March 4, 2025
Under the leadership of Dr. Vinayak Bhat, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, students in the Division of Health, Science, and Mathematics at Columbia College are achieving remarkable milestones in education, research, and community engagement.
A team of Chemistry majors brought science to life during an outreach visit to Hand Middle School. Through live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and Q&A sessions, they introduced younger students to concepts such as exothermic reactions and chemical changes. The engaging experiments, which included forming white precipitates and creating bubbles, sparked excitement among the middle schoolers. Chemistry major Arwen Wedgeworth shared, "It was an honor and great experience to show the magic and fun of Chemistry!" Teachers praised the initiative for making science accessible and inspiring. Dr. Bhat, who mentored the team, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning, saying, "Introducing students to the thrill of hands-on science helps them understand that learning chemistry can be both fun and inspiring."
In another accomplishment, Breanna Harris earned first place for her poster presentation at the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) Annual Conference in Kansas City,
Missouri. Competing against top honors students nationwide, Breanna's research on sustainable organic materials for batteries showcased her academic excellence and innovation. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, "Winning first place is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to continue pursuing research that can make a real difference." Dr. Bhat, her research mentor, highlighted the value of research in preparing students for successful careers, noting, "Bree's accomplishment exemplifies how hands-on research experiences develop critical thinking, communication skills, and real-world connections."
These accomplishments highlight the commitment of Columbia College students and faculty to fostering academic excellence, community outreach, and transformative research experiences.