(WNY News Now) – PLATTSBURGH, NY – This spring, about three dozen high school students from the North Country gathered at SUNY Plattsburgh for an engaging Chemistry and Biochemistry Fun Day. Organized by the university’s chemistry and biochemistry departments, the event aimed to spark students’ interest in these scientific fields before they embark on their college journeys.
Planting Seeds of Scientific Curiosity
Dr. Rajesh Sunasee, a chemistry professor at SUNY Plattsburgh, emphasized the event’s purpose: to inform and inspire potential future chemists and biochemists. “We want them well in advance to have information about chemistry and biochemistry and what our department can offer them,” Sunasee stated.
The day’s activities included an overview of the department, a hands-on chemistry lab activity, research presentations by current students, a tour of the facilities, and a pizza lunch with a chemistry-themed game.
Hands-On Learning and Research Exposure
In the lab session, led by Dr. Thomas Moffett, students tested the acidity of various fruit juices using titration instruments. This practical experience aimed to engage students in scientific inquiry and experimentation.
Wilson Siudzinski, a chemistry major, highlighted the importance of such events for younger students. “This is a great chance for kids to come learn about chemistry. It might help them learn what path they want to take earlier,” he noted.
Connecting Education with Real-World Applications
During the event, Dr. Sunasee also introduced the university’s upcoming cannabis certificate program, acknowledging the growing demand for trained chemists in the expanding cannabis market in New York.
Ileini Espino, a recent graduate, shared her undergraduate research experiences, encouraging students to get involved in college research opportunities. “It’s important to show people there are opportunities, and it’s not scary to get involved,” Espino said.
Strengthening Community Ties
The initiative also aimed to strengthen relationships between the university and local high schools. Dr. Sunasee, who co-organized the event with Dr. Craig Hoag, noted the value of these connections. “It creates a relationship with us as university professors with the high school teachers. That’s important because we can share our knowledge,” Sunasee explained.
Sonal Patel-Dame, a chemistry teacher at Plattsburgh High School, appreciated the opportunity to show her students the practical applications of their classroom learning. “By going to events like this, we can show them these are the labs, this is the equipment you can use, and, most importantly, the research that current college students are doing,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Students like Joshua Seymour, a sophomore at Northeastern Clinton Central School, found the hands-on activities particularly engaging. “I’m a very hands-on learner, so it’s really fun doing stuff like that,” Seymour said, adding that he’s considering applying to SUNY Plattsburgh.
Noah Seller, another student, expressed his interest in the research presentations. “I really liked it when they talked about the different research they’re doing,” Seller said, highlighting projects on CBD and inflammatory response.
Building Lasting Connections
The event not only provided valuable experiences for the students but also fostered professional connections for local educators. “This builds a relationship between me and the instructors at the college,” Patel-Dame noted.
As SUNY Plattsburgh continues to engage with the local community through events like the Chemistry and Biochemistry Fun Day, it remains committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and strengthening educational ties within the region.
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