Rene L. Bernier
Laboratory Instructor/Support Manager and Science Center Manager
Fall 2009
- Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 101L1)
- Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 101L2)
| Phone | (207) 725-3162 |
| Title | Laboratory Instructor/Laboratory Support Manager |
| Department | CHEMISTRY |
| 2nd Title | Science Center Manager |
| 2nd Department | CHEMISTRY |
| Work Location | 41 Druckenmiller Hall |
| rbernier@bowdoin.edu |
Biographical Sketch
Rene Bernier received a B.S. in Soil Science from The University of Maine at Orono in 1979. He became a Licensed State of Maine Soil / Site Evaluator in 1979 and performed Site Evaluations for construction projects on a part-time basis for 12 years.
Mr. Bernier obtained his State Teaching Certification and taught High School Chemistry and Physical Science from 1980 to 1985. In 1985 Mr. Bernier came to Bowdoin as a Laboratory Instructor. In 1991 he assumed the responsibilities of the Chemistry Department Stockroom while continuing to serve as a Laboratory Instructor. With the completion of the new Science Center in 1997, Mr. Bernier became the Science Center Lab Manager, managing Hazardous Waste, Scientific Materials and Building Systems for the Chemistry, Biology and Geology Departments.
He continues to teach Chemistry 101 and 109 labs on a one half time basis. He is a past member of the Maine Association of Site Evaluators and the National Association of Scientific Material Managers and is certified in EPA and MeDEP Hazardous Waste Management as well as DOT Management of Hazardous Materials.
Professional Interests
Mr. Bernier's professional interests lie in two distinct areas: Chemical Education and Laboratory Management.
As a chemical educator, Mr. Bernier has worked over the years with other Lab Instructors and with Professors to develop a set of labs that are suited to Chemistry 101. Mr. Bernier's involvement with Chemistry 109, the typical follow-up course to Chemistry 101, coupled with his experience with High School Chemistry has helped him to tailor a set of laboratory experiences that bridge the gap between a student's High School preparation and the rigors of Chemistry 109.
As a Laboratory Manager, Mr. Bernier has developed a Hazardous Waste Management Plan and a Biomedical Waste Management plan for the Science Center. These plans ensure that all regulated waste is managed in compliance with Federal and State rules. He oversees, modifies, and maintains these programs for the College. Mr. Bernier is responsible for the safe storage and inventory control of the chemicals in use in the Science Center. Currently, over 6500 containers of chemicals are in storage, or in use by the three departments in Druckenmiller and Cleaveland Halls. Mr. Bernier has implemented a computer based inventory system and oversees the bar-coding and inventorying of these containers. The Science Center, completed in 1997 with over 56 research and instructional labs housed therein, has numerous state of the art systems to enhance safety, environmental compliance and chemical hygiene. Mr. Bernier serves as point person for maintenance of these systems and performs regular inspections, etc. to ensure the operational status of these systems.
Personal Interests
Mr. Bernier lives with his wife and three children in Topsham, Maine. When not involved with family or work, his activity of choice is restoring WWII jeeps. One of his latest jeep restorations can often be seen parked on North Campus Drive (on sunny days!) and one of his previous restorations can be viewed at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor, Maine. Mr. Bernier also has a personal website devoted to his jeep restorations.