Michael Danahy

Affiliation: Chemistry
Senior Lecturer in Chemistry

In 2012 Professor Danahy received the Karonfsky Teaching Prize. It is given by members of the Karofsky family, including Peter S. Karofsky, M.D. ’62, Paul I. Karofsky ’66, and David M. Karofsky ’93, to honor distinction in teaching by untenured members of the faculty. It is among the College’s most prestigious honors and is awarded annually on the basis of student evaluations to “an outstanding Bowdoin teacher who best demonstrates the ability to impart knowledge, inspire enthusiasm, and stimulate intellectual curiosity.”

Professor Danahy believes the key to quality he brings to the classroom is enthusiasm. "I think enthusiasm for chemistry is key. I started down a path in chemistry because I thought it was interesting, so imparting that interest (and enthusiasm) in the subject is key. Besides, chemistry neatly explains all goings on in the universe on a scale that’s comprehensible…how can you not be excited about it?!" 

Michael Danahy

Education

  • PhD, Princeton University, 2004
  • MA, Princeton University, 2002
  • BS, Bates College, 2000