One of the courses was called, “It’s a Good Hair Day (Thanks to Chemistry).” The creation of hair care products requires a sound knowledge of that particular science, said Ellen Yezierski, a chemistry professor at Miami.
“This whole development of a product from a beaker on a lab bench to a bottle in thousands of stores across the country — personal care chemists are the people who do that innovation and that development. You’ve got to make sure stuff doesn’t spoil, you’ve got to make sure stuff doesn’t grow bacteria,” Yezierski told the students .
Students took hair samples and taped them to Popsicle sticks, then dipped those into solutions with different pH balances to see how the hair would react to acids and bases, such as whether it would fray or not.
“It’s been really cool,” said Laurel Riley, a junior at Hamilton High School, as she was waiting for her results. “It’s hard to start thinking about college, but it’s nice to know that you’re getting encouraged to do all sorts of stuff.”
Elise Hill, a 10th-grader at Hamilton High, said of the Miami students and teachers, “They’ve been really helpful, and they want to help you succeed.”
Amber Maloney and Madison Jamison, both juniors at Middletown High School, found out the solution they used was acidic, which may not be the best fit for a hair product.
“I really enjoyed the opportunity. I think it’s a good idea to take a look at Miami and the things they offer here,” said Maloney.
“It’s definitely opening my eyes as to what options I have,” said Jamison.
Miami offered the activities not only to show what the university offers, but to give more females opportunities in STEM work. According to a 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report, women are underrepresented in engineering and computer science — occupations that make up more than 80 percent of STEM employment. In addition, only 26 percent of STEM workers are women, even though they make up 48 percent of the overall workforce.
Lynette Hudiburgh, a lecturer in Miami’s department of statistics and coordinator of CIQS Day, said she planned to make the event an annual one, and plans for the 2016 event are in the works.
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