Dr. Thomas Bussey

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Thomas Bussey is a Teaching Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, San Diego. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a focus on Chemical Education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he also earned his M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction. His research interests lie at the intersection of visual literacy in science, biochemistry education, and nano science education. Bussey has been involved in various projects aimed at enhancing K-20 professional development in STEM fields, emphasizing the integration of mathematics and science. He has received numerous awards for his teaching excellence and contributions to educational research, including the AAAS Science Technology Policy Fellowship and the Distinguished Teaching Award. His professional focus includes qualitative analyses of students' perceptions in biochemistry, which aims to advance understanding of educational processes in the sciences. With a commitment to improving pedagogy in chemistry and biochemistry, Bussey continues to explore innovative methods for teaching complex scientific concepts to diverse learners.

Research Interests

Experience

Teaching Professor

2025-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Teaching courses in chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on innovative teaching methods and student engagement.

Associate Teaching Professor

2020-01-01 — 2025-01-01

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Contributed to the development of curriculum and faculty development programs.

Assistant Teaching Professor

2014-01-01 — 2020-01-01

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Introduced new instructional techniques in undergraduate chemistry courses.

Visiting Assistant Professor

2013-01-01 — 2014-01-01

University of Nevada, Las Vegas • Las Vegas, NV

Engaged in teaching and research within the Department of Chemistry.

Awards

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AAAS Science Technology Policy Fellowship

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Equity Assessment Fellowship

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Lattimer Research Fellowship

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Distinguished Teaching Award

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Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award

2013-01-01
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Outstanding Chemistry Graduate Student Award

2013-01-01
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UNLV Graduate Professional Student Association Merit Award

2012-01-01
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K. Patricia Cross Future Leaders Award (Finalist)

2012-01-01
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Distinguished Educator Award

2009-01-01

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).