Now he's back as an assistant professor shepherding undergraduates through the intricacies of physical chemistry.

An alumnus of Denver's George Washington High School, Price, 32, earned his baccalaureate from Morehouse College and his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California, Davis. During his years as a student, Price explored options both in teaching and industry, balancing industry internships—he was an organic chemistry intern at the National Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. and interned as a clinical scientist at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now GlaxoSmithKline)—with experiences teaching and advising.

When he returned to Denver to be near family and complete his dissertation, Price acquired a background in personal finance—life insurance and taxes—and his substitute-teaching license as a hedge against finding a job in his field. This spring when an opportunity emerged to teach part-time at Metro, he jumped on it and found he enjoyed the work. He started teaching full-time this fall.

In his short time on campus, Price has signed on to help with the STEP program, an outreach initiative designed to encourage minority science students attending community college to transfer to Metro, and Chemistry Day, a high school science chemistry competition.

"Metro is a jewel in the city," Price says. "It offers an opportunity for students returning from the workplace or coming out of high school—or students who need a second chance. It's an awesome place."