In this month’s chair’s message, I want to highlight the activities being run by the chemistry clubs and student chapters at San Jose State University, Santa Clara University and UC Santa Cruz. These three schools have active and vibrant student chapters which have enrich the academic community and foster better public understanding of the importance of chemistry.
The University of California, Santa Cruz Student Chapter was honored with a Commendable Chapter Award for their activities in the past academic year which included a Science Alive outreach event at Gavilan College (Gilroy), Genentech lab tours, and Essential Oil Distillation Demo and DIY Essential Oil Diffusers.
The Santa Clara University Student Chapter was honored with an Honorable Mention Chapter Award, marking its 33rd consecutive award—an extraordinary achievement! The Santa Clara section participated in the Silicon Valley Chemists Celebrate Earth Week activities volunteers at the San Jose Martin Luther King Children’s Library, provided volunteers for Tech Trek volunteers, and organized a Program in a Box watch party.
On May 3, 2025, 280 attendees from 14 schools gathered at San José State University (SJSU) for the 37th Annual Northern California Undergraduate Research Symposium (NCURS) hosted by The SJSU Chemistry Club. Originally established in 1989 as a joint initiative of the Santa Clara Valley (Linda Brunauer, Santa Clara University) and California Sections (Steven Bachofer, St. Mary’s College), NCURS remains a premier regional event for undergraduate students to present their research and engage with the scientific community. The 2025 event featured 16 fascinating talks, 85 engaging posters, 2 delicious food trucks, 1 fun photo booth, and 1 periodic-table-expanding plenary. NCURS 2025 closed with an excellent keynote lecture given by Dr. Jacklyn Gates who is currently the group leader for the Heavy Element Group in the Nuclear Science Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The Silicon Valley Section is especially proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the students and faculty advisors across all of our student chapters. Each chapter engaged in a diverse array of activities, providing valuable support to the section, their respective departments, and the broader community.
Respectfully submitted
Natalie McClure
