This presentation is part of the Visiting Teacher/Scholars seminar series. Our aim is to provide role models for faculty in the College of Chemical and Life Sciences. Dr. Richard Zare, Marguerite Blake Wilbur Professor in Natural Science at Stanford University will share his experience in achieving excellence in both teaching and research.

Title: Cars: Chemistry in Motion
Date: 13 May, 2008
Time: 3:00PM - 4:30PM
Location: 0112 (Marker Seminar Room), Chemistry Building (91)
Contact: gilim@umd.edu

Abstract
When it comes to getting from here to there, chemistry is essential, whether it be a trip to the local store to buy groceries or a shot into space to explore the Universe. Cars, for example, are truly
chemistry in motion.  Today's automobile relies heavily upon chemical industry innovations to enhance performance, to provide safety for its occupants, and to deliver fuel efficiency.  On average, each car contains nearly $2,000 dollars worth of chemical processing and products.  These items range from its scratch-resistant paint job, to its often lightweight plastic-molded frame, to its shatter-resistant polyvinyl butyral layered windshield, to its soft polyurethane seat cushions, to its neoprene hoses,
break fluids, sealants, adhesive, and coolants, to its chemically powered airbags, to its styrene-butadiene tires with added stabilizers and antioxidants. Chemistry really keeps people moving! This talk will also emphasize the challenge of cutting carbon dioxide emissions to reduce the risk of incurring severe global climate change.

Dr. Zare's research interests focus on nanoscale chemical analysis. In 2006 he was named a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Professor. This award is allowing him to develop an undergraduate laboratory course in the life sciences that will examine light and photosynthesis in an interdisciplinary
way and a biochemistry course aimed at motivating students to pursue a research career.

Richard Zare’s visit is sponsored by the Chemical and Life Sciences Teaching and Learning Center, through a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
To schedule a meeting with Prof. Brian Coppola during his visit (October, 25-26), contact Dr. Gili Marbach-Ad (gilim@umd.edu).