Bend+Research+Lab

=Bend Research Lab= Austin Smith CH-242 March 16 2012

When I found out we were going to be visiting a research company locally here in bend involving chemistry, I did not think of bend being a location for having such a company. After learning the history of Bend Research, and knowing that this establishment has been growing exponentially. The facility did not seem big enough for this type of research. This made it was very interesting actually getting a first hands look at a facility and equipment. From a student’s perspective, this was a “treat” to view ongoing experiments and ways organic chemistry is being used, in the advancement of medication. ====The amount of employees was significant and there staff appeared to be very proficient in their work. The labs we toured appeared to be in great order and very interesting. Seeing the NMR seemed like one of the highlights from my viewpoint, we worked and discussed NMR and spectroscopy. The massive size and the time put into the process of the NMR seemed all too interesting. The capability of the NMR and the cost was very extraordinary.==== ====The overall fieldtrip was very informative and opened my eyes to the opportunities available not only to chemist but biology majors too. The technology being explored and different types of experiments being conducted by bend research are making a difference today in science and medicine. My main goal for education is to get into the biology and science field and make a difference in this world. The fieldtrip was very interesting and opened my eyes to science and a reminder why I am pursuing a higher education.====

I am glad you enjoyed the experience! I think it's interesting how the work there crosses the boundaries between biology and chemistry (and engineering), because they need all of those different perspectives to get the best solutions to the problems they are trying to solve. The sciences seem really separate in educational settings, sometimes, but I think in the real world those differences are not so important.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Keep up the good work!