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UC Merced Celebrates the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements

April 4, 2019

Join the UC Merced School of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry to celebrate the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT2019) with light refreshments at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 12th in the Pavilion, Room 104.

Scientist Dmitri Mendeleev discovered the Periodic System in 1869. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements, and has been proclaimed the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements (IYPT2019) by the United Nations General Assembly and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Prestigious research organizations such as the American Chemical Society (ACS) will foster participation in events from around the world, including the festivity at UC Merced.

According to IYPT2019 organizers, the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements is heralded as one of the most important scientific discoveries, underpinning our ability “to predict the appearance and properties of matter on Earth and in the entire universe.”

Dr. Elaine Yamaguchi, the coordinator of the ACS SEED program for Northern California, selected UC Merced, the largest SEED institution across all of the UC campuses, to host the event. Dr. Yamaguchi will make opening remarks.

The ACS SEED summer program places economically disadvantaged high school students chemistry-related science labs to work hands-on with faculty researchers. The nationwide program has provided thousands of students with paid research experience.

Founded in 2009 by Erik Menke, associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology, UC Merced’s SEED program sparks fresh interest in the chemical sciences, which students can extend into their chosen career or into graduate studies. UC Merced professors Andy LiWang and Patricia LiWang, also co-mentor two SEED students each summer.

The campus community is welcome. For more information, please contact Bobbi Ventura-Henderson, faculty support coordinator in the School of Natural Sciences.