RU faculty presentations headline National Chemistry Week at RU
Two events exploring the lighter and heavier sides of chemistry will highlight the Radford University chapter of the American Chemical Society's (ACS) commemoration of National Chemistry Week.
Featuring two RU chemistry faculty, the week's main events are presentations that will be fun and enlightening, but challenging, looks into chemistry and our lives, said Evan Samples, chapter president. Both events are free and open to the public.
Highlighting the week's activities will be:
Quantum Mechanics: A philosophical history - Monday, Oct. 21, 4 p.m., Bonnie Auditorium.Tim Fuhrer, assistant professor of chemistry, will explore the history and development of the field of Quantum Mechanics and its mysteries and discoveries. From a scientific, philosophical and religious perspective, Fuhrer will review how Quantum Mechanics has changed man's understanding of the universe.
Happy Hour: an eclectic collection of ideas coalescing around the chemistry of beer and wine – Tuesday, Oct. 22, 4 p.m., Bonnie Auditorium. Joe Wirgau, associate professor of chemistry, will present a unique perspective on chemistry that weaves pop culture and world history - from Ben Franklin to "I Love Lucy" to microwave popcorn to the Council of Nicaea - into a narrative about the science and history behind adult beverages.
The events are part of the ACS national celebration of chemistry to encourage chemists and chemistry enthusiasts to build awareness of chemistry in their communities. To further promote the week's activities on Wednesday, the Radford ACS Chapter membership will be acting as moles in commemoration of Avogadro's number, or the constituent particles, usually atoms or molecules, in one mole of a given substance, by handing out happy mole stickers, said Michelle McDonald, chapter advertising coordinator.