Josh Holmes has been selected as an undergrad chem major of the quarter for Fall 2012.  Josh was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts , but grew up in Wilton, New Hampshire.  Josh took a non-traditional path to OSU.  While excelling in math throughout high school, he was unsure what career path to take.  Consequently, he decided to work in the construction industry after graduating from high school in 2002. During that time, he became interested in snow skiing and began working as a ski lift operator. His interest in skiing ultimately brought him to the west coast (California) were he met his wife.  In 2008, his wife enrolled in graduate school at OSU in geology.  Josh took the opportunity to re-engage with his education and starting taking classes at LBCC in 2009.  Within a year, he had matriculated to OSU where he has excelled ever sense.  He enjoyed taking math classes at OSU, but it was his General Chemistry course with Dr. Phil Watson that really caught his attention – commenting that he was “blown away by it.” His interest in the fundamental aspects of chemistry drove him to work for emeritus Professor Ken Hedberg because he “wants to known deep down inside what is happening” in chemistry.  Josh has enjoyed the personal attention and friendly attitude that OSU offers – providing easy access to faculty.  Both of those attributes he associates with the Experimental Chemistry courses run by Emile Firpo, John Loeser and Chris Pastorek.     He is unsure exactly what he wants to do after graduation, but he feels that he would like to teach in some capacity.  Josh still likes to snow ski and is an accomplished musician – playing guitar in the band called the Psych Country Revue (rock and roll with a country twist).  Our Department is lucky to have wonderful students like Josh who will surely inspire the next generation of chemists through their passion and enthusiasm about science!