On Jan. 24, Hamilton College’s Science departments hosted a lab crawl through the Taylor Science Center. The crawl allowed students to learn more about research programs, paths of study, and resources available to them across a variety of scientific disciplines.

Organized by Chemistry Department Chair Karen Brewer, 18 faculty members from multiple disciplines — including chemistry, biology, physics, archaeology, and geology — invited curious students into their labs to learn about their research and facilities. With the help of student concentrators, each department’s set-up included interactive activities, informational sessions, and prizes.

“Karen Brewer showed students how to make liquid nitrogen ice cream, and Robin Kinnell brought brownies so students could make their own desserts,” said Samuel Cho ’21.

Student attendees had the option to pick up a map and passport as they toured the Science Center. They received stamps from the various departments that they visited along the way.

Fiona Duckworth ’21 said the lab crawl makes the Science Center and its departments less intimidating to prospective students.

“It’s intimidating to go into a department to meet the professor and learn about the research opportunities available,” said Duckworth. “The lab crawl lets students do this — it’s like an open house.”

As a chemistry major, Cho said that the lab crawl offers students the opportunity to explore their research interests.

“There are a lot of students at Hamilton who are interested in STEM classes, and the first step is figuring out what you want to major in, which can be overwhelming with so many options,” said Cho. “Lab crawl allows students to engage with upper-class research and learn about the scientific disciplines that they may want to undertake at Hamilton.”

Student-run organizations, such as the Hamilton Society for Physics Students, also held booths to encourage student participation and membership in their groups.