Media Release

For Immediate Release

January 29, 2008

Today's Problems. Tomorrow's Chemistry: SMU hosts ChemCon '08

This spring, almost 200 chemists from across Atlantic Canada will converge on the Saint Mary's campus to discuss and debate chemistry related issues.

From May 8 to 11, Saint Mary's will host the 33rd APICS (Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences) CIC Student Chemistry Conference.

"Everyone is gearing up for the big conference," says Amy Holland, Chairperson of ChemCon '08.

"The theme of this year's conference is 'Today's Problems. Tomorrow's Chemistry,' which stems from the idea that chemists have and will continue to influence society and that the challenges of today can provide inspiration for the future," adds the chemistry major at Saint Mary's.

Dr. Philip Jessop, Queen's University, and Dr. Warren Piers, University of Calgary, are the keynote speakers. Both are widely acclaimed chemists.

"The conference gives the opportunity for students from across the Atlantic provinces to share their research, through oral and poster presentations, while learning a great deal from other students and professional participants," says Holland.

The organizing committee has been busy getting ready for the four day event. Committee members include Marissa Bender, Lindsay Cameron, Darrell Dean, Katie Nizio, Courtney Schaller, and Carrie-Lee Trider.

The Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, the Canadian Salt Company Limited, the CEM Corporation, Sepracor Canada, and GE Canada are sponsoring the event. Sponsors from Saint Mary's include the Chemistry Department, the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, the Vice President Academic and Research and the President's Office.

For more information on the conference, please visit http://smu.ca/~chemcon08

Saint Mary's is home to a unique and innovative Chemistry Department that attracts students from around the world. Majors and Honors programs in chemistry at Saint Mary's are accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry. The broad range of chemistry courses at the University prepares students to succeed in their chosen disciplines including Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Psychology, and Forensic Sciences.

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For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca