Building volcanoes to save a lecturer
Students gathered on Cross Campus yesterday to show support for a chemistry lecturer who is about to lose her job.
Above, Blessing Aghaulor '12 signs a petition asking that the lecturer, Iona Black, remain employed by the University. Meanwhile, Leon Noel '10 pours baking soda into a homemade-volcano, while Travis Long '10 looks on.
Long said Black told him several weeks ago that she would be let go as of June 30, because, as Long recalled her saying, her impact on campus was not sufficient.
“Yale without her would be a darker place,” Noel...
Professor Black was an extremely important part of my academic experience at Yale. Her supportive and inviting approach to academics and learning helped me get through some really tough semesters even when I was taking non-science classes.
To say she had no or little impact is more than a misstatement - it's dishonest and shows a lack of real consideration on the part of her department.
She's incredibly supportive and caring, and always has a metaphor to help explain chemistry.
I'm not scientifically-inclined, but it was nice to have her be one of my two science professors. Future humanities-centric Yalies will definitely lose out if she's gone.