From Bethel to Boston: Chemistry students reflect on Pittcon experience
Students share reflections on their recent trip to Boston, where they attended the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (Pittcon).
Every year the Bethel Chemistry Department offers students a chance to attend the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, also known as Pittcon, located in Boston. Pittcon is an annual conference on laboratory science and is a platform for presenting the latest advances in analytical research and scientific instrumentation.
This year, there were several students who went, including Taryn Paulino, a sophomore from Bennington, Emma Killingsworth, a junior from Georgetown, Tx., Caleb Garber, a junior from Newton, and Shayla Dao, a senior from Salina.
For many of the students, the decision to attend Pittcon was driven by curiosity and a desire to connect with others who share their passion for science. Also, for Killingsworth, positive reviews from past attendees fueled her eagerness to experience the conference firsthand. “I wanted to go to Pittcon because I had heard really good things about it from other students who had gone before,” explained Killingsworth. “I thought the idea of going to a convention full of people who are interested in the same stuff I am was exciting.”
Paulino shared that she was drawn to the experience not only because of the people attending but also because of the opportunity to travel. “I was super enticed by the fact that it was in Boston,” said Paulino. “I had never been that far east before, and for the price of the trip it seemed totally worth it.” Dao and Garber echoed similar motivations for attending.
Beyond the conference itself, students found themselves captivated by the beauty of Boston. Garber reflected on a particularly memorable moment from the trip, “My favorite part of the trip was going down to the waterfront during the night and seeing the skyline all lit up against the Atlantic Ocean,” shared Garber.
Paulino also took advantage of the opportunity to explore. “I got to take a spontaneous multi-hour trip just to see a lighthouse in Salem, and the very next day I got the chance to see the Cathedral of the Holy Cross,” shared Paulino. “It was an amazing experience, and I felt very blessed to share that experience with others on the trip.”
While sightseeing was a highlight, the conference itself left a lasting impression. Dao emphasized how the experience helped her refine professional skills like active listening and networking in a fast-paced environment.
Killingsworth found the exhibit hall particularly eye-opening, noting the diverse range of instruments used in chemistry that were showcased. “Walking around the exhibit hall was so eye-opening,” she said. “Just seeing the variety of instruments was super cool.”
When asked about their biggest takeaways, students spoke about how the experience expanded their understanding of science. “The science world is crazy,” Garber said. “You get an idea of it sitting at Bethel in class, but to go out and experience it is on a whole new level.”
“The science world is crazy,” Garber said. “You get an idea of it sitting at Bethel in class, but to go out and experience it is on a whole new level.”
Caleb Garber
Dao and Killingsworth were especially struck by the variety of research, including unexpected applications of chemistry. Killingsworth recalled a company specializing in odors, where she was given a scent sample to identify. “I had pulled a lemon scent but thought it was mint,” she said. “It was fascinating to see how different chemical compounds are used to create scents for products like candles and cleaning supplies.”
All of the students agreed that Pittcon was an invaluable experience, particularly for those pursuing careers in science. “I would one hundred percent recommend the trip to someone else,” Dao said. Garber echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of lectures, poster sessions, and the expo.
Beyond academics, the trip also provided insight into scientific communities outside of Bethel. “Being in a completely different side of the country, with completely different people, helps broaden your horizon and gives you a deeper understanding of just how diverse our nation really is,” Garber reflected.