Though usually covered in other disciplines, some lucky organic chemistry students learned what it was like to go viral.
Dr. Chris Callam, this year’s recipient of the Provost’s Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Lecturer, issued a challenge to the class last week: if one student could make a shot from the upper balcony of McPherson 1000 to the trashcan below, the whole class will receive full credit for their quiz. The class grew silent as they watched the ball arc well over their heads before landing squarely in the target. The video that captured this epic throw was picked up by multiple news outlets, becoming an instant internet sensation! Watch Dr. Callam and the student in an interview about the occasion below.
Dr. Callam had been using this fun challenge as an illustration of acid-base chemistry for over a decade. Surprisingly, a student in the class made the shot last year as well…but with no video evidence, Vinnie remains the sole O. Chem student this year to earn the title of “internet famous”. Congrats!