Jim Kercher, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and faculty chair at Hiram College, has taught at the College for 17 years. In addition to teaching courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and environmental studies, he conducts research at the Paul Scherrer Institute near Zurich, Switzerland, where Hiram students have participated in hands-on research experiences. Below, Professor Kercher reflects on becoming involved with the Garfield Center for Public Leadership and the impact the program has had on both students and faculty.
I interviewed at Hiram College when my daughter was just six weeks old and chose this position because I valued many things about the institution. One of the qualities that stood out most was the opportunity to introduce students to experiences beyond Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, and even the United States.
My research is conducted at the Paul Scherrer Institute, located northwest of Zurich, Switzerland, and I have taken more than a dozen Hiram students with me to work in the lab. Watching our students represent themselves and Hiram College with professionalism, curiosity, and confidence has always been one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
The Garfield Center for Public Leadership is a highly selective campus program that gives students from every major the opportunity to participate in an academically rigorous course and transformative spring break experience. It challenges students to think critically while exposing them to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives.
I became involved through an interesting twist of fate. The group needed a van driver to take students to the airport for a trip to Ireland. During the drive, James Thompson, Ph.D., professor of political science and director of the Garfield Center for Public Leadership (GCPL), and I talked about how much fun it would be to teach a course together exploring the politics, finance, and science of Switzerland. A few months later, Professor Thompson walked into a meeting, looked at me, and simply said, “We’re going.”
That first trip was my introduction to the Garfield Center. I was completely out of my element, but I quickly found myself enjoying the opportunity to work with the students while watching Professor Thompson and Valorie Vaught, GCPL assistant, facilitate each day. I had only one previous experience with team teaching, but this was a well-oiled, yet adaptable, machine. They worked seamlessly together, and the students in the Garfield Center were equally impressive. They were prepared, respectful, and understood when professionalism was expected and when it was appropriate to relax and enjoy the experience.
One of my favorite moments was bringing the group to the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland, where I conduct my own research. Sharing that part of my professional life with students from across disciplines made the experience especially meaningful.
I initially thought it would be a one-time opportunity, but that was not the case. When one of my research students joined the GCPL, I traveled with the group again—this time to Florence, Italy. Once again, we explored topics centered on political science while also making time to visit an observatory similar to the one at Hiram.
Personally, these experiences have allowed me to learn a great deal—not only about teaching, but also about a discipline outside my own. The opportunities to collaborate with colleagues and students in this setting have shaped the way I teach, advise, and think about interdisciplinary learning. I look forward to continuing my work with the GCPL and to the experiences still to come.
