Beyond Benign, a chemistry education organization, bestowed the certification upon the university for its commitment to green practices and initiatives.
Ohio Northern University’s Donald J. Bettinger Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry has become a Green Chemistry Commitment Signing Institution. This designation comes from Beyond Benign, a chemistry education organization that provides sustainability-focused course content for kindergarten through university science courses. Ohio Northern University is one of 224 colleges and universities around the world that have joined the “green chemistry” movement.
According to an article on Ohio Northern University’s website, Dr. Jake Zimmerman, who is a professor of chemistry and department chair, and Kristin Daws, the director of labs, worked together to achieve the designation from Beyond Benign. Now that the university and the Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry have earned the recognition, faculty members are now able to access additional opportunities, like pursuing grants. Dr. Zimmerman said, “There are a lot of funding opportunities that many of our faculty will be able to be a part of now.”
The green chemistry movement signifies an institution’s commitment to minimizing waste, using chemicals that are safer for the environment, and helping encourage students to prepare for careers that will focus on sustainability and ecological responsibility. Many green initiatives are already underway at Ohio Northern University, with the Green Chemistry Commitment Signing Institution designation inspiring more.
Students in the Chemistry for Engineering course are learning how to remove heavy metals from water samples and are learning to use waste to recycle aluminum. A second-year organic chemistry polystyrene recycling lab gives students the opportunity to learn how to use green solvents as a substitute for more harmful and less environmentally friendly options.
Faculty members are partaking in green research, as well. Dr. Zimmerman is looking into ways to detect PFAS, or forever chemicals, more quickly and affordably. Assistant Professor Kelly Hall, Ph.D., is conducting research about microplastics in water. Professor Christopher Spiese, Ph.D., is analyzing the presence of a main component of the weedkiller Roundup in water and soil in Ohio.
The impact of the university being named a Green Chemistry Commitment Signing Institution will be felt by students outside of the chemistry-related majors, as well. Students in engineering, philosophy, pre-med, business, pharmacy, and nursing will have more opportunities to look into sustainability and environmental responsibility as it relates to their chosen career paths.
For more information about Ohio Northern University, visit the school’s website.