Lillie Schwier
The Southern Editor
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a global non-profit organization founded in 1876 on the idea that the power of chemistry can improve people’s lives and benefit the Earth. It is currently one of the largest scientific organizations in the world, with over 200 branches, all of which provide education, professional networking, oversee publications and work toward the furthering of innovation in the chemistry field.
Florida Southern College’s chapter is an active member of ACS, engaging with both the campus department and the surrounding community. The club consists of six board members and around 15 official members with numerous students from the chemistry and biology departments.
Though a chemistry club, ACS is not exclusively for chemistry majors. Many members come from biology, marine biology, and STEM backgrounds, making them a multidisciplined organization that brings different people together to broaden their educational experience.
“It helped me connect with the professors and interact with them outside of the classroom standpoint which I appreciate. If you don’t take a class with someone in the major, then you don’t really see them ever, so it helped me meet the freshman class,” Peyton Hanser, the secretary of Florida Southern’s ACS chapter said.
Hanser said chemistry is not an easy field. ACS not only serves as a way to work in the chemistry field outside of the classroom, but also provides a space to connect with others who can relate to their academic experience.
“It is nice to connect with the people who are in the same boat as me and get what the major is. It can be really fun, but can also be a struggle at times, so I appreciate that social space where you can talk about things that aren’t about classes, but knowing you have that common ground,” Hanser said.
The ACS student chapter provides students with hands-on opportunities to apply their studies within the campus and local communities. They aim to engage in outreach activities that make an impact both within the department and throughout the community.
Each semester, they organize a variety of events, including a seminar series featuring talks by professional chemists. They also run an open lab for local high school students, where members teach and assist with proper lab techniques and skills. ACS has participated in community outreach through booths at First Fridays in Downtown Lakeland and Bonnet Springs during National Chemistry Week and Earth Week, where they conduct experiments to educate the community about chemistry. Their social events have included an ice cream social, where they made ice cream using liquid nitrogen. Additionally, they offer tutoring sessions during midterms and finals and help self study guides for Florida Southern students.
They have also had the unique experience of collaborating with a chapter in Peru and had the opportunity to meet them at the national ACS conference.
Members also have the opportunity to present their undergraduate research and findings. This provides larger networking connections and opportunities for chemistry to be outside of the classroom and be applied on a larger scale.
This past spring, the chapter was awarded one of the Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year awards for the 2023-2024 school year.
Florida Southern College’s American Chemical Society student chapter has played an integral role in the education and application of chemistry for STEM majors. It fosters stronger connections between students and faculty, while unifying various STEM disciplines to allow community engagement. Additionally, it offers significant opportunities for networking, presenting and leadership, potentially boosting resumes for all who participate.
