Roger R. Festa Papers

Roger R. Festa (1950-2018) was an American chemistry educator. Born in Norwalk, Connecticut on September 5, 1950, Festa earned his B.A in Chemistry and Biology from St. Michael’s College in 1972. After receiving his undergraduate degree, he served as a Chemistry and Biology teacher at Central Catholic High School and Brien McMahon High School, both in Norwalk, Connecticut. Festa continued his education while working as a teacher, earning his M.A. in Agriculture from the University of Vermont (1979), his C.A.S. in Administration from Fairfield University (1981), and his Ph.D. in Education from the University of Connecticut (1982). After earning his Ph.D., he completed post-doctoral studies at Indiana University.

In 1983, Festa joined the Chemistry Department faculty at Truman State University (formerly called Northeast Missouri State University), where he served as Assistant Professor (1983-1989), Associate Professor, then Professor. At Truman State, his primary research interest was in the processes and outcomes of undergraduate chemistry education. In addition to his faculty duties, he was the founder of the Truman State chapter of the Alpha Chi Sigma professional chemistry fraternity and served as the faculty advisor for the Truman State chapter of the Sigma Phi Epsilon social fraternity. He retired from Truman State in 2018 at the rank of Professor Emeritus.

Roger R. Festa was a long-time active member of the American Institute of Chemists. He served on the AIC’s Board of Directors for eighteen years, including seven as an officer. From 1996 to 1997, he served a term as President of the AIC. He was also one of the founders of the St. Louis Institute of Chemists, an AIC local chapter that served eastern Missouri and southern Illinois.

Festa was also an active member of the American Chemical Society. He was notably active with the ACS’ Division of Chemical Education. From 1980 to 1990, he served as Associate Editor of the ACS’ Journal of Chemical Education.

Roger R. Festa passed away on May 25, 2018.



Sources

“Dr. Roger R. Festa,” Jacksonville Journal-Courier, June 27, 2018.

Roger R. Festa Papers, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.