Chemistry and the Political

A big word on campuses these days is interdisciplinary. In seeking grant support, academic blessings from on high, or even in developing new programs of study, there's a real push to create collaboration between schools. You'd be surprised at the creative duets that have popped up in recent years (to stoke your imagination just think of "Dance" and pick your favorite science; it's probably occurred already).

My topic for today is Chemistry. At this point, I'd rather not bore you with what is really a very focused science and the admittedly really cool resources they have at the library (I tried "hostess cream filling" on a few of these with disappointing results -further research required was often cited in discussing this mysterious substance). [Please do talk with Daureen Nesdill, or any of our Science librarians for help with these resources 581-7533.] Instead I thought I'd put together an interdisciplinary project; please steal this idea.

Chemistry and Political Science: Acid rain caused by air pollution in industrialized countries is a huge problem. However, is there a bridge between how the problem is identified between the scientific and political communities? Learning to speak politic would be a priceless skill for a chemist, while having the tools to express the problems (and solutions) in chemistry would make for an almost unreal politician (who would inevitably be pulled into a corporate congressional lobby and vacation 12 weeks every year in Monaco, but lets keep our ideals intact for now).

Just a thought.