Tuesday, February 16, 2010 - 7:00 PM
Chocolate Tasting
Explore the Science of Chocolate Making

Presented by:
Nick Corden

Corden Chocolates was established in 1918 by Samuel P. Corden after he migrated from Greece to Michigan. His first shop was in Detroit on Woodward Ave. next to the Loop Theater. He also opened another candy store in downtown Detroit next to the Senate Theater called the Senate Sweet Shop. In the 1950s, he opened Corden Chocolates in Inkster, currently the only open location.

Nick Corden, the grandson of founder Samuel P. Corden, will be speaking about his family business. Corden Chocolates offers a unique mix of tradition and quality that is rare these days. Nick will be speaking about the candy making process while we sample chocolates he has made.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 7:00 PM
Passive Ammonia SCR for Lean Burn SIDI Engines

Presented by:
Kevin Perry,
GM R&D Center

In this talk we present a new concept for lean NOx aftertreatment system for stratified spark-ignition direct-injection (SIDI) engines. This new concept offers significant cost advantage over the conventional lean NOx trap (LNT) or urea selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. Transient dynamometer test results will be presented and the potential and limitations of this new concept will be discussed.

Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - 6:00 PM
The Science of Bowling – Holiday Field Trip
Designing A Better Bowling Ball:
Fun with Structure-Property Relationships

Presented by:
Heinz Plaumann,
BASF Corporation

The coverstock of high performance, professional level bowling balls is often made of with a custom-designed polyurethane material. In this presentation, Heinz will discuss some of the elements going into bowling ball design and performance, where “hook is everything”. The tendency for different materials to absorb the oil used to lubricate the lane is described as well as other surface effects such as polishing and surface wear.

There are no guarantees, of course, that attending this presentation will improve your personal bowling score…but it should be fun!

The talk will take place at Thunderbowl Lanes, the second largest bowling alley in the country. Heinz Plaumann will give his entertaining lecture in a conference room while we dine on pizza and beer (or other beverage of your choice). After his talk, we will hit the lanes!! The cost of this event is $10 and will cover the cost of food, drinks, bowling and shoe rental.

Please RSVP for this event by December 8th!!!

Event Location Change:
The evening of libations, edible delights and science inquiry begins at 6:00 p.m. at Thunderbowl Lanes, 4200 Allen Rd., Allen Park, MI, 48101. For directions, visit http://thunderbowl.org

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Ribosome Chemistry

Presented by:
Annie Labut,
University of Michigan

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2009 was awarded to Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Thomas A. Steitz and Ada E. Yonath for their studies of the structure and function of the ribosome. Ribosomes are molecular machines that make proteins out of amino acids. One of the central tenets of biology is that DNA makes RNA, which then makes protein. The DNA sequence in genes is copied into a messenger RNA (mRNA). Ribosomes then read the information in this RNA and use it to produce proteins. Annie Labut will explain the steps and regulation of ribosome assembly. The significance of the ribosome in biochemistry will be explored.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Forensic Photography

Presented by:
Joe Sopkowicz

Explore the evolution of photography related to forensic science in this captivating lecture. The chemistry of shooting and processing photographs will be explained throughout the transition from film to Polaroid to digital. Forensic photographer Joe Sopkowicz will explain the science of photography along with the reasons for its use in forensic applications.

Joe Sopkowicz will provide insight to the investigation process through his collection of crime scene and death photographs. The process and examination of crime scene photography can be related to toxicology, DNA, fingerprinting and other types of evidence.

WARNING: MAY CONTAIN GRAPHIC AND DISTURBING IMAGES

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - 7:00 PM
The Science of Halloween

Presented by:
The Motor City Haunt Club

Second only to Christmas, Halloween is the biggest shopping holiday for retailers, generating more than $6 billion in sales. From professional props in haunted attractions to amateur home decorating, the science of Halloween will be revealed in this entertaining presentation. Members of the Motor City Haunt Club will explain the technical side of the holiday including animatronic, pneumatic, electrical, lighting, and sound systems… and of course, chemistry!!

Unmask the materials that disgust you. Experience a bone-chilling presentation that combines the wonder of science with the thrills and chills of Halloween!

August 18, 2009 - 7:00 PM
Formulation Process & Colloid Chemistry

Presented by:
Dave McCall,
Vaughan Industries

Formulation chemistry is one of the disparities in the chemistry industry. There are many jobs, but extremely few degree programs that adequately train students for a formulation position. As a result, most formulation chemists are either self taught or have in essence been apprenticed under experienced researchers.

Simply put, formulation is the mixing of compounds which do not react in order to get a mixture with the desired characteristics. Examples of formulations are adhesives, paints, inks, cosmetics, detergents and many pharmaceutical products. Formulation involves the study of mixing, phase equilibria, solutions, surface chemistry, colloids, emulsions and suspensions.

