F. U. N with Science F.U.N With Science_1_FINAL_UPDATE v3 | Page 19

17
The Mini-
Verse
O
ur universe is a place
divided into space, time
and
matter.
Science
studies these variables
both within our physical
and meta-physical realm,
however, we sometimes
forget the ‘mini-verse’
that makes up our uni-
verse.
Atoms collide like micro-
scopic asteroids, drawn
to each other by seem-
ingly supernatural forces
that attract and repel
them. Molecules are born
through alliances of these
atoms and thus galaxies
of matter reveal them-
selves to our naked eye.
This universe beneath
the surface draws me to
the study of chemistry.
Digesting our world with
acids and analyzing our
existence under micro-
scope gives me plea-
sure; piecing together
combinations of cationic
and anionic entities like a
jigsaw puzzle keeps me
fascinated.
Growing up I was always
drawn to nature and
science: growing plants,
adopting pets, mixing
as many of my mother’s
household
chemicals
in the bathroom sink as
humanly possible just to
unwittingly watch poten-
tially toxic reactions. The
latter aside, my desire to
learn science grew and
it led me to study chem-
istry at the University of
the West Indies, Cave Hill
Campus. My studies at
the university propelled
my curiosity of the theo-
retical while affirming my
knowledge of what is cur-
rently ‘known’ to man.
Chemistry can be viewed
as a steroid-driven version
of Lego; some pieces fit
and others don’t. Analysis
of these pieces intrigues
me and is the driving
force behind my career
choice as a Chemist.
Imagine
being
an
organic chemist attempt-
ing to create a vital
component for some life
altering drug…get it right,
you potentially save lives.
Get it wrong… you’ve
just created the world’s
smallest and most recent
‘square peg in a round
hole.’ This is exciting!
Chemistry also has vital
application within en-
vironmental and food
safety areas. Analytical
chemistry techniques are
used for quality testing
of food, drugs and for
environmental
health
purposes to name a few.
Utilizing
cutting-edge
technology
such
as
atomic absorption spec-
troscopy, plasma atomic
emission
spectroscopy
(and the list goes on) we
are able to better police
the health and safety of
our people and the en-
vironment. To be even
a small part of the tech-
nological explosion that
chemistry and science as
a whole has forged within
the last several decades
is truly an honor for me.
To learn and understand
science is to understand
ourselves; our universe
doesn’t only expand out-
ward but inwards as well.
Whether it be the ele-
mental components of
some unknown asteroid
from the furthe