“Chemistry can answer a lot of questions.” So says Maj. Kevin Braun, who was still in college when he discovered that a career in chemistry could allow him to deepen his interests in archaeology, anthropology, and forensics.

A group of cadets working in the chemistry lab have found compounds effective against leishmaniasis, a parasite-borne disease common in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

VMI professors were among those offering hands-on activities for the estimated 400 young people attending Sunday's Science Fest and Maker Faire in downtown Lexington.

Chemistry assistant professor Maj. Dan Harrison '05 and two cadets research ways to make fuel from carbon dioxide in Summer Undergraduate Research Institute project.