Center for Chemistry of the Universe

Education and Public Outreach

Undergraduate and Graduate Education
We plan to capitalize on the general public interest in astronomy and space science to deliver a course that presents the “chemistry of the universe” to a general university audience.

At the graduate level, the Center structure and its partnership with NRAO will provide unique collaborative training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral research associates.

Public Outreach
The Center offers a unique and exciting opportunity to engage the interest of school children and the general public in scientific research.

Astronomical observations that reveal the molecular composition of space generate much interest in the broader scientific community and the general public.

In 2000 the first sugar, glycoaldehyde, was detected in space.Its detection was reported in the New York Times on July 18, 200093 and in Science News. Following additional observations of this sugar in space, this work was named one of the top 100 science stories of 2004 by Discover Magazine.

Recently, Ziurys, a CCU participant, has worked with the NPR public radio show “Pulse of the Planet” to produce a Science Diaries program series on chemistry in space which began airing on May 12, 2008 (http://www.pulseplanet.com).

CCU Home CCU Scientists Research Education & Public Outreach Contact/Location	Education and Public Outreach Undergraduate and Graduate Education We plan to capitalize on the general public interest in astronomy and space science to deliver a course that presents the “chemistry of the universe” to a general university audience. At the graduate level, the Center structure and its partnership with NRAO will provide unique collaborative training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral research associates. Public Outreach The Center offers a unique and exciting opportunity to engage the interest of school children and the general public in scientific research. Astronomical observations that reveal the molecular composition of space generate much interest in the broader scientific community and the general public. In 2000 the first sugar, glycoaldehyde, was detected in space.Its detection was reported in the New York Times on July 18, 200093 and in Science News. Following additional observations of this sugar in space, this work was named one of the top 100 science stories of 2004 by Discover Magazine. Recently, Ziurys, a CCU participant, has worked with the NPR public radio show “Pulse of the Planet” to produce a Science Diaries program series on chemistry in space which began airing on May 12, 2008 (http://www.pulseplanet.com).	Featured Events
		Jan. 20-21, 2009: CCU Planning Workshop Jan. 22, 2009: Research Presentation by Dr. David Neufeld of Johns Hopkins University
		News & Announcements
		Dec. 9, 2008: Detection of sugar molecule in space as reported by CCU participants. Article in Discovery News. Dec 8, 2008: Article in C&E News about NSF funding for the CCU. Oct. 14, 2008: Announcement of establishment of CCU in Chemistry Times. Oct. 8, 2008: NRAO Press Release. Chemie.De Information Service announcement of CCU
		Past Events
		Nov. 3, 2008 - Presentation by Dr. Anthony Remijan of NRAO-Charlottesville: "NSF Center for Chemistry of the Universe and the Future of Astrochemistry at UVa & NRAO" Oct. 28, 2008 - Presentation by Dr. Brooks Pate of UVA Chemistry Dept.: "NSF Centers for Chemical Innovation: Chemistry of the Universe"
		Affiliated Institutions
			University of Arizona
			The Ohio State University
			The Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
			National Institute of Standards and Technology
			National Radio Astronomy Observatory
			University of Virginia

	The Center for Chemistry of the Universe is supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.	Dr. Brooks H. Pate CCU Director Department of Chemistry University of Virginia McCormick Road P.O. Box 400319 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4319 (434) 924-7219 ccu.uva@gmail.com