As chemistry professor Dr. Jaimelee Iolani Rizzo teaches students on the New York City campus about the interactions and combination of different molecules, she also enjoys connecting with her students and inspiring them to follow their passions. Dr. Rizzo has worked at Pace University for 23 years, teaching Organic Chemistry Lecture, Advanced Organic Chemistry, and Research in Chemistry.
Dr. Rizzo shares what she enjoys about being a professor. “It is extremely rewarding as a faculty member to observe and help students in their learning and growth process.”
In addition to working with students in the classroom, Dr. Rizzo relishes hearing from her students about how they have pursued their education after graduating from Pace. “It is especially gratifying for me to follow them upon graduation as they enter medical, dental, veterinary schools and graduate schools in the natural sciences!”
Dr. Rizzo enjoys seeing how her students have grown in their lives. “Seeing them grow as adults as they start their families along with building their careers is such a joy!”
When Dr. Rizzo is not teaching, she has a myriad of hobbies, yoga being one of them. She states, “I am a 500 RYT certified yoga instructor and teach at a few yoga studios and have private clients as well. Yoga has been my passion for the past 10 years – primarily the beautiful ashtanga practice.” Ashtanga yoga is generally considered to be one of the most challenging yoga styles.
She also enjoys spending time with her family. “I also enjoy camping with my husband and cat doing cross-country trips and visiting with my parents and extended family back home on O’ahu.”
Dr. Rizzo is the recipient of the 2018 Homer and Charles Pace Faculty Award.
