August 19, 2012 -- Why the Science of Matter Matters: Chemistry, Art, and You -- Guest: Mike Haaf

Science Cabaret on Air

What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when I say the words “organic chemistry”? I bet it’s not art! It’s probably something like “premed” or “long nights of studying,” but art is definitely not the first thing you think of in relation to organic chemistry. But they do indeed have some things in common. Like a chef needs to understand his ingredients, artists need to understand their materials – and that’s where chemistry comes into play. Mike Haaf, professor of chemistry at Ithaca College and co-instructor of a popular course called Chemistry and Art, joins host Jenny Nelson to talk about how he makes chemistry interesting and fun.