Braving the Elements
Consider a Career in Chemistry
Ever stop to think about why car paint stays on and nail polish is easy to take off?
Or how do they can make those jelly beans taste like a fresh watermelon?
Imagine a world without plastics for iPods or cell phones. They are encased in materials that are made up of – you guessed it – chemicals. Or what if your favorite shampoo or anti-perspirant didn't exist? Chemistry touches everything that surrounds us. It is the building block of medicines, cosmetics, foods, and materials.
In fact, chemistry plays such a significant role in our world today that the United Nations has designated 2011 the International Year of Chemistry under the theme "Chemistry – Our Life, Our Future."
Although many events will take place globally to recognize the field of chemistry throughout 2011, Northeast Ohio has always celebrated chemistry by being home to dozens of companies in the biochemistry and chemical industries.
We spoke with Lakeland Community College Assistant Professor of chemistry Jason H. Thomas Ph.D. to learn more.
What is chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of matter. Everything is made of matter so chemistry is the study of everything. It helps answer the "how" and "why" questions that result from what we encounter through our senses of smell, taste, and sight.
What type of person goes into chemistry?
Having a strong curiosity is paramount. You have to want to know why things work or why they don't. It's the type of person who asks "why is the sky blue?" and then really wants to figure out the answer. Enjoying and respecting mathematics are also good qualities to have. A sincere hunger for knowledge will go a long way in helping a student be successful in this field.
What does a chemist do? Can you give some examples?
For one, there isn't just a single type of chemist. An organic chemist discovers new medications. An analytical chemist tests the purity of new drugs to assure pills contain correct amounts. Environmental chemists study things like the effect oil spills have on nature. A forensic chemist works with police on criminal investigations.
What industries use chemistry?
Pharmaceutical (drug discovery, drug production), agriculture (developing and producing fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides), electronics (plating metals), and food (developing and producing flavorings, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives) industries are but the tip of the iceberg. The list is endless.
What career opportunities are there?
With so many ways to utilize chemistry, career opportunities are almost boundless. Career paths can include research and development for businesses that produce everything from car paint to plastics to perfumes. There's also academic (research and education), hazardous waste management, and food and flavor industries. For a detailed list of career descriptions, visit the American Chemical Society at www.acs.org.
Community colleges support students going into this field by offering a comprehensive two-year program in chemistry. Specifically, courses provide the fundamentals required for careers in chemistry, chemical engineering, chemical technology, biotechnology science, and a variety of health and medical professions.
Editorial provided by Jessica S. Novak, APR, Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, Ohio.
