Research on Tap discusses ‘Good Plastics: Why chemists have a bad name and what we’re doing about it’
At March's Research on Tap, join a UPEI chemist who will defend both the honour of his profession, and the much-maligned so-called enemy of the environment: plastic. The discussion starts at 7 p.m., March 9, in the bar at Mavor's in the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Dr. Michael Shaver is an assistant professor of chemistry with a focus on 'green' chemistry. His lab is developing biodegradable, plant-based polymers to replace conventional plastic.
'There are bad plastics out there,' argues Shaver. 'But the benefits of using plastic-the right plastics-can't be ignored.'
Shaver will also help dispel misconceptions people have about his chosen profession.
'Chemists take their name from ‘alchemy,' so we're partially to blame,' says Shaver. 'People consider chemistry to be a mysterious black art. But we're working to change that image.'
Research on Tap is a series of public discussions with UPEI's researchers in a comfortable environment. Every month of the winter we bring a UPEI researcher to a local pub-in this case, Mavor's-to discuss his or her area of expertise.
For more information, call (902) 620-5117, or e-mail datkinson@upei.ca.
Research on Tap is presented by UPEI's Office of Research Development.
