UOP “Discovers” Youngest Local Scientist at the “You Be the Chemist Challenge”

Two finalists duel for 30 minutes before champ nabs the title

It was an exciting evening for all, but especially for the two finalists whittled down from 16 of the sharpest middle-school science wizards in the Des Plaines area on Friday, February 3, at the Des Plaines Prairie Lakes Theater. The “You Be the Chemist Challenge” is an annual event sponsored by UOP of Des Plaines and organized nationally by the Chemical Education Foundation to challenge youngsters’ scientific knowledge in the spirit of competition.

Dan Clausen, an alternate contestant from Des Plaines, beat out Sam Kelly of Mt. Prospect by correctly answering that Berkelium is the only one of five elements listed that was not named for a scientist. The other elements were Bohrium, Curium, Lawrencium and Fermium. The two dogged it out in a 30-minute final round tearing through 30 questions before Dan finally came out triumphant.

The event opened with remarks by Ford Sakata of UOP’s Corporate Safety Group followed by Al Arneson, UOP’s vice president of Health, Safety and Environment. UOP’s Stan Frey of the Process Technology & Equipment, Aromatics, Derivatives and Polymers area, moderated the competition.

Members of UOP’s technical and safety community were also on hand to demonstrate safety practices and equipment and host a casual dinner of sub sandwiches and chips for all attendees prior to the competition.

Other participants included students from Algonquin Middle School, Chippewa Middle School, Friendship Junior High, Gemini Junior High, Grove Junior High, Iroquois Community School, and Lincoln Junior High.

“Dan and Sam did a fantastic job and really flexed their science muscle,” said a beaming Stan Frey. “We’re proud of all the students who participated this year and look forward to another exciting event next year.”

This is the second annual “You Be the Chemist Challenge” event for UOP in conjunction with the CEF. Plans for expanding the event and opening it to other schools in the area are under discussion for future competitions.