Welcome to Chemistry!
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Everyone remembers hearing that from their parents and grandparents. It may have started as a cowboy or an astronaut. It may have changed as one met new people and new challenges. If you love science you may have contemplated being a doctor or finding a cure for cancer. Chances are you are curious about the world around you and you want to discover how to make a difference.
If you are a curious student, interested in understanding physical phenomena, engaging in collaborative research projects, and contributing to a community of scholars welcome to the Chemistry Department!
It is important to remember that the Chemistry Department is much more than the physical space we occupy or the curriculum we offer. The department is a community of scholars, both faculty and students, working together in the pursuit of knowledge. Dont get me wrong, we are proud of our facilities in the McMichael Science Center. Our equipment includes some of the same research-grade equipment you find at larger universities. The difference is we invite our undergraduates to participate fully with us in the process of discovery. This includes using these high-end instruments. And we are proud of curriculum one that includes a degree certified by the American Chemical Society. But, what we are most proud of is our faculty and our students.
An alumna sent me a quote once from the Reverend R. Inman that I think describes our faculty. The quote reads, A great teacher never strives to explain his vision. He simply invites you to stand beside him and see for yourself. Our faculty includes great researchers and great classroom teachers but all are passionate about what they do. And all are willing to invite students to learn with them in the classroom, in the research laboratory, and in the community around us. We expect a lot from our students but hope they understand hard work and perseverance will lead to success.
Above all, we are proud of our students. We expect hard work from them. And, at times, they should expect to work long hours in the laboratory or in the library. But realize, should you join us, you are not alone. Not only will the faculty support you, the camaraderie that develops between students is as strong as anywhere on campus. You will see students gathered in the department studying together and learning from each other. In addition, upper-level students serve as teaching assistants, tutors, and recitation instructors and can offer insight from the student perspective to anyone who asks.
So, do you want to be a doctor? Do you want to find a cure for cancer? Do you want to apply your knowledge of science in the world of business or law? Are you simply a curious person? If you answered yes to any of these questions welcome to the Chemistry Department we can assist you on your journey.
Daniel Wright, Chair
Dear Students,
It is exciting to know that you are interested in explosions, enthalpy, buffers, and all that is chemistry. It is no secret that chemistry is a difficult discipline, but it can be exciting, interesting, and fun as well. The American Chemical Society Student Affiliates is an organization dedicated to enjoying chemistry outside of the classroom. Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month, and are used as planning and discussion of service, science, and social events. In the past we have had cookouts, liquid nitrogen ice cream socials, went bowling, played laser tag, and held retreats at Smith Mountain Lake. ACS has also worked in local elementary schools and strives to create and promote a love for science in younger students. Meetings are also a great way to find information on undergraduate research here at Elon and internship opportunities elsewhere. ACS is a great place to meet other students who have a passion for chemistry and there are many opportunities to network with other chemistry majors in different class levels. Chemistry requires a lot of work, but it is my hope that I can make it a little fun as well. I look forward to seeing you at our meetings.
If you any questions please email me at zkoontz@elon.edu
Sincerely,
Zach Koontz
2008-2009 ACS President