Our American Chemical Society – Student Affiliates (ACS-SA) chapter continues to be nationally recognized for the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition, we achieved the Green Chemistry Award, which was awarded to only 25 student chapters. Although largely chemistry majors, our organization’s reputation for leadership and outreach activities attracts members from a variety of majors such as engineering, neuroscience, psychology, and biology. Students in other majors are an important part of our community and are actively encouraged to participate in our meetings and activities. From our survey of undergraduate students who participated in at least half of the meetings and/or activities, 90% agree that ACS-SA enhances their experiences at Pitt. In addition, 95% agree that ACS-SA increases their sense of belonging.
This year, we are continuing the same efforts to be a key part of our undergraduate chemistry students’ community and the broader surrounding communities of Pittsburgh. Throughout the academic year our chapter coordinated more than 45 events, including a variety of speakers, social celebrations, and research talks as well as many community outreach activities to share our love for chemistry and science with young kids, in which our members can participate. We invited professional speakers to present on topics covering career opportunities, research development in both academia and industry, and current green chemistry issues in our lives. Moreover, we make a point of hosting several social events each semester such as birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and senior farewell. Finally, to provide all our members opportunities to actively participate, they are encouraged to tutor within our department, engage in our community outreach events, and even present their own undergraduate research from both within and outside of our department.
Our strong outreach program positively impacts both our chapter members and our community. Through community outreach, we work to improve access to science education for our local elementary and middle school students in under resourced and minority areas of our community. This year, we have expanded our outreach program by collaborating with STEAM Saturdays program at the Hill District Community Engagement Center. Our outreach coordinators organized and led a six-week chemistry curriculum in both the Fall and Spring terms. Each week we used different hands-on activities, ranging from marshmallow molecular models to alkaline seltzer film canister rockets, to help students learn a key scientific idea.
The outreach program continues to receive tremendous and positive feedback from our student members and community partners, such as Allegheny Observatory, Cub Scouts Pack 646, Pittsburgh Regional Science Fair, Science Olympiad, and St. Bede’s School. Teachers, leaders, and coordinators of these community programs have expressed their appreciation saying that it was wonderful to have enthusiastic volunteers giving one-on-one attention to their students through multiple small hands-on activities. The volunteers also explained the scientific ideas throughout the activities. The kids responded well with high levels of engagement and learning of the scientific principle.
We are very proud of our members and their achievements. We hope to continue our strong legacy here at the University of Pittsburgh.
