Clubs & Organizations
Chemistry professional organizations and clubs provide opportunities for members to further their understanding of chemistry, interact in a social setting, and give back to the community through a variety of service projects. The following links and pages describe several organizations which students can join that will enhance their MSU Chemistry experience.
American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Student Affiliate Chapter at MSU - SAACS (also known as MSU Chemistry Club) Chemistry Club is an award-winning Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. Members of the MSU Chemistry Club and Chemistry Majors are urged to join the American Chemical Society (ACS) as student members to augment their professional and academic development. Chemistry Club members hold regular meetings during which invited speakers give talks on their research, and they undertake service projects ranging from science outreach activites to community service. Members participate in National Chemistry Week through events sponsored by the MSU ACS Local Section and by their own scheduled activities. They also attend national ACS meetings and regional professional meetings whenever possible.
- Women in Chemistry (ACSWIC)
- ACS National Office
Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE), Co-ed Fraternity, Professional in Chemistry .
- Alpha Upsilon Chapter at MSU
- AXE National Office
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society
American Crystallographic Association (ACA)
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
- NOBCChE MSU Chapter
- The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical
Engineers was founded in 1972 as a non-profit professional society. The official acronym is
NOBCChE (pronounced No-be-shay). NOBCChE was established for the primary purpose of
building an eminent community of scientists and engineers by significantly increasing
the number of African-Americans in the fields of chemistry, chemical engineering,
and related technological fields. The vision is to be the society of choice for minority
scientists, helping them optimize their potential as scientists.
The objectives of each Student Affiliate Chapter (SAC) are to fulfill the "National" mission through excellence in academics, professional development, and a steadfast commitment to community service activities. The goals of the Michigan State University SAC of NOBCChE, chartered in 1989, also include the recruitment and support of minority students who have chosen to major in the science disciplines and the promotion of activities that will lead to successful careers for its members.
Chemistry Club (see: Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society - SAACS)
Chemistry Research Safety Team (RST)
The Chemistry Research Safety Team (RST) was established to bridge the communication gap between graduate student safety officers and established safety organizations such as EHS and the safety committee. The team's mission is to increase safety awareness and promote a safety culture as a core institutional value in all academic and research endeavors within the Department of Chemistry.
With the formation of RST and close collaboration with MSU’s EHS department, safety officers now have an official forum to discuss concerns with their peers, without the pressure or apprehension associated with asking departmental or university–level safety resources independently. If necessary, this organization can act as an intermediate to connect researchers to the appropriate resources within the university. This sense of community within the chemistry department is aimed to increase the overall safety and wellbeing of all students and researchers.
Through monthly meetings and regular postage of monthly posters dubbed “Safety Minutes” that feature safety reminders and individuals displaying proper safety during a “Safety Second.” Monthly fliers can also be found around the department dubbed “Safety Femtosecond” that aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to maintain a safe and healthy working environment. The RST also holds safety related events throughout the year to actively promote the safety culture at MSU. New this year, RST created a forum to report “near misses” in lab as well as the department to address potential hazards that are encountered and may not be immediately evident. Students and researchers at all levels are encouraged to participate in RST’s meetings and events. Please contact the Chemistry Research Safety Team’s executive board at CEM.RST@msu.edu
Beyond Benign Founded in 2007 by Drs. John Warner and Amy Cannon, Beyond Benign is an organization dedicated to fostering a green chemistry community that empowers educators to transform chemistry education for a sustainable future. Among its activities, Beyond Benign supports the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC). GCC is a consortium program that unites the green chemistry community around shared goals and a common vision to expand the community of green chemists. The GCC has been signed by over 80 institutions from around the globe. The MSU Chemistry Department is proud to be among this group having signed the GCC in 2018.