Faculty Publications

In the Mix: A Workshop Merging Computational Chemistry and Electrochemistry Alongside Data Science

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Broadening Participation, Collaborative Science, Computational Chemistry, Electrochemistry, Experiential Learning, Machine Learning, Redox Flow Batteries, Undergraduate and Graduate Education

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Chemical Education

Volume

101

Issue

11

First Page

5060

Last Page

5067

Abstract

As chemistry expands to more complex and interdisciplinary areas, a new generation of diverse researchers must engage with science and learn effective cross-disciplinary collaboration and communication. To these ends, we designed and implemented In the Mix, a graduate student-led, two-day workshop for undergraduate students promoting collaborative science in the context of energy storage innovations. The interactive workshop was designed for future and emerging researchers to gain hands-on experience with data science, computational chemistry, and electrochemistry techniques that are critical for developing materials for battery technologies. Participants also visited commercial renewable energy facilities to help them connect discovery-based research with industry and broader societal considerations. The workshop content and structure ensured that participants experienced the interrelatedness of the fields and understood the importance of collaborative research to yield scientific advances with real-world applications. An external team evaluated the workshop and participants’ perceptions of their experiences. While our research context was energy storage, the workshop goals and outcomes are applicable to other contexts. Interdisciplinary, experiential workshops are a key avenue to broadening participation in science and research, and the ideas presented here can be readily modified for other scientific contexts and/or incorporated as broader impact activities.

Department

Department of Psychology

Department

Center for Social and Behavioral Research

Original Publication Date

11-12-2024

DOI of published version

10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c00727

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