His current research focuses on the use of technology in chemistry education and the effect of mathematical skills on performance in chemistry education. He’s spent his career serving students in a variety of capacities, working as the Director of General Chemistry Laboratory and Director of the Chemistry Tutorial Program, and a general college advisor for science majors, Johnston Scholars, and Carolina Covenant Scholars. Dr. Austell has received several teaching awards during his career, including the James M. Johnston Teaching Excellence Award in 2011 and 2004, the Class of 1996 Excellence in Advising Award in 2010 and 2002, and the National Academic Advising Association Outstanding Advisor Award in 2006. A Tar Heel at heart, Professor Austell completed all of this degrees at Carolina.