Interface – 2018 Summer
Link: http://interface.ecsdl.org/content/27/2/92.full.pdf+html
by Evan Jahrman
Supporting the holistic development of student members remained the central focus of the ECS University of Washington Student Chapter during its winter quarter proceedings. Specifically, ECS@UW organized several opportunities for students to expand their understanding of the foundations of electrochemistry, engage in community outreach, and learn skills relevant to their professional development.
To foster academic growth, senior members organized and led various educational seminars. First, an “Introduction to Electrochemistry” series aimed at new members explored the field’s foundations. This spanned the topics of thermodynamics, kinetics, transport, and a formal discussion of electrostatic effects in electrochemical cells. Second, a series of short talks highlighted technologies influenced by electrochemistry including simulations of neural interfaces, water purification, and the processing of rare earth ores. Third, a survey of characterization techniques began with presentations on cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Following this theme, talks on electron microscopies and X-ray absorption spectroscopies are scheduled for later in the spring. In addition to the student led events, the chapter continued its “Coffee Talk” series with visiting faculty on Dec. 4, 2017 by welcoming Prof. Elizabeth J. Biddinger from the City College of New York. Professor Biddinger communicated some of her past and present research, suggested several useful electrochemistry resources for the annual Coffee & Electrochemistry book series the chapter hosts each summer, and facilitated a discussion regarding opportunities for community involvement. The meeting summary can be found at our official website.
On Dec. 14, 2017, the chapter hosted a workshop geared toward helping students establish an online presence by creating and maintaining websites showcasing their professional achievements. The event was led by Neal Dawson-Elli, an ECS@UW member, and reached over 30 individuals, including non-members not in regular attendance. Discussions for a second installment are underway. Another professional development event, the chapter’s annual Industry Panel, is scheduled for this spring. Last year’s inaugural Industry Panel was a huge success, connecting over 50 graduate students with panelists from Boeing, UniEnergy Technologies, PolyDrop, Intellectual Ventures Labs, and Microsoft.
This winter, ECS@UW participated in the 6th Annual Enumclaw Interactive STEM Expo hosted by the Enumclaw School District and the Enumclaw Schools Foundation. Each year, the event draws volunteers from myriad technology organizations to provide a truly unique experience for the local youth. The expo involved over 70 exhibits, each with an engaging demonstration of science specific to the host organization’s expertise. ECS@UW elected to present the popular hand battery experiment (as outlined by the Royal Society of Chemistry), an endeavor that proved highly successful. In this demonstration, participants were invited to form a mock battery by placing each of their hands on two dissimilar metals connected by an ammeter. The experiment not only permitted aspiring scientists to investigate variations on the basic premise, but initiated several fun, organic moments such as family-members linking hands to increase the resistance in the circuit. The event was an exciting opportunity to engage with kids and present science in a positive light. ECS@UW is committed to continuing this theme of civic outreach and will participate in next quarter’s UW Discovery Days where the chapter traditionally features an electrodeposition experiment, “Enginearrings,” which reached more than 800 K-12 students last year.
ECS volunteers at the Enumclaw Interactive STEM Expo (left to right): Linnette Teo, Erica Eggleton, Keith Steele, and Evan Jahrman.
ECS@UW members with Prof. Elizabeth J. Biddinger (fifth from the right) from the City College of New York following a Coffee Talk series installment.