionally, Riley participates in educational technology governance as Associate Professor-Chemistry. His engagement extends to student support events; at the Inaugural First-Generation Celebration in November 2024, he advised attendees: "The only person who can advocate for you is you. Don’t be shy, ask questions and seek help." Through teaching, mentorship, and service, Riley supports the Chemistry program's mission to deliver rigorous chemical education, preparing students for transfer to baccalaureate programs in chemistry, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and related fields.