University Business - December 2007 - (Page 16)

BEHIND the NEWS C O U R S E C A TA L O G U Green with Chemistry PAUL ANASTAS REFERS TO HIM self as “the father of green chemistry,” having coined the term in 1991 while working at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Now director of Yale University’s Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, he is one proud papa. Opened in January 2007, the center reflects an increase in the number of higher ed institutions recognizing green chemistry. The discipline involves the idea that chemical processes and products can be designed without using toxins or generating hazardous materials. According to Anastas, it can be applied to electronic, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic developments, as well as sustainability practices such as growing food. The University of Oregon has been teaching green chemistry for years. Cambridge College (Mass.) currently offers an introductory class in green chemistry, and there are hopes to establish a bachelor’s and/ or master’s degree program. Carnegie Mellon University (Pa.) introduced green chemistry as a course in 1992. Its Institute for Green Oxidation Chemistry, established in 2000, grew out of a research group led by chemistry professor Terry Collins. Collins, the Institute’s director, seems hopeful that this science can help tackle problems resulting from global warming and the use of toxins. “Make no mistake about it,” he says. “We really have to deal with some serious issues.” Julian Dautremont-Smith, associate director of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, says the reasons for having green chemistry in higher ed are plenty, from student interest to professors wishing to put their academic field to good use. Also, green chemistry “can often be a significant money saver” over traditional chemistry, with materials that are easier and less costly to dispose. The American Chemical Society lists about a dozen IHEs that teach green chemistry. The roster includes Bridgewater State College (Mass.), The University of Scranton (Pa.), Gordon College (Mass.), Hendrix College (Ark.), and St. Olaf College (Minn.) —M.H. Students at work in a Carnegie Mellon Institute for Green Oxidation Chemistry lab. 16 | December 2007 universitybusiness.com http://www.adspacenetworks.com http://www.adspacenetworks.com http://universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of University Business - December 2007

University Business - December 2007 Contents College Index Company Index Advisory Board Editor's Note Behind the News Viewpoint Admissions On The Hill Marketing Future Stock Independent Outlook Technology Spending Survey '08 Conference Call A Working Education 30 Smart Business Ideas Educause in Emerald City What's New Calendar of Events End Note

University Business - December 2007

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