1. Kansas State University
  2. »Division of Communications and Marketing
  3. »K-State Today
  4. »Chemistry and physics symposium aimed at exciting middle school students about renewable...

K-State Today

October 3, 2011

Chemistry and physics symposium aimed at exciting middle school students about renewable energy

Submitted by Ryszard Jankowiak

The first Chemistry and Physics Symposium at Kansas State University will be Thursday, Oct. 13, in the Town Hall Room of the Leadership Studies Building.

The symposium is intended for middle school students interested in renewable energy. The symposium organizers will guide students in producing a calendar for 2012, "Renewing Our Energy Future." The calendar is intended to spread awareness of renewable energy sources.

Ryszard Jankowiak, professor of chemistry, is serving as the symposium chair. Christine Herald, research assistant in chemistry; Charmarose Craven, gifted facilitator at Eisenhower Middle School; Carol Bachofer, gifted facilitator at Anthony Middle School; and Coleen Beck, special education instructor at Manhattan Catholic Schools, serve as the symposium co-chairs. Ximao Feng, research associate in chemistry; Adam Kell, doctoral student in chemistry; and Mukund Koirala, doctoral student in chemistry, serve on the organizing committee.

The program schedule appears below:

9:30-9:3 a.m., Introductory remarks

Eric Maatta, department head of chemistry

9:35-9:55 a.m., Solar cells and nanotechnology

Judy Wu, distinguished professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Kansas

9:55-10:15 a.m., Wind energy

Dan Higgins, professor of chemistry

10:15-10:35 a.m., Biomass

Keith Hohn, professor of chemical engineering

10:35-10:45 a.m., Break

10:45-11:05 a.m., Nuclear energy

Chris Sorensen, distinguished professor of physics

11:05-11:25 a.m., Geothermal energy and hydropower

Viktor Chikan, associate professor of chemistry

11:45 a.m.-12:05 p.m., Renewable energy utilization

Jun Li, associate professor of chemistry

12:05-1 p.m., Working lunch

Sandwiches and drinks will be provided

The calendar project: Renewing our Energy Future."

Ryszard Jankowiak, professor of chemistry

1-2 p.m., Visit K-State solar panels

Ruth Douglas Miller, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering

Bill Kuhn, professor of electrical and computer engineering

2 p.m., Departure

Calendars will be sold in Varney's and the K-State Student Union Bookstore. All revenue will go to Manhattan's middle schools.

The event is sponsored by the department of chemistry, department of physics, the office of the vice president for research, National Science Foundation grants, Varney's Bookstore, Able Printing Co., KAWSE office and the Photosynthetic Antenna Research Center, and Washington University in St. Louis.