Tom Johnson has always used his chemistry lab at College of the Mainland to introduce his students to the "science of matter," but starting this fall Johnson will be showing COM students what matters most to him as he takes a sabbatical to his native India to work with the poor.

"My passion is to help the underprivileged children and other villagers in the rural areas," Johnson explained. "This includes taking care of the many orphans and poor children, conducting medical camps for the poor villagers, feeding the hungry, drilling wells, and advancing adult literacy."

Johnson who grew up Christian in Southern India saw the plight of the poor as a student in northern India. He has been performing humanitarian work there for the past 15 years, using his time off from teaching in summers and Christmas holidays to perform what he considers his calling.

"My family and I are blessed by God so we go back each year to make sure the money we raise is providing the care and community services for the people who need it most," Johnson explained. "These visits to the rural areas of West Bengal challenge my family to sacrifice some of our comforts to spend quality time improving the lives of the less fortunate."

Johnson's wife who has 20 years experience in clinical laboratory science will accompany him and together they plan to coordinate community services and work with teachers to connect simple scientific principles to real life situations.

The Johnsons are also bringing their two preteen children with them on what promises to be a humanitarian adventure of a lifetime. In fact, Johnson has already set up a website - professorforthepoor.org - and plans to send back regular YouTube video reports and blogs about his work in the village to encourage COM students and others to value community service.

"When I return to COM in August 2011, I plan to present my experience to students and employees in special presentations that will motivate everyone to engage in local community outreach," he said. "Educated and passionate volunteers are needed in every community. Community service, whether in a distant land or across town enriches the lives of all of us."

College of the Mainland (COM) chemistry professor Tom Johnson in his COM lab prior to leaving on his sabbatical to India.