Congratulations to Associate Professor of Chemistry, Rebecca Flock, for being named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Faculty of Distinction for November 2022.
Flock has been with the College for 12 years, where she has been part of the Physical Sciences department and has taught Chemistry, specifically the general, organic, and biochemistry sequence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Environmental Chemistry.
Much of Flock’s interest and research includes examining harmful algal blooms and the impact of climate change on water resources.
Flock’s path to teaching and what ultimately brought her to CWI was her desire to be a member of a society composed of well-educated individuals. She believes being a teacher, or even a student, is a form of civic engagement contributing toward that goal.
“Community college is a good place for students to explore their interests in a low-risk environment,” Flock said. “This form of public education can provide anyone with the desire to begin studying virtually any topic. Students can gain access to expertise and specialized equipment with unprecedented ease.”
Throughout her years in the teaching profession, it has always been a highlight and joy for Flock to mentor undergraduate research students conducting environmental research at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. One standout moment was being able to spend the summer wading into a wetland habitat at the edge of Lake Lowell to study water quality.
“It was great to feel a connection to nature when we turned our attention to our local resources,” Flock said.
Other faculty members, such as Department of Physical Sciences Chair, Paul Stahmann, have noticed extra time, and care Flock spends with her students, so they are able to be successful — especially when it comes to “difficult chemistry content.”
“Rebecca is very kind and helpful to her students,” said Stahmann. “She is respected by her colleagues because she does her part with a smile and wants the best for everyone involved. I have heard many students say that she is preparing them for their future as she teaches not only chemistry, but life and workforce skills.”
Outside of the classroom Flock enjoys listening to audiobooks. The latest book she is reading is Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey. Flock also serves on the board for Friends of Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge.
