Dr. Shelby Hatch

Biography

Shelby L. Hatch is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University, where she teaches a variety of undergraduate chemistry courses, including introductory lab classes, year seminars, and courses for non-scientists. Her research interests focus on the intersections of chemistry, sustainability, and social justice, particularly within the context of environmental justice. She is a strong advocate for Youth Participatory Science, engaging students in the entire research process—from the creation of hypotheses to disseminating the results of data collected and analyzed. In 2017, she served as a lead collaborator on a National Science Foundation grant aimed at enhancing synergistic learning for teachers and students. Her studies examine heavy metal contamination in low socio-economic status communities of color in Chicago. Additionally, she is passionate about her work with the Northwestern Prison Education Program (NPEP), where she developed a chemistry course and compiled an open educational resource textbook for use in NPEP courses taught at the Stateville Correctional Center, with plans to teach at Logan Correctional Center in fall 2022. Shelby earned her B.A. from the College of Wooster and her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester.

Research Interests

Experience