Daniel Zuidema
Professor of Chemistry
Department Chair
Chemistry
On Faculty Since 2005
In chemistry, we have the joy of carefully examining the handiwork and faithfulness of God as He reveals Himself in creation. Covenant provides a rich training in the discipline of chemistry, giving you a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of chemistry. We are extremely well equipped as far as instrumentation is concerned-- you will work with the modern instruments that chemists use in industrial and research labs. As there is a strong economic demand for people who are trained in chemistry, our graduates are readily able to find employment after Covenant College. Many of our graduates also choose to continue their education in medical school or graduate school.
Education
- PhD in Organic Chemistry from Wake Forest University
- BS in Chemistry from Calvin College
Interests / Specialization
- Chemistry education
- Raney nickel catalysis / catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis
Selected Professional Work
- “A Quantitative Look at How Two Chemistry Courses’ Lab Performance Fared During Masked, Physically-Distanced Instruction.” D.R. Zuidema. Southeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Juan, PR. October, 2022.
- “From Passive Observers to Active Participants: Using Interactive Remote Demonstrations to Increase Student Involvement in Online Chemistry Instruction.” D.R. Zuidema, R.H. Zuidema. Journal of Chemical Education, 2021, 98, 843.
- “Teaching an Introductory Organic Chemistry Class for High School Students.” D.R. Zuidema, J.A. Stimart, X. Jian. Journal of Chemical Education, 2020, 97, 4303.
- “Teaching GOB Organic Chemistry as a General Science Core Class for Non-science Majors.” X. Jian, D.R. Zuidema. Southeast Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Savannah, GA. October, 2019.
- Faithful Learning in Chemistry. D.R. Zuidema, J.D. Green, ed. Presbyterian and Reformed. Phillipsburg, NJ, 2016.
Get to know your professor
Q. Favorite movie/TV show?
A. Any of the episodes of Columbo
Q. Favorite local restaurant?
A. Los Potros Mexican Restaurant
Q. Favorite food?
A. Pizza
Q. What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
A. Having a hot cup of coffee with someone
Q. If you could teach any other major, what would it be?
A. Physics
Q. Personal Interests/Hobbies
A. Collecting Swiss Army Knives