Chemistry inspires commerce

In a makeshift order fulfillment center located in his family room, ACC adjunct instructional associate of chemistry Thomas Jempty found a way to combine his desire to help students with his lifelong passion for chemistry.

Jempty, whose affinity for chemistry began while playing with his cousin's chemistry set at age 10, pursued a degree in chemistry in college where his experiences inadvertently led to his current ownership of ChemKits Inc.

During college, Jempty struggled with some of the three-dimensional concepts of chemistry.

"Left handed and right handed molecules are hard to differentiate because they look identical on paper," he said.

In order to facilitate the learning process, Jempty turned to a 3-D model kit that he said helped him immensely.

Fast forward to the present and Jempty, who has been a chemistry instructor at ACC for more than 15 years, said he has seen students experience the same difficulties with visualization that he experienced as a college student. In response, he turned to the kit he used in college to demonstrate concepts for his students. Their response, he said, was enthusiastic and positive.

"Students liked them and began purchasing the kits online and demand soon outgrew supply. There never seemed to be enough kits available," Jempty said. This led him to contact the original inventor of the kit and inquire about purchasing the company. A deal was struck and, two years ago, Jempty became the owner of ChemKits Inc.

Word-of-mouth referrals spread news of the kits quickly and helped the business grow. University of Texas at Austin student Mike Turner said when he took his kit to class, students began to inquire about them.

Turner shared information about the with classmates over Facebook and the kits become popular with his contemporaries. The quality of the product also attracted student attention. "I looked for a long time to find something that would represent the

molecules and bonds but didn't find it until his [Jempty's] kit," Turner said. "It's superior to the common ball and stick model."

According to Jempty, ChemKits differ from others in that the cases have been modernized with latches and hinges so they remain closed when transported in backpacks. No tools are required for assembly so the kits can be used silently and are not disruptive in testing centers. Jempty has expanded the line of kits from the original organic chemistry kit that he used in college, to include an instructor's kit and a smaller kit for use by high school AP organic chemistry students. The kits are also available in general chemistry versions.

ChemKits' appeal also stems from social consciousness. Jempty said that everything

is made in the U.S., recycled packaging is used when possible, and he has initiated a buy back policy for used kits so they don't go into the landfill. Both Jempty and his wife Arline perform quality control checks in their family room.

"It's a real mom and pop operation for us," he said.

Arline, who handles international orders and shipping, said that the two work well together and that her husband's passion for chemistry is evident.

"He is truly dedicated and passionate about chemistry and it shows through his teaching at ACC and his chemistry business," she said. "He puts his heart and soul into it. He really loves chemistry and students really like him."

For more information visit chemkitsinc.com.