Martin S. Silberberg received a B.S. in Chemistry from the City University of New York and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oklahoma. He then accepted a position as research associate in analytical biochemistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, where he developed methods to study neurotransmitter metabolism in Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Following six years in neurochemical research, Dr. Silberberg joined the faculty of Bard College at Simon’s Rock, a liberal arts college known for its excellence in teaching small classes of highly motivated students. As head of the Natural Sciences Major and Director of Premedical Studies, he taught courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and liberal-arts chemistry. The small class size and close student contact afforded him insights into how students learn chemistry, where they have difficulties, and what strategies can help them succeed. Dr. Silberberg decided to apply these insights in a broader context and established a textbook writing, editing, and consulting company. Before writing his own texts, he worked as a consulting and development editor on chemistry, biochemistry, and physics texts for several major college publishers. He resides with his wife Ruth in the Pioneer Valley near Amherst, Massachusetts, where he enjoys the rich cultural and academic life of the area and relaxes by traveling, gardening, and singing.
Patricia G. Amateis graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry Education from Concord University in West Virginia and a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Virginia Tech. She has been on the faculty of the Chemistry Department at Virginia Tech for 31 years, teaching General Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. For the past 16 years, she has served as Director of General Chemistry, responsible for the oversight of both the lecture and lab portions of the large General Chemistry program. She has taught thousands of students during her career and has been awarded the University Sporn Award for Introductory Teaching, the Alumni Teaching Award, and the William E. Wine Award for a history of university teaching excellence. She and her husband live in Blacksburg, Virginia and are the parents of three adult children. In her free time, she enjoys biking, hiking, competing in the occasional sprint triathlon, and playing the double second in Panjammers, Blacksburg’s steel drum band.
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