Graduation Ceremony: Chemistry and Biochemistry Department (26 May 2019)

Probably the main reason I even bothered to attend the departmental graduation ceremony for San Francisco State University’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department was to be able to see Dr. Pete Palmer again.

Under Dr. Palmer’s guidance I completed an independent project for the Biochemistry portion of my Bachelor of Science degree in which I tested lead levels in household paint and dust using MP-AES (microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) during my final semester last fall. He also helped me test soils at Oyster Point Marina in South San Francisco for arsenic and other heavy metals in a separate class.

Every semester Dr. Palmer tries to work with high school students from the economically depressed Fruitvale neighborhood in Oakland to test their dwellings for lead and inform their families on how to mitigate potential harm if the levels are dangerously high. He’s a great example of a person who uses their scientific expertise to empower people in underserved communities and advance environmental justice. He was also a great advisor and helped me navigate the system in order to graduate with Biochemistry as a second major to Marine Biology.

Thanks to my mom and to Bradey for taking the photos above, and to my friend Sabrina who recorded the entire graduation ceremony! The video is below: