Todd Leif, Physical Science Instructor, Department Head

Todd Leif came to Cloud in August of 1989 as a physical science instructor. After nearly twenty years, he has become the department chairman. Leif is also an academic advisor and a head coach for the Academic Excellence program. Leif has been the Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas Section Representative for the American Association of Physics Teachers for the past ten years and is continuing his work in the organization at both the regional and national levels.

Currently, he is working with the "TYC Physics Project" on their new faculty instructor workshops. These workshops bring current physics education research into the classrooms of the most recent physics teaching hires among two-year colleges. Leif was a consultant to ESPN The Magazine during a recent article on "Football Physics" and has been published by "The Physics Teacher" in a paper discussing the use of "lava lamps" in the classroom.

Todd Leif's web page.

Contact
tleif@cloud.edu
(800) 729-5101 ext. 216
(785) 243-1435 ext. 216

Karla Koester, Chemistry Instructor, Chemistry Lab Safety Officer

Educational Background
BS in Chemical Engineering - University of Kansas, 1986

Karla Koester came to Cloud in June of 2004 as an instructor of chemistry. Karla brings with her 18 years of industrial experience in the fields of aerospace, petroleum refining and insulation manufacturing. In addition to teaching General Chemistry, Chemistry I and II, and Organic Chemistry I and II, she is the Chemical Hygiene officer responsible for hazardous material handling and disposal.

In 2006 she spearheaded the effort to implement a small biodiesel production unit on-site and continues to produce 40 gallon batches to supplement the fuel demand for college grounds equipment. The biodiesel is produced from waste cafeteria oil provided by the T-bird Cafe (on campus) and local fast food restaurants. Karla represents the college at various conventions and programming events to promote community and agricultural interest in biodiesel processing.

Contact
kkoester@cloud.edu
(800) 729-5101 ext. 222
(785) 243-1435 ext. 222

Dennis Smith, Physical Science Instructor

Dennis Smith began his teaching career at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte, in 1999, as a Graduate Teaching Assistant.

Smith came to Cloud County Community College in 2002 to fill the position of Instructor of Physical Science and assume the role of Observatory Director for the Earl Bane Observatory. Besides astronomy courses, Smith also teaches courses in chemistry, geology, meteorology and general science.

Dennis Smith's web page.

Contact
785-243-1435 ext. 223
800-729-5101 ext. 223
dsmith@cloud.edu

Scott Thompson, Biology Instructor

Educational Background
Bachelors of Science, University of Kansas, Systematics and Ecology
Masters of Science, University of Southeastern Louisiana, Biology

Scott Thompson hails from the Garden City region of Kansas. He came to cloud during the Holocene Epoch as a life science instructor. Thompson has taught courses in Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, General Biology, Principles of Biology, and Human Dissection. He also has a hidden area of expertise in American History.

Thompson enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family, including his son Mace and wife Michelle.

Contact
sthompson@cloud.edu
785-243-1435 ext. 217
800-729-5101 ext. 217

Lisa Huber, Science Lab Assistant and Department Secretary

Educational Background
Associates of Science - Cloud County Community College, 1995

Lisa Huber has been on the Cloud staff since 1999. When she's not assisting in the science labs, she enjoys attending her boys' sporting events and golfing and fishing with her family.

Contact
lhuber@cloud.edu
785-243-1435 ext. 301
800-729-5101 ext. 301