Michael R. Slabaugh is an adjunct professor at the University of South Dakota and at Weber State University, where he teaches the yearlong sequence of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Purdue University and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Iowa State University. His interest in plant alkaloids led to a year of postdoctoral study in biochemistry at Texas A&M University. His current professional interests are chemistry education and community involvement in science activities, particularly the State Science and Engineering Fair in Utah. He also enjoys the company of family, hiking in the mountains and fishing the local stream.