ESP Biography



SAM HOELSCHER, Stanford junior studying chemistry




Major: Chemistry

College/Employer: Stanford

Year of Graduation: 2020

Picture of Sam Hoelscher

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I was born in Dubuque, IA and made my way to Stanford two years ago where I developed a passion for chemistry and biology that was began in middle school and high school. My goal is to take what I know now and apply it to helping kids develop an interest in these same fields.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

C7164: Eating with Your Eyes: The Chemistry of Food Colorings in Splash Spring 2019 (May. 04 - 05, 2019)
Would you drink black water? Clear Pepsi? How about using pink butter or green ketchup? Believe it or not, these products actually existed, and not that long ago either. But there is a reason these food fads did not last. Consumers prefer that the color of food matches its flavor. Through a series of hands-on activities, this class will investigate the chemistry of food colorings, giving students the chance to understand how both natural and artificial dyes are used in what they eat and drink every day.


C6748: It’s Elementary, Watson: Forensic Chemistry in Splash Fall 2018 (Dec. 01 - 02, 2018)
O H , S Na P! Something’s gone wrong in the Stanford chemistry labs! We can’t find our beloved Professor Gen Hydro and there’s evidence everywhere of trickery afoot. We need your help! You have 50 minutes to find out what’s happened before the culprit strikes again. You will solve a series of chemistry-related problems to identify the perpetrator. Once you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.