About the series: On Main Hall Green With … is an opportunity to connect with faculty on things in and out of the classroom. We’re featuring a different Lawrence faculty member each time — same questions, different answers.
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When Mike Gesinski joined the Lawrence University faculty in 2023 as an associate professor of chemistry, it was a homecoming of sorts.
The native Wisconsinite—he grew up in the Milwaukee area—made the decision to return to his home state after a decade of teaching at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, where he spent the final four years as chair of the school’s chemistry department.
A scholar in organic chemistry, Gesinski has put an emphasis on student mentorship. He leads two independent research projects that utilize metals at the opposite end of the periodic table (titanium and gold). While working in the lab, his students learn to appreciate the difference between these two Lewis acids (hard and soft) and how they can mediate organic transformations. He showcases his students’ research and accomplishments on his Gesinski Lab website.
Turn theory into practice with rich class and lab offerings. Synthesize new drug compounds in organic chemistry lab, or consult with a local business to solve a chemical problem in Instrumental Analysis.
Gesinski holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Rice University.
We caught up with him to talk about interests in and out of the classroom.
In the classroom
Inside info: What’s one thing you want every student coming into your classes to know about you?
I want all my students to know that I am dedicated to their success, both inside and outside the classroom. Organic chemistry can be a very challenging and intimidating class and it is very important to me that all students know that I am rooting for them and here to support them in any way I can. College can be a time of transition, both academically and personally, and it is my honor to act as an advocate for my students as they continue to grow.
Getting energized:What work have you done, or will you be doing at Lawrence that gets you the most excited?
One of my favorite parts of the job is mentoring undergraduates through original research projects. It is incredibly exciting to watch students who have never set foot in the lab become proficient and enthusiastic chemists. When they attend national conferences, I am so fulfilled to observe them confidently explain their work to preeminent chemists, including several Nobel Prize winners. I am honored that these students allow me to be part of their lives even after graduation. I provide support as they take on the challenges of graduate school, medical school, or a completely unexpected career path.
Going places: Is there an example of somewhere your career has taken you (either a physical space or something more intellectual, emotional, or spiritual) that took you by surprise?
Honestly, my entire career has taken me by surprise. While I was always academically motivated, becoming a college professor was never an option growing up. I always followed my opportunities but never had my life planned out. As a result, every step in my career has been a surprise and I have been able to maintain a level of flexibility as I continue to develop professionally and intellectually.
Out of the classroom
This or that: If you weren’t teaching for a living, what would you be doing?
I would probably be a baker. I love working in the kitchen to make new and exciting baked goods. I suppose this is consistent with my love of chemistry. Even when my “experiments” do not turn out the way I was hoping, I have still learned from my failure.
Right at home: Whether for work, relaxation or reflection, what’s your favorite spot on campus?
It is sort of lame, but my favorite place on campus is my office. I am very lucky to be located on the first floor of Steitz Hall in a pod of offices with some of the kindest, brightest, and most enthusiastic people I have ever met. There is a continuous stream of students stopping by to study, ask questions, or just chat. My rescue dog, Maeby, comes to work with me and the amount of love that is exchanged makes my days bright.
One book, one recording, one film: Name one of each that speaks to your soul? Or you would recommend to a friend? Or both?
Black Leopard, Red Wolf, by Marlon James: Recently, I have really enjoyed fantasy novels, and Marlon James creates a world rooted in African mythology. This is the first book in a trilogy and each book tells the same story from a different perspective: a queer outcast, a feminist witch, and kidnapped boy.
“Shit Talk” from Javelin, by Sufjan Stevens: Sufjan Stevens dedicated his 2023 album, Javelin, to his partner, Evan Robinson, who passed away at 43 earlier that year. With the release of the album, he also publicly came out. The song, “Shit Talk,” is intensely emotional both in vocals and instrumentals; he has made something truly beautiful out of his pain and grief.
The Royal Tennenbaums, directed by Wes Anderson: This has been my favorite movie since high school. I am fascinated by this off-beat family of overachievers and their strained relationships.
Find more faculty profiles in the On Main Hall Green With ... series here
Ed Berthiaume
Ed Berthiaume is director of public information at Lawrence University.
