{"id":894,"date":"2025-05-21T04:41:57","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T08:41:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/?page_id=894"},"modified":"2026-04-03T15:31:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T19:31:09","slug":"outreach-2-0","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/","title":{"rendered":"Outreach"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Popolan-Vaida\u2019s research group has been involved in several outreach activities designed to engage communities, particularly those that have few opportunities to see science in action. Sparking interest in science at any age is vital both to recruiting new students and to establishing better communication of scientific goals with society. Below are listed the outreach activities performed by Dr. Popolan-Vaida and her students:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Two scientists in lab coats conduct a science demonstration in front of an audience in a classroom, with various materials and equipment on tables.\" class=\"wp-image-1631 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/576;aspect-ratio:1.7777645754119138;width:429px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1-930x523.jpg 930w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1.jpg 1280w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>STEM Day<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Spring 2026<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again Dr. Popolan-Vaida and her students Yitong, Alec, Madgee, Kory, Boansi and Neda, were overjoyed to engage with local K-12 students at UCF\u2019s biannual STEM day. Students learned about the chemical reactions of combustion through fun demonstrations and got to hear about the fascinating chemistry that propels rockets!<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd0c76fb\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd0c76fb-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd0c76fb-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd0c76fb-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_master-slider-main-widget master-slider-main-widget panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" >\n\t\t<!-- MasterSlider -->\n\t\t<div id=\"P_MS69ddebd1538be\" class=\"master-slider-parent msl ms-parent-id-12\" style=\"max-width:1000px;\">\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<!-- MasterSlider Main -->\n\t\t\t<div id=\"MS69ddebd1538be\" class=\"master-slider ms-skin-default\" >\n\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fit\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A group of people in matching blue ACS t-shirts poses for a group photo in a science lab with educational posters and equipment visible.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03537-1-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A purple mat with white powder spelling &quot;I \u2665 CHEM&quot; and drawing of a flask, four balloons, and science materials on a countertop.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03547-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"Four women at a science exhibit demonstrate a chemistry experiment involving liquids and a small burning object, with educational materials and lab equipment on the table.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03567-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A table display labeled &quot;Pepper Runaway&quot; features informational pamphlets, a diagram, petri dishes, a paper towel roll, a bottle of club soda, and a container of pepper.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03543-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"Volunteers wearing blue shirts assist children and adults with a hands-on science activity at a table in a classroom or lab setting.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03592-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A table display labeled &quot;Hydrophobic Cinnamon&quot; features cups of water, paper towels, a container of cinnamon, and informational brochures, likely part of a science demonstration.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03542-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A science demonstration table with glasses of liquid, paper towels, lab sheets, goggles, and a sign labeled &quot;Electrolyte Check.&quot; People stand behind the table.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03541-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A group of people in blue shirts and a woman in a lab coat run a science demonstration at a table with various materials and signs about allergens and safety.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03564-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"People in blue shirts assist children and adults with hands-on science activities at tables in a busy indoor event space.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03549-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A science lab display with colorful signs posing questions about how spices, food dye, and soap interact with water, set up on a counter with bottles and instructional sheets.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03548-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"Table setup for a \u201cSecret Messages with Spice\u201d activity, with cups, brushes, paper, and informational materials arranged on a purple mat.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03546-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div  class=\"ms-slide\" data-delay=\"3\" data-fill-mode=\"fill\"  >\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/plugins\/master-slider\/public\/assets\/css\/blank.gif\" alt=\"A table display features small containers, printed cards, pamphlets, goggles, and two signs titled &quot;Mystery Spice Shakers&quot; and &quot;Structural Changes in Smells.&quot; Four people stand behind the table.\" title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/12\/DSC03545-scaled-1000x500.jpg\" \/>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"ms-thumb\" ><div class=\"ms-tab-context\"><div class=\"&quot;ms-tab-context&quot;\"><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<!-- END MasterSlider Main -->\n\n\t\t\t \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<!