Dr. Sylvia Esjornson was a Professor of Chemistry at SWOSU specializing in Environmental and Inorganic Chemistry from 1995 to 2024. She is now a Faculty Emeriti.
EDUCATION
1982 – B.S. Chemistry, University of Scranton
1989 – Ph.D. Chemistry, Purdue University
1995 – Began teaching at SWOSU
2024 – Retired from SWOSU
Sylvia Martha Veronica (Rygiel) Esjornson, Ph.D. completed an A.A.S. in Photographic Illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology in August 1978, a B.S. in Chemistry certified by the American Chemical Society from the University of Scranton in May 1982, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Purdue University in December 1989.
Dr. Esjornson has a rich teaching experience spanning various institutions, including St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY (1992-1995), Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN (1984-1989), and the University of Pittsburgh, PA (1982-1984). Her industrial experience includes a role as Senior Chemist at Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Products Research Division, focusing on Fuels and Lubes Research from 1989 to 1992. Throughout her tenure at SWOSU, Dr. Esjornson has taught a wide range of courses, including General Chemistry, General Chemistry I and II, and specialized courses such as Environmental Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, generating a legacy of graduates who are versatile and confident, and prepared for opportunities in many different kinds of employment.
Dr. Esjornson’s research focuses on chemical education and pedagogy, constructive responsive reading and metacognition, self-regulated learners, and the use of computers in chemical education. She has contributed to international chemical education initiatives and has presented her work at national and regional meetings. She is an author for lecture presentations and Dynamic Study Modules for Introductory and General Chemistry textbooks.
She was director of the Summer Science Academy for Future Math and Science Teachers, and instructor for the math science partnerships Grass Roots Science and Prairie and Ponds. Her activities include SWOSU Community Band and Community Chorus, coach, referee, and officer of the Weatherford Soccer Club and Great Plains Soccer District, past choir director at the Federated Church, and continuing cantor at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Despite personal challenges, including the loss of her husband and favorite lab partner, Dr. David Esjornson in April 2022, Dr. Sylvia Esjornson looks forward to retirement and spending more time with her children, Walter Esjornson of Weatherford, OK, Louise Esjornson Brooke of Oklahoma City, OK, and Elaine Esjornson-Fangman of Merriam, KS.
TEACHING: BASIC COURSES
CHEM 1004 Gen Chem
CHEM 1004L Gen Chem Lab
CHEM 1203 Gen Chem I
CHEM 1252 Gen Chem I Lab
CHEM 1303 Gen Chem II
CHEM 1352 Gen Chem II Lab
TEACHING: ENVIRONMENTAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
CHEM 3244/L Environmental Chemistry/Lab
CHEM 4254/L Industrial Chemistry & Environmental Regulations/Lab
