Science Clubs Building Chemistry with Campus, Community
Aaron Mueller
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Features
It has been a while since Spring Arbor University has been an official charter member of the American Chemical Society. In the 1960's and 1970's SAU was a member of the world's current largest scientific society. Now, students like seniors David Sellers and Scott Hasbrouck are working to reignite the campus's interest in the sciences.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) chapter of SAU had its humble beginnings last year, working alongside the Science Advancement Society (SAS). Sellers, one of ACS's leaders from last year, said that the group had about 10 members last year, while the SAS had about 50.
"The main purpose is to give an opportunity for professional development for students interested in chemistry," said Sellers. "We have a secondary goal in outreach and getting young kids interested in science through the means of chemistry."
Hasbrouck, last year's president of the SAS, said that both science groups travel to elementary schools to teach young students about science, take field trips and hold study sessions.
He said that the groups are about "increasing scientific awareness to the general public and the student body."
Some of the benefits of membership in these science groups are receiving funding for research projects and traveling to regional and national conferences.
"It's a great way to get your foot in the door outside Spring Arbor," said Hasbrouck.
Sellers said that the groups sent 11 students to a national conference last year to present research and attend workshops. He said that they hope to send even more students this year.
The Science Advancement Society also allowed biology majors to take a free behind-the-scenes tour of Binder Park Zoo last year.
Sellers is especially excited about the Innovative Activities Grant that some students received recently from the ACS to fund the production of biodiesel on campus. This is one of many research projects that science students are undertaking this year that benefit from outside funding.
The group held its first official meeting on Sept. 17, but it is not too late to join. Contact President Erin Piper at erin.piper@arbor.edu for more information on either group.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) chapter of SAU had its humble beginnings last year, working alongside the Science Advancement Society (SAS). Sellers, one of ACS's leaders from last year, said that the group had about 10 members last year, while the SAS had about 50.
"The main purpose is to give an opportunity for professional development for students interested in chemistry," said Sellers. "We have a secondary goal in outreach and getting young kids interested in science through the means of chemistry."
Hasbrouck, last year's president of the SAS, said that both science groups travel to elementary schools to teach young students about science, take field trips and hold study sessions.
He said that the groups are about "increasing scientific awareness to the general public and the student body."
Some of the benefits of membership in these science groups are receiving funding for research projects and traveling to regional and national conferences.
"It's a great way to get your foot in the door outside Spring Arbor," said Hasbrouck.
Sellers said that the groups sent 11 students to a national conference last year to present research and attend workshops. He said that they hope to send even more students this year.
The Science Advancement Society also allowed biology majors to take a free behind-the-scenes tour of Binder Park Zoo last year.
Sellers is especially excited about the Innovative Activities Grant that some students received recently from the ACS to fund the production of biodiesel on campus. This is one of many research projects that science students are undertaking this year that benefit from outside funding.
The group held its first official meeting on Sept. 17, but it is not too late to join. Contact President Erin Piper at erin.piper@arbor.edu for more information on either group.
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