05.06.15
Athilesh Thanigai, an eighth-grade student from Edlin School in Reston, Virginia, competed against 19 other fifth to eighth grade students to win the Virginia state You Be The Chemist Challenge. He will represent Virginia at the 11th annual National You Be The Chemist Challenge in Philadelphia on June 22.
Developed by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), the Challenge is a question and answer competition that allows students to test their knowledge of chemistry concepts and real-world applications as the students compete to represent their state on a national level.
BASF Corporation is a sponsor of the National Challenge and also sponsored the Virginia state competition, which was held at the company’s facilities in Suffolk.
“As the world’s largest chemical company, BASF understands the importance of engaging students in science education at an early age,” said Patrick Hochstrasser, Director of BASF’s site in Suffolk. “Our strength as a company lies in our ability to find innovative solutions to meet the needs of the future. It is essential that we support and develop the best scientific and technical talents.”
“Chemistry is an important part of our everyday lives and our children are truly excited to experience chemistry in an interactive and fun way,” said Beverly Nedab, Human Resources Manager for BASF’s Suffolk site and organizer of the Virginia State Challenge. “We enjoy sponsoring an activity that enhances the learning experience for students who we hope will pursue careers in the sciences.”
At the national competition on June 22, the top four finalists will receive scholarships totaling $18,500.
“Competing in the Challenge can spark a lifelong interest in chemistry and other scientific fields, even before a student reaches high school,” said CEF Executive Director John Rice. “The competition shows students the immediate relevance of the science concepts they are studying. Challenge participants learn about the role of chemistry in the human body, in energy production, in creating new types of recyclable materials, and a variety of other applications – which is a wonderful introduction to the vast array of scientific careers available to them in the future.”
Developed by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), the Challenge is a question and answer competition that allows students to test their knowledge of chemistry concepts and real-world applications as the students compete to represent their state on a national level.
BASF Corporation is a sponsor of the National Challenge and also sponsored the Virginia state competition, which was held at the company’s facilities in Suffolk.
“As the world’s largest chemical company, BASF understands the importance of engaging students in science education at an early age,” said Patrick Hochstrasser, Director of BASF’s site in Suffolk. “Our strength as a company lies in our ability to find innovative solutions to meet the needs of the future. It is essential that we support and develop the best scientific and technical talents.”
“Chemistry is an important part of our everyday lives and our children are truly excited to experience chemistry in an interactive and fun way,” said Beverly Nedab, Human Resources Manager for BASF’s Suffolk site and organizer of the Virginia State Challenge. “We enjoy sponsoring an activity that enhances the learning experience for students who we hope will pursue careers in the sciences.”
At the national competition on June 22, the top four finalists will receive scholarships totaling $18,500.
“Competing in the Challenge can spark a lifelong interest in chemistry and other scientific fields, even before a student reaches high school,” said CEF Executive Director John Rice. “The competition shows students the immediate relevance of the science concepts they are studying. Challenge participants learn about the role of chemistry in the human body, in energy production, in creating new types of recyclable materials, and a variety of other applications – which is a wonderful introduction to the vast array of scientific careers available to them in the future.”