by Sarthak Srivastava ’24
Established in 2015, the American Chemical Society chapter at UMass Amherst has a clear mission: to develop professional skills and support chemistry students throughout their tenure at UMass. With a focus on equipping members for success both during their time on campus and beyond, the club boasts approximately 150 members representing a range of backgrounds. Despite its diverse membership — spanning various majors, class levels and backgrounds — the club maintains its core affiliation with the chemistry department, overseen by faculty advisor Prof. Mike Knapp.
The club is actively involved in hosting events that span three primary categories: club development, career and professional development, and science outreach. In recent years, however, there has been a significant focus on expanding science outreach initiatives.
A standout event in this regard has been the visit to the Springfield Science Museum in recent years. Within the museum's walls, the club orchestrates engaging chemistry demonstrations tailored specifically for children. These demonstrations revolve around diverse themes, ranging from Halloween-inspired experiments in the fall to Earth Day celebrations in the spring. At each event, hundreds of enthusiastic young participants eagerly join in on the fun, taking part in hands-on chemistry activities that are meant to instill curiosity and foster a love for science.
Beyond the confines of the museum, during family weekends, members of the club bring captivating, hands-on chemistry activities directly to campus. This provides an opportunity for parents and prospective students alike to actively participate in these events, fostering an engaging and memorable experience for all involved.
These events aren't just enjoyable for the visitors; they're equally impactful for those who work behind the scenes. I remember my first outreach event with ACS, it was at the Springfield museum, and it was my first time doing something like this. I found so much joy in seeing the curiosity and enjoyment sparked by simple chemistry demonstrations. I will always cherish the days spent doing events like these during my time with ACS.
As scientists, many of us can recall the inquisitive individuals who ignited our passion for the field. For countless, it was the wonder inspired by those who generously shared their knowledge and enthusiasm. The UMass chapter of the American Chemical Society aims to pay this forward, hoping to ignite that same spark of curiosity and wonder in others.