Welcome to the Pratt Lab blog! Dr. Kerri Pratt is an assistant professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Sciences and faculty associate of the Program in the Environment at the University of Michigan. We study the chemical interactions of atmospheric trace gases, particles, clouds, and snow, with a focus on the Polar Regions and wintertime environments. Our interdisciplinary research has relevance to climate change, air quality, and human health. As an analytical chemistry lab, we primarily apply novel mass spectrometry techniques to our field research. We invite you to follow our adventures in (and outside!) the lab!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Pratt Lab Participates in FEMMES Capstone Outreach Event

On Saturday, November 12th, members of the Pratt Lab volunteered for the capstone outreach event organized by FEMMES (Females Excelling More in Math, Engineering, and the Sciences), which invites middle school girls to the University of Michigan for a day of fun activities related to math, science, and engineering. The goal of this event is to engage girls from underrepresented groups in participating in STEM fields through hands-on demos and interactive presentations linked to actual research by a variety of groups on campus.
Pratt Lab Volunteers - L to R: Siyuan, Matt, Ryan, Stephen, and Katie (not pictured- Peter)
Our group hosted a series of fun- and somewhat messy- activities focused on climate change with links to atmospheric chemistry. Of course, it can sometimes be challenging to make our research relatable to a bunch of twelve-year-olds, so creativity and simplicity is key! We discussed ocean acidification through pop and lime, and greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide using acetic acid (vinegar), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and latex reaction vessels (balloons)! Overall, everyone had a great time and is looking forward to the next event in the spring!
Ryan making clouds under the watchful eye of Rachel

Peter enthusiastically awaits the next group of students for demos!
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