Dave McCall will describe the process of converting a collection of materials into formulas.

July 21, 2009 - 7:00 PM
What’s That Made of?
X-ray Fluorescence of Coins as Artifacts

Presented by:
Dr. Mark Benvenuto
University of Detroit Mercy

Coins are historically collected based on their beauty and value. Dr. Mark Benvenuto takes a chemist’s approach to collecting coins and analyzes their composition. The various alloys that make up coins can tell us a lot about how they were made and give insight to the culture they are from.

Mark Benvenuto performs elemental analysis of coins by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. XRF is a non-destructive technique widely used for environmental, industrial, pharmaceutical, forensic, and scientific research applications to measure the concentration of elemental constituents or contaminants. Dr. Benvenuto will focus on his research of three main groups of coins including the biblical Judean widow’s mites, Siamese bullet coins and medieval Korean coins.

June 15, 2009 - 6:30 PM
The Chemistry of Beer
Lecture and tour will reveal the science of brewing beer and making cheese

Presented by:
Chris Reilly, Master Brewer and Cheesemaker

The Traffic Jam and Snug, established 1965, is truly one of Detroit's hidden treasures. Known throughout Midtown for their in-house bakery, microbrewery, and dairy, their curiously intimate multi-level dining rooms, and an eclectic menu of made-from-scratch dishes, there is simply nothing quite like The Traffic Jam.

They only use the best, freshest ingredients. Each day, their bakery turns out a new Bread of the Day, from authentic ethnic crusted rolls and vegetable breads to whole grain sourdoughs and cheese loaves. In fact, head baker Pete Waldamier stopped keeping records of recipes years ago. A shamefully delicious selection of pies, cakes, and cookies are made there too, not to mention their very own hot fudge and ice cream.

Their award-winning cheeses and beers are a local favorite. They actually use the same equipment for brewing beer and making cheese. On December 18, 1992, after a decade-long legal battle, Michigan became the last Midwest state to enact a brewpub law. Since then, the Traffic Jam has been brewing an uncommon, ever-changing selection of hand-crafted beers. Take, for example, the Grand Theft Pilsner, or the Java Porter. Available in 14 or 22 oz. pours, or try them all with our 8 oz. sampler glasses.

Join us to explore and sample the chemistry of beer brewing and cheesemaking! The tour will begin at 6:30 PM, but feel free to stay for dinner after.

April 21, 2009
What Happened to the FDA?

Presented by:
Felix Schneider,
Supervisory Chemist, Research Coordinator and Laboratory Director with FDA (retired).

During the last five years, this country has experienced a number of recalls of food and drug products both domestic and imported. Leading up to these recalls there have been a large number of illnesses and deaths associated with the products. What has happened in the FDA during the past 8 years that has key Congressional leaders calling for an over-haul of the agency? Mr. Schneider will discuss a number of these incidents and why the FDA failed to protect the public health and some current initiatives that should lead to improvement.

Mr. Schneider is retired after a 42-year career with FDA. He held positions as Analytical Chemist, Supervisory Chemist, Research Coordinator and Laboratory Director with FDA. He served in the Cincinnati, Chicago and Detroit FDA Laboratories. He received a BS Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Felix has given numerous lectures on food and drug safety. The question we want him to answer is:

What Happened to the FDA?

March 16, 2009
The Art of Chemistry
Lecture reveals the science of identifying and preserving art works of DIA and other Michigan museums

Presented by:
Kenneth Katz,
Conservation and Museum Services.

Behind every great art collection are highly trained artists and scientists who analyze works pending acquisition and preserve them for generations to come. One of the most sophisticated laboratories in the Detroit area is Conservation and Museum Services. Conservator Kenneth Katz will explain the treatments, approaches and scientific analysis of paintings, paper, textiles, frames and art objects.

Kenneth B. Katz received his Masters Degree in the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works from the State University of Oneonta, Cooperstown Graduate School in 1979. Before becoming a conservator of paintings at the Detroit Institute of Arts in 1986, he worked at the Intermuseum Laboratory in Oberlin Ohio, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Kimbell Museum and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. In 1983, he was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship to study at the Istituto del Restauro in Rome, Italy and in 1987 was elected a Fellow of the International Institute for Conservation, presently the only Painting Fellow in Michigan. Ken left the D.I.A. in 1990 to establish Conservation and Museum Services, which provides preservation services for museums, historical societies, corporations and private individuals.

Occupying 4000 sq. feet in downtown Detroit, Ken and his staff treat paintings, frames, and decorative objects. Ken is President of the Board of Directors for the Etruscan Foundation, is Vice President at the Detroit Athletic Club and is on the Restoration Committee for the Spirit of Detroit Sculpture, as well as an advisor to the Michigan State capital archivist and Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society. His publications in “American Art Review”, “Mahltecknik Restauro” and the “Journal of the American Institute for Conservation”, include articles on conservation adhesives, German Expressionists and the conservation of large architectural surfaces.

