Dr. Bradley Ashburn graduated with honors from the University of California at Davis with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and went on to complete his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Oregon State University. After post-doctoral research at the University of Hawai’i Manoa, he spent ten years at Leeward Community College where he rose to the rank of Associate Professor teaching biochemistry and organic chemistry coursework. In August 2019, Dr. Ashburn embarked on an exciting new adventure joining faculty at the University of Hawai’i West O’ahu.
Dr. Ashburn has taught over a thousand students organic chemistry and biochemistry in Hawai’i and many of his former students and researchers have gone on to graduate and professional programs locally and all across the nation. Mentoring students in their journey through academia and beyond is the highlight of his career.
Education
PhD in Chemistry (Organic), 2008
Oregon State University; Corvallis, OR
BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2003
University of California at Davis; Davis, CA
Professional Employment
Associate Professor of Chemistry, 2021-current
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 2019-2021
Mathematics, Natural, and Health Sciences Division
University of Hawai‘i West O‘ahu
Kapolei, HI 96707
Associate Professor of Chemistry, 2019-2021
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 2014-2019
Instructor of Chemistry, 2009-2014
Mathematics and Natural Science Division
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI 96782
Post-Doctoral Researcher, 2008-2009
Department of Chemistry
University of Hawai’i Manoa
Honolulu, HI 96822
Courses Taught
- BIOC 141 • Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- BIOC 142 • Elements of Biochemistry
- BIOC 441 • Basic Biochemistry
- CHEM 100 • Chemistry and Society
- CHEM 272 • Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 272L • Organic Chemistry I laboratory
- CHEM 273 • Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 273L • Organic Chemistry II laboratory
- CHEM 299 • Chemistry Research
Honors and Awards
University of Hawai’i Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching, 2021
Eiko Kosasa Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award, 2017
ACS Organic Chemistry Young Researcher Travel Award, 2007
N.L. Tartar Research Fellowship, Summer 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Minority Student Graduate Pipeline Fellowship, 2004-2005
Outstanding Laboratory Teaching Assistant Award, 2004
William Ingram Graduate Student of the Year Award, 2003-2004
UC Davis Departmental Citation for Academic Excellence and Research, 2003
University of California Regents Scholar, 2001-2003
Grants and Funding Awards
Spencer Foundation Grant entitled “Indigenous Knowledge Education (IKE) and the Rapid Remote Learning Pivot.” Co-PIs Nicole Merritt, Lynette Williamson, Lelemia Irvine, and Bradley Ashburn. Amount $50,000. Fall 2020-Spring 2022.
Leeward CC Innovation Fund Award for the implementation of computational chemistry software into the full-year organic chemistry curriculum. Amount $5,000. Fall 2018-Spring 2019.
Leeward CC Problem-Based Learning Development Award, with Co-recipient Dr. Helmut Kae, for the development of an innovative transdisciplinary laboratory experience. Amount awarded $6,200. Fall 2011-Fall 2012
Professional Memberships
Member, American Chemical Society
Member, American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Member, Society for Advancing Chicanos and Native Americans in STEM
Member, Two-Year College Chemistry Consortium
Lifetime Member, Hawaii Academy of Science
Lifetime Member, World Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists
Lifetime Member, Asia-Pacific Association of Theoretical and Computational Chemists