-- END MasterSlider -->\n\n\t\t<script>\n\t\t(function ( $ ) {\n\t\t\t\"use strict\";\n\n\t\t\t$(function () {\n\t\t\t\tvar masterslider_38be = new MasterSlider();\n\n\t\t\t\t\/\/ slider controls\n\n\t\t\t\t\/\/ slider setup\n\t\t\t\tmasterslider_38be.setup(\"MS69ddebd1538be\", {\n\t\t\t\t\t\twidth           : 1000,\n\t\t\t\t\t\theight          : 500,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tminHeight       : 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tspace           : 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tstart           : 1,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tgrabCursor      : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tswipe           : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tmouse           : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tlayout          : \"boxed\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\twheel           : false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tautoplay        : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tinstantStartLayers:false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tloop            : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tshuffle         : false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tpreload         : 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\theightLimit     : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tautoHeight      : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tsmoothHeight    : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tendPause        : false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\toverPause       : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tfillMode        : \"fill\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\tcenterControls  : true,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tstartOnAppear   : false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tlayersMode      : \"center\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\thideLayers      : false,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tfullscreenMargin: 0,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tspeed           : 5,\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdir             : \"h\",\n\t\t\t\t\t\tparallaxMode    : 'swipe',\n\t\t\t\t\t\tview            : \"fade\"\n\t\t\t\t});\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\twindow.masterslider_instances = window.masterslider_instances || [];\n\t\t\t\twindow.masterslider_instances.push( masterslider_38be );\n\t\t\t });\n\n\t\t})(jQuery);\n\t\t<\/script>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd0c76fb-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd0c76fb-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Orlando Science Center 2025<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p>Orlando Science Center<\/p>\n<p>October 25th 2025<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Popolan-Vaida hosted a wonderful outreach event in Dr. Dare\u2019s laboratory. Students from across the greater Orlando area came together to share an exciting day of hands-on learning about the chemistry of spices with children in our community.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18977f\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18977f-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18977f-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18977f-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Earth Day<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Lake Eola, Orlando<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">April 20<sup>th<\/sup>, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Dr. Popolan-Vaida and her students, Alec and Arden, met up with the UCF ACS Student Chapter to share the fascinating chemistry of batteries with attendees at the 2024 Lake Eola Earth Day event. This year&#8217;s ACS Earth Day theme was &#8220;Get a Charge Out of Chemistry&#8221;, teaching people about the world changing technology that allows us to store energy in chemical bonds.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18977f-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18977f-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout.png\" class=\"image wp-image-799  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"People under a blue tent at an outdoor market engage in various activities including balloon creation, painting, and information sharing on a sunny day.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout.png 1920w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2024Layout-1140x641.png 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18ab7b\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18ab7b-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18ab7b-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18ab7b-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout.png\" class=\"image wp-image-800  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage of students at UCF Stem Day\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout.png 1920w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/STEMDaySpring2024Layout-1140x641.png 1140w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18ab7b-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18ab7b-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">STEM Day<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Spring 2024 STEM Day<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">April 19<sup>th<\/sup>, 2024<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Once again Dr. Popolan-Vaida and her students Alec, Arden, Minh, Khe, Clare, Emily, and Zach, were overjoyed to engage with local K-12 students at UCF&#8217;s biannual STEM day. Students learned about the chemical reactions of combustion through fun demonstrations and got to hear about the fascinating chemistry that propels rockets!<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18beee\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18beee-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18beee-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18beee-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">STEM Night<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Jackson Heights Middle School<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">November 15<sup>th<\/sup>, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Dr. Popolan-Vaida was proud to join her colleagues in UCF Physics Outreach in sharing science demonstrations with students at Jackson Heights Middle School at their STEM night event. Dr. Popolan-Vaida captivated the audience with demonstrations on the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical energy by harnessing the power of combustion to launch a bottle rocket.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18beee-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18beee-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights.png\" class=\"image wp-image-677  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Group of people posing indoors; on the right, separate images showing individuals participating in hands-on science activities.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights.png 1920w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/01\/Jackson-Heights-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18ccb6\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18ccb6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18ccb6-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18ccb6-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023.png\" class=\"image wp-image-673  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage of people in blue shirts participating in interactive science activities with children and posing as a group next to colorful educational displays in a setting labeled &quot;Dr. Dare&#039;s Lab.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023.png 1920w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/NCW-2023-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18ccb6-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18ccb6-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">National Chemistry Week 2023<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Orlando Science Center<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 21<sup>st<\/sup>, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Once again chemists from across the Orlando area volunteered to share about the power of chemistry through fun demonstrations and activities to celebrate this year&#8217;s National Chemistry Week! The theme this year was &#8220;The Healing Power of Chemistry&#8221; and guests got the opportunity to learn about the chemistry of thermometers, masks, defibrillators, vitamin C, and other important topics in action.