The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and the Office of Inclusion and Equity sponsored travel grants for students to attend the 2017 NOBCChE Conference, which was held in Minneapolis. After attending the conference, undergrad students, Deidra Ward and Mikhala Cooper, believed that a student chapter of the organization would be beneficial for Clemson’s campus. NOBCChE, or the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, is an organization dedicated to building an eminent cadre of people of color in science and technology. The formation of a student chapter at Clemson would serve as a means for fostering diversity and minority retention in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields at the university.
Recently, the organization held their first general body meeting where they highlighted the goals of the organization and how this organization will benefit those who decide to join. They also elected members for their executive board. NOBCChE will serve as a catalyst for networking, leadership development, and professional development. It will also allow for minority students studying chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields to fellowship.
For more information on NOBCChE, contact Deidra Ward, President deidraw@g.clemson.edu or Mikhala Cooper, Vice President khasahc@g.clemson.edu
Executive Board Members: Jasmine Pringle (Treasurer), DeJanique Bradshaw (Social Media Coordinator), Deidra Ward (President), Mikhala Cooper (Vice President), Johnathan O’Neil (Secretary), and Rashaun Rush (Campus Representative).