NIU Department of
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Where the study of matter...matters!
The NIU Chemistry Club is open to anyone with an interest in Chemistry. The purpose of this organization is to promote interest in chemistry and the chemical professions, to aid understanding of the field of chemistry, and to provide interaction among individuals engaged in the study of chemistry.
In 2008, the NIU Chem Club celebrates its 60th anniversary as a recognized student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society. Primarily an academic group in its earlier years, the Chem Club has broadened its perspective and now combines its academic pursuits with social activities, networking, and "moral support."
The Chem Club sponsors several outreach events each year, including the Chem Demos, a public favorite. The club organizes and presents an evening of chemistry demonstrations twice a year, offering a different theme each semester. For many years, the Chem Club has also sponsored an annual glassblowing demonstration and sale featuring the work of our departmental glassblower, a huge fundraiser for the club!
Please find information below about past and future Chem Club events.
BLOOD DRIVEDate: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Holmes Student Center Capital Room
To schedule a time to donate, contact Kate Krise, President of Phi Sigma, at (815) 821-5688 or by e-mail at katekrise@yahoo.com, to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins also are welcome.
Celebrate the elements with NIU Chemistry during National Chemistry Week
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Faraday Hall 143
Everyone is welcome! Come see spectacular chemistry experiments that all can enjoy.
Chemistry Club 2009 Awards Banquet (photos)
On Thursday, April 30, the NIU Chem Club hosted an awards banquet, recognizing students who have received departmental scholarships and awards throughout the year.
Congratulations to all award recipients and upcoming graduates!
NIU Chemistry demonstrations promise to be a blast
On Thursday, March 19, a crowd joined NIU's Chem Club for Chem Blast '09. "Demonstrations in the past have involved small explosions," says Prof. David Ballantine, faculty adviser of the Chem Club. “So, we’ve decided to take on the new title of Chem Blast for our spring event.”
“Every semester we try to out-do the previous semester's excitement," says Harrison Kuras, a junior chemistry education major. “Whether it be Thermite and contact explosives or chemical slime and expanding foam, there's always a demo here that turns heads.”
Have a ball with NIU Chemistry during National Chemistry Week
On Wednesday, October 22, in celebration of National Chemistry Week, the NIU Chem Club presented a fun-filled evening of chemistry demonstrations. While the demonstrations ranged from making flashy bubbles to making ice cream with liquid nitrogen, kids of all ages had a ball!
The Chem Club Fall Picnic was held on Friday, September 19, to kick-off the 2008-2009 year!
Chemistry Club 2008 Awards Banquet (photos)
On Thursday, May 8, the NIU Chem Club hosted an awards banquet, recognizing students who have received departmental scholarships and awards throughout the year.
Congratulations to all award recipients and upcoming graduates!
NIU Chemistry Club creates magic for youth of DeKalb County
Oh, oh it's magic! On Wednesday, March 19, in an auditorium packed with kids of all ages, the NIU Chem Club performed its magic. Professors David Ballantine and Paul Kelter assisted the Chem Club, adding their own tricks to the mix. A few favorites included elephant toothpaste, dueling rockets, and genie in a bottle.
And, those who will be benefiting most from this night of chemistry magic, are the youth of DeKalb County. The proceeds of a successful 50/50 raffle and all donations collected will help support the Youth Service Bureau, a non-for-profit agency dedicated to improving the lives of DeKalb County youth.
NIU Chem Club honors departmental glassblower
On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Faraday West 200 was packed with over 130 people and standing room only, as chemistry department glassblower Dan Edwards sculpted a snowman, bonzai tree, and hummingbird during his last demonstration. After 17 years at NIU, Edwards will retire in the coming year.
A glass sale was held after the demonstration, where items made by Edwards were available for purchase. The proceeds, which totaled over $1800, will help support various activities held by the NIU Chem Club. Congrats to Dan Edwards and the NIU Chem Club. And, thanks to the NIU and local communities for their tremendous support.
NIU marks National Chemistry Week with evening of demonstrations
Celebrating National Chemistry Week, the NIU Chem Club prepped and pulled off yet another successful chem demo on Tuesday, October 23 (mole day)! With an estimate of between 125-150 people in attendance, the event was a "blast."
President
Kasey Klaisner
Vice President
Erin Post
Treasurer
Dharti Joshi
President
Shena Stanley
Vice President
Bryn Wilke
Treasurer
Ryan Saidat
David S. Ballantine
Faraday West 424
(815) 753-6857
dballant@niu.edu