Green Chemistry Webinar Series: May 14, 2014 Green Chemistry Education: Not Just for Chemists Anymore by Julie A. Haack, PhD (Coordinator - Green Product Design Network; Assistant Department Head and Senior Instructor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Oregon) Disclaimer: The Great Lakes Green Chemistry Network (GLGCN) and Michigan Green Chemistry Clearinghouse (MGCC) are committed to providing webinars that cover diverse perspectives on green chemistry from stakeholders of all sectors of our society. The viewpoints presented in this webinar are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the GLGCN and MGCC. The presenter(s) of this webinar have granted permission for the public sharing of this webinar.
Green chemistry education: Not just for chemists anymore Julie Haack University of Oregon Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Eugene, Oregon jhaack@uoregon.edu University of Oregon May 14, 2014
Convergence student interest employer needs Innovation Sustainability Decision making
Hypothesis Infusing green chemistry and life cycle thinking into the curriculum of the professional schools (product design, architecture, business and journalism) will transform the ability of these students to design, develop and market more sustainable products. Challenges Access Chemistry content Student interest
Integration facilitates innovation Green Chemistry and Life Cycle Thinking Journalism Leadership in Sustainability and Communication (12 students) Architecture Molecular Innovation in Material Life Cycles (15 students) Chemistry Green Product Design (100 students) Sustainable Innovation
Leadership in sustainability and communication Spirit Style Stewardship Intersection between consumer values, brand values, and sustainability Communicate complex information to a broad audience
Innovation in architectural materials: polymers and concrete Electrolytic concrete synthesis to grow soft, storm surge barriers Chemical structures and rxns that make up the built environment Multi-scalar flows of materials across the life cycle of the built environment
Hypothesis Infusing green chemistry and life cycle thinking into the curriculum of the professional schools (product design, architecture, business and journalism) will transform the ability of these students to design, develop and market more sustainable products. Challenges Access Chemistry content Student interest
Green product design polymers and nanotechnology Evaluate and interpret evidence to identify impacts Describe the relative effectiveness of alternative design solutions Design Greener Solutions
Diverse audience ~ 30 Majors Arts & Sciences 30% 10% Education + others 15% Business Journalism 25% 20% Arts & Architecture
Core content and key questions Polymers and Plastics Mature Technology Commodity Chemicals Known Hazards Nanoscale Materials Emerging Technology Specialty Chemicals Unknown Hazards Greener than what? Greener how? Greener why?
Integrating other disciplines Industry Roadmaps Pre-competitive Consortia Product Design Consumer Perceptions Design for Choice Polymers Nanotechnology Communications Marketing Greenwashing Policy Metrics/Certifications Alternatives Assessment
Student impact Knowledge gained from this class has definitely influenced my decision-making and selfawareness that is related to human and environmental impacts the importance of collaboration and communication that green chemistry needs to be an effective and productive area now I have the ability to participate in green chemistry discussions and collaborations able to join the conversation
Student impact This class has made me more aware of my molecular surrounding. It has inspired a new fascination that has carried over to my personal life and deign major. Having some basic understanding in green chemistry and the importance of its role in innovation and design gives me an edge in the competitive market as well as a new set of skills to pursue.
Outcomes, challenges and opportunities 1. 2. 3. Continuous engagement removes barriers between the disciplines. Partnership facilitates right sizing the chemistry to drive innovation within the discipline. Clarifying the connections between product attributes and molecular structure inspires interest.
Societal Needs Green chemistry: beyond the central science Green Chemistry Toxicology Biochemistry Medicine Environmental sciences Engineering Physics Product Design Business Journalism Materials science Agriculture Architecture
Acknowledgements Collaborators for Integrative Education Activities UO Department of Chemistry Andy Berglund, Jim Hutchison, Darren Johnson, Mark Lonergan, David Tyler UO Green Product Design Network Kiersten Muenchinger, Product Design Kim Sheehan, Journalism and Communications Erin Moore, Architecture John Frazier, Nike Inc. Collin Price, Oregon Environmental Council University of Oregon May 14, 2014