The Alchemy of Innovation
Unpacking the 73rd Northwest Regional Meeting
June 2018 | Richland, Washington
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Where Mountains Meet Molecules
Nestled within the dramatic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the 73rd Northwest Regional Meeting (NORM) transformed Richland, Washington, into an epicenter of scientific collaboration in June 2018. Hosted at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), this gathering wasn't just another conference—it was a dynamic fusion of energy research, environmental stewardship, and educational innovation 2 .
With over 500 chemists, students, and industry leaders, NORM 2018 exemplified how regional meetings tackle global challenges with localized ingenuity. For young scientists, it offered career pathways; for seasoned experts, a stage for breakthroughs; and for all, a reminder that chemistry's future is written in collaborative ink 3 .
Thematic Tracks: Bridging Disciplines
Under the banner "Energy, Environment & Education," NORM 2018 organized cutting-edge research into specialized tracks:
Environmental & Green Chemistry
Focused on mineral-organic interfaces and sustainable energy materials.
Chemistry Education
Honored legends Jane and Glenn Crosby while celebrating 50 years of ACS Project SEED, empowering underrepresented students 2 .
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Guided scientists from "idea to IPO," stressing market-driven research.
A Chemical Safety track redefined risk management, emphasizing that "safety is the first reagent in any experiment" 2 .
Spotlight Experiment: Decoding Electrochemistry with "EChem in a Box"
Why Electrochemistry?
As renewable energy surged, accessible training in electrochemical analysis became vital. This workshop democratized tools for monitoring reactions—from battery design to pollution sensors.
Methodology: Step-by-Step
- Setup: Participants used WaveNow potentiostats connected via USB to Windows laptops.
- Electrode Assembly: Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) served as customizable, low-cost sensors.
- Reaction Analysis: Drops of analyte (e.g., contaminated water) were added to SPEs. Voltage scans measured electron transfer.
- Data Visualization: Software converted currents into peak readings, identifying chemical species 2 .
Results & Analysis
Trials tested lead detection in water. Results proved SPEs rivaled traditional lab equipment in accuracy but at 1/10th the cost:
| Method | Detection Limit (ppb) | Cost per Test |
|---|---|---|
| SPE + Potentiostat | 5.0 | $1.20 |
| Lab Spectrometry | 0.5 | $15.00 |
This data underscored SPEs' potential for field-deployable environmental monitoring—especially in resource-limited communities 2 .
| Participant Level | Skill Gain (%) | Adoption in Curriculum (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 92 | 45 |
| Graduate | 88 | 67 |
| Faculty | 75 | 81 |
The Scientist's Toolkit
Critical reagents and tools from the electrochemistry workshop:
| Item | Function | Innovation Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Screen-Printed Electrodes (SPEs) | Customizable reaction surfaces | Low-cost, disposable, field-portable |
| WaveNow Potentiostat | Applies voltage & measures current | USB-powered; laptop-compatible |
| Ferrocene Dye | Redox mediator for signal amplification | Enhances sensitivity in complex samples |
| Ionic Liquid Electrolytes | Non-flammable, conductive solvents | Safer than volatile organic alternatives |
Innovative Tools
The workshop showcased how affordable, portable equipment can democratize scientific research.
Specialized Reagents
Novel chemical solutions enabled precise measurements in field conditions.
Beyond the Lab: Networking and Legacy
NORM transcended lectures:
Small Meetings, Giant Leaps
The 73rd NORM proved that regional meetings are crucibles for revolution. By turning electrochemistry into a laptop-based kit or safety protocols into entrepreneurial ventures, it showed that science moves fastest when barriers fall lowest.