Six SFU students, along with two faculty members, participated in the American Chemical Society’s national conference in Atlanta last month. The conference was held from March 21-25.
Student attendees included Gavin Gatone, Matthew Hargittai, Mason Hogue, Sarah Kibler, Gavin Ross and Abigail Seese. They were joined at the conference by faculty members Pete Bernard and Ashley Smith-Diemler.
The six SFU students presented research posters and heard from various speakers at the event.
Last month’s event drew more than 10,000 attendees from over 70 countries. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of the American Chemical Society.
“You not only get to meet new people and connect with folks inside and outside your field, but you get to make new friends, go to fun talks, and experience a different area of the country,” said Ross.
ACS holds two national conferences each year. The fall conference will be held in Chicago from Aug. 23-27.
“It was very eye-opening to see all these other people’s ideas and what you can actually do with chemistry,” said Gatone. “You definitely gain a greater understanding of what your life as a chemist may look like.”
The SFU group was recognized at the conference. The group received the Outstanding Student Chapter Award (awarded to only 25 percent of chapters worldwide), along with the Green Chemistry Award (awarded to less than 10 percent of chapters).
The latter award validates the SFU chapter’s commitment to sustainable practices, as well as influencing and advocating for green chemistry within the community.
Ross, who serves as the SFU chapter’s president, encourages interested students to reach out to Dr. Smith-Diemler or Mr. Bernard if they are interested in attending an ACS conference in the future.
