Chuck Wight is the chemdog. A professor of Chemistry at the University of Utah, he teaches the Honors General Chemistry II course every spring semester to a small group of very talented students.

Chuck's research group investigates the rates and mechanisms of decomposition and combustion reactions of high explosives and propellants. They also develop computational models of propellant combustion and detonation for use in high-performance computer simulations in collaboration with other scientists at the Center for Simulation of Accidental Fires and Explosions (C-SAFE). The simulation engine for C-SAFE is called Uintah. Chuck currently serves as Deputy Director of C-SAFE.

Chuck also serves as the Dean of the Graduate School of the University of Utah. He has oversight responsibility for several projects and programs, including

• The Graduate School
• Technology Assisted Curriculum Center
• Online Courses
• Dixie State College partnership
• Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence

1. C. A. Wight and E. G. Eddings, "Science-Based Simulation Tools for Hazard Assessment and Mitigation (Invited Paper)," in Advancements in Energetic Materials and Chemical Propulsion, K. K. Kuo and K. Hori, Eds. (Begell House, New York, 2008) pp. 921-937.
2. N. L. Livne, O. E. Livne and C. A. Wight, "Enhancing mathematical creativity through multiple solutions to open-ended problems online." Proceedings of National Educational Computing Conference 2008. San Antonio, TX: International Society of Technology in Education.
3. C. A. Wight, "Talking Points: Plugging the Holes," Currents Magazine 2008 (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) March 13 issue.
4. J. Wang and C. A. Wight, "Use of Condensed Phase Reaction Models in Combustion Simulation of Energetic Materials," J. Propulsion Power 2008, 24(2), 175-183.
5. C. A. Wight, "Eight Ways to Ace Your Accreditation Site Visit," Distance Education Report 2007 (Magna Publications, Madison, WI).

• Long-distance running with the Larchmont Track Club
• Flying small aircraft with Moonrise Flyers
• Backpacking and mountain climbing in Utah and Wyoming

Chuck is a strong advocate of developing and promoting educational learning tools that are freely available to students everywhere. His video tutorials on more than 35 General Chemistry topics are posted on YouTube and iTunesU, where they are viewed by students more than 150,000 times worldwide.

The Practice Zone

Chuck is the founder and owner of PracticeZone.org, an OpenEducation web site for General Chemistry. Here, students can watch video lectures, take quizzes, solve numerical homework problems, access free General Chemistry textbooks, and take practice exams. All of this at no cost. There are free instructor tools as well, for managing classes of students.

Closing the Academic Gap in Math Education

Chuck is a founding partner, with Oren Livne and Nava Livne, of RUReady.net, an online math education tool designed to assist students to prepare themselves to take college-level math courses. The project was recently spun off into a commercial venture by the University of Utah Technology Commercialization Office.