André K. Isaacs
André K. Isaacs | |
|---|---|
| Academic background | |
| Education | College of the Holy Cross (BS) University of Pennsylvania (PhD) |
| Doctoral advisor | Jeffery D. Winkler |
| Academic work | |
| Discipline | Organic and Synthetic Methods |
| Sub-discipline | Copper-mediated organic chemistry |
| Institutions | College of the Holy Cross |
| Website | https://www.isaacslab.com/ |
André K. Isaacs is a professor of chemistry researching organic and synthetic chemistry at the College of the Holy Cross.[1] Isaacs uses TikTok, Twitter and posts dancing and choreography to teach viral chemistry lessons as science outreach and advocacy.[2][3]
Early life[edit]
Isaacs was born in Kingston, Jamaica.[2] Isaacs regularly speaks of his uncle, who had taught chemistry and math but died young, as his inspiration in pursuing science education.[2][4] Isaacs chose science tracks during his childhood education but had always been interested in culture and fashion.[4] After finishing schooling in Jamaica, Isaacs went to college in America.[2] Isaacs was encouraged by his professors and research advisors during his undergraduate education to continue graduate studies due to his excellent skills in organic chemistry.[4]
Isaacs identifies as a queer Black immigrant in science and has used his experience to motivate his advocacy.[2][3] After having come out to his unsupportive family, Isaacs found comfort within a supportive lab environment.[5][6] He has spoken openly about challenges of being queer, black, and alienated, which nearly caused him to drop out of graduate school.[6] Consequently, Isaacs has focused on community building when building his lessons and online presence.[2][3]
Research[edit]
Isaacs works on copper-catalyzed reactions using click chemistry.[4] His lab is currently staffed by undergraduate researchers.[4] He has also researched antibiotic resistance and novel antibiotic drug development.[7]
Science outreach[edit]
Isaacs has claimed his viral success in science outreach is due to accessibility and approachability within his videos.[8] His videos include dances from popular media franchises such as Black Panther,[3] pop culture moments such as Rihanna's 2023 Super Bowl Ceremony,[2] and other trends. In many of his videos, he wears a signature rainbow lab coat to promote diversity and inclusivity within chemistry.[8][9] In addition, his work covers topics on queer culture and social justice, such as chemistry videos explaining poppers or his thoughts around Black Lives Matter.[9] His videos also help explain chemistry, including the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry involving click and bioorthagonal chemistry.[9] He has made the analogy that chemistry is "queer" due to molecules bonding with a wide variety of partners.[6]
As a professor at the College of the Holy Cross, Isaacs founded an organization named "Outfront" for LGBT staff and students.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ "Andre K. Isaacs". College of the Holy Cross. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
- ^ a b c d e f g Noel, Melissa (2023-10-18). "Meet The Black Professor Fusing Chemistry With Choreography To Teach Students, Inspire The Next Generation In STEM". Essence. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ a b c d Raman, Spoorthy (2023-03-10). "TikTok's dancing chemist catalyses joy in students". Nature. doi:10.1038/d41586-023-00739-1. PMID 36899184. S2CID 257438392.
- ^ a b c d e Kilian, Nicole (2021-06-10). "André Isaacs: "Be okay with making mistakes"". Advanced Science News. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
- ^ a b Santora, Tyler (8 April 2022). "Andre Isaacs inspires future chemists on social media and on campus". Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
- ^ a b c Rogers, Jaiden (1 March 2024). "Queerness in STEM: Dr. André K. Isaacs holds Runway Q&A at Tufts". The Tufts Daily. Retrieved 2024-03-31.
- ^ "Full house for TikTok Chemist's Daniell Lecture". King's College London. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
- ^ a b Alessandrini, Kyra (10 October 2023). "This chemistry professor is using choreography to inspire students to learn about STEM". Blavity.
- ^ a b c Motion, Alice (27 October 2022). "Andre Isaacs, chemist and TikTok star". Chemistry World. Retrieved 2024-02-02.