The Southeast and Southwest regions of NOBCChE hosted a joint conference on April 14-15 in Oxford, MS, home of The University of Mississippi. Approximately 120 individuals (95 live and 25 virtual) registered for the conference. Students represented 70 percent of the total hybrid registrants. The School of Engineering, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, and The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provided the undergraduate students with information on various PhD programs and tours of their departments. In addition, both professionals and students had the opportunity to visit the marijuana and medicinal gardens.
The Joint SE/SW Regional NOBCChE Conference accomplished several goals:
1) Sponsored 75+ students (from underrepresented backgrounds in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related STEM fields) to provide networking and professional development opportunities. Drs Milcah Jackson and Joerg Schlatterer of The American Chemical Society presented two professional development workshops titled "Crafting Effective Resumes and CVs" and "Making Authentic Professional Connections." Former NOBCChE Presidents Drs Emanual Waddell and Marquita Qualls (AKA Dr "Q") presented on "Opportunities with the National Science Foundation" and "Establishing Your Brand," respectively.
2) Provided young researchers with a platform to present original research and receive valuable feedback. $1650 in prize money was awarded to the student winners of the oral and poster presentations. Winners include the following:
Oral Presentation
1st Place Kelsey Hines, Louisiana State University
2nd Place Busayo Alagbe, Tulane University
3rd Place Zoe Scott, Rhodes College
Poster Presentation
1st Place Tomayo Berida, University of Mississippi
2nd Place Noha Ahmed, University of Cincinnati
3rd Place Kiersten McCalpine, Alabama State University
3rd Place Cheydall Grubs, Alabama State University
3) Showcased the research excellence of Black scientists regarded as top experts in their respective fields. The keynote speakers included Dr Isaiah Warner (LSU Boyd Professor and Philip W. West Professor of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Emeritus), Dr Montray Leavy (Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Entegris, Singapore), Dr Davita Watkins (Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Mississippi), and Dr LaRico Treadwell (R&D Chemist and Material Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories).
4) Held a Conference Graduate Expo that allowed the undergraduate students to gain valuable information on top academic graduate programs and job opportunities. Some of the exhibitors represented schools and organizations that included Auburn University, Texas A&M University, LS-PAC MODELS Center, Jackson State University, Entegris, The University of Mississippi (Department of BioMolecular Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Engineering), Emory University Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, and The American Chemical Society.
5) Provided a space for discussion to foster partnerships and collaborations that can lead to new research, innovations, and solutions to global challenges.
6) Allowed members of the NOBCChE student chapters to give back to the community. NOBCChE student members performed a chemistry magic show for approximately thirty 9th-12th grade Coffeeville, MS Upward Bound students during the conference ending cookout. As always, the liquid nitrogen ice cream was a huge hit.
The Joint SE/SW Regional NOBCChE Conference Planning Committee (Leo Fontenot - NOBCChE National Student Representative, Dr Tyrslai Williams-Carter - SW Regional Chair, Dr Margo Montgomery-Richardson - SE Regional Chair, Dr Davita Watkins - UM Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Dr Murrell Godfrey - NOBCChE Immediate Past President) would like to thank everyone who contributed to this successful event. We look forward to you joining us at NOBCChE's 49th National Conference, September 26-29 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. Take the time to register now.
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