University of Southern Maine class welcomes beer … for the study of chemistry

University of Southern Maine chemistry professor Lucille Benedict understands that chemistry classes can seem a little dull. So she found something a lot of college students enjoy to make it more interesting: beer.

Her ah-ha moment occurred four years ago when she was touring the Allagash Brewing Co. on Portland’s Industrial Way. That’s where she met Zach Boda, Allagash’s head of quality control, who talked about the kind analysis and chemical testing he wished the brewery could do.

“The courses I teach (do) that stuff,” said Benedict. “It’s not always easy to get students engaged in chemistry, so it was just a perfect match.”

She began using beer as a testing medium to teach chemistry. Now Benedict is in charge of the school’s new Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Research Laboratory, which started with a $488,514, three-year seed grant from the Maine Economic Improvement Fund. The lab has partnered with the Maine Brewers Guild to provide testing and training for breweries and brewmasters.

Read more: http://www.pressherald.com/2016/08/25/usm-class-welcomes-beer-for-the-study-of-chemistry/