Dr. Karl Bailey of Clark College Selected as a 2025 Golden Goggles Recipient for Outstanding Work in Science Education

For Immediate Release
June 20, 2025

Headshot of Dr. Karl Bailey, Professor of Chemistry.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College is pleased to announce that Dr. Karl Bailey, Professor of Chemistry, has been selected as a 2025 Golden Goggles Winner by Science Interactive. This notable achievement recognizes Dr. Bailey's exceptional contributions to expanding the reach of science education as well as underscores his commitment to inspiring and engaging students.

Science Interactive's Golden Goggles awards program recognizes innovative educators who are positively impacting student success and advancing science education both inside and outside the classroom. Nominations opened this spring, and Dr. Bailey is one of only six educators selected to receive the honor, standing out as Pedagogy Pioneer of the Year.

As a winner in this category, Dr. Bailey demonstrates exceptional teaching expertise through innovative approaches, curriculum development, and a proven commitment to student success. He uses creative instructional methods that make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging, and even fun. His work represents a commitment to making pedagogy—not just content—a central part of student success in science classrooms.

"One of my favorite parts of online learning spaces is to provide access and opportunity directly to our students, but also to others in their lives," said Dr. Bailey. "This moment of social learning and teaching can help promote and demystify science, maybe even inspire others in the home to pursue career paths that require laboratory skills. In this way higher education can be transformative beyond just the content and credits."

"Dr. Bailey's approach to teaching is rooted in equity. He is deeply committed to his students' success and plays a vital role in advancing our STEM programs," said Dr. Theo Koupelis, Clark College Dean of WPTE & STEM. "His leadership in Guided Pathways initiatives, development of shared research spaces for students and faculty, expansion of course-based undergraduate research opportunities, and creation of a curriculum that

reflects students' interests and goals makes him an integral part of our efforts to improve STEM education—particularly in strengthening our Chemistry offerings."

"Dr. Bailey isn't just teaching chemistry—he's creating opportunities for science to reach beyond the classroom. Whether teaching online or on campus, his commitment to pedagogical innovation invites students to engage with science in their everyday lives, sparking curiosity not just in learners, but in the families and communities around them," said Sasha Peterson, CEO of Science Interactive.

Nominations for the 2026 program will open early next year. Evaluations include multiple reviews by Science Interactive's team of scientists and curriculum experts to assess the extent to which nominees positively impact student success.

For more information and to be notified when nominations open, visit the Science Interactive website.

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. Clark is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are first in their families to attend college.

Clark College's STEM degrees and certificates equip students with hands-on, real-world experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The program is anchored by a state-of-the-art, 70,000-square-foot STEM building featuring advanced labs, a high-tech makerspace, and unique learning tools like a 44-foot drop tower. With small class sizes, cutting-edge labs, expert faculty, and a collaborative learning environment, the program prepares students for transfer to a four-year university or entry into high-demand careers in today's tech-driven world.

For additional information:

Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing (media & photo requests)
Phone: 360-992-2243
Email: mhefflin@clark.edu

Theo Koupelis, Clark College Dean of WPTE & STEM (program information)
Phone: 360-992-2936
Email: tkoupelis@clark.edu