DANBURY, CONN. — Most people who know that 10 to the 23rd power equals 1.0 times 10²³ also know that October 23 (otherwise known as 10/23) is National Mole Day, a day for chemists to celebrate the specific chemistry unit of measure.

To celebrate the day, four chemistry majors from Western Connecticut State University participated in the “Mole Bowl,” a science competition held at Fairfield University. Competing against about a dozen other students from Fairfield and Sacred Heart universities, the WCSU team took first place in the event after correctly answering nearly all 40 questions posed. The win earned them $300 and the annual trophy — a stuffed mole.

Accompanied by Nick Greco, assistant professor of chemistry, the WCSU team members were Felix Sathoud, Rebecca Greene-Cramer, Brandon Litwin and David Ermert.

Rebecca Greene-Cramer, president of the university’s chemistry club said that the bio-chemistry and chemistry courses at Western helped prepare her to for the big win. “It was basically general knowledge from our classes,” she said.

Felix Sathoud, vice president of the chemistry club, said questions included knowing how to draw a compound structure and analyzing the structure of molecular molecules.

The team plans to use the winnings to help fund a trip to an American Chemical Society conference in Anaheim, Calif. this spring.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.