Dr. Hollis’ email is hollis@roanoke.edu

How long have you been at Roanoke College? 

I’ve been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry here at Roanoke College since August 1995 – almost 25 years.

What do you teach here? 

I primarily teach organic chemistry (class and lab) but also occasionally general chemistry.  In our INQ curriculum, I’ve taught INQ 110 and INQ 250/250L (themed around forensic science) and INQ 300 (themed around contemporary problems in the pharmaceutical industry).

Where did you go to school? 

I earned both my B.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  For me, and literally, “Duke” is a four-letter word.

What do you like about Roanoke College? 

The focus is on undergraduates.  The faculty here prioritize teaching but have the support to engage is scholarly activities as well.  My research, in the area of organic synthesis, is done in collaboration with our students.  Roanoke College is about community!

What do you do in HPAG? 

My specialty is helping students plan for and apply to pharmacy school.

Why should students engage with HPAG? 

Students interested in pursuing a health-related career path should connect with HPAG as first-year students.  HPAG offers advice and support on courses to take, shadowing and volunteer experiences, standardized test preparation, personal statement writing, mock interviews, etc. – all aspects of the eventual application to your health-related professional school.

What is a fun fact about you that people might not know? 

I enjoy pub trivia, Disney parks, and Pokemon Go.

What advice would you like to give to new and current students?

Choices matter.  Despite what you hear or are tempted to do, turn away from Team Valor in Pokemon Go.  As a Jedi Master once reminded us, “ … beware the dark side … If you once start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny …”