Directors

Jim Demas

Jim Demas is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, specializing in luminescence with emphasis on application of metal complexes to sensors, especially in the environmental and biomedical areas. Dr. Demas received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of New Mexico in 1970, and has been a member of the faculty at the University of Virginia since 1971. He teaches Physical Chemistry Laboratory, an introduction to research seminar, and a graduate level course on luminescence. He heads chemistry’s undergraduate advising and runs the chemistry undergraduate research program. He is a fellow at Brown College where he regular shows and comments on movies. He has a third degree black belt in Taekwondo, and he skis, bikes, and loves movies, the Southwest, and photography.

Howard Epstein

Howard Epstein is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia, specializing in the ecology of arctic tundra, and dry grasslands and shrublands. Dr. Epstein received his Ph.D. in Ecology from Colorado State University, in 1997, and has been a member of the faculty at the University of Virginia in since 1998. He teaches courses in the Fundamentals of Ecology, Terrestrial Ecology, and Ecology of Grasslands and Tundra. Professor Epstein co-directs the second year College Science Scholars program.

Karen Schmidt

Karen Schmidt is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Virginia, specializing in the measurement of chronic pain, emotion, and personality. Dr. Schmidt received her Ph.D. in Psychology from The University of Kansas, in 1997, and has been a member of the faculty at The University of Virginia since 1997. She teaches courses in Research Methods and Data Analysis, Item Response Theory, and Lifespan Development. Professor Schmidt directs the first year College Science Scholars program. She enjoys running, dancing, gardening, camping, and collecting rocks and gemstones.