Dr. Denisha Dawson

Chemistry Instructor

Welcome, Denisha

What is your role at Merced College?

I teach Chemistry. I usually teach Chem 2A (Introductory Chemistry) as well as Chem 4B (General Chemistry, second semester). I am also presently serving as the Faculty Lead for the sciences.

What part of your job do you enjoy most?

My favorite part of the job is interacting with students. I love helping students to understand the material and watching them grow as thinkers and learners. I feel very lucky to have a job that helps people improve their lives and achieve their goals.

Tell us about yourself. What brought you to Merced College?

I have a husband and two sons, and I live in Catheys Valley. I grew up in the Bay Area — both of my parents are Bay Area natives. I went to college at UC Santa Cruz (B.A., Chemistry) and then UC Berkeley (Ph.D., Chemistry). I taught full-time at a community college in the Bay Area before moving to the Sierra foothills many years ago. What brought my family here was the beauty of the area.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to hike and spend time in nature. I also like to read when I have the time. Yosemite is one of my favorite places, especially the higher elevations.

What is a fun fact about you?

I played trumpet from 4th grade all the way up through graduate school. My high school had a great jazz band, and we got to travel all over the state and even to Hawaii and Japan.