Ron C. Cohen, a new member of the team, concurs. "[The project] is a really nice combination of interesting basic science and incredible importance politically," says Cohen.

In addition to Anderson and Cohen, 24 other scientists and eight Harvard undergraduates are working on the project.

"He's very enthusiastic," says Lapson about Anderson. "He's got an idea a minute. Everyone tries to keep up with what he's thinking...it's very difficult."

Between trips to Bangor, Anderson teaches Chemistry 7, an introductory chemistry course. Asking whether he prefers teaching or research, he says, would be like "asking whether I like to see or hear better."

Anderson says he likes to encourage students who think of themselves as only average in science ability to remain in the field.

"People who are more than creative enough to be great scientists are turned off because they meet others [at Harvard] with more of the golden kernel of science ability than they," he says.

Although Anderson said that in the past he was sometimes critical of the way introductory science courses were being taught, he has seen definite improvement.

"There is an immense effort now to make science attractive," he said. "When I was an undergraduate, no such attempt was made."

Anderson says he enjoys sharing what he has learned about scientific efforts worldwide.

"Although many of the students won't go on to a scientific career, the required level of understanding of scientific concepts is rising," he says.

Anderson says he spends much of his time countering misconceptions and inaccurate information about the ozone problem. According to Anderson, the final verdict on the ozone hole is as follows:

"It will close up in about 70 to 80 years if we stop using [chlorofluorocarbons] completely. The problem is, no one knows what damage will be done between now and then," says Anderson. "It's going to get worse before it gets better."