Chemistry is Awesome event seeks to change stereotype

The front of the invitation was dominated by a golden seal, complete with an eagle against a black background, with the letters CIA stamped across it.

In this case, CIA stood for Chemistry is Awesome, and the black business-card-sized document was an invitation to a party planned for 500 guests Wednesday at Oregon State University and hosted by its chemistry department.

And if chemistry indeed is the science of change, OSUs chemistry department wanted their party to change a few perceptions about the discipline, said Rich Carter, the departments chairman.

I want people to know that chemists come from all different walks of life; that anyone can be a chemist, and that chemistry is fun, Carter said.

The event included demonstrations of chemistry, such as heavier-than-air bubbles filled with carbon dioxide, and fingerprints made visible on an object using iodine fuming.

The self-described cowboy poetry surf rock group Svens whose members all are chemists entertained the crowd.

Additional highlights included a fiery thermite reaction demonstration and a dunk tank featuring chemistry professors as the targets.

Its great to show students our human side, said Carter, who was the first to be dunked.

Regina Forsi, an OSU freshman who has taken the general chemistry series this year, was among those who enjoyed the event.

Chemistry really is awesome, she said. You can do so much with it.

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Chemistry is Awesome event seeks to change stereotype