SGHS organized a trip for 15 students to participate in a town hall discussion with Dr. Omar M. Yaghi at HVCC. In 2025, Dr. Yaghi received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry alongside Susumu Kitagawa and Richard Robson for their development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These structures have revolutionized clean energy and environmental remediation.

Dr. Yaghi is a distinguished alumnus of Hudson Valley Community College and the University at Albany. He shared his inspiring journey from growing up in Amman, Jordan, to moving to the United States at age 15. He pursued his education in Troy, N.Y., earning an associate degree in liberal arts and science-mathematics and science from HVCC in 1983 and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Albany in 1985, graduating cum laude.

“The students also enjoyed a tour of the science building at HVCC. Overall, it was a fantastic and enlightening experience,” said Matthew Hubbell, Director for K-12 Mathematics and Science.