ChEmory, Emory’s award-winning undergraduate ACS club, sent three members to this the ACS Spring national meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana. The meeting took place on March 17-21.
Attendee Titi Nguyen led a ChEmory Instagram takeover during the conference to share her experieCheck out their first-person accounts of the conference experience below!
Caroline Owusu
“This conference reinvigorated my love for chemistry and provided me with inspiration for my own research aspirations.“
Caroline Owosu
As an undergraduate chemistry student at Emory University, attending the national ACS conference in New Orleans was an incredibly enriching experience. Being surrounded by thousands of passionate chemists from across the country allowed me to immerse myself in the latest research and innovations happening in my field. The technical presentations opened my eyes to cutting-edge work being done in areas like sustainable energy, drug discovery, and materials science. I also had the opportunity to network with graduate program recruiters and representatives from major chemical companies, giving me valuable insights into potential career paths. Beyond the academic components, I enjoyed connecting with fellow student members and exploring the vibrant city of New Orleans. This conference reinvigorated my love for chemistry and provided me with inspiration for my own research aspirations. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent Emory at such a prestigious event.
Emily Huang
“I am grateful for both ACS and Emory for giving me this educational opportunity that has provided me with a vibrant perspective on the possibilities of chemistry.“
Emily Huang
Attending the ACS Conference in New Orleans has been one of the highlights of my first year at Emory, not only because it offered a glimpse of the research I could be doing in the future, but also because it reminded me of the vast resources the university offers for its undergraduates. At the conference, I was able to attend events and seminars focusing on graduate school applications, ground-breaking research in theoretical and computational chemistry, and meet other students with similar interests as me not only within Emory, but beyond. The career expo and graduate school fair also provided many opportunities to network, along with the various receptions and dinners the conference hosted. I am grateful for both ACS and Emory for giving me this educational opportunity that has provided me with a vibrant perspective on the possibilities of chemistry.
Evan Myers
” [ . . . ] I left the conference with an increased comprehension of the experimental design to measure the effects of the strength of light-matter coupling on energy transport in polaritonic system.”
Evan Myers
As a chemistry major in my junior year, I am beginning to prepare for my application to graduate school programs. I wanted to expose myself to different areas of chemistry research so that I could guide my future applications, and I realized that the best place to gain this knowledge was at a chemistry conference. I found the ACS conference, but it was prohibitively expensive to attend, so I looked for ways to fund it. I was able to receive support from my research lab and ChEmory, and I would not have been able to attend without this generous funding. Before arriving at the conference, I set a goal to increase my understanding of experimental polariton chemistry to contextualize my current theoretical research. At the polariton symposium, I greatly benefitted from listening to presentations by researchers in the field, and I left the conference with an increased comprehension of the experimental design to measure the effects of the strength of light-matter coupling on energy transport in polaritonic system.
Siddharth Avhad
This conference wasn’t just an event—it was a journey that made me even more excited about chemistry and eager to explore more in the future.
Siddharth Arvhad
Attending my first-ever American Chemical Society conference in New Orleans was an amazing experience! I got to dive into the world of professional science and connect with experts in the field. From fascinating research presentations to interactive workshops, every moment was packed with inspiration and learning. Some of my favorite posters and talks were on topics like sustainability, inorganic chemistry, and drug development. The energy of the city added an extra buzz to the experience, making every conversation feel like a chance to learn something new. This conference wasn’t just an event—it was a journey that made me even more excited about chemistry and eager to explore more in the future.
Kenneth Wingate Jr.
In addition to opening my eyes to new research, the conference functioned as an opportunity to network and expand my circle. Being able to meet and have in-depth discussions with professionals in various fields of chemistry gave me some insight into the different paths that individuals can take and how one’s identity can affect the journey.
Kenneth Wingate Jr.
Throughout my time here at Emory University, I have had many great experiences in the chemistry department. Attending the regional ACS conference in New Orleans, Louisiana was absolutely one of those amazing experiences! I had the opportunity to see the wide array of chemistry being done at other schools by students at various points in their careers. In addition to opening my eyes to new research, the conference functioned as an opportunity to network and expand my circle. Being able to meet and have in-depth discussions with professionals in various fields of chemistry gave me some insight into the different paths that individuals can take and how one’s identity can affect the journey. I especially learned a lot about this from Dr. Isaacs’ talk. This was very influential for me because I have a fair amount of shared identities with him. Outside of networking with professors and students, I had the chance to speak with representatives of companies about jobs and working in industry. Overall, the experience was very enriching and left me with more knowledge and information that I had going in.
Daniel Pun
The demo exchange was an absolute blast, showcasing the boundless creativity of other student chapters and inspiring us all.
Daniel Pun
Attending the ACS conference was an absolutely magnificent experience! One of the highlights was undoubtedly the vibrant Scimix event, where I had the pleasure of meeting new student chapters and engaging in stimulating discussions. Exchanging ideas on how to make ChEmory particularly enriching, sparking innovative approaches and fostering collaboration. The demo exchange was an absolute blast, showcasing the boundless creativity of other student chapters and inspiring us all. Lunch with Dr. Himes was a delightful opportunity to gain insights from a seasoned professional, adding depth to my understanding of the field and the education that captivates our generation. Moreover, the networking opportunities were truly remarkable, connecting with peers and mentors alike, each interaction brimming with potential for future collaborations and growth. Overall, the conference provided a dynamic platform for learning, sharing, and forging invaluable connections, making it an experience I’ll cherish for years to come!