Professors of Chemistry Rose Clark and Ed Zovinka and SFU Chemistry students Owen Bartlebaugh, Sarah Evans, Mason Hogue, Alice Hoover and Alexandra Ochs attended and worked at the Pittcon Conference in San Diego, California, during the week of Feb. 24-28.
Pittcon is the largest international Analytical Chemistry Conference in the U.S. and the location of the conference changes annually. More than 6,000 people attended last month’s event, which marked the 75th anniversary of the conference.
Pittcon serves as a platform for presenting the latest advances in analytical research and scientific instrumentation, while also offering opportunities for continuing education. Ninety percent of the profits from Pittcon support the advancement of scientific endeavors in local communities.
Clark and Zovinka have traveled with SFU students to Pittcon since 1998.
“Pittcon gives our students the opportunity to be part of an international conference and to see all of the different opportunities for chemists,” said Clark. “It’s great for our students to see the breadth of the analytical chemistry field.”
SFU’s involvement at the conference benefits Pittcon and the students who participate in the event. The money the conference generates also helps fund chemistry departments across the country, including the SFU Chemistry Department and its initiatives.
“Our ROCK Chemistry Program is funded by Pittcon,” said Zovinka. “The conference has a direct, positive impact on both SFU students and our local community.”
Clark and Zovinka are both actively involved in leading Pittcon.
Clark served as this year’s Pittcon Exposition Chair, collaborating with the conference’s staff to organize 450 companies on the exposition floor. She also helped organize interactive science activities known as “Expo Parks.”
Zovinka worked as a floor manager, enforcing rules during the exposition set-up, while also leading marketing efforts and promoting Pittcon 2025.
Clark and Zovinka also presided over symposium presentations.
SFU students both worked and participated in the conference. Each day, students spent four hours assisting with registration, programming speakers and answering questions. On the third day of the conference, students presented their research at a poster session.
When SFU students and faculty weren’t busy with work, attending lectures, networking or speaking with company representatives, they participated in “Expo Parks.”
Zovargo, a San Diego-based animal conservation program, showcased hawks, rabbits, beetles and lizards at the exposition. The Expo Parks also featured instrument demonstrations where companies shared information on new equipment in the field.
SFU’s Earth-to Moon-Exhibit, a collaboration between SFU Physics faculty, students and NASA, also made the trip to San Diego last month and was showcased during Expo Park activities.
Pittcon 2025 will be held in Boston next March
