Trine students experience broader world of chemistry at national ACS conference

By Taylor Peel
English/Communication ’27

Two Trine University students — Chloe Laird, a chemical engineering major from Warsaw, Indiana, and Makenzie Amich, a forensic science major from Thorntown, Indiana — recently had the opportunity to connect with thousands of chemistry professionals and students from across the country at the American Chemical Society (ACS) national meeting in Chicago.

Held Aug. 23–27, the conference brought together more than 10,000 members of the chemistry community to share research, explore emerging technologies and learn about the many ways chemistry impacts society. This year’s meeting held additional significance as the ACS celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a century and a half of advancing chemistry and supporting professionals and students in the field.

Polymers, careers, technology

Chloe and Makenzie learned about the opportunity through David Quist, Ph.D., chair of Trine’s Department of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, and Trine’s ACS student chapter. Attending the national meeting gave both students an opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience the broader chemistry community firsthand.

Throughout the conference, the students attended technical sessions, listened to panels of practicing scientists, explored the exposition floor and learned about current research and developments across several areas of chemistry.

Chloe spent one morning attending in-person technical sessions focused on polymers, giving her the opportunity to learn more about research in an area of chemistry with applications across numerous industries. She then attended the ACS 150th Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) Symposium, which quickly became one of her favorite parts of the conference.

“At the ACS 150th JACS Symposium, we listened to a panel of scientists in various career fields talk about their research and how it impacts our society,” Chloe said.

The students also explored the conference’s exposition floor, where they saw new laboratory technologies and learned more about companies working in the sciences. For students preparing to enter scientific careers, the experience offered a firsthand look at the tools, organizations and career opportunities that extend beyond the university laboratory.

Later in the day, Chloe attended additional technical sessions that focused on chemical research in forensic science. The variety of topics allowed her to see how chemistry can contribute to different areas of research and professional practice.

Looking to the future

For Makenzie, one of the most meaningful parts of the experience came from interacting with scientists and hearing their perspectives on the field. Her favorite part was a panel in which scientists answered questions from students attending the conference.

The experience also strengthened Makenzie’s enthusiasm for pursuing a career in chemistry.

“After experiencing this conference, I felt more empowered to make a difference and stick with chemistry,” Makenzie said. “It was amazing to see all these people who liked chemistry and were excited for the future of it. This helps in my field of study because I am wanting to work in chemistry, and it was inspiring to see what people do.”

For Chloe and Makenzie, attending the ACS national meeting provided not only an opportunity to learn about their field but the ability to engage with members of the professional chemistry community, explore potential career paths and see how the concepts they study at Trine translate into research and professional practice.