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18d982\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18d982-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18d982-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18d982-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">STEM Day 2023<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Fall 2023 STEM Day<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 20<sup>th<\/sup>, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">The members of the Popolan-Vaida laboratory were delighted to introduce elementary and middle school students to the chemistry that makes rockets fly at this semester&#8217;s STEM Day event. Visiting students learned about the components of a combustion reaction and took part in a friendly competition to see who could build the farthest flying rocket!<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18d982-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18d982-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023.png\" class=\"image wp-image-674  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage of images showing individuals conducting educational activities with children in a classroom setting, including hands-on learning, presentations, and a fire demonstration.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1920px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1920\/1080;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023.png 1920w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2023\/10\/STEM-Day-Fall-2023-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18e913\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18e913-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18e913-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18e913-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2023-1.png\" class=\"image wp-image-793  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"People interacting at outdoor booths during a community event, with informational displays and promotional materials under blue canopies.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/300;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2023-1.png 600w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/EarthDay2023-1-300x150.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18e913-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18e913-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Earth Day 2023<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Lake Eola, Orlando<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">April 22<sup>nd<\/sup>, 2023<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Popolan-Vaida and her student Arden Floyd were delighted to celebrate Earth Day by talking with people from Orlando area about chemistry of algae and the effect of human activities on algae bloom and red tide.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd18f8f9\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd18f8f9-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18f8f9-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18f8f9-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">National Chemistry Week 2022<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Orlando Science Center<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 22<sup>nd<\/sup>, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Dr. Popolan-Vaida was once again delighted to host an outreach event in collaboration with the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando section of the American Chemical Society to celebrate the annual ACS National Chemistry Week. The theme this year was \u201cFabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics\u201d. Volunteers shared exciting demonstrations that introduced guests to the chemistry going on in the clothes they wear every day.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd18f8f9-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd18f8f9-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/ncw22.png\" class=\"image wp-image-617  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"People are seen participating in various science-related activities, including laboratory work and interactive exhibits. Several individuals are also posing for a group photo, all wearing blue shirts.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/563;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/ncw22.png 1000w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/ncw22-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/ncw22-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/ncw22-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd1905cb\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd1905cb-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1905cb-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1905cb-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/stem-day-fall-22.png\" class=\"image wp-image-619  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"A teacher in a yellow cardigan and mask interacts with students in a classroom. Students sit at desks, raise hands, and gather by a wall screen in different scenes.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/563;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/stem-day-fall-22.png 1000w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/stem-day-fall-22-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/stem-day-fall-22-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/stem-day-fall-22-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1905cb-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1905cb-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">STEM Day 2022<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Fall 2022 Stem Day<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 21<sup>st<\/sup>, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Dr. Popolan-Vaida and her students, Alec, Chloe, Elaina, and Arden once again got the opportunity to showcase the exciting world of chemistry to local students at the Fall 2022 UCF STEM Day. STEM Day is an event held in the Fall and Spring semesters during which K-12 students of the Orlando area are invited to campus where they learn about all sorts of applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from UCF students and faculty. Dr. Popolan-Vaida gave a minilecture on the topic of fuel ignition and rocket propulsion, and students had fun creating their own paper rockets which they then put to the test in a competition on whose rocket could travel the furthest.