National Chemistry Week is Oct. 17-23

KINGSTON, R.I. — October 15, 2010 — Think about it. Chemistry.

While many may have hated the subject in high school and avoided it altogether in college, the fact is that chemistry — chemical compounds and concepts — affect the quality of life everywhere.

Even in an organic, health-driven world, chemicals and chemical interactions abound, and you don’t need 3-D glasses to see them. In everything from soda, shampoo, and drugs to plastics, paint, and fuel for autos and warming houses, chemicals and chemistry are fundamental – essential to daily living.

Everything we see, smell, taste and touch involves chemistry and dozens of professions require the subject as part of their preparation.

Curious what kind of chemist you might be or how you might use this critical science? Take a fun, light-hearted quiz to see for your self

This quiz shows and tells how URI faculty, students, and alumni have and continue to use their background in chemistry in their fields and areas of study. It includes the following video profiles:

• Chemistry Professor Jimmie Oxley, internationally known explosives expert

• Chemistry Professor Radha Narayanan, develops means to clean water

• Chemistry Professor Jason Dwyer, rapid diagnostic blood work on the spot

• Chemistry major Mike Bailey, who converts cooking waste oil into biodiesel

• Chemistry teacher Mary Kutcher, new ways to teach the subject

• Graduate student Nadia Archambault, ensuring safety of fresh foods

• Alumni Bill and John Russo, who converted chemistry into Rhode Island jobs

• Nursing student Rodney Confident, uses chemistry skills on the job

• Alum Perry Raso, uses chemistry in support of R.I. aquaculture business

The science of chemistry is the foundation of many vital research and teaching endeavors and future jobs, whether it’s in the health sciences, biotechnology, energy, the environment, pharmacy, nursing or high technology. On Nov. 2, Rhode Islanders will be asked to vote on a higher education bond referendum (#2) that will support jobs, research and teaching in these areas and more.

Read more about this bond referendum that is essential to the future.