Vania Maria De Paoli

I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Cleveland State University, where I have been teaching since 2014. I earned my Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2005, after completing my M.S. in Chemistry (2001), B.S. in Chemistry (1997), and a Teacher Certification in Chemistry (2002) at the same institution .

My primary teaching focus is Organic Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry I and II, as well as advanced and structure-based courses in the discipline. Since joining Cleveland State University, I have dedicated my teaching to helping students develop a strong conceptual understanding of organic chemistry, with emphasis on reaction mechanisms, problem-solving, and connecting structure to reactivity. I aim to make complex topics clear and accessible by breaking them into manageable steps and reinforcing concepts through guided examples and active student engagement .

Earlier in my career, at Roosevelt University and Hostos Community College, I taught a broader range of courses, including General Chemistry and Introduction to Chemistry. These experiences helped shape my approach to teaching diverse student populations and strengthened my commitment to building foundational knowledge and confidence in students at all levels .

I am particularly interested in improving student learning through effective teaching strategies, the use of instructional technology, and the development of accessible learning materials. My work includes creating adaptive assignments and open educational resources to support student success in organic chemistry. I am also committed to inclusive teaching and mentoring students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, especially those pursuing careers in healthcare and the sciences .

My teaching has been recognized with several awards, including the Golden Apple Award, Faculty Teaching Merit Awards, and the Lily Ng Teaching Award. I remain committed to providing high-quality instruction, supporting student success, and continuously improving my teaching practice.