TYLER, Texas — The Tyler Junior College Chemistry Department is excited to host a free event during National Chemistry Week.
This is part of an annual public awareness campaign promoting how chemistry can evolve into everyday life.
This year’s theme is “The Healing Power of Chemistry,” and the focus is on drug prescriptions, how drugs affect our bodies when we get sick, and the development of vaccines.
It also recognizes the advances that medical professionals and scientists have made by drawing inspiration from ancient human practices and wild animals.
Tyler Junior College will host two events next week with guest speakers. Both events are free and sponsored by the East Texas Regional Chapter of the American Chemical Society.
The following events will be held.
“Promoting recycling applications around the world”
The event is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Oct. 17, from noon to 1 p.m., in Room 200 of the Genecoff Science Building on the TJC Central Campus.
Guest speaker Shelby Browning currently works as a chemical engineer at Eastman Chemical Company in Longview and is vice president of the NGO Empowered Solutions for Environmental Sustainability.
This non-profit organization aims to combat plastic buildup globally by empowering emerging entrepreneurs to replace plastic waste with fuel oil.
Browning holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in applied environmental and sustainability studies from the University of Kentucky.
“Health Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet”
The event is scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 19th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Apache Room in the Roger Student Center on TJC Central Campus.
Guest speaker Dr. Katie Root will discuss the health benefits that a plant-based diet can have for individuals. Benefits include reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer.
In addition, Mr. Root will speak on the impact on the gut microbiome and specific dietary intake of a plant-based diet.
A native of Tyler, Root earned a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science from Baylor University and, after graduation, began working in biomedical research at the University of Texas Health Sciences.