Wh_Why
y chem?istry?

“I discovered I wanted to major in chemistry as a freshman when I had the chance to do research with Professor Michael Eastman at Northern Arizona University. Through that research, working on questions related to the ‘origins of life’ within clay substrates, I discovered a molecular world that was a physical manifestation of Navajo philosophy — our world view is based on understanding the beginning of things.”

SkilCraft photo by ACS

SHANADEEN BEGAY Former ACS Scholar; Ph.D. candidate, Boston University. She is a 5-year ACS member.

“My interest in chemistry was sparked
by two main sources: My first chemistry
set at the age of 12 and watching my
favorite program, Mr. Wizard. While
others watched cartoons on Saturday
morning, I watched Mr. Wizard.”

NBC Television/Hulton Archive/Getty Images.

“ When I was 11, my father bought me a book called Chemistry Creates a New World. It was a beautifully written book that told different stories about how chemistry has revolutionized the world. I’m very proud of that book. In fact, I keep a copy of it in my office to this day.”

 

MUKUND CHORGHADE President, Chorghade Enterprises, Natick, Mass. He is a 26-year ACS member.

Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives and Boyd Professor and Philip W. West Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry at Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge. He is a 33-year ACS member.