Aug
25
25
Linda Wang
Associate Editor, ACS News & Special Features, Chemical & Engineering News
Good Times in Philly
Posted by Linda Wang on August 25, 2008 in 2008 Fall National Meeting, ACS Meetings
I always have mixed emotions leaving a national meeting. On the one hand, I had an absolute blast. I met interesting people, learned new things, and experienced a different city. But it’s also good to be home. Here are some of my favorite moments from the past week:
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Music: “Miranda” by Stephen Duros.
See you in Salt Lake City!
Meet Jonquil Bandy, An “Ask Me” Guy
Aug
20
20
Posted by Linda Wang on August 20, 2008 in 2008 Fall National Meeting, ACS Meetings
You see them everywhere. And they seem to know everything. But who are they?
Sights and Sounds from the YCC Fun Run
Aug
18
18
Posted by Linda Wang on August 18, 2008 in 2008 Fall National Meeting
If you cannot play the audio file, download the free Quicktime Player.
A Halal Feast At The Chemistry Olympiad
Jul
22
22
Posted by Linda Wang on July 22, 2008 in Where is C&EN?
Around midnight on the last night of the International Chemistry Olympiad, a wonderful aroma was wafting through the halls of the dorm where the students and I were staying.
I suspected that something was cooking, so I followed the scent. (Don’t ask me what I was doing still up at midnight.)
I found Ayesha Ahmed of Pakistan in the communal kitchen stirring a pot of chicken.
Hint: 21
Jul
18
18
Posted by Linda Wang on July 18, 2008 in Where is C&EN?
At the International Chemical Olympiad, there is never a dull moment.
On Sunday, Jasper Landman and Niels Kouwenhoven of the Netherlands began receiving anonymous letters taped to their dorm-room door.
By Monday night, they had received three letters that each started with the polite salutation, “Greetings cheeseheads!” (The Netherlands is known for its gouda cheese.)
An International Experience Like No Other
Jul
18
18
Posted by Linda Wang on July 18, 2008 in Where is C&EN?
The students in the Chemistry Olympiad finished their five-hour theoretical exam yesterday morning and reunited with their mentors last night for a celebratory cruise down the Danube River. The students got their cell phones back, and I have an Internet connection again!
Here are some snapshots from the past couple of days:
Students from all over the world write “Welcome to Hungary” in their native language.
International Chemistry Olympiad Begins!
Jul
12
12
Posted by Linda Wang on July 12, 2008 in Uncategorized
The U.S team competing in the 40th International Chemistry Olympiad arrived safety in Budapest Friday morning. Our flight was long (more than nine hours!) but otherwise smooth. After a good night’s sleep, we’re well rested and ready to go.
The students will be taking a practical exam on Tuesday morning and a theoretical exam on Thursday morning. The rest of the time, they’ll be doing sightseeing in and around Budapest and getting to know their peers from around the world. This experience is as much about culture as it is about chemistry.
For the next four days, I will be sequestered with the students with no Internet access. But I will update you on our progress as soon as I can.
Take good care.
Taking a break along the Danube River. From left to right are head mentor Kara Pezzi, mentor Will Lynch, Andrew Liu, Jonathan Lee, Jenny Lu, and peer mentor J. L. Kiappes. Yuxin Xie is not pictured.
It’s All Relative: Inside The U.S. Chemistry Olympiad Study Camp
Jun
13
13
Posted by Linda Wang on June 13, 2008 in Where is C&EN?
“How do we look to someone who’s normal?” Ari Frankel, a high school senior from Buffalo Grove, Ill., asked me this morning, just hours before taking a four-hour final exam in chemistry.
I hesitated, not quite sure how to respond.
“Do you think we’re insane?” he pressed. “I mean, anyone who would spend two weeks studying chemistry nonstop has to seem insane to someone on the outside.”
Caught On Camera
Apr
9
9
Posted by Linda Wang on April 9, 2008 in 2008 Spring National Meeting
As I pack my bags and prepare to go home, I am reflecting on all the things I saw during this national meeting. Here are a few things that stick in my mind:
This artwork, displayed in the registration hall, reminded me of the never-ending possibilities of chemistry. (more…)
Can I Help?
Apr
8
8
Posted by Linda Wang on April 8, 2008 in 2008 Spring National Meeting
Jim Landis, chair of the Committee on Chemists with Disabilities, says that if you see a person with a disability, and you think they might need some assistance, the best thing you can do is to just ask, “Is there there anything I can do to help?”
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