When I first set foot into Dr. “Kennedy’s” laboratory at the University of Akron I noticed a stark difference between it and the bulk majority of synthetic laboratories in the polymer science department. Some of the first things that were obvious included the antiquated pieces of equipment, the limited selection of glassware, and the large quantities of old reagents strewn here and there. Even more shocking was that the more time I spent in this laboratory I encountered even more deplorable conditions in terms of cleanliness, upkeep, and reagent storage (please refer to photos below). Due to my limited experience as a chemist I did not fully grasp the dangers that this laboratory actually posed, and later the reader will see that I wish I had been cognizant of the hazards contained in this laboratory.
“Kennedy” Chem Storage 1
Chemical Storage Cabinet of Dr. “Kennedy” 2