On Saturday, May 11, 2024, the undergraduate chemistry club, Free Radicals, ignited a passion for chemistry in local high school students, hosting an immersive experience in university-level research and lab work.
The half-day event brought together thirty students from eight local high schools for an exciting journey into the world of chemistry and biochemistry. The day began with a comprehensive campus tour led by Free Radicals members, introducing the students to the University of Washington and familiarizing them with the environment where they might one day pursue their own studies.
They donned lab coats and delved into research labs and instrumentation facilities, exploring the cutting-edge work of Professors Brandi Cossairt, Dianne Xiao, and Jesse Zalatan. In the Zalatan lab, Free Radicals member Sasha Zhang and graduate student Sam Dyer demonstrated pipetting media into glass tubes for growing bacterial colonies.
Next, Benjamin Beder and Chemistry Director of Instruction and Chemical Safety Eric Camp captivated the audience with explosive and visually stunning experiments. The Thermite Reaction, an exothermic reaction that produces molten iron, left the students in awe. Queminh Tran's demonstration of gas flammability, complete with (some really loud) bursting balloons, taught the students about combustion and gas properties.
After the lab tours and demonstrations, the students gathered for a chemistry poster session, showcasing the diverse research projects undertaken by undergraduate students in the chemical sciences at the UW. The mini-symposium covered topics from organic synthesis to environmental chemistry, providing a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry.
As they concluded the day with lunch and a Q&A session, the high school students eagerly asked questions and engaged with the Free Radicals' board and members. This interactive session offered valuable insights into the university experience, research opportunities, and the path to becoming a chemist or biochemist.
Chemistry Day was a resounding success, underscoring the club's commitment to safety and inclusivity. Free Radicals is eager to host similar events in the future, expanding their efforts to inspire local students and foster a love for science. By collaborating with the Department of Chemistry, they aim to continue providing valuable educational experiences, fostering a love for science, and shaping the next generation of chemists and biochemists.
Photo credit: Tara Young