Chris Saunders, Ph.D.

2011: Ph.D. | University of Arkansas

2002: B.S. | The College of Idaho

I grew up in small-town Idaho. My interest in science started at an early age with my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Humble. She showed my class just how fun it can be to discover how the world around us works.

I received my B.S. in Chemistry, with minors in biology and history, from The College of Idaho in 2002. It was during those undergraduate years that I developed an interest in teaching. I worked at Analytical Labs, Inc. in Boise for two years after graduating before moving on to graduate school. I received my Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Arkansas where my research focus was method development in the detection of methionine sulfoxide in proteomic samples.

After finishing my Ph.D. I moved back to the Treasure Valley where I taught at the College of Western Idaho and at The College of Idaho, teaching a variety of general and upper division chemistry courses, before coming to Boise State.  I love every day that I get to interact with students. 

My continuing scholarly interests revolve around science education and outreach. I am a co-author on a GOB textbook, a repeat guest on Science Trek on Idaho PBS (links below), and am currently working on the first season of a new podcast (stay tuned for upcoming episodes).

Science Trek | Chemistry | PBS
Chemistry: Is it Really Black? | Science Trek – YouTube
Chemistry: Do Try This at Home | Science Trek – YouTube
Chemistry: Does it Mix? | Science Trek – YouTube

While I love science, it isn’t all that I do. I am the keyboard player in the local band Innocent Man. I enjoy cooking, playing video games, reading epic fantasy, playing board games with my friends, and spending time with my family.