Tri-Valley Innovation Fair – 19 March 2022

A small but dedicated team of Cal ACS chemists welcomed a steady stream of visitors at the Tri-Valley Innovation Fair, held on a rainy Saturday (March 19, 2022) at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Event sponsor Quest Science Center (https://quest-science.org/) reported that there were over 2400 attendees and 62 different exhibits from organizations as diverse as UC Merced, Las Positas College, the Oakland Zoo and Wente Vineyards.

The Cal ACS display was organized by Greti Sequin and Alex Madonik, featuring the 2022 Chemists Celebrate Earth Week theme, “The Buzz About Bugs: Insect Chemistry.” At least one hundred aspiring chemists, including students from preschool through college level as well as adults stopped by to learn about the structures of key chemical attractants and repellents made by plants, as well as insect defensive chemicals and pheromones. Inspired by aromatic herbs and illustrations of the molecular structures, visitors then took on the challenge of making molecular models.

Our table was staffed by Greti, Charlie Gluchowski, James Stewart and Steven Mok, with Michael Cheng assisting at the end of the event. Here are a few photos of the event taken by Cal ACS members.