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd19134f\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd19134f-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd19134f-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd19134f-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Laboratory Tour<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">UCF Intro to Research<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 20<sup>th<\/sup>, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Dr. Popolan-Vaida and her students, Elaina and Arden, were happy to invite UCF undergraduate students interested in research for a tour of the laboratory. The visitors got to learn about the tools and techniques used to carry out atmospheric and combustion research as well as its significance to the global community.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd19134f-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd19134f-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/LAB-TOUR.png\" class=\"image wp-image-616  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Students are engaged in various laboratory activities, including working on computers, using scientific equipment, and participating in a group discussion led by an instructor in a floral dress.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/563;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/LAB-TOUR.png 1000w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/LAB-TOUR-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/LAB-TOUR-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/LAB-TOUR-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd191ee3\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd191ee3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd191ee3-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd191ee3-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/Parramore.png\" class=\"image wp-image-618  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage of students in a classroom discussing and performing science experiments with lab equipment.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1000px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1000\/563;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/Parramore.png 1000w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/Parramore-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/Parramore-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2022\/11\/Parramore-750x422.png 750w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd191ee3-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd191ee3-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Laboratory Tour<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">New Image Youth Center Visit<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">July 29<sup>th<\/sup>, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Dr. Popolan-Vaida\u2019s student\u2019s, Elaina Berger and Arden Floyd, were delighted to welcome students from the New Image Youth Center in Parramore, Orlando to tour the lab and hear about the research that goes on within it. They gave a short presentation and demonstration on the topic of cloud formation and answered questions about UCF, college, and science careers.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd192c4a\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd192c4a-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd192c4a-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd192c4a-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">National Chemistry Week 2021<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Orlando Science Center<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 23<sup>rd<\/sup>, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">In collaboration with ACS Orlando Local Section, Orlando Science Center, faculty and students from UCF and FIT, Popolan-Vaida organized an outreach event to celebrate National Chemistry Week. The theme of the event was &#8220;Fast or slow\u2026Chemistry makes it go!&#8221; Popolan-Vaida designed 15 hands-on and demonstration experiments to match the theme of the event, trained the student volunteers to execute the experiments, performed demo experiments, and supervised the event. The event was hosted by Orlando Science Center on October 23, 2021 between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Over 300 people visited our stands. Visitors were very excited to learn about the importance of chemistry in everyday life.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd192c4a-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd192c4a-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"616\" height=\"328\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/NCW2021.png\" class=\"image wp-image-794  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"People of various ages participating in a chemistry event sponsored by the American Chemical Society, with interactive experiments and informational booths. Signs read &quot;FAST or SLOW Chemistry Makes It Go!.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 616px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 616\/328;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/NCW2021.png 616w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/05\/NCW2021-300x160.png 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd1939d8\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd1939d8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1939d8-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1939d8-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"460\" height=\"310\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture2.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1528  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Six scientists in lab coats and masks perform various experiments with beakers, flasks, and chemicals in a laboratory setting, showcasing scientific procedures and reactions.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 460px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 460\/310;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture2.jpg 460w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture2-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture2-272x182.jpg 272w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1939d8-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1939d8-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">STEM Day<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><p><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Fall 2020 STEM Day<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 25<sup>th<\/sup>, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">Popolan-Vaida\u2019s research group was once again delighted to contribute to the Fall STEM Day event. The 2020 event was different than any other STEM Day events because it was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Popolan-Vaida and her students (Brett Young, Skylar Gootkin, and Nath-Eddy Moody) prepared and recorded a series of experiments to explain the difference between endothermic and exothermic processes. The experiments were design to answer questions like: &#8220;<em>How does a hand warmer work?&#8221;<\/em>, &#8220;<em>How are clouds formed?&#8221;,<\/em> &#8220;<em>How does fuel ignite in engine?&#8221;,<\/em> and &#8220;<em>Why must fuel be atomized before it is ignited in the engine?