Chemists Working Overtime

Author(s)
Matt Torhan
Parent Collection
Discussion Cases from the Center for Ethics in the Professions at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez
Authoring Institution
Center for Ethics in the Professions at the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez (CE-PRO)
Publisher
Center for Ethics in the Professions at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Year
2000
Rights
Use of Materials on the OEC
Discipline(s)
Chemistry
Computer, Math, and Physical Sciences
Topics
Handling Misconduct Allegations
Research Misconduct
Whistleblowing
Workplace Ethics
Case Study / Scenario
Description

A student stumbles upon something unexpected in the chemistry lab.

Body

You are a sophomore undergraduate student taking an organic chemistry class. Working late in the lab late one day you have a question about your experiment. While looking for someone who can answer your question, you overhear a professor and two graduate students talking about methamphetamines. They also appear to be in the process of preparing to make them. You quickly leave the room before they noticed you.

  • What should you do, if anything? 
Notes

Author: Matt Torhan (UPR Chemistry REU 2000).