Charlie Ehlers blog post

Unloading a bucket of dry ice, a canister of liquid nitrogen, and crates of science equipment from his car, Milliken scientist Charlie Ehlers, Ph.D., prepares for his latest classroom visit.

Charlie, manager of research and development for Milliken Research Operations, is a chemist who has brought science education to thousands of students.

When he joined Team Milliken, Charlie wrote a procedure for conducting cryogenics demonstrations in school classrooms. Since then, dozens of Milliken scientists, including Charlie, have brought “Fun with Science” demonstrations to schools across Upstate South Carolina—with over 2,000 students reached in the fall of 2022.

“When I was in seventh grade, I came into the assembly hall, and I saw a man on the stage with a lab coat,” Charlie said. “He froze a banana in liquid nitrogen, and I saw how fast it was...I thought that it was neat.”

“We like to do visual experiments like that so students can see what’s happening. And when its engaging, they pay attention.”

Safety is foremost, whether Charlie visits elementary or high school classes. As he leads demonstrations, he keeps his equipment in proximity, interacting with students one-on-one to minimize safety hazards.

“We don't have multiple students around the table at any time,” Charlie said. “But they get a kick out of it, and I really enjoy it because it’s not a presentation, it’s an interaction.”

Charlie uses liquid nitrogen to freeze balloons and power broken lightbulbs. He also uses science to introduce students to Milliken. When measuring the pH level of dish soap, he explains the colorants that make the soap blue. He also discusses our chemistry’s usage in washable markers and describes innovations that make textiles fire and spike-resistant.

With the science program continuing to grow, more Milliken R&D chemists are training for school visits.

“We now have a pool of 25 volunteer associates, I've got connections in the schools, and it's more formalized now,” Charlie said. “I'm continuing to build the program.”

Charlie, a University of Georgia graduate and father of seven, has worked at Milliken for 25 years. He first began his science demonstrations when he visited his children’s classrooms and Cub Scout groups.

“My kids are who encouraged me,” Charlie said. “They said they really liked the experiments and learned a lot. They got something out of it, and it made them think.”

“It’s about making an impression. Most students are not going to be scientists, but their interests might be piqued—and that’s the goal.”