Community chemistry

By John Karns

As Wayne State University's undergraduate chemistry club since 1943, the WSU American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (WSU ACS- SA) is the go-to club for undergraduate chemistry majors. While WSU ACS-SA is first and foremost a chemistry club, the chapter has been busy serving groups ranging from their own student body and the chemistry department to Girl Scout groups, local middle school visitors to Wayne State University, and elementary schools in disadvantaged local communities such as Hazel Park, Michigan.

The WSU ACS-SA planned exciting activities throughout the 2018-19 academic year. These events included Chemistry Days with K-12 students and demos for Michigan Science Center summer campers and the middle school students who visited Wayne State for STEM Day. Chapter members also ventured into the community to provide chemistry demonstrations and hands-on activities at events such as Chemistry Day at United Oaks Elementary and Girl Scout Chemistry Day.

As another initiative for National Chemistry Week, the WSU ACS- SA volunteered with the Detroit Local Section and organized many free events around Wayne State. With the Detroit Local Section, the chapter hosted a variety of activities such as making slime and paper chromatography. On campus, the organization put together free social functions for the student body.

The group also hosted its annual symposium during the week, sporting a number of speakers ranging from industry to medicinal chemistry.

Contact WSU ACS-SA at wsuacs@wayne.edu for more information. Donate at warriorfunder.wayne. edu.