American Chemical Society President Visits Westminster

Bill Carroll, president of the American Chemical Society (ACS), recently had lunch with of the Westminster College Chemistry Club students and faculty.

 "Carroll's primary interest in visiting Westminster was to talk to students about why they chose chemistry as their academic focus and what career paths they intend to take," said Valerie Kokai, a junior chemistry major from Wexford.  "Most students expressed that their interest in chemistry was ignited by their high school chemistry teachers."

 The members of the Westminster College Chemistry Club recently gave demonstrations to preschool children at Westminster and to the entire campus as part of their efforts to raise public awareness.

 Several members of the chemistry club also attended the Penn-Ohio Border Section (POBS) of the ACS meeting later that evening in Warren, Ohio.  Carroll also spoke at that meeting, outlining ways the ACS intends to assist the victims of hurricane Katrina.  The ACS plan includes replenishing the libraries of New Orleans with science literature and serving as a clearinghouse of scientific instrument replacement. 

Carroll also talked about his vision for the future of the ACS, and asked members in attendance to express where they thought they would be in terms of the field in 2015.

"Responses centered on the need for increased funding for education and fundamental chemical research, particularly for finding alternative energy sources," said Kokai.  "President Carroll's visit was filled with optimistic views of the chemical enterprise, including the potential for higher quality jobs in academia, industry, and government."

 Contact Dr. Peter Smith, assistant professor of chemistry and adviser to the group, at (724) 946-7299 or e-mail smithpm@westminster.edu for more information.

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