This is one in a series on careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics made possible by support from the Northrop Grumman Foundation.
People have always looked to chemistry as a means to improve lives. Some 500 to 1,500 years ago, European chemists of the Middle Ages attempted to unlock the key to living forever. Some of these scientists, then known as alchemists, also tried to find a single cure for all diseases and a way to transform cheap metals into gold.
Today chemistry can be linked to the creation of just about every product in society — from sneakers and electronics to medicines and food flavorings. And chemistry is being used to tackle our most pressing problems, such as climate change and the increasing demand for energy to keep cars and trucks running and laptops humming.
Here are a trio of people working on such developments and a glimpse of what pulled them into such pursuits.