Researchers Celebrate Science in Steel City
Heidi Opdyke
- Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications, MCS
- Email opdyke@andrew.cmu.edu
- Phone 412-268-9982
Carnegie Mellon University chemistry doctoral student Natalie Colaizzo can turn simple liquids into squishy strands in seconds. She shared the chemistry behind this with visitors at the Pittsburgh’s Celebrating Science in the Steel City event.
“Participants would slowly pour sodium alginate solution into calcium chloride, resulting in a chemical reaction,” said Colaizzo about the resulting wormlike material.
The experiment demonstrates the concept of polymers — giant molecules built from repeating units — and showed how a quick chemical reaction can dramatically change the properties a material has.
“This is a concept synthetic chemists use to create polymers that have a wide variety of applications in many products we love and use today,” she said. Polymers make up everyday items like lunch boxes, superglue, seat belts, paint and shampoo.
Carnegie Mellon joined dozens of organizations in transforming the David L. Lawrence Convention Center into a hub of discovery and dialogue on Nov. 8. The event drew a diverse crowd eager to explore science hands-on and connect directly with researchers.
“So many people came by — young and old,” said Associate Professor of Chemistry Subha Das, who organized CMU’s involvement in the event. “It was great to be a part of this with other nonprofits and companies all showcasing their science and their impact.
The event was hosted by Backyard Nature, a nonprofit founded by Maria Wheeler-Dubas, science education program manager at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
“Science is essential to Pittsburgh’s people and our economy, but most of us can’t name a local scientist or talk about the amazing cool work that is happening right here in our city,” Wheeler-Dubas said.
Wheeler-Dubas said that the 18% of people in the greater Pittsburgh workforce are in the science and technology sector, which includes professors, lab technicians, lab managers, graduate students and administrative support staff.
“Our local scientists are finding solutions to complex health and social issues — we have some local science rock stars!” she said. “Scientists aren’t mysterious, faraway figures — they are our neighbors, our fellow PTA members and members of our kickball leagues ... I wanted this event to put those names and faces with the word ‘scientist.’”
CMU volunteers showcased research and answered questions from attendees of all ages.
Chemistry doctoral students Subhasish Panda and Willough Sloan volunteered at a booth where they talked about how errors in the body can lead to different diseases and how different gene therapies and delivery systems can help make people better.
Panda said the event helped him learn how to explain his work using concepts people could relate to. For example, as a way to describe gene overexpression — a condition where a gene makes too much protein — he compared it to Pinocchio’s nose, emphasizing how an error in the body leads to an excessive, visible result.
“It was interesting to see kids be interested in science,” Panda said. “I met some kids who reminded me of my childhood.”
Sloan said that it is important that science matters for everyone. “The work we do in the lab translates into how we live our lives, and our choices affect others around us,” she said.
“Research plays a role in the materials we use, the clothes we wear, the decisions we make regarding our health, the laws and ordinances we vote on and more.”
City event.
Carnegie Mellon professors at the event with Das included Xaq Pitkow, associate professor of neuroscience; Drew Bridges, assistant professor of biological sciences; Diane Turnshek, special lecturer in physics; Gizelle Sherwood, Director of Undergraduate Studies and Teaching Professor in chemistry; and Paulina Jaramillo, professor of engineering and public policy. Several professors provided 10 minute lightning talks. Pitkow discussed brains and machines, Turnshek talked about managing light pollution, and Das discussed DNA and RNA therapeutics.
Leenia Mukhopadhyay, a doctoral student in chemistry, also provided a lightning talk on PFAs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are complex chemical compounds used in consumer goods and industrial processes.
CMU’s participation underscored its commitment to public engagement and education. Organizers and volunteers said they hope to see similar events become a regular fixture to strengthen the connection between science and society.
“We don’t often get opportunities like this, and it was really exciting,” Das said.
