A blind chemistry graduate student at Penn State is making an impact in how visually impaired students get involved in the laboratory. A story posted on the Penn State website explains how Cary Supalo went from hating chemistry in high school to majoring in it in college. What made the difference? Having a little extra help in the lab.

 
As part of his doctoral degree, Supalo is creating tools that will better equip the visually impaired student to participate in the lab. "Chemistry gives you the potential to discover something new that can change the world," he says.

 
Supalo and his adviser tested software and instruments that guide students through experiments with a computerized voice. His next step will be to monitor the schools that are using the tools. Supalo’s ultimate goal is to make the software freely accessible online and to make the instruments affordable.