A group of Neumann biology, pre-med, business, and medical laboratory science students took their learning on the road during a tour of the Chemours Discovery Hub in Newark, Delaware, on October 17.

On its website, Chemours describes itself as a chemistry company that provides solutions for industries ranging from automotive, paints, and laminates to advanced electronics, construction, energy, and telecommunications.

In a five-lab tour, students and faculty learned about Chemours research and development, while meeting scientists who work behind the scenes in operations that focus on immersion cooling, fuel cells, titanium technologies, and more.

In each state-of-the-art lab, students learned about the lab’s primary product and industry applications as well as hearing from the lab staff about their unique pathways that led them to their current roles. 

“Chemours is a company that is looking to help graduating students find their passion in science,” says Professor Robert Kennedy.

“Each researcher we met told us their degree was not in the field of the project they were currently doing. They made it clear that the degree they brought to Chemours did not define the work they did and that the best researchers are the ones that are still willing to learn.”

Jason Mensinger, an athletic training instructor, agrees. “The students seemed very interested and curious in all of the labs they visited. I think there could be some great opportunities at Chemours for students in our sciences.”

The Chemours Discovery Hub is a $150 million, state-of-the-art, sustainably designed research facility, located on the University of Delaware’s Science, Technology, and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus. The center totals 312,000 square feet and is designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Judi Stanaitis, assistant vice president for corporate relations, organized the trip.