Faculty and Staff Spotlight - Dr. Katie Johnson Gares '11

Aug 28, 2025 10:00 AM

eNews Faculty and Staff Spotlight highlights employees who are making a difference on our campus every day and helping to change the lives of our students. This edition of eNews features Dr. Katie Johnson Gares '11. 

Position and Department: Chemistry Lecturer, Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences

How long have you worked at FSU?

I joined the FSU family in August 2017.

What 3 words can you use to describe FSU?

Student-centered, caring and community. 

List any professional or personal accomplishments we can celebrate with you.

One of my personal/professional achievements is getting Steve Spangler to come to Frostburg State this fall (Saturday, Nov. 8) to kickoff the Western Maryland STEM festival! Steve Spangler is an Emmy award winning educator/speaker in the science field. I have been using his chemistry/physics demos for years in the student group I advise, Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). It is going to be an awesome kickoff to the STEM festival.

Another achievement was helping Miss Maryland's Teen 2024, Zoe Zuzak, plan/perform a few chemistry experiments for her science talent on stage at the Miss American Teen competition in Orlando this past December 2024. We exploded paint cans with baking soda and vinegar and made a liquid nitrogen cloud! Steve Spangler mentored us too. 

What is your favorite thing about working at Frostburg State University?

My two favorite things are the sense of community and working with the students. I love being able to work with the students and teach them about chemistry. It is great when you get to see them finally understand a chemistry topic and get that "aha" moment. 

Is there a faculty and/or staff member that you consider a mentor? If so, who and why?

I consider all of the chemistry faculty/staff mentors. As an alumnus, I had some of the current chemistry professors as my professors and I loved having them in class. Now, they are my colleagues. We all get along like family and really care for one another's success. 

What advice would you give to current students?

I would encourage students to get involved with student groups across campus that may be in your discipline. It is a great way to become involved and meet new people. Also, try and get involved with your major's department--maybe they have student worker opportunities. In the chemistry department, we have student workers who work as laboratory TA's who help us set up labs for general and organic chemistry. That is a great resume builder.