Mr. Science Whiz Wins National Teaching Award

Houston - Dr. Steven Dessens professor of Chemistry at the Stafford Campus of Houston Community College Southwest has been named National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) winner.

With 15 years of service to HCC, this graduate of Tulane University says he wanted to be a Chemist ever since he got his first Chemistry kit at the age of 12.

“By the time I got to high school, the chemistry seed was already planted in my mind,” professor Dessens says about his interest in Chemistry.

Before he began his career with HCC, he researched anti-tumor drugs at MD Anderson Cancer Center for five years. “I took an interest in cancer research after a family friend died of Cancer, I figured the research was for a very good cause”.

Dr. Dessens didn’t think he would become a teacher, but he had already stocked up with chemistry model kits from the Tulane University bookstore “just in case”. Those kits are still used in the Houston Community College labs to this day.

“I’m not a public speaker and I often wonder how I became a teacher, but I love what I do and I’m very comfortable at HCC”, he admits. “For many of the students I am their first experience of the American Educational System, so I want to make a good impression”.

Freshman chemistry, chemistry for nursing and pre-pharmacy are just a few of the chemistries he says are all equally fun to teach, but that’s not all that keeps this professor busy.

He also gives workshops for area middle school teachers and often transforms himself into “Mr. Science Whiz” for home schooled students. It’s a part of his job he enjoys a lot he says.
He was nominated and given the NISOD award for his excellence in teaching.

“I admire teachers that can go on and on about their subject and not rely completely on their notes.”