Contact: Dr. Micheal Fultz (304) 766-3106 mfultz@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va. – The student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS) at West Virginia State University (WVSU) is receiving its second consecutive Outstanding Chapter Award for its 2012-2013 activities. The group is also receiving Green Chemistry Chapter recognition for the fourth year in a row.
Since forming in 2009, the group has won two outstanding ratings, two commendable ratings, four Green Chemistry awards, three community interaction grants and two travel grants to attend the annual ACS national meeting.
“I am extremely proud of these students for their outstanding representation of West Virginia State University and service to the local community,” said WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill. “These students are excelling inside and outside of the classroom by sharing their passion for science with the next generation of Yellow Jackets and serving as an example and inspiration to so many.”
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 quite busy in their outreach and science work,” 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.
Award-winning chapters will be recognized in the November/December issue of magazine and at the upcoming ACS National Meeting in Dallas.