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A black and white logo with a capital letter "C" and superscript "2" that have various chemistry images within the letter and the number.

The goal of the C² program is to foster excellence in chemical sciences at Illinois. Graduate and undergraduate Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students from underrepresented groups (African American, LatinX, and Native American) are encouraged to participate. By partnering with graduate student mentors and engaging in monthly networking and professional development events, Cbrings together faculty and students from the School of Chemical Sciences to build a community of scholars in which diversity and excellence thrive.

Monthly professional development workshops and networking events are combined with one-on-one peer mentorship, and student affiliates are also eligible to apply for Summer Research Scholarships sponsored by the 3M Corporation and competitive Travel Awards to present their research at National conferences such as NOBCChESACNAS, and ABRCMS.

Board Members

Lisa Olshansky, lolshans@illinois.edu; Patricia Simpson, plblum@illinois.