Musical science: Integrating undergraduate education into a Discovery Corps project

CHED 1649

Catherine M. Oertel, catherine.oertel@oberlin.edu, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St., Oberlin, OH 44074
"Musical Science" is a Discovery Corps project that combines research on corrosion and conservation of historic organ pipe materials with outreach activities that communicate the interdisciplinary nature of this work with K-12 students and the public. The adaptation of this project from a postdoctoral experience at a major research university to an undergraduate-centered project at a liberal arts college will be discussed. The research program within "Musical Science," which includes x-ray diffraction and electron microscope analyses of historic and modern metal samples, involves students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry, music performance, and art history. Outreach visits to middle school science classrooms have involved students as early as their first year of college. The combination of research and service fostered by the Discovery Corps program is well-suited to the dual goals of giving students hands-on experience with current techniques of chemical research and encouraging exploration of broad interests and career options.