Dr. Donald J. DeCoste received his undergraduate degree in 1988 and his Ph.D. in 1996 from the University of Illinois. He joined the General Chemistry teaching faculty of the University of Illinois. in 1996. Prior to this, Dr. Don taught high school chemistry and mathematics for four years in Bakersfield, California. In addition to teaching General Chemistry, Dr. Don developed and teaches Chemistry 495, a course designed for undergraduate and graduate college students interested in teaching high school chemistry. DeCoste also serves as an academic advisor for students interested in teaching (including those in the MSTC Program) and is the co-author of 3 bets selling chemistry textbooks.