For Assistant Professor of Chemistry Neil Law, chemistry isn’t just “a subject with rigid walls that you walk into a room to learn about for an hour.  It’s a fascinating way to understand our natural world.”  

Professor Law’s Ph.D., from the University of Michigan, is in bio-inorganic chemistry, a synthesis of  biochemistry, physical chemistry and biophysics. The intersection provides avenues for  Law’s ambitious research, with the goal to conclude what roles metal ions play in biological systems. It is not the only intersection Law has taken advantage of, though.  In May of 2004 when he began teaching at St. Lawrence, he found another parallel to utilize: his passion for both teaching and science.

“I was immediately impressed by the collegiate atmosphere, sense of community, and chances to work so closely with students,” Law said. The close working environment Law enjoys has been something he’s employed to encourage his students -- and not solely in regards to chemistry. Having spent a year after graduate school in Germany, studying at Leipzig University on a Fulbright grant, Law recognizes the importance of travel, actively urging his students to take advantage of one of St. Lawrence’s numerous international programs and apply what they learn to both local and wider environments. “I was in Germany shortly after the Berlin Wall had fallen. The atmosphere was incredible. I’m a big proponent of students going abroad.  It gives them a different view,” he says.

“A passion for chemistry – I hope that’s what I bring to the classroom with me every day,” he says. “I try to help students see where chemistry intersects with everyday experience and to bring that out as I’m teaching.”  Law is also a big fan of the academic, cultural and sports events his students engage in.