By grounding TCNJ’s Student Chemists Association (SCA) in data driven STEM Identity research and social science practice, we can proactively craft a Chemistry Major Identity early in a student’s career by disseminating cultural capital for student success and help guide students’ decision processes to make the best choices towards their career paths. SCA prides itself on a commitment to service and the promotion of the chemical sciences in the general community, as well as sponsoring networking and relationships between chapter members. Service events offer a unique opportunity for students to be the expert while performing chemistry demonstrations, such as forensic chemistry fingerprinting, biodegradable packing peanuts, and dry ice bubbles. We perform these demonstrations at events such as ChemExpo at Liberty Science Center, a National Chemistry Week event, and local middle and elementary school science fairs. SCA also runs a novel Connect Program, where TCNJ students travel to local high schools to give presentations on their research to encourage and excite students interested in pursuing a college degree in science. SCA members serve as mentors in the Chemistry Department’s “brown-bag lunches” for first year students to formally receive cultural capital on student success by focusing on the specific actions a student must do as a new Chemistry Major (accessing faculty, developing study plans, adjusting to college life). First year students also get to know upperclass students at non-formal chemistry-themed social events, including a Green Chemistry Scavenger Hunt, Chemistry Thanksgiving, and Chemiformal, our semiformal. In order to promote professional development, an Inter-Chapter Relations event supported by the grant from the ACS was held at the Crayola Experience in Easton, PA with over 40 people in attendance, including chapter members from Lafayette College, Rider University, and members of the Trenton Local Section. This event provided an opportunity to network with other students and professionals in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. Through these events, SCA supports the TCNJ Chemistry Department’s initiative to create a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere and cultivate a social identity as a chemistry major, beginning in the incoming freshman class and continuing to develop a sense of belonging and inclusion over a student’s undergraduate career. This department’s culture has proven to be integral to the success of students in the department.

Promotion of a chemistry major identity through the Student Chemists Association at The College of New Jersey

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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