February 17, 2009
I ♥ Chemistry - Chemistry of the Heart
For lovers, it’s magic. For chemists, it’s the pursuit of a healthy heart.

Presented by:
Ruthann Nichols, Ph.D.,
Department of Biological Chemistry University of Michigan Medical School

Mechanisms and physiological functions of RFamide neuropeptides in Drosophila to humans; translating basic science to medicine.

Cardiac failure can result from a disorder that impairs the ability of the heart to fill or pump a sufficient amount of blood through the body in a timely manner. Research by the University of Michigan team headed by Ruthann Nichols, Ph.D., professor of biological chemistry, focuses on RFamide peptides, which may be involved in regulating cardiovascular functioning. She has studied a peptide that is synthesized in the brain and transferred to the heart, where it can slow cardiac relaxation. The peptide was originally isolated from fruit flies, but the University of Michigan team recently discovered a structurally similar peptide in humans.

January 20, 2009
Chemistry of Wine and Regional Wine Tasting

Presented by:
Laila Kott, Ph.D.,
Senior Analytical Chemist Ash Stevens, Inc.
and
Steven Brook
Vintner and Sommelier

From Ontario’s Lake Erie shore, our presenters will explain the chemistry of wine and the nuances of taste. In her entertaining presentation, Dr. Kott will cover the chemistry behind grape maturity, the process, aspects to monitor (and how), wine stability (and how to make wine into vinegar), and lastly, what affects the taste of wine. Following the presentation, Mr. Brook will offer a qualitative analysis of local wines. The evening will be filled with select wines and food pairings of the Great Lakes Region. If you have a passion towards wine or are just curious, this is a must attend event! Everyone is welcome, over 21 to drink.

Dr. Laila Kott’s background is as complex as some of the wines she analyses in her spare time in her personal lab. With her PhD from the University of Massachusetts, she has worked in the US, Canada, and Latvia, speaking 4 languages. She has used her expertise in Analytical Chemistry both professionally in the pharmaceutical industry and privately in her wine studies. Her energy and enthusiasm are evident in her enjoyment in science and her willingness to share it.

Steven Brook, a veteran of vinology, spent 5 years as President and owner of his own winery ‘Grape Tree Estate Wines’ and holds a myriad of certificates in wine making, tasting and judging. With his warmth, sense of humor and mesmerizing voice he is a popular public speaker and industry consultant. Steven hosted CKLW’s “The Wine Rack” on the Friday drive home from work and held the second highest rated spot in the Windsor / Detroit market for over seven years. The 2005 & 2006 seasons have seen him running Essex Golf & Country Club’s Food & Beverage Department, in LaSalle, Ontario and consulting across the globe for several food & beverage companies.

December 16, 2008
Green Chemistry

Presented by:
James E. "Ned" Jackson,
Ph.D., Department of Chemistry Michigan State University

Building Blocks for the Biomass Refinery of the Future:
Aqueous-phase Hydrogenation/Hydrogenolysis of Acids, Amides, and Polyols

Chemical manufacturing is among the largest components of the global economy, providing fuels, polymers, coatings, lubricants, personal care goods, medicines, and many other products used across the world. The majority of this production is based on fossil starting materials, mainly petroleum. Indeed, the very fields of organic chemistry and chemical engineering have grown up in a unique age of history—the century of the hydrocarbon. As a result, the way the majority of people live has hugely changed, mostly for the good. But as fossil resources become rarer and more expensive, and the costs of loading the atmosphere with CO2 become more evident, a whole new suite of chemical pathways will be needed to enable the world to shift its chemical and energy industries to a renewable, carbon-neutral basis. Work is underway in our labs at Michigan State University to develop reactions needed for the “biomass refinery” of the future, including the partnership between chemical- and bio-catalytic approaches. Our focus – catalytic reductions (hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis, electrolysis) processes by which carbohydrates, organic acids, and related feedstocks can be converted to useful chemicals and monomer building blocks – will be highlighted.

November 18, 2008
The Archaeological Dating Game:
Radiocarbon, Rock Art and Residues

Presented by:
Ruth Ann Armitage, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Analytical Chemistry
Eastern Michigan University

How old is this artifact? What is that stuff stuck on that stone tool? Who painted that rock art? These are all questions that archaeologists have asked that require a collaborative effort with analytical chemists and nuclear physicists to answer! These studies are of interest to art, history and archaeology fans. This talk will describe some of the projects that are ongoing in the Armitage lab, focusing on the characterization of the organic matter in rock paintings and how to date a rock artist (with radiocarbon).