National Chemistry Week at MSU showcases the fun side of science

M-State logo and the words “Department of Chemistry” in white on a maroon background

STARKVILLE, Miss.—In celebration of National Chemistry Week, ��ɫ��Ƶ’s Department of Chemistry is sponsoring a variety of fun, educational events on the Starkville campus.

On Tuesday [Oct. 23] from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., a dunk tank and grill out event will take place in front of the YMCA Building and Colvard Student Union. Students are encouraged to come soak a professor in the dunk tank. Hamburgers and hot dogs, and drinks including galaxy lemonade, will be available for purchase.

The Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) and the Chemistry Graduate Student Association (CGSA) also are event sponsors.

Other National Chemistry Week events include:

—Wednesday [Oct. 24], 11 a.m.-2 p.m., “ChemDawg Demos on the Drill Field” featuring fun science demonstrations including Elephant’s Toothpaste, supercool N2, ping-pong ball explosion, flame tests, woosh bottle and more.

—Thursday [Oct. 25], “Periodic Table of Cupcakes.” All are welcome to stop by Room 1135 at the Hand Chemical Lab building from 9-10:45 a.m. to view 118 element-themed cupcakes that can be reserved and picked up when the cupcake sale starts at 10:45 a.m. The sale concludes at 5 p.m.

—Thursday [the 25th], 3:30-4:30 p.m., “Molten Salt Nuclear Reactors: How Chemists Will Help Save The World!” seminar by Michael Hanson, senior salt chemistry engineer with Kairos Power LLC. A startup in Oakland, California, Kairos Power LLC is developing the Kairos Power Fluoride High Temperature Reactor (KP-FHR), a molten salt-cooled nuclear power reactor. During his talk, Hanson will provide a brief discussion of the state of technology and challenges ahead for molten salt reactors.

—Friday [Oct. 26], 3:30-4:30 p.m., “Mechanistic Studies and Industrial Processes” seminar by Dawn Mason, an external innovation manager at Eastman Chemical Company in Raleigh, North Carolina. Mason is a key contributor at Eastman across a broad spectrum of areas that range from serving as a principal research chemist to building a career development matrix that enhances workforce capabilities, employee engagement and future leader capability. During her talk, Mason will provide examples of how mechanistic elucidation has affected industrial processes at Eastman.

—Saturday [Oct. 27], Noon-6 p.m., “ChemDawg Rockers Tailgate Extravaganza” for individuals of all ages. Taking place at the College of Arts and Sciences tailgate for the Texas A&M football game (), the event will feature fun chemistry demonstrations including Dry Ice Bubbles and Make-Your-Own Slime. In addition, the ChemDawg Rockers will be presenting their Chemistry Tailgate Show throughout the day, with demonstrations including Elephant’s Toothpaste, supercool N2, Coke and Mentos, flame tests and more. Face painting, giveaways and goodies for kids and adults will be available. A photo stand will allow participants to take a National Chemistry Week picture that can be put on a wearable button. Pre-made buttons also will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the SMACS. The top three winners of the ChemDawg All-Star Photo Contest will be announced at the tailgate.

Additionally, MSU’s chemistry department, SMACS and CGSA have teamed up with Strange Brew Coffeehouse in Starkville to offer a limited edition hot chocolate drink with a shot of caffeine via espresso (chemically referred to as HC+C₈H₁₀N₄O₂) through Oct. 28. Those who purchase the limited edition drink can enter to win a National Chemistry Week T-shirt and button by posting a selfie with the drink to Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #MSStateNCW2018. Selfies must be posted by 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 26 to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced at the National Chemistry Week Tailgate Extravaganza on Oct. 27 and on social media.

For more information on National Chemistry Week events at MSU, visit . Eric Van Dornshuld, NCW chair and SMACS adviser, can be contacted at 662-325-8452 or edornshuld@chemistry.msstate.edu.

Part of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Chemistry can be found on Twitter @chem_msstate; Student Members of the American Chemical Society, on Facebook @MissStateSMACS and Twitter and Instagram @SMACS_MSU; and Chemistry Graduate Student Association, on Facebook @CGSA.MSState, Twitter and Instagram @CGSA_MSState.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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