AP Chemistry Visits an Alumni Lab at Cal

Last Friday, the AP Chemistry class visited the Zurech Lab at UC Berkeley, experiencing the marvels of ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy firsthand. This visit offered a unique opportunity to explore advanced laser technology and engage directly with undergraduate research. Students were inspired by observing a real physical chemistry lab in action and interacting with the researchers, significantly broadening their understanding of physical chemistry.

The lab tour featured attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and high harmonic generation spectroscopy, revealing the complexities and scale of these setups. Students appreciated the depth of the presentations, especially those by alum Ezra Korican-Barlay ('21), which clarified advanced concepts beyond their current studies.

This experience brought the abstract idea of college research to life, showcasing the reality of a chemistry major's life at UC Berkeley. It highlighted the various paths and specialties within the field of chemistry and demonstrated how students can get involved in significant research even as undergraduates. The trip was a captivating glimpse into the future possibilities for budding chemists, illustrating how classroom learning translates into real-world applications and research.