Paul St. Marie
  • chemistry
  • Class of 2014
  • Port Reading, N.J.

Paul St. Marie of Port Reading helps Widener capture first place in Chemistry Wars 2014

2014 Mar 3

Paul St. Marie, a senior chemistry major from Port Reading, N.J. has helped Widener University's Chemistry Club capture first prize in Chemistry Wars 2014 co-hosted by Temple University and the University of the Sciences. This inaugural competition pitted students from seven area institutions against one another in relay races and challenges that tested their knowledge of chemistry and their ability to work together as a team.

The relay events asked participants to titrate a beaker of acid without over titrating it, build an assigned molecule out of materials provided and solve a conversion problem like how long it would take light to reach the moon given the students' knowledge of the speed of light. While all challenges required teamwork, the final event demanded it. Using their hands, all 10 Widener team members formed a human knot, which they needed to untangle without breaking hold. Widener's team untangled in under five seconds, securing first place overall in the Chemistry Wars.

"I was impressed with our team throughout the competition," said Dr. Louise Liable-Sands, associate professor and co-adviser of the Widener Chemistry Club. "Our students were able to tackle the chemistry challenges with confidence; they had the right answers and came to them quickly. In addition, they displayed great teamwork and camaraderie."

Liable-Sands also captured a first place for Widener in the professor competition, which required her to perform a series of chemistry-related challenges. In addition to Liable-Sands, Dr. Andrea Martin, associate professor of chemistry, coached the Widener team to their win as the other co-adviser of the Widener Chemistry Club.

Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention, leadership development and experiential learning are key components of the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences, professional and pre-professional curricula leading to associate, baccalaureate, master's and doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton, Harrisburg, Pa., and Wilmington, Del., serve some 6,500 students. Visit the university website, www.widener.edu.