The Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy An Educational Experience Frank A. Settle, Jr. Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450
An exciting educational event occurs in early March each year a t the Pittsburgh Conference and Exposition on Analytical Chemistrv . . (PIT,and Aoolied Soeetroacouv CON). Since its modcat hepinninps in 19S0 as a local trade show in Pittsburgh. PITCON has grown in national and internstiunal rignifirsnce to bwome one of the larger rcientifrc meetings in the world. In I990 the Conference attracted more than R0,UOII srientists, students, industry representatives, and publishers. Education and communication have remsmed the principal ohjertivea of the Cunference. 'l'here are many upponunitiea for studenla and teach~rs to inrreaae their knowledge of all areas of analytical chemistry and co see how chemistry is applied in many awasofsociety. Oneday ofthecunferenrr is alwamdesienated as Fducnrion Day. and students from-local area school syste& are encouraged to attend free of charge. However, the normal conference registration fee for students is only $10. The most dynamic educational event is the exposition of instrumentation and laboratory equipment, with approximately 902 companies exhibiting their current products. Participants have the opportunity to observe demonstrations of the latest instrumentation and to discuss appllcationr with knowledgeable salespersons. In addition to analytical instrumentation, exhibits include laboratory equipment, computer hardware and software, information services, and professional societies. Materials provided by the exhibitors are often valuable sources of educational information. I t is a good idea to use the eomouter service offered bv the confrrenre to organize a tour of the expoaltam A random walk through theenormous exhibition, while tnuresring. can also be r o n f u ing and frustrating. Many vendors supplement their displays on the flwr of the exhibition hall with private roams where the latest innovations and applications can be presented in more detail. These presentations may take many forms: lectures, video or computer demonstrations, or the actual operation of the instrumentation. Vendors generally view students as future customers snd therefore are willing to discuss their products. The locations and times for specific presentations can be obtained from the vendors' booths on the main floor of the exhibition. The conference program contains a schedule of papers, poster sessions, and symposia Submitted Dapers are organized (Continued on page A38) ~~~~~~
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A group of students learn about the high-tech aspects of their future careers at the 1990 PITCON.
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In~trurnentatIon into sessions that address specific areas of analytical chemistry as well as related fields such as forensic chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial hygiene. Symposia address topics of current interest and consist of lectures by recognized authorities who have been invited hy the conference organizers. This year's topics include food analysis, capillary electrophoresis, science education, biomedical applications of NMR imaging, new dimensions in c h i d separations of drugs, the spectroscopy of superconductors, and the Hubble space telescope. Symposia that recognize distinguished scientists provide students and teachers the opportunity to see and hear the stars of analytical chemistry. For example, the 1991 Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Award for outstanding contribution t o education in analytical chemistry will go to James Winefordner of the University of Florida. Poster sessions provide an excellent opportunity for informal discussions with persons active in analytical research. Since well over 1500 papers and posters are presented in concurrent sessions during the four and one-half day conference, it is wise to plan ahead in order to schedule the presentations of interest. A numher of short courses are offered before a n d after t h e conference. These courses, which typically last one or two days, address areas of current interest to oradicing analytical chemists and are presenrrd nt introductmy, intermediate, and advnnced levels. Cuurse topics range from terhniral writing and statistics to sample preparation and overviews of specific instrumental teehniques. PITCON and the American Chemical Society sponsor these courses, and both oreanizations offer discount rates to teach" ers and students on a soace-available basia. On Wednesday, March 6, 1991,a free course for undrrgroduates entitled "Pdrosiunal Analytical Chemists in Industry" will he offered. Another useful feature of the conference is the employment referral service, which permits persons with bachelors and advanced deerees to schedule of interviews withavariety of prospectiveemployers representing industry, government, and academim This clearinghmue allows pru~pective employees the opportunity for interviews and the chance to compare potential employers. The large bulletin hoard containing employment announcements indicates the wide range of jobs available in analytical chemistry. The proceeds of the not-for-profit, allvolunteer PITCON are used to benefit education in the form of college grants and scholarships for high school seniors, swards to high school teachers for outstanding performance, starter grants to young professors, lihrary subscriptions, science center endowments, and awards to outstanding chemists and spectroscopists. In 1991 PITCON will he held March 4-8 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. For more information and registration forms, write to The Pittsburgh Conference, 300 Penn Center Boulevard, Suite 332, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. PITCON will be held in New Orleans and Atlanta in 1992 and 1993, respectively. When possible, high school and eolleee teachen should olan to visit ~ ' I ~ . c o Ktheir ' & ~students.'lt will be an unioqettahleduvational experienre fur all. ~~~~
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Journal of Chemical Education
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