Anne McNeil, the Carol A. Fierke Collegiate Professor of Chemistry
and Macromolecular Science and Engineering at the University of
Michigan, will give the Ott lecture and chemistry seminar.
Photo Credit:
courtesy photo
This year's Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry will feature an
award-winning scientist whose work focuses on recyclable materials,
microplastics and sustainability.
The community lecture, "Microplastics are Here, There and
Everywhere," will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 14, in the
Grand River Room at the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus. It is
preceded by a 5 p.m. reception.
This lecture will focus on the use of microplastics in industrial and
consumer products as well as research on methods for the chemical
recycling of plastic waste and capturing microplastics, said Andrew
Lantz, associate professor of chemistry and an event organizer.
Organizers note that microplastics have been found in remote places,
such as the deepest parts of the ocean, as well as in local food, air
and drinking water, making essential a goal to find methods that
prevent their release into the environment.
The chemistry seminar, "Synthetic Approaches to Sustainable
Materials," is set for Friday, April 15, at 1 p.m. in the Kirkhof
Center's Pere Marquette Room.
Lantz said organizers encourage both the Grand Valley community and
the public to take the opportunity to hear from McNeil at these events.
"Her work on recyclable materials, microplastics and
sustainability connects directly to everyone’s lives and will have a
significant impact on research to reduce plastic pollution in our
environment," Lantz said.
The Arnold C. Ott Lectureship in Chemistry was created and endowed by
a generous gift from Dr. Arnold C. Ott and Marion Ott. Dr. Ott
received his Ph.D. in 1943 from Michigan State University in
chemistry/physics/bacteriology and was a leading chemist and
entrepreneur in West Michigan. He is one of the co-founders of Grand
Valley State University and served on the GVSU Board of Trustees for
28 years.
Opportunities to participate in Juneteenth, Pride Month and the Black Boys and Men Symposium strengthen our commitment to an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere through our active efforts to create a sense of belonging.