Guided by their motto, “chemistry is fun,” the University of Lethbridge Chem Guys are preparing one final show with hopes to raise funds for a scholarship to carry their legacy forward.
The duo, composed of John Eng and Wayne Lippa from the University of Lethbridge’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, has performed hundreds of shows over the last 25 years, with the goal of reducing fear of chemicals and encouraging excitement for chemistry for all ages.
(Left) John Eng, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. (Right) Wayne Lippa, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry.
Their shows range from classroom demonstrations to large annual events, intended to inspire excitement about science and specifically chemistry. Throughout their journey, they have performed at venues such as the National Science Fair, the Science Commons opening, and as opening acts for Bill Nye the Science Guy, MythBusters and many more.
Big Bang Grand Opening Weekend at Science Commons in 2019.
Now, with Eng planning to retire after 40 years of teaching and research activities, they are taking the stage for one last time for The Chem Guys Final Show, a special presentation of the Owen Holmes Lecture Series. This final show will be unlike any they’ve done before as the Chem Guys look to leave a legacy by raising funds for a new scholarship that will benefit future chemistry and biochemistry students.
“I always wanted to leave something behind to the institution,” says Eng. “This is a way to give back to the community and the institution and my academic unit.”
From explosive chemistry experiments to playful banter, the Chem Guys have changed perceptions of chemistry, bringing excitement, laughter and undeniable fun to hundreds of shows. Eng and Lippa focus on making chemistry exciting for everyone, taking the fear and intimidation out of the subject.
“What we do is try to make chemistry approachable, not so scary. There’s so much fear out there. People say, ‘Oh, we don’t want chemistry. We don’t want chemicals.’ We want to dispel that myth,” says Eng.
Lippa concurs, saying the Chem Guys have always been about inviting everyone into the world of chemistry.
“The best way to learn chemistry is to do chemistry. The best way to understand chemistry is to do chemistry,” he says. “I can’t tell you how many times I hear, ‘I hated chemistry in high school.’ So, we try to make it enjoyable. When we do shows for kids, they’re always super excited, but somewhere along the way, that excitement can fade. We try to bring it back for all ages, to get everyone excited about chemistry.”
The emphasis on using fun experiments to inspire a passion for chemistry is evident in the impression made on alumna Danika Dorchak (BSc ’18, MSc ’22), who was inspired to pursue both a bachelor’s and a master’s in science.
Dorchak says the Chem Guys have a unique ability to make complex chemistry concepts understandable to everyone through their infectious enthusiasm and hands-on experiments.
“Everyone has experiences they look back on as defining moments that have shaped their entire life trajectory,” she says. “Watching the Chem Guys was one of those moments for me. Their excitement and energy showed me that ‘chemistry is fun’, igniting my own passion for STEM.”
The Chem Guys would like to thank their department and the Faculty of Arts & Science for the overwhelming support received over the years, for giving them the opportunity to perform and inspire people to have more of an appreciation for what chemistry truly is.
The Chem Guys Final Show will take place April 9, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Co-op Centre for Sport & Wellness. The event is free for children 15 and under, and $10 for general admission, with proceeds going towards the establishment of a new scholarship to benefit future chemistry and biochemistry students.
Learn more about the Chem Guys Final Show.