Get to Know HFC: Max Bilodeau challenges and inspires students
When HFC chemistry instructor Max Bilodeau was applying for teaching positions nearly a decade ago, he was attracted to the HFC mission of student success.
“Those aren’t just words; the mission really is student success,” said Bilodeau, of Belleville. “HFC had the best chemistry department of all the places I applied to. Colleagues are always willing to help out. It’s a great support network.”
Setting the tone for how he teaches
Bilodeau joined HFC in 2017 as an adjunct instructor. He became a temporary full-time instructor for the Fall 2022 semester. In 2024, he became a full-time instructor. Recently, Bilodeau achieved tenure.
“It’s all been working up to this, and I’m glad to have seen the payoff,” he said. “Achieving tenure has been a great honor, and I believe the process has helped make me a better instructor and find more fulfillment in aiding the campus community.”
The eldest of two, Bilodeau was born in Manchester, NH and is an alumnus of Manchester Memorial High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of New Hampshire. Moving to Michigan in 2015, he attended graduate school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and earned his master’s degree in chemistry.
“I liked chemistry in high school, and that was good enough for me to major in it as an undergrad. I had a great high school chemistry teacher named Pauline Thibeault, who set the tone for how I teach,” said Bilodeau. “After undergrad, I went straight to grad school, where I was a teaching assistant. I really enjoyed being a T.A. I liked the teaching aspect of grad school more than I did the research side of it. I knew teaching was what I wanted to do.”
Providing extra support in a challenging field
Bilodeau has also taught at U-M, Eastern Michigan University, and Schoolcraft College. He spoke about why he prefers to teach at a community college.
“Having taught in grad school, you can’t focus on students individually with the large class sizes of 200-plus. Despite your best efforts, some fall through cracks,” explained Bilodeau. “At HFC, I have a class of around 30 students, which allows me to check in with them over the course of the semester to make sure they’re getting what they need, whether it’s extra help or a motivational comment.”
He continued: “Being at HFC allows me to see my students’ progress, something that's not possible in a class of 200. I enjoy seeing students succeed, especially those who have been struggling, and watching that ‘a-ha’ moment – ‘Oh, this is what I’m supposed to be doing with this material.’ That’s a great feeling. HFC has one of the best student care support networks I’ve ever seen.”
HFC Dean of the School of Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) Janice Gilliland has worked with Bilodeau since he came to HFC.
“We are proud to recognize Max on the achievement of tenure for his dedicated service to our students and the School of STEM,” she said. “His commitment to excellence in teaching is evident through his leadership in all organic chemistry lectures and laboratories, where he creates a rigorous yet supportive learning environment. He consistently employs formative assessment techniques that help students monitor their understanding and build confidence throughout the semester. Beyond the classroom, he is highly engaged with students through regular office hours and mentoring. His contributions to the Instructional Technology Committee (ITC), the Committee for the Assessment of Student Learning (CASL), and the STEM Assessment Committee further demonstrate his dedication to continuous improvement, collaboration, and student success across the College.”