DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) —  Millikin University recently hosted Explore STEM Day to give students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to have interactive experiences in the Chemistry lab.

Dr. Paris Barnes, a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Millikin University said, "I want something when I do a demonstration that not only teaches something but also has a very memorable impact or an impression on students." 

Dr. Barnes has loved science since he was a kid and now, he is sharing that love with others. He has worked in the field for 25 years but has been teaching for 18. As a professor, he hopes to show his students the importance of being well-rounded.

"I think literacy in every subject is really important.," said Barnes. "We need to be able to not only look at what's going on in the world around us, but we need to understand how to explain it because it helps us make informed opinions and decisions about things around us and that includes science."

The day spent in the lab and in the classroom allowed students to see a wide variety of experiments firsthand. A few of the demonstrations included experiments with materials like liquid nitrogen and balloons. The goal of the day was to help students find their passion in science and encourage them to pursue their interests. 

"If you are interested in science, find what interests you and then pursue it," said Barnes.

For Dr. Barnes this experience was all about making learning fun and creating memories for his students. 

"I hope that some of them that were in there come back to me and say 'hey Dr. Barnes, I remember when you blew up that balloon and I remember a lot of heat and a big sound wave coming off it.'"

He hopes to long lasting impressions on the students that enter his classroom as he teaches them important STEM concepts. 

"I just love working with students. I love seeing their faces when something unexpected happens."

Millikin University offers degrees in a wide variety of STEM fields including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. They also offer a Pre-Engineering program that allows students to explore the engineering field. Starting next year, the university will also offer scholarships to their first class of Millikin STEM Scholars. 

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