Tom Chapman returns from Peace Corps
 fter working as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation for five years, Professor Emeritus Tom Chapman joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer for overseas service. He and his wife, Donna, were posted in Querétaro, Mexico. The Peace Corps (PC) program in Mexico is relatively new and represents a new model for the program. In Mexico the initial agreement was with CONACYT, the national science and technology agency, and the selected volunteers have been more senior people with advanced degrees and professional experience.
Tom and Donna were each assigned to CONACYT research centers. Tom’s Center, called CIDETEQ, specializes in electrochemical technology and some environmental engineering. In addition to conducting R&D projects for industry and government agencies, CIDETEQ also grants graduate degrees. Thus, Tom was able to act as a research advisor and visiting professor, working with center staff and graduate students. Over his two years in Mexico, he co-authored 25 research publications with them.
The research activities were generally in the area of electrodeposition and modification of electrode surfaces with catalytic nanoparticles as well as advanced oxidation processes for water purification. Tom gave lectures on electrochemical engineering and water treatment at CIDETEQ and at several other Mexican universities. He is continuing to collaborate with the CIDETEQ researchers and students as an advisor and editor.
While in Mexico Tom was able to visit several UW-Madison alumni. He attended a ChE symposium at the Technical University in Celaya, where Arturo Jimenez and Fernando Tiscareño are faculty members. He gave lectures at the University of San Luis Potosi, where Brent Handy and Guadalupe Cárdenas are professors. He also visited Hugo Garcia and family when he was in Veracruz to offer a short course.
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A birthday part for one of Tom's PHD studetns. Tom (left) is shown here with other CIDETEQ students. (View
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The city of Querétaro is located in the central plain of Mexico, called el Bajio, at about 6000 ft in elevation with a very pleasant climate. It is located about 100 miles north of Mexico City, east of Guanajuato and near San Miguel de Allende. Although it is dry for nine months of the year, the area is productive agriculturally. Also, there is increasing industrial activity, including a growing aerospace industry.
One of the network of colonial Spanish networks, Querétaro was founded in 1531 and has played an important role in Mexican history. It was a key base for the missionaries who worked throughout Neuva España, ranging as far away as California. It was a center of revolutionary activity in the independence movement, the site of Emperor Maximilian’s execution, and the meeting place for the 1918 Constitutional Convention. As a result the city, now a UNESCO world heritage site, is blessed with charming plazas and gardens and beautiful colonial buildings, including many ex-convents. There is a rich cultural life, including a good symphony orchestra.
The PC program for volunteers involves a commitment for two years of service plus three months of training, including language study. Tom and Donna had their training in Querétaro, which is the home base for the PC-Mexico program. Although it started with about a dozen volunteers per year, expansion of the program into the Mexican agency for environment and natural resources has led to significant growth. There are now about 80 volunteers serving in Mexico. The Peace Corps is now active in seeking older volunteers, seeing the baby-boom generation as a rich source of energy and expertise. Tom and Donna would be happy to answer questions about their experience.
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