This past February, 2005, four of our members including the president and treasurer, traveled to New York City for NYWEA’s annual conference. Accompanied by advisor Dr. Stefan Grimberg, the five traveled by train to the beautiful Times Square where they stayed for two nights at the Marriot Marquee Hotel. The event, which took place on the reception floors of the hotel, consisted of three days full of seminars, presentations and demonstrations dealing with the present and future of our environment. In the college chapter meeting, several officers representing universities around the state gathered together to share their chapter’s accomplishments on the year.

     Represented by president Laura Bertrand and treasurer Andrew Peer, our chapter discussed such events as the annual earth day celebration, field trips and the successful adopt-a-school. Directed by Walter Saukin, chair of NYWEA’s Student/University Committee, the meeting was a great way to exchange ideas between the chapters. Afterward a lunch was held in which the college officers were able to network with NYWEA’s officers, including the past and present president.

     In the college research symposium, students Chase Gerbig and Sheila Negron Vasquez presented their environmentally related research, along with several other students of different universities. Judged by a panel of NYWEA officers, Sheila presented her research entitled “Dry Deposition of MercuryMeasured With a Water Surface Sampler” which received first place and a significant cash prize. Chase presented his entitled “Mercury Complexation With Dissolved Organic Matter as a Function of Redox Potential in Natural Aquatic Systems” which received second place and a cash prize as well. Both students brought a great amount of pride to our Clarkson chapter.

     Aside from the Conference Dr. Grimberg and the students took full advantage of being in the City, catching “The Producers” on Broadway, spending time on the streets of Times Square and even dining in a revolving restaurant. Overall it was an experience to be remembered and we look forward to do it again at next year’s Annual Conference.

-Andrew Peer