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Student Workshop

Hero 2026

Student and Postdoc Workshop

9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2026
Marriott San Antonio Rivercenter at the Riverwalk

Students and postdoctoral scholars are invited to attend the free annual GC&E Student & Postdoc Workshop, held the day before the GC&E Conference begins. This full-day experience will help you strengthen your ability to share research effectively and craft compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences.

Participants will explore sustainable design principles and systems thinking while gaining practical tools for impactful science communication. You’ll learn how to identify your “why,” tailor messages for different audiences, and transform data into stories that inspire action. The workshop also includes hands-on activities for creating engaging vertical video pitches, plus dedicated office hours for personalized feedback, potentially featuring chemistry communicators and influencers.

Workshop Highlights

        • Discover sustainable design principles and their role in addressing global challenges
        • Learn strategies for clear, persuasive science communication
        • Practice storytelling techniques and data visualization for maximum impact
        • Develop short-form video pitches and receive expert feedback
        • Network with peers and leaders from industry, academia, and non-profits

Workshop Organizers

  • Meghna Dilip, Worcester State University
  • Jeffrey Whitford, Millipore Sigma
  • Darcy Gentleman, Planet Forward
  • Saderrick Johnson, ACS
  • Sederra Ross, ACS Green Chemistry Institute

Agenda

Monday, June 15, 2026

8:00 a.m. -8:30 a.m.
Breakfast and Check-in
8:30 a.m. -8:35 a.m.
Welcome Remarks
  • Introductions from ACS–GCI and student facilitators 
  • Overview of session schedule & full-day goals and how sessions tie to green chemistry communication 
8:35 a.m. -8:45 a.m.
ACS Opening Remarks
  • Why green chemistry is so important for a sustainable future 
  • How does communication assist in pushing green chemistry forward 
9:15 a.m.
Building Connections Through ACS & Ice Breaker
  • Share opportunities for students via membership 
  • interactive activity to build rapport & set expectations hosted by the ACS Communities & Membership/ ChemBiz Pitch. 
9:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Session 1: From Bench To Breakthrough: The Art And Science Of Communicating Chemistry
  • 9:15 AM – 9:35 AM — Introduction 
    • Introductory Remarks/ Case Study/ Green Chemistry Millipore Sigma 
    • Dozn tool and communicating their uses 
  • 9:35 AM – 10:00 AM — 5 Core Principles of Effective Science Communication 
  • 10:00 AM – 10:25 AM — Putting These Principles into Practice: Jeffrey in the Hot Seat 
  • 10:25 AM – 10:45 AM — Student Practice Interview Challenge 
10:45 a.m. -11:00 a.m.
Networking Coffee Break
11:00 a.m. -12:30 a.m.
Session 2: Crafting An Authentic, Credible And Standout (ACS) Personal Brand As A Research Chemistry
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM — What a Personal Brand Is (and Why it Matters): A Personal Journey 
  • 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM — The Personal Brand Equation and Exercise 
  • 11:50 AM-12:10 PM— Why LinkedIN Is Your Personal Brand Calling Card 
  • 12:10-12:30 PM— Optimizing Your LinkedIN Headline and About Section 
12:30 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Networking Lunch Break
1:30 p.m. -2:30 p.m.
Elements of Story + Identify Your Why & Who
2:30 p.m. -3:15 p.m.
Dazzle Me a Data Point
3:15 p.m. -3:30 p.m.
Networking Coffee Break
3:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Vertical Video Pitches for PF & Pitch Practice Session
4:30 p.m. -4:45 p.m.
Final Remarks & Ice Breaker from ACS Membership
4:45 p.m. -5:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks & Continued Pitch Practice