&#8221;<\/em><\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd1947a6\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd1947a6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1947a6-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1947a6-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">STEM Day 2019<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Fall 2018 STEM Day<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 26<sup>th<\/sup>, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">STEM Day is hosted by the University of Central Florida each spring and fall semester. During this event, students and teachers are invited to explore exciting fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities, demonstrations, and exhibits led by UCF faculty and students, that showcase the incredible world of STEM. Over 1,300 K-12 students from 16 Florida schools across the state attended the Fall 2018 STEM Day. Popolan-Vaida and her students (Natasha Thomason, Alan Conrad, Sean Treshock, and Samuel Long) lead a session designed to introduces the students to the fascinating field of atmospheric chemistry. The activity included a 15-minute lecture entitle <em>\u201cAtmospheric aerosols: What are they, and why are they so important?\u201d<\/em>, a laboratory tour, and hands-on demonstrations<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1947a6-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1947a6-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"620\" height=\"332\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture1.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1527  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"STEM Day event at UCF with students observing science experiments, including liquid nitrogen demonstrations, in a classroom and laboratory setting.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 620px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 620\/332;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture1.jpg 620w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture1-300x161.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd195470\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd195470-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd195470-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd195470-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"613\" height=\"374\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture4.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1529  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage of students and faculty at outdoor tables with science displays, plus event details for UCF Physics Career Exploration Day 2018, including date, time, and location.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 613px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 613\/374;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture4.jpg 613w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture4-300x183.jpg 300w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd195470-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd195470-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Energy Conservation, Propulsion, and Combustion<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Physics Exploration Career Day<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">October 13<sup>th<\/sup>, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Physics Career Exploration Day is designed to help students learn about the great career opportunities available to them in the field of physics and to engage them in the learning environment and the programs at UCF. Physics Career Exploration Day is geared toward high school students, who are invited to bring the parents along with them to this event. Popolan-Vaida\u2019s research group was invited to contribute to a session entitled<em> \u201cEnergy Conversion, Propulsion, and Combustion\u201d<\/em> with a demonstration on combustion chemistry and its effect on cloud formation and climate change. The pictures below show Popolan-Vaida\u2019s undergraduate students (Natasha Thomason, Laura Hildago-Rodriguez, and Brett Young) performing hands-on demonstrations designed to answer questions like <em>\u201c<\/em><em>How does air pollution affect the formation of clouds?\u201d <\/em>and <em>\u201cHow can you convert water to fuel using sunlight?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd196150\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd196150-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd196150-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd196150-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Laboratory Tour<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Summer Workshop &#8211; Industrial Application of Nanotechnology<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">August 2<sup>nd<\/sup>, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div style=\"text-align: justify\">We were happy to welcome the students attending the Industrial Application of Nanotechnology- Summer Workshop in our laboratory for a laboratory tour. We discuss about state-of-the-art tools and techniques used in our laboratory to investigate the properties of aerosol nanoparticles and the impact of industrial revolution on the air quality and global climate.<\/div>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd196150-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd196150-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1114\" height=\"597\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture5.jpg\" class=\"image wp-image-1530  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"A group of people stands in a lab, listening to a woman speak; lab equipment and cabinets are visible in the background.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1114px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1114\/597;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture5.jpg 1114w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture5-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture5-1024x549.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2025\/05\/Picture5-768x412.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1114px) 100vw, 1114px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd196f20\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd196f20-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd196f20-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd196f20-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"830\" height=\"696\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-2.png\" class=\"image wp-image-467  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage showing a presentation slide titled &quot;Mechanism of Cloud Formation&quot; and people at a chemistry lab event. Laboratory equipment marked &quot;Property of Chemistry (PSB 255)&quot; is also displayed.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 830px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 830\/696;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-2.png 830w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-2-300x252.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-2-768x644.