Adaugo's 3-Semester Review

In my Organic Chemistry II lab, we had to perform a special experiment, where we had to synthesize something that related to the class. My group and I chose to synthesize aspirin for our experiment. And, to prepare for the lab, we had to come up with a research question. We also had to find a procedure, possibly tweak it, and then write an entire lab report on it. So, we decided to synthesize aspirin two different ways – once with a strong acid, and once with a weak acid. And, as expected, the stronger acid produced aspirin. The weaker acid produced some form of aspirin, with many impurities and solvents left over. Regardless of the results, though, it was very important to conduct this experiment. In a research sense, it opens up new doors as to any possible ways a drug can be synthesized – and in this case, a weaker acid cannot be used. That being said, I feel that the hypothetico-deductive method was used throughout this entire experiment, even up to the point where we had to write our lab report. Not only did the SGC colloquium help me with experiments, but so did my other lab courses like BSCI171 and CHEM177. We had to write lab reports or fill out supporting information every week, and it got me familiar with that type of writing. To continue, when looking back at my SGC experience, I would say that the scientific method, fallacies, and “mad scientists” really enhanced my learning. I had always been interested in the environmental side of science, but ultimately, it didn’t have much to do with my major, especially as a chemistry major. So, when we started talking about the scientific method, and more general aspects of science, it helped me to feel connected with my major, and I felt like I could apply this to any branch of science I would pursue. For example, when talking about the fallacies, it made to reflect on not only what people say, but how they say it. I consider this to be very important because the way someone says something affects their original message. Lastly, with the “mad scientists” unit, I feel like I became more interested in the scientists who laid the foundations of science. I’m sure that, at first, they were looked at as crazy. They were also shunned and turned away from their communities, all because they believed in what they had researched. Next, living in a community with other scholars aided in my learning because I felt like I was always able to talk to people in similar fields, classes, etcetera. And the fact that in our first year, we were all just a few floors away helped. It formed a very unique sense of community, which I’m not sure I’ll ever get again in my college career. For example, one of the SGC scholars and I were in the same general chemistry lab, so I would ask him for help on the labs sometimes. It would be very easy for us to meet up, especially since we lived two floors apart. We just had to pick a central meeting point, which usually ended up being in the Centreville lobby. Also, in a non-academic sense, it was nice being around so many other Scholars; I got to meet new people every day, and they would just be a building or two away. As for how I contributed to Scholars, I like to think I helped a lot! I was a part of SAB for as long as I could be (freshman year) and was able to represent my fellow SGC members. I also was able to push mental health check-ins in a colloquium of the Spring 2023 semester and ask my classmates for any event ideas or feedback they had, and I think that helped to form a sense of community. Lastly, we did a colloquium bonding event once in the spring semester, where we were all able to meet new people, which I think was pretty fun and welcoming. Otherwise, I was a good team member, and always encouraged everyone to talk to and introduce themselves. It just seemed weird to me to just talk to someone without knowing their name, so I tried to make everyone introduce themselves before we started a new activity! To continue, I don’t think Scholars really challenged any previously held beliefs, etcetera, but it got me thinking about them. In all, it just made me double-check and make sure that my beliefs were rooted in good, and had a stable foundation. For example, I didn’t realize the extent to which each type of agency in the U.S. handles money when it comes to climate change or environmental policy. I know that lesson had me Googling different companies’ stances on environmental issues, and seeing which ones had the biggest impact (or no impact at all). Lastly, I think Scholars’ way of thinking will help me in the future, regardless of my end goal. This class helped me to think outside of the box every day, and explore a different side of science I had never thought of before. But, I am always thankful for every experience I have, and that of course includes SGC. I wouldn’t trade any of the information I gained here for a thing.

Last modified: 11 December 2023