Student organization brings love of chemistry to campus, city

Over a little more than three years, the Wayne State University American Chemical Society Student Affiliates (ACSSA) went from a fizzled student group with just five members to a liquid nitrogen-toting, gas bubble-popping powerhouse. Now, with more than 70 members, the ACSSA is one of the largest student groups on campus and has even scored itself a few national awards.

After lying inactive for a few years, the group was re-established in 2011 by students looking to get more out of their education and time at Wayne State. The organization's dramatic resurgence is due, in part, to its energetic leadership and dedication to showcasing how fun chemistry can be.

The ACSSA has organized several annual events throughout the university community to provide a fun and engaging introduction to chemistry. Curling with dry ice in the A. Paul Schaap Chemistry Building lobby and making ice cream with liquid nitrogen are just some of the ways the group has garnered attention from more than just science fans. With members majoring in everything from biochemistry to English, this all-inclusive organization connects with a diverse range of people. ACSSA leadership says that's precisely what makes the group so valuable.

"We're constantly learning from each other," said current organization president Katherine Mullan. "The only requirement to join is that you love chemistry and want to get involved."

WSU administration attributes a new sense of departmental unity to the ACSSA. Matt Allen, associate professor of chemistry and one of the group's faculty advisors, fondly recalls the recent dry ice curling competition, which pit students against faculty members.

"It was amazing to see all these different people bring this department together in one place having a great time," said Allen. "I can't say enough about this group."

Balancing fun and games with professional development and networking is paramount to the ACSSA's mission. Last year, the group organized networking mixers, several chemical company site tours and the For the Love of Chemistry symposium, which focused on bringing professionals and other local American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapters together to discuss the job market and the value of a chemistry degree. Outreach events, such as the annual hands-on chemistry demonstration at the Detroit Zoo's Zoo Boo, also help the group spread its love of science to a new generation of potential chemists.

This hard work has not gone unnoticed. In March, the organization was recognized at the ACS national meeting for its outstanding activities as an ACS chapter an accomplishment that the team's student leaders say is due to the immense support they receive from Wayne State faculty and administration.

"The only reason we're able to do half of these events is because we have a department that believes in us and a school that supports us," said ACSSA treasurer Susan White. "Dr. Matthew Allen will answer any question we have, 24 hours a day. Dr. Mary Kay Pflum is so supportive of us, always making sure we don't burn out. Dr. James Rigby has been on our side since day one, and the Dean of Students Office goes out of its way to make sure we have the financial support we need."

But more than the support that comes from the university, ACSSA members value the backing their fellow students provide each other. "We don't all come from families or backgrounds where we can go and talk about the things we're learning here," said White. "This gives me a place where I can talk about all the crazy things we chemistry students go through."

"This group is so much more than just another student organization to me," Mullan echoed. "This is a mentor group, a support group and a community of people who truly understand me."

To find out more about the ACSSA, visit the ACS Student Affiliates page or the American Chemical Society WSU Student Affiliates Facebook page.