Member Spotlights
Here you will find a complete record of this year's member spotlights. Read on to learn about the amazing members of our community. Additionally, every quarter we feature a new member of our ChemE community. If you know someone who deserves recognition, nominate them!
If you are interested in conducting spotlight interviews, editing interview footage for the club IG and website, and/or writing short follow-up articles, join the Department Spotlight Subcommittee by contacting one of the WChE officers through the WChE email. No prior experience required!
2/18/24: Introducing... Dr. Nada Naser!
During Winter Quarter, we had the honor of interviewing Dr. Nada Naser for our very first Department Faculty Spotlight for the school year! Thank you Dr. Naser for this amazing opportunity!
Dr. Naser joined the ChemE department as a Assistant Teaching Professor this year! Get to know Dr. Naser through our spotlight interview below, and feel free to drop by her office in BNS 255 and introduce yourself!
Dr. Nada Naser (she/her) is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the UW! Dr. Naser earned her Bachelor’s and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University and the University of Washington, respectively. Dr. Naser's research in grad school focused on the mineralization and characterization of inorganic nanomaterials using programmable and stimuli-responsive protein building blocks.
Challenges as a Faculty Member
Transitioning into a faculty role goes beyond simply knowing the subject material and being able to communicate it. Dr. Naser learned that being a professor requires strong decision-making skills, creativity, and the ability to manage a variety of aspects, including course structure, topic focus, and drawing the interest of students in the discussion topics.
Why Academia?
Dr. Naser’s passion for teaching has always been central to her career aspirations. While she enjoyed research during graduate school, her drive to educate and provide mentorship ultimately led her to academia.
Advice for Students
Networking and outreach are key! Dr. Naser encourages students to build a diverse network, seek guidance, and stay open to new opportunities. Engaging with different perspectives can be just as valuable as technical knowledge.
The Importance of Outreach
Dr. Naser's outreach work allows her to connect with younger audiences who may not be interested or familiar with chemical engineering. She sees it as a chance to give back, inspire underrepresented groups, and challenge herself to present complex ideas in creative ways. This directly influences her teaching style, as she continually seeks new ways to engage and broaden students' perspectives.
STEM Education’s Biggest Challenge
Dr. Naser believes accessibility and representation are critical issues in STEM. Universities should encourage innovative teaching approaches and ensure students from all backgrounds feel empowered and included.
Favorite Class & Teaching Interests
Dr. Naser’s favorite course as a student was reactor design, for which she was a TA twice. If she could teach any class (besides thermodynamics!), she’d love to lead hands-on chemical engineering labs, especially in colloids or fluid mechanics.
Exciting Research Areas
Dr. Naser is passionate about colloids science, nanoscience, and hybrid materials, areas she is actively exploring in her research.
Fun Facts About Dr. Naser
☕ Coffee or Tea?
Coffee!
🌙 Early Bird or Night Owl?
Night owl.
🎯 Work Style?
"Work smarter, not harder"—though Chemical Engineering requires a mix of both!
🔨 Hobbies?
Dr. Naser enjoys metalworking and even took a hands-on course at North Seattle College.
📺 Recent TV Show Binge?
Bob’s Burgers—highly recommended for a fun watch!
🍽️ Favorite UDistrict Spots?
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Shawarma Time (Roosevelt)
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Ugly Mug Café
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Saint Bread
For a great spot outside UDistrict, try Copper Tree in Eastlake!
🧪 If You Were a Chemical Compound?
Dr. Naser would be a gold nanoparticle!