The student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) at West Virginia State University (WVSU) is receiving its third consecutive Outstanding Chapter Award for its 2013-2014 activities. The group is also receiving Green Chemistry Chapter recognition for the fifth year in a row.
Since forming in 2009, the group has won three outstanding ratings, two commendable ratings, five Green Chemistry awards, four community interaction grants and three travel grants to attend the annual ACS national meeting.
The group of more than 20 students was praised for their outreach and educational efforts by award judges, with reviewers citing what they called an outstanding job promoting chemistry to area youth. Student participants regularly visit schools in the Kanawha Valley to teach science to K-12 youth.
“The ACS students are successfully continuing their mission to bring science education to young people,” said Dr. Micheal Fultz, assistant professor of Chemistry at WVSU. “We are taking science into both public and private schools on a regular basis to enhance science education at all grade levels.”
The group hosts educational programs for schools throughout Kanawha and Putnam counties, which include lectures on topics such as green chemistry, career presentations and science-based, hands-on activities. They have worked with such groups as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and take part in National Chemistry Week, Earth Day, National Lab Day, blood drives and other events.
ACS members also participate in career preparation activities in the medical and science industry, including trips to professional and graduate schools, Careers in Science seminars, local and national professional meetings, and networking with regional science professionals.
Several members of the winning group graduated from WVSU in the spring and have been accepted for early admission to medical and pharmacy schools to continue their science education.