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Faculty/Staff Directory

Gary Histand

Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair, Head Cross Country Coach

Education

• A.A., Hesston College, 1982
• B.S., Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture, 1984
• M.S., Northwestern University, 1986
• Ph.D., Northwestern University, 1989

Biography

Gary Histand began working at Bethel College in 2001. Before that, he served as assistant professor of chemistry at Delaware Valley College. He has also taught courses at Muhlenberg College, Eastern College and Widener University. At Bethel, Histand teaches a variety of chemistry courses: Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry I and II, Biochemistry, Environmental Chemistry and Introductory Chemistry. He has a creative flair and is known around campus for his class demonstrations and his unusual attire. He is also known to sing songs to his students and to bring his chemistry friends to class with him. In addition to his teaching, Histand supervises student research projects. His research interests focus on the interaction of reducing sugars with plasmid DNA.

Professional Interests

• chemical education: songs, skits, creative activities to make chemistry fun
• organic biochemistry (organic chemistry that applies to biological systems)
• chemical demonstrations

Personal Interests

• church activities
• running (30-50 miles a week)
• coaching high school cross country and track
• hosting high school exchange students