Richard Bauer

Richard Bauer is faculty head of science, mathematics and social science at the Downtown Phoenix campus. His responsibilities include oversight of foundational courses in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and social science that are integral to the academic programs on the Downtown Phoenix campus. He works with his faculty to design approaches to education that are innovative, relevant to the students’ academic pursuits, and driven by the success of each student. He received a bachelor's degree in chemistry (1985) at Saginaw Valley State University, a master's degree (1991) and doctorate (1998) in chemistry education from Purdue University.

Prior to moving downtown he was the coordinator of general chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In this capacity, he managed the laboratory program for the first-year general chemistry courses and worked with faculty on improving student engagement in lecture and recitation components of these courses. He implemented an inquiry-based lab program and co-authored with James Birk and Douglas Sawyer a laboratory manual, "Laboratory Inquiry in Chemistry" (Cengage Learning, 2009) now in its third edition. Bauer has co-authored with James Birk and Pamela Marks a leading introductory chemistry textbook, "Introduction to Chemistry" (McGraw-Hill, 2013). Bauer is an active member of the American Chemical Society and member of the society’s Division of Chemical Education Long Range Planning Committee.