Mrs. Ramaswamy has recently joined the Viking community, teaching Chemistry at North Arlington High School. She has taught Chemistry for over 17 years in New Jersey! She has attended the M.S. University in India, receiving her first Master of Science degree in solid-state physics. Afterward, she was granted her second Master of Science degree in Computer Science from NYU. In addition, she has research experience in Biophysics. Mrs. Ramaswamy’s main goal she aims to achieve this school year is to change the belief that chemistry is a complex subject. She acknowledges that it can require extensive work but affirms that it can be easily accomplished. 

Mrs. Ramaswamy’s interest in teaching chemistry is from her analysis of how chemistry, along with technology, has been used to improve life on Earth but has also formed challenges. She highlights the hardships the environment faces and questions how we can alleviate these challenges: 

• How can we feed the growing world population without degrading the environment? 
• How can we ensure good air and water quality for the world population? 
• How can we preserve habitats and the diversity of plant and animal life on this planet?
• How can good quality medical care be made accessible to all?

Mrs. Ramaswamy notes that there are solutions to these adversities, especially with chemistry, as innovations, including new ones, that will undoubtedly solve these issues. She emphasizes that chemistry has a noteworthy impact on daily life, recalling the nation’s standstill during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientists developed the mRNA vaccine, which produces antibodies that help individuals fight the virus. Another accomplishment was ammonia production, as it substantially continues to resolve global famine. She concludes her response by explaining that “the comfortable climate control in our enclosed spaces, the clothes we wear, and the technology that we use at work are all blessings of chemistry.” 

As a new addition to the NAHS staff, Mrs. Ramaswamy’s favorite part about working at the school is engaging with the students. She emphasizes students’ unique qualities, including their learning styles. Teaching chemistry at a secondary level will always have difficulties, which Mrs. Ramaswamy acknowledges. Still, she strives to change the notion that chemistry is complicated for her students. When asked why chemistry is a required course at the secondary level, Mrs. Ramaswamy explains that “Chemistry is a central science. It teaches students good habits of the mind to think like scientists. The industry recognizes this training as essential for a good workforce. As a result, most professions require a good solid education in chemistry.”

Furthermore, it is noted that chemistry helps individuals make wholesome decisions regarding nutrition, medicine, cosmetic shopping, transportation methods, and lifestyle choices. Chemistry concepts can be applied to everyday life, as they help individuals make wiser decisions. However, there are overlooked advantages of chemistry in its relation to enhancing life. Technological advancements and the beauty of nature are just two of the many feats achieved with chemistry, and a deeper understanding of chemistry allows one to achieve these accomplishments. As she has stated, “Everyone must learn some chemistry.”

Aside from her interest in chemistry, Mrs. Ramaswamy likes to spend her free time through various activities. For instance, she enjoys playing Wordle, Connections, and Spelling Bee, which are entertaining games from The New York Times that she plays before reading the news. Additionally, she enjoys cooking and taking long hikes. Her favorite items to prepare are yogurt, bread, and fermented batters typically used in Indian recipes. Overall, Mrs. Ramaswamy is a pleasant and essential addition to the NAHS staff!