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From walking the Golden Gate Bridge to speaking in front of the science community, Bloomsburg University chemistry majors Blake Durante and Olivia Fry had an experience of a lifetime in San Francisco this spring.

They were among more than 8,000 research presentations at the 253rd American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition on Advanced Materials, Technologies, and Systems and Processes that also featured more than 300 exhibitors.

Durante, a senior chemistry major with a minor in mathematics, and Fry, a senior chemistry major with an ACS certification, received approval through the American Chemical Society to present at the conference.

Fry presented “Continuing catalytic studies for the production of cyclic organic molecules using [(C6F5)​C5H4]​Co(CO)​2 as a catalyst.” She studied the use of an organocobalt complex as the catalyst for production of substituted arom. compounds could ultimately find a use in the preparation of pharmaceuticals.

Durante presented, “Determination of Different Properties of Lanthanum Chlorides in Aqueous Solutions.” He had been working on the research for two semesters and presenting it was a requirement of the courses.

“This gave me experience presenting my research,” Durante said. “It also allowed me to network with companies that were there as well as possible graduate schools.”

The trip wasn’t all work and no play. Durante and Fry had time to play tourist and explore San Francisco on their last day. This included getting a tour of the San Francisco Giants stadium AT&T Park and the Alcatraz Prison, visiting Chinatown and the famed Full House house, and finally seeing all the sea lions sunbathing on the famous San Francisco piers.

The American Chemical Society strives to advance science, advocate for chemistry, enable career development, educate the public, support future chemists, and promote diversity. The meetings provide opportunity for many students aspiring in fields of science to pursue a future among other dedicated individuals.