PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University chemistry faculty member Brian
Weissbart plans to present another look at the study of chemistry as he gives the Honors
Student Advisory Council Invited Lecture Oct. 25.
Weissbart’s public talk, “Making Chemistry Fun: Candy, Spooky Things and Bumps in the
Night,” is set for 6 p.m. in WSU’s Fulmer Hall, Room 226.
The lecture will include many chemical demonstrations that are commonly used in general
chemistry classes — complete with explosions of color and sound.
Weissbart teaches general and honors chemistry, and is well known among Honors College
students for his ability to lecture clearly and make chemistry not only enjoyable, but also
understandable. He earned his doctorate in physical chemistry from the University of California,
Davis, and his bachelor’s degree from UC, Riverside. He joined the WSU faculty in 1994.
The invited lecturer has been successful in changing the student opinion of chemistry. “To
be honest, I strongly disliked chemistry at the beginning of the year,” said one student. “But,
due to the enthusiasm of Dr. Weissbart, I stayed in the class and am considering changing my
major. Professors really do make a difference!”
The HSAC Invited Address has been an annual event in the Honors College for more than
20 years. Honors students choose faculty based on their enthusiasm for teaching and their
involvement in a research topic that has appeal to the university and the greater community.
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