Chem Students Develop Potentially Patentable Product

December 18, 2008 Westminster College students in a chemical analysis class have developed a "Mole Balance," a potentially patentable product, under the supervision of Dr. Helen Boylan, associate professor of chemistry and a 1995 Westminster graduate.

The "Mole Balance" is an electronic interface between a computer and balance that can produce a digital readout in moles rather than grams, along with several other secondary applications. The mole is a universally standard unit which is a fundamental component of chemical calculations.

The educational tool can be worked into chemistry curricula to enhance learning and understanding of difficult and/or abstract concepts. The students designed a working prototype instrument and completed the paperwork for a provisional utility patent. Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning provided a grant to cover the costs associated with the provisional patent application fees.

The students presented their research at a poster session for Westminster's Chemistry Department in December.

"This wasn't a traditional chemical analysis research project, but it was still a great learning experience for the students," Boylan said. "The students proved to be very innovative and were definitely thinking outside the box."