Illinois Central College professor moves to the United States and educates thousands of students in science.
This article is a student submission from Journalism 122 in the Fall of 2021
Anita Sharkey
Dec 13, 2021
Professor Pradeepa David is a well-known and beloved instructor at Illinois Central College (ICC). For the past seven years, she has taught CHEM 113 Chemistry and Global Issues, CHEM 115 General, Organic and Bio-Chemistry, CHEM 120 Introductory Chemistry, and CHEM 130 General Chemistry I. Prior to teaching at ICC, David also taught at Illinois State University in Normal, Ill. for seven years and at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Ill. for a year.
Pradeepa was born in India and spent her childhood and young adult years there until she graduated from college. She moved to the U.S. after getting married and has lived in Peoria ever since. Her family consists of herself, her husband, their two boys, and their puppy. Her older son is in college and her younger son is a high school senior, which means next year will be a new chapter in their lives as she and her husband become empty nesters.
Before earning a master’s degree in Chemistry, David spent many years as a student. She studied computer science and earned a bachelor’s degree. She also attended graduate school for a year studying business administration. “It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to do,” said David.
Professor David describes her teaching style, “I come from a family of educators – both my parents are educators and so are several others in the family. So, I like to say I enjoy teaching and am passionate about it. I believe that the key to being effective in the classroom is to engage with the learners. I respect my students as learners from different backgrounds who bring so much to the classroom, and I enjoy learning from them. As a chemistry instructor, I do my best to simplify the content and use real-world examples and experiences to make the subject relevant.”
“Seeing or hearing about the sense of accomplishment in a student when they succeed in a chemistry course. I also enjoy connecting with my students within the classroom and beyond the community”.
Prof. David’s states is her favorite thing about teaching
When she is not teaching there are many hobbies she enjoys. Some of them include cooking, baking, hiking, and working out. In the summer, she loves gardening and taking her dog for long walks.
And you do not have to go far to hear positive feedback about her presence. Some say Prof. David truly is a light to have around campus and that her compassion and work ethic truly make her classes memorable and useful in furthering students’ educations.