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 830px) 100vw, 830px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd196f20-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd196f20-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Mechanism of Cloud Formation<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Physical Sciences Summer Institute <\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">July 24<sup>th<\/sup><\/span><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">The Physical Sciences Summer Institute is a summer camp for gifted and high achieving middle school students exploring the subject of water from the perspective of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, and other important disciplines. The camp activities were a result of a collaborative effort of the STEM fields at UCF including Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, and the College of Engineering. Twenty middle school students attended the 2018 event. In this program, Popolan-Vaida gave a minilecture on the \u201c<em>Mechanism of Cloud Formation\u201d<\/em>, and performed hands-on experiments, in which the students learned about the ways in which human activities can lead to clouds of various nature which can have negative effects on global climate. The students were mesmerized by a \u201cliquid Nitrogen cloud\u201d, created by Popolan-Vaida, that briefly filled the whole room with wonder.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd196f20-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd196f20-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-mobile-last\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd196f20-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"792\" height=\"690\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Presentation-23.png\" class=\"image wp-image-473  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"A woman performs a science demonstration creating fog in a classroom with students watching. Another image shows a close-up of a bottle with a frosted appearance due to a reaction inside.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 792px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 792\/690;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Presentation-23.png 792w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Presentation-23-300x261.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Presentation-23-768x669.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd196f20-1-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-empty\" ><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"pl-gb894-69ddebd1984d2\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-gb894-69ddebd1984d2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1984d2-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1984d2-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_text panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><h3 class=\"widget-title\">Mysteries of Cloud Formation<\/h3>\t\t\t<div class=\"textwidget\"><div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">Knight for a Day &#8211; Open House<\/span><\/div>\n<div><span style=\"font-family: Calibri\">May 21<sup>st<\/sup>, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify\">Knight for a Day \u2013 UCF Open House are Saturday events designed to introduce students and parents to UCF. They learn about the application process, academic programs, student life, and financial aid in a comprehensive daylong program. The program also includes class experiences, in which students and parents get a taste of what life is really like inside a college classroom. Popolan-Vaida presented a minilecture entitle <em>\u201cMysteries of Cloud Formation\u201d<\/em> that concluded with a series of experiments that emphasize the mechanism of cloud formation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><div id=\"pgc-gb894-69ddebd1984d2-0-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-gb894-69ddebd1984d2-0-1-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_media_image panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"810\" height=\"720\" data-src=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-11.png\" class=\"image wp-image-479  attachment-full size-full lazyload\" alt=\"Collage of a chemistry presentation titled &quot;Mysteries of Cloud Formation&quot; in a lecture hall. Includes images of a speaker, a close-up of a demonstration involving a bottle, and a slide on atmospheric aerosols.\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 810px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 810\/720;max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-11.png 810w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-11-300x267.png 300w, https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2018\/08\/Outrech-11-768x683.png 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Throughout the years&#8230;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">2018<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">2019<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\">2020<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Popolan-Vaida\u2019s research group has been involved in several outreach activities designed to engage communities, particularly those that have few opportunities to see science in action. Sparking interest in science at any age is vital both to recruiting new students and to establishing better communication of scientific goals with society. Below are listed the outreach activities &hellip; <\/p>\n<p><a class=\"more-link btn\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/\">Continue reading<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-894","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","nodate","item-wrap"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Outreach - Popolan-Vaida Laboratory<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Outreach - Popolan-Vaida Laboratory\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Popolan-Vaida\u2019s research group has been involved in several outreach activities designed to engage communities, particularly those that have few opportunities to see science in action. Sparking interest in science at any age is vital both to recruiting new students and to establishing better communication of scientific goals with society. Below are listed the outreach activities &hellip; Continue reading\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Popolan-Vaida Laboratory\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-03T19:31:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"232 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/\",\"name\":\"Outreach - Popolan-Vaida Laboratory\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1-1024x576.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-05-21T08:41:57+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-03T19:31:09+00:00\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/04\/Presentation1.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720,\"caption\":\"Two scientists in lab coats conduct a science demonstration in front of an audience in a classroom, with various materials and equipment on tables.\"},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/\",\"name\":\"Popolan-Vaida Laboratory\",\"description\":\"Department of Chemistry\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Outreach - Popolan-Vaida Laboratory","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/sciences.ucf.edu\/chemistry\/popolan-vaidalab\/outreach-2-0\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Outreach - Popolan-Vaida Laboratory","og_description":"Popolan-Vaida\u2019s research group has been involved in several outreach activities designed to engage communities, particularly those that have few opportunities to see science in action. 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