What do sock puppets and dramatic music have to do with learning about chemistry? It may sound strange, but these tools are one way professor Wade Downey teaches and engages the students in his organic chemistry course. Recent graduate Greg Hughes says that it works.

“Professor Downey explained organic chemistry’s puzzling nomenclature using sock puppets,” Hughes said. “And he drew elaborate reactions on the board with the accompaniment of Wagner’s ‘Ride of the Valkyries.’ Paired with his sense of humor, he made it easy to get excited about organic chemistry, a notoriously challenging subject.”

Hughes, a 2024 graduate who majored in chemistry and minored in women, gender, and sexuality studies, is now pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He joined Downey’s research group after taking a class with him during his sophomore year.

“Dr. Downey’s outstanding mentorship steered me to where I am now, and I'm grateful to say that I feel thoroughly prepared for these next few years at UNC and for a career in chemistry beyond graduate school,” Hughes said. Many of Downey’s current students agree.

Downey, whose research focuses on the construction of synthetic building blocks, provides his undergraduate student mentees the opportunity to engage in graduate-level chemistry research. He is known for maintaining an open-door policy for potential undergraduate researchers, noting that students of all skill levels, academic records, and majors are welcome to discover their passion for research.

“Most of my research group members have been chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology majors, but many other majors have been represented over the past two decades, including students majoring in English, business, psychology, and biology,” said Downey, who has mentored more than 75 undergraduates, including Goldwater and Beckman scholars. These scholarships support undergraduate STEM student research.

Senior Katie Marchione says Downey’s approach creates an environment where students feel safe to both succeed and fail.

“I’d never had Dr. Downey as a professor before joining his lab, and I didn’t feel super confident in my organic chemistry or lab background,” Marchione said. “Dr. Downey walked me through the basics of lab techniques, and how to conduct research. He understands that we are all learning, so I’ve never felt bad about messing up and instead feel like I truly learn from my mistakes.”

Marchione, a double major in biochemistry and health studies, is applying to medical school and is considering a master’s degree in public health.

“Dr. Downey has taught me everything I know about research, and I’ve become much more confident and independent in my work, which are two traits I will take with me no matter where my career takes me,” Marchione said.

Allie Mock, a junior who is double majoring in chemistry and physics joined Downey’s research group her sophomore year and worked with him over the summer in an intensive research experience.

“He expects his students to be independent in the lab, but is always there to help,” said Mock, who plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry.

“I have an immense upper hand to students who haven’t experienced working in a lab, learned common chemistry techniques, or analyzed experimental data,” Mock said. “Dr. Downey and I have talked extensively about career options and graduate school, and the fact that I worked with such a highly respected chemist will help me on any application.”