Dr. Julia Saloni, Associate Professor of Chemistry, is known for her inclusivity, tireless work to create new STEM opportunities for students, and dedication to supporting students and colleagues.
Julia, an employee of the College for more than a year, is being recognized as this month’s Terrier STAR for providing a personalized experience, her career focus, her institutional inventiveness, her care, and her sense of community.
This is what her colleagues have to say about her:
“Beyond her roles as Chemical Hygiene Officer and new laboratory developer, Julia is a passionate advocate for women in STEM and an ambassador for scientific discovery. Through her expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication, Julia brings science to life, inspires future scientists, and helps create opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and succeed.”
“Dr. Saloni started at Thomas College and immediately agreed with be out chemical hygiene officer knowing full-well that’s a full-time job at almost all other colleges. So, she teaches a full load and has an additional full-time job at Thomas. Blows my mind. We are lucky to have her.”
“Dr. Saloni almost single handedly reinvented the Girls in Science Day to involve all six science faculty and almost 100 high school students. The year before we had 2 science faculty and 12 students attend. She has worked hard to push for a student shuttle for students without cars that is being used this fall. Dr Saloni has developed three new science classes, two to support our science majors: Organic chemistry 1&2 and a general bio, chem, and organic class for the general population.”
“Dr Saloni inspires her fellow science faculty. She’s been involved with grants and committees and our students from the start. She received a research grant in her first semester here which included student research, which is something we haven’t done much at Thomas College. She, along with Allison, was instrumental with helping two of our science majors receive outstanding and very competitive NSF internship opportunities this summer. Her classes are very hands-on and she individually helps all of her students one-on-one.”
“Dr. Saloni is very inclusive and cares deeply for her students. She has picked up one international student for the Portland airport over break and I feel like she’s delivered food to students stuck here without transportation over break as well. She also won come award from Carol about inclusiveness in her classroom.”
“Julia has quickly become a valued member of the Thomas community. Her student-centered approach, both inside and outside the classroom, is evident in everything she does. She is a collaborative colleague who readily shares ideas, supports others, and is always willing to step in and help. I appreciate her sense of humor and contributions to helping improve the overall student experience. We are fortunate to have her as part of our community.”
“Julia has been a powerhouse of energy for the growing science programs here at Thomas! She has gone above and beyond by organizing the chemical & equipment storage, managing our lab safety, planning how to build out our future lab spaces, and so much more. Above all, she will always make time to help you out and approach any challenge with unlimited joy and enthusiasm for teaching and science!”
Congrats, Julia!