Hi, I'm Dr. Ashburn

Contact Information

Email: bashburn@hawaii.edu
Office Phone: 808-455-0262
Office Location: Physical Science 202

My Teaching Philosophy

Teaching is an opportunity to impact my students’ lives in a positive manner every day.

Many of my students pursue their studies while juggling family obligations and full-time jobs. So I shape my teaching methods and create course resources to best serve their unique needs.

My mission is to meet students at whatever level they are at, and grow their skills and self-confidence to achieve their goals.

My Teaching Experience

I spent 10 years teaching full time at Leeward Community College from 2009-2019 and then 6 years at the University of Hawaii West Oahu from 2019-2025 earning tenure and rising to the rank of Associate Professor at both institutions. I was awarded the Board of Reagents Medal for Teaching Excellence in 2021. Currently I teach part time at both institutions as needed and my availability allows.

I teach a wide range of subjects including chemistry, biochemistry, digital art, and computer programming at both the upper and lower division levels. I have also been a co-instructor at a leading software development education company.

Education

Oregon State University, PhD in Chemistry
University of California at Davis, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Shasta College, Associate of Arts in General Education
Many courses taken in the University of Hawaii System including digital media, creative media, computer science, and art and philosophy.

Interests

I love both traditional and digital art! A day is not complete without picking up a pencil, pen, paintbrush, or Wacom stylus. Some of my earlier memories are of drawing video game and cartoon fan art. If you are interested in seeing my work, I have a couple Instagram accounts (@pencilpowerhouse and @pencilpowah).

Local Boi or Mainlander?

I have lived in Hawaii since 2008 but grew up in a small town in Northern California. My family still lives there and I travel back and forth regularly. The food (I'm looking at you Foodland poke) and chill vibe here cannot be beat! Go PCHS Chargers!

Addressing Me

I prefer you address me as either Dr. Ashburn, Professor Ashburn, or Mr. Ashburn for any school-related correspondence. Not that I am some power hungry ego maniac but it helps to keep our communication professional and removes any element of preceived favortism toward students. If you see me working out at UFC Gym Waikele or guzzling PSLs at the Waimalu Starbucks then you are welcome to say "Hey bro how much can you lift?"

"Ohana means Family" -Stitch

I have a 3 year old toddler and spend much of my day teaching and take her to fun (and educational) experiences. I also bring her to campus often so you may meet her. :) I have an older brother who is a retired fire fighter and now drives a school bus to help out the community. And a younger sister who lives off the grid in a remote town in the mountains. Both are awesome. Our cat is named Mister Mang and he is a vicious orange predator known to every lizard in our house.

Best Advice for Students

Focus on WHO, not WHAT, you want to become. What do you daily becomes habit which becomes you. Practice excellence in all the small things. Be great when no one is watching. Treat cashiers, custodians, classmates, and co-workers with respect and kindness.

Favorite Quotes

"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life."
-Steve Jobs

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
-Pablo Picasso

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."
-Maya Angelou

"What you do for yourself dies with you when you leave this world, what you do for others lives on forever."
-Ken Robinson