Explore the Wonders of Science with ‘Kate the Chemist’ Oct. 27 at COD

Professor, science entertainer and “The Big Book of Experiments” author Dr. Kate Biberdorf presents an evening of explosive science at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at the College of DuPage Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.

Presented as part of COD’s STEM week, Biberdorf’s presentation takes place in Belushi Performance Hall at COD’s McAninch Arts Center. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Often referred to as the next Bill Nye, Biberdorf has appeared on “The Today Show,” “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” among many others.

Biberdorf’s propensity for the bombastic is not only motivated by a love of blowing things up, but by the belief that experiencing these chemical reactions in-person awakens the senses, creating a strong, memorable link between the excitement of the demonstration and the chemical principles at work. Even if audience members don’t choose a career in the sciences, Biberdorf wants to inspire everyone to appreciate the science that surrounds us every single day.

Along with teaching chemistry at University of Texas-Austin, Biberdorf has made it her mission to inspire a love of science for anyone who may find it intimidating, particularly young girls. Biberdorf labels herself a “STEMinist” and is working to build an army of women and girls in the sciences who support each other and dissolve harmful misconceptions of women who work in STEM.

Learn more about Kate the Chemist at College of DuPage.

For more information, call STEM Outreach Coordinator Sara Spaniol at (630) 942-3021 or email mccubbinss@cod.edu.

COD’s STEM programs offer an academic foundation for careers in STEM, as well as hands-on training to succeed in pursuing an advanced degree or career. Students learn in interactive STEM classrooms and high-quality lab spaces, including a state-of-the-art cadaver lab. Natural environmental areas on campus contain more than 40 acres of prairie and greenhouse facilities.

College of DuPage is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving more than 22,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The College grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in over 50 areas of study.