Courtesy of Washington University

Mao has been a fixture of general chemistry since 2002, when she first took on the position—although she has been working at Washington University since the late 1980s, when she started teaching University College courses.

Students first became aware of Mao’s potential departure when a screen shot of a job listing for a General Chemistry Laboratory lecturer and lab director was posted to the “Overheard at WashU” Facebook group.

Mao said that her decision to retire stemmed from the desire to let a new, younger instructor take over the role.

“Even though I really enjoy my job—I really enjoy teaching the Wash. U. students—all good things must come to an end,” Mao said. “So I decided that I should let somebody young and energetic run this position.”

Mao supervised general chemistry labs through a significant growth in class sizes from 2002 to 2014. She said that through general chemistry lab, she hopes to help students build a strong background in inorganic chemistry. She also added that the second semester lab, Chem 152, is more difficult than similar courses at other schools, where the same content might be covered in a quantitative analysis course.

“Students complain…’these are hard courses,’ but I hope that in the future, when they think back, they will appreciate it,” Mao said.

Mao said that she will miss teaching Wash. U. students and praised the interactions that she had with students throughout the years.

“I definitely will miss all of my students and all of the fun. Teaching this course is very fun, and I have fun making the course,” Mao said. “All of the interactions I’ve had with my students are very favorable.”

Dane Erickson, a sophomore in the chemical engineering department, is sad to see Mao go.

“It is sad because she is a very talented, passionate and respected professor, but I’m happy for her,” Erickson said.

Rachel Dunn, administrative officer for the chemistry department, said that although the supervisor position could be filled, the department could not hope to replace Mao.

“We won’t be able to replace her,” Dunn said. “We can find another instructor who will do a fine job, but Dr. Mao has been with us for so long, and she’s really shaped the way we teach General Chemistry Lab[oratory]…We’re definitely going to miss her when she’s gone.”

The department is currently looking for an instructor to fill Mao’s position. Mao will remain at Washington University until the end of the summer term to help transition the new instructor.

With additional reporting by Mike Glassmoyer