Chemistry Poster Symposium Provides Beneficial Exposure to Industry Professionals    

What do kombucha, hydrogen cars, pesticides and plastic pollution have in common? They’re the focus of chemistry-related projects being presented by Texas A&M University at Galveston students during last Friday's Fall 2019 Chemistry Poster Symposium in the Aggie Special Events Center (ASEC). 

Twice a year, chemistry students present their project posters to industry professionals and A&M-Galveston faculty members who acts as judges and rate both the presentation and the poster. Awards are given to those who place first, second, third and there are recognitions for "people's choice" and "overall favorite."

Instructional Assistant Professor Dr. Grace Townsend of the Department of Foundational Sciences said she loves seeing the students get so excited about their projects as well as having exposure and feedback from industry professionals. 

“We have some phenomenal Ph.D. chemists, engineers that have come in from places like Risktec, Celanese and Oxirane and given up a day from their work week to be here and do this. They come back every semester because they see the value of this,” she said. 

Oceans & One Health student Laura Gonzalez ‘22 presented on her project concerning lead exposure and poisoning. 

“As a college student, getting the experience to talk to people who are higher level and are experienced and getting the opportunity to show them your knowledge and practice is extremely helpful. Practicing speaking in front of others and having access to professionals like this is great,” Gonzalez said.