Image of Thomas Holme in a suit

Thomas Holme

Position
  • Morrill Professor
Born in Green Bay, WI I received a BS in Chemistry and Physics from Loras College (Dubuque, IA). Participated in undergraduate research summer programs at North Dakota State University. Received my PhD from Rice University with research in theoretical chemistry. Have taught at University of Zambia (Fulbright Scholar); University of South Dakota; UW-Milwaukee; Ajou University (Korea) and Iowa State University. Research interests are in understanding student learning of chemistry, particularly as aided by the use of technologies.

Contact

Email
taholme@iastate.edu
Phone
515-294-9025
0207 Gilman
2415 Osborn Dr.
Ames
,
IA
50011-1021

Education

  • Ph.D., Chemistry, Rice University, 1987
  • B.S., Chemistry and Physics, Loras College, 1983

Affiliations

Bio

Tom has a long standing interest in understanding how to help students learn chemistry and learn how chemistry connects to important challenges for society. His research group has helped develop, implement and assess the efficacy of a range of technology applications designed to support students learning.

Career

  • Postdocs: Hebrew University and University of Pennsylvania
  • Fulbright Scholar: University of Zambia
  • Assistant Professor: University of South Dakota (USD)
  • Associate / Full Professor: University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM)
  • Visiting Professor: Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
  • Full / Morrill Professor: Iowa State University (ISU)

Honors and Awards

National & Regional Awards:

  • ACS Career Achievement in Green Chemistry Education Award, 2026
  • ACS-CES Award for Incorporation of Sustainability into Chemical Education, 2024
  • Outstanding Service Award, Division of Chemical Education, American Chemical Society, 2017 
  • Pimentel Award – (Chemical Education) American Chemical Society, April 2017
  • James Flack Norris Award for Chemistry Education, Northeastern Section of the ACS, 2016
  •  Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011 
  • Fellow, American Chemical Society, 2011 
  • Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach, American Chemical Society, 1999

Local Teaching Awards: 

  • Margaret Ellen White Graduate Faculty Award, Iowa State University, 2021 
  • Cassling Award for Outstanding Achievement in Teaching, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa State University, 2014 
  • Iowa State University Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching, 2014 
  • Louis Thompson Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award, University-wide award, Iowa State University, 2014
  •  Liberal Arts and Sciences Award for Teaching in Introductory Courses, Iowa State University, 2013 
  • Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1998 
  • Belbas-Larson Award for Excellence in Teaching, University of South Dakota, 1993 
  • Fulbright Scholar, University of Zambia, 1989

Fun Facts

Being raised in Green Bay he is a dedicated fan of the Packers, and other Wisconsin sports teams.