Dr. O'Konis brings to Wesleyan a background with extensive experiences in teaching General, Intermediate and Organic Chemistry lab courses. He is currently a full-time Associate Professor of Chemistry and the Coordinator of Chemistry at Bay Path University (BPU) in Longmeadow, MA and an adjunct at Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) in Enfield, CT.  In keeping with Wesleyan University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive community, Dr. O'Konis has extensive experience working with individuals from historically marginalized or underserved groups as both of his other current institutions enroll a vast spectrum of students including first generation inner-city students, ESL immigrants and others.  In 2021, he successfully defended his dissertation which explored the backgrounds of six Latina STEM students at BPU who successfully fulfilled graduation requirements and were heading to future careers/educational experiences in STEM.  Dr. O'Konis is also firmly committed to diversity and equity in and out of the classroom and has received extensive training in these areas.  Through sincere interactions with all his students in the laboratory, in office meetings and throughout campus interactions, Dr. O'Konis instills and promotes an anti-discriminatory environment where all his students feel safe and welcome.

Instructor’s Educational Experience:

• Ed.D. Higher Education Administration, Northeastern University, 2021.
• M.Ed. Chemical Education, Harvard University, 1989.
• BA. Chemistry, St. Anselm College, 1988.
• Associate Professor of Chemistry, Bay Path University
• Twenty-eight years as Adjunct Instructor at Asnuntuck Community College.
• CTY Honors Chemistry Instructor, Johns Hopkins University.
• Twenty-seven years of High School Teaching Experience, East and South Windsor.
• Former Director of Outreach and Professional Development, GHAMAS.
• Lead Grant Writer, Danbury Public Schools.
• GED Science Instructor, Enfield Public Schools.