The global pandemic and quarantine in 2020 did not stop our colleagues around the world from making a positive impact on their communities. In 2020, our Korea Technology Center took advantage of a perfect opportunity to support middle and high school science, technology, and math (STEM) teachers in Korea by participating in “US Embassy Science Day.”

The event was organized by the US Embassy in Korea and former Embassy Science Fellow Dr Hae-Jeong Lee, Lab Officer for the US National Institute of Standards and Technology. It offered hands-on STEM education for 14 teachers from 13 middle and high schools, including four girls' schools, promoting ideas and information they could use in their science classes to motivate students to pursue careers in STEM and to empower women leaders in the field.

Our presentation featured a chemistry experiment conducted by DuPont volunteers that demonstrated the scientific principle of super-absorbent resins routinely found in everyday life. The experiment was followed by a brief discussion on the environmental impact of super-absorbent resins and the need to develop eco-friendly materials..