Dr. Amy Balija, Instructor of Chemistry, Represents Loyola University Chicago at Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society
Amy Balija (Second from Right in the Back Row) with attendees at the Women Chemists Committee/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect Luncheon.
The 73rd Southeastern Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, or SERMACS, was held from October 19th-22nd in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Amy Balija, Instructor of Chemistry, attended this year’s meeting representing Loyola and the American Chemical Society (ACS) Women Chemists Committee. As Chair of the Women Chemists Committee, Amy presented the work of the Committee, focusing on ways her committee ensures equal representation in the Society and the workplace.
“The meeting’s theme “Chemistry Transcending Boundaries for a Sustainable Future” provided an excellent opportunity for scientists from the United States and Central and South America to discuss relevant issues and create collaborations,” Amy described. “I connected with scientists who are facilitating programs to encourage women into the sciences and are developing research programs for underrepresented individuals. With over 1400 attendees, SERMACS allows one the ability to showcase research and interact with other scientists in a more intimate setting compared with the large-scale ACS national meetings.”
Besides presenting her work, Amy co-hosted the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect/Women Chemists Committee Luncheon with Reña Robinson, President of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). Laura Castillo-Page, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the National Academies, discussed how the sciences need to be more inclusive. A brainstorming session was then held for attendees to determine how to address inequalities in their workplaces. Current and past presidents of the ACS, members of the ACS Board of Directors, professionals, and students attended this event.
The ACS Women Chemists Committee’s vision is equal representation and influence in the chemistry enterprise. Additional information about the Committee can be found at https://acswcc.org/.