The American Chemical Society Student Chapter (ACSSC)

The American Chemical Society Student Chapter (ACSSC) at the University of Utah focuses on creating a welcoming chemistry community across the Salt Lake Valley. The chapter provides opportunities for students to volunteer to teach dazzling chemistry demonstrations at local schools, learn about opportunities relating to chemistry, and build relationships with other students and faculty. 

The chapter strives to connect our campus and local community to the social, educational, and professional aspects of chemistry. In order to bring the joy of chemistry to others, the University of Utah campus hosts chapter meetings and socials, professional development, and outreach events. The ACSSC executive team meetings (hosted bi-weekly) and our general meetings and socials (hosted monthly) allow students at the U to connect with other science students to form a stronger scientific community on campus. Additionally, these meetings offer a great opportunity for students on campus to be able to participate in and lead dozens of service events. Outreach events have taught leadership skills and communication skills to our volunteers. This develops public speaking skills to large audiences (50+ people), safety planning, teaching skills, and cooperation– essential skills for many careers and community action.

Service is one of the most important and engaging aspects of the chapter. One of the chapter’s main goals is increasing community engagement in chemistry. Every year, ACSSC host dozens of science outreach events that have serviced hundreds of members of our local community.  They aim to reach historically marginalized students and students that have limited access to performing science experiments and speaking to scientists. Some of the events have included a Halloween carnival in Officer's Circle, ACCESS Chemistry Day, Girl Scout STEM nights, and after school programs. Through outreach events that span across the Salt Lake Valley from the Calvary Baptist Church to the Sunnyvale Neighborhood Center, these students are able to see themselves represented by the welcoming members of our chapter and our accessible and educational demonstrations.

The American Chemical Society Student Chapter welcomes all students who are passionate about chemistry and educational service to join our club. It is not necessary to be a chemistry major or to have prior experience! If you are interested in joining or collaborating with this organization, please email  uofuacssc@gmail.com, speak with the faculty advisor, Holly Sebahar, or fill out the membership interest form (https://forms.gle/wkPLJTBvx6PVimz29).