SIUE Chemistry Club recognized for service, activities through awards
The American Chemical Society (ACS) has recognized SIUE’s Chemistry Club with an Outstanding Student Chapter Award for their service and activities during the 2013-2014 academic year.
The SIUE Chemistry Club is an ACS Student Affiliates group.
Chemistry professor Sarah Luesse, advisor to the chapter, said she is very proud of the students for all their hard work and achievements.
“It is an honor for the SIUE Chemistry Club to be recognized by the American Chemical Society as an Outstanding Student Chapter,” Luesse said.
The overall goal of the group is to educate the community about the importance of chemistry in everyday life according to Luesse.
Club members participate in social events, educational outreach, and professional development activities.
Not all members are chemistry majors and Luesse said anyone who enjoys chemistry and wants to share their interest in science is welcome.
Luesse said the members are great representatives of SIUE in the community.
“Last year, our members volunteered for the Family Science Expo (organized by the Edwardsville Public Library), a yearly Boy Scout Science Merit Badge clinic, the ACS hands-on activity tent at the Illinois State Fair and the Airplane Park Community Playground Build,” Luesse said.
In addition, the club received the Green Chemistry Award which recognizes student chapters that have successfully engaged in three or more green chemistry activities.
According to Luesse, one of the club’s goals was to participate in activities related to green chemistry, known as sustainable chemistry, which aims to develop earth-friendly products and minimize pollution and hazardous waste.
“We were excited to receive recognition for club activities that focused on educating our community about green chemistry,” Luesse said. “One activity was a ‘green cleaning’ event, providing recipes for simple green alternatives to common household cleaning products.”
Luesse said one motivation to serve as club advisor is to enhance the educational experience of students.
“Advising the SIUE Chemistry Club is one important way the Department of Chemistry supports our undergraduate chemistry students and helps prepare students for careers in science,” Luesse said.
Other events and activities organized by the Chemistry Club included the Annual Probst lecture by Dr. Erick M. Carreira, Cougars Volunteering for Science teams, and National Chemistry Week demonstrations.
Filed Under: Chemistry