Celebrating Graduate Student Leadership in Outreach, Advocacy, and Safety
The Department of Chemistry is proud to recognize three exceptional graduate students whose leadership and service have made a meaningful impact within our department and beyond. Through their dedication to science outreach, advocacy for diversity and professional development, and commitment to laboratory safety, these students exemplify the values of leadership, engagement, and community that strengthen our department and the broader scientific community.
Priya Boora: Leadership in Science Outreach
Priya Boora has demonstrated outstanding leadership in science outreach through her involvement with Discover Engineering Days, where she engaged approximately 150 students from fourth through sixth grade across six outreach events. Her enthusiasm for chemistry and talent for communicating complex concepts in an accessible way helped spark curiosity and excitement among young learners.
Throughout these sessions, Priya introduced students to fundamental chemistry concepts, including phase changes, environmental awareness, and basic chemical principles through hands-on demonstrations. One of her most popular activities used dry ice and balloons to illustrate sublimation, creating memorable experiences that encouraged students to ask questions and explore scientific ideas.
Priya also led demonstrations involving liquid nitrogen, allowing students to observe how different materials react to extreme temperatures. These experiments helped students understand concepts such as reversibility and material properties, while fostering a deeper appreciation for the scientific process. In addition to chemistry education, she incorporated discussions about environmental sustainability, emphasizing topics such as plastic decomposition and the importance of reducing plastic waste. Through her creativity, energy, and dedication, Priya has helped make science engaging and accessible for young learners in our community.
Emmanuel Aidoo: Leadership in Science Advocacy
Emmanuel “Manny” Aidoo has distinguished himself as a leader in science advocacy through his work with the Midwest Retreat for Diversity in Chemistry (MWRDC), now rebranded as the Midwest Retreat for Pathways in Chemistry (MWRPC). As a co-organizer and member of the retreat’s planning committee, Manny has played a key role in creating opportunities that support underrepresented groups and early-career scientists as they navigate careers in chemistry.
Inspired by the retreat’s positive impact, Manny committed himself to helping expand its reach and effectiveness. The retreat is designed to provide graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with a proactive and supportive approach to career development. Through networking opportunities, mentorship, professional training, and community-building activities, participants gain valuable tools for success in academic, industrial, and government careers.
The annual three-day event features workshops, breakout sessions, poster presentations, and mentor panels that connect attendees with accomplished scientists and professionals. By helping organize and shape this important program, Manny has contributed to building a more inclusive and supportive scientific community while empowering future leaders in chemistry. More information about MWRDC is available in the attached documents or on our website: https://www.mwrpc.org/.
Pinky Chowdhury: Leadership in Research Safety
Pinky Chowdhury has emerged as an exceptional leader in research safety, setting a high standard for graduate students across the department. Her dedication to creating a safe and supportive laboratory environment has benefited both graduate and undergraduate students while strengthening the department’s overall safety culture.
As a student liaison, Pinky has served as a trusted resource for students, helping ensure that safety concerns can be communicated effectively and confidentially. Her efforts have helped foster an environment where students feel comfortable raising concerns and contributing to continuous improvements in laboratory practices.
Pinky has also been an active member of the department’s Safety Committee, participating in inspections of undergraduate laboratories and working closely with student organizations. Through her collaboration with Phi Lambda Upsilon (PLU), she helped support efforts to revive a laboratory plastics recycling initiative, demonstrating how safety and sustainability can work hand in hand.
In addition, Pinky developed an innovative Chemistry Jeopardy-style training activity as an alternative to traditional safety seminars. This interactive approach transformed safety training into an engaging and collaborative learning experience, encouraging students to strengthen their knowledge while participating in friendly competition. Her creativity, leadership, and commitment to safety have made a lasting impact on the department and helped create a safer environment for all.
Recognizing Excellence in Service and Leadership
Priya Boora, Emmanuel Aidoo, and Pinky Chowdhury each represent a different facet of leadership, yet all share a common commitment to service, inclusion, and excellence. Whether inspiring young students through hands-on science education, advocating for diversity and professional growth within the chemical sciences, or strengthening the culture of safety in research laboratories, these graduate students have made significant contributions to the Department of Chemistry.
We congratulate these outstanding students for their achievements and thank them for the positive impact they continue to make on our department, university, and broader community.
