Materials | various chemicals and equipment
I attribute what I am today — a materials engineer — to my passion for chemistry, born in my high school classroom and grown in my garage.
Using scavenged labware and chemicals, I discovered a propensity for hands-on learning and visual appreciation. Copper and manganese were two of my favorite elements because of their diverse colors. These photos capture some of my work, including the synthesis of tetraamminecopper(II) sulfate and a homemade distillation apparatus.
Working in my garage coincided with my participation in chemistry competitions, which culminated in me representing the USA at the 45th International Chemistry Olympiad and receiving a gold medal.
To share the fun with others, I created and taught the ‘Hardware Store Chemistry’ course at MIT Splash for three years. Collaboration with fellow home-chemistry enthusiasts Christopher Hillenbrand and Steven Liu.