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Science division colloquium discusses applying theory to real-life

The next Penn State Berks Division of Science Colloquium will feature Mitch Zimmer, Assistant Professor of Business at Penn State Berks, who will present a talk is titled, "Applying Science, Engineering, and Business Skills to the Real World" on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in room 123 of the Luerssen Building. This presentation is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served.

“Over the years I have noticed that what I learned in text books and the classroom didn't always apply in the real world,” explains Zimmer. “Sometimes the theory over simplified the reality and sometimes there were other factors that could be ignored in the lab, but not in the field. I have compiled some examples that look at some basic chemistry and how ‘it went wrong,’ along with what has been done about it. Some examples we will look at include how catalysts work and don't work, what is coronene and how did it shut down a refinery, how a simple test delayed by transportation issues cost millions, why some of the chemistry of hydrogen-containing molecules makes the hydrogen economy so difficult, and why the United States uses HFCS and the rest of the world uses sucrose.”

The Science Division colloquia are of broad and general interest, accessible 0to general audience. All students, faculty, and interested members of the PSU 0Berks and surrounding community are welcome and encouraged attend.