Homeland

Security At WCSU

DANBURY — Dr David Schiering, a senior scientist and director of product management at Smiths Detection in Danbury, will discuss the chemistry involved in keeping America safe at 3 pm on Friday, November 4, in room 114 of Higgins Hall at WestConn’s midtown campus, 181 White Street.

The American Chemical Society Student Affiliates Organization of WestConn is sponsoring the event, which is free and open to the public. A 4 pm reception will follow.

Dr Schiering will discuss, “Field-Based Infrared Spectrometry and Homeland Security.” According to Dr Schiering, every molecule has a “fingerprint” that can be observed by looking at its unique infrared absorption spectrum through a device called an IR spectrometer. By examining a sample of an unknown material to uncover its “fingerprint” and then comparing it to a sizable database of known “fingerprints,” even nonchemists in the field can identify the substance with reasonable certainty.

For more information on the event, contact Dr Paula Secondo, chair of the WestConn chemistry department, at 837-8440, or the WestConn office of public relations at 837-8486.