Tigers, biochemistry, gas lamps, statistical inference, San Diego bay and chromatography; a list that presents a mixed bag of academic subjects. And yet, they all have something in common. They all are Clayton State University Wi2STEM students’ research presentations.
Clayton State Wi2STEM students recently presented the results of their research at the American Chemical Society (ACS) in San Diego. Wi2STEM is a Clayton State organization created to increase knowledge of, and greater interest in, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines. It is also a means of building a network of resources for women in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines and a means of communication for women having an interest in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math majors.
WI2STEM students Smah Abdelhamid (Clarkston), Jennifer Crisci (McDonough), Aleena Farooq (McDonough) and Sotheavy Vann (College Park) were able to travel to a nationally-recognized conference this spring because of Georgia Power's support of the WI2STEM program. Additional funds came from three Clayton State student organizations, and the University’s Department of Natural Sciences. All four women attended the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting to present posters of their educational scientific research.
Their research was completed over the past year and their research abstracts were accepted by ACS, but they would not have been able to exhibit their research without the support of the Georgia Power Travel Grant. Their research advisors are Clayton State professors Dr. Richard Singiser and Dr. Susan Hornbuckle.
“Attending the American Chemical Society conference in San Diego was not just going to another science conference in some new location, it was more like taking a bite out of a slice of life,” says Vann, who is also one of Clayton State’s first group of Presidential Scholars and a former dual enrollment student at the University. “It really was an educational trip in many aspects of life: academics, culture, friendships, and new experiences."
“The American Chemical society conference was an opportunity like no other,” states Abdelhamid. “It was an endless supply of knowledge in the sessions that ranged from biochemistry to physical chemistry to acceptance into graduate school. I met people in my field of study. I also met graduate school representatives and students who were able to give me a look at what to expect.
“The opportunity to go to the ACS conference would not be possible if not for WI2STEM and advisor Mary Hudachek-Buswell. From the four ACS attendees, we appreciate you and WI2STEM greatly.”
All four students are active members of WI2STEM and appreciate the opportunity that has been handed to them by Georgia Power and they plan on taking full advantage of it.
“This is a chance for them to learn more about their fields they plan to enter as well as provide them with an experience that would normally be out of reach,” notes Hudachek-Buswell. “Abdelhamid, Crisci, Farooq and Vann want Georgia Power to know they will be good stewards in their disciplines as a result of their travels.”