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Research on Tap discusses ‘Good Plastics: Why chemists have a bad name and what we’re doing about it’

| Alumni

At March's Research on Tap, join a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ 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 ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's researchers in a comfortable environment. Every month of the winter we bring a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ 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 ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's .

Contact

Dave Atkinson
Research Communications Officer

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