Christina Winters has always been passionate about science. As the lead chemistry faculty member at Sussex County Community College, she is fully committed to sharing that passion with students in a hands-on, engaging way.
With a career that spans 15 years of teaching high school chemistry and working as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, Winters brings a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom.
She has spent the past nine years as an adjunct professor at SCCC, teaching chemistry lectures and labs in the evenings while teaching high school chemistry during the day. She taught high school chemistry for five years at Kittatinny High School and 10 years at Vernon Township High School.
Prior to teaching, she worked as a pharmacy technician at Cigna Healthcare, and as a chemist at Abbott Pharmaceuticals and Petro Lubricant Test Labs.
“I have a love of science and, of course, chemistry that dates back to the sixth grade when my science teacher first introduced my class to the periodic table,” shares Winters. “I love working in the lab and occasionally do lab work during the summer, but I have found that I love talking about chemistry to anyone who will listen, and the best place to talk about the mysteries and magic of chemistry is in a classroom.
“I am also fascinated by the learning process and enjoy introducing students to a different way of viewing the world around them through the lens of chemistry,” she adds.
In addition to her lead faculty responsibilities, Winters teaches Introductory Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and College Chemistry I and II at SCCC.
She is also excited about being the advisor of a new Public Health Club for students interested in entering the healthcare field.
“I am looking forward to having professionals come to our meetings and speak with us about "A Day in the Life" of their healthcare profession and providing an opportunity for our students to collaborate with each other regarding future education goals, career paths, and job opportunities,” says Winters.
Ten years is a long time for her to teach at SCCC, and Winters justifies her tenure.
“My favorite part of working at SCCC is that the class sizes are small enough to get to know my students, which isn't possible at larger colleges and universities,” she says. “I can intervene when students need assistance with the course, help schedule upcoming courses, help them achieve their career goals, and help them with the college experience in general.”
Winters is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing and hiking outside the lab. She indulges in creative pursuits like painting, drawing, and trying new restaurants for fun.
To learn more about Sussex County Community College and all its offerings, visit sussex.edu.