Adalgisa Batista

Minority Serving Institute (MSI) Green Chemistry Education Award Winner

2023-2024

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Award Lead

Proposal: The Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico will redesign the curriculum for their organic chemistry laboratory courses to integrate green chemistry principles. Curriculum materials will reflect current and emerging trends in green chemistry and sustainable chemistry education. Greener synthetic routes for current laboratory experiments, where the use of safer solvents and reagents will be prioritized. Selected greener synthetic routes will be tested in a pilot group before their implementation throughout the undergraduate laboratory courses. Data will be collected on the amount of chemical waste disposal, the amount of solvent usage, and the financial impacts of implementing safer solvents and reagents; and will be compiled into a comprehensive report shared with the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico’s stakeholders, including faculty, students, and the university administration. Ultimately, the course redesign will enhance student learning experiences and promote green chemistry awareness and knowledge, and sustainable practices across the department.