Kirpa Batth, biochem major, is currently researching a rare local flower with Aimee Wyrick, chair of the biology department. Research as an undergraduate student isn’t available at most schools, which offers Kirpa an advantage over her peers. Talk to your professors about how you can participate in research.

Student-created and student-led, SPARK (Science Presentations And Research for Kids) takes science into local schools for demos and inspiration. Email chemistry@puc.edu to find out how you can get involved.

The chemistry department’s state-of-the art microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometer (MPAES) can measure the amount of over 60 elements in many types of samples, and is sensitive enough to detect one part in a billion. And unlike most schools, you can use this machine in labs yourself--no waiting around for a TA to do it. Talk to your professors to find out which courses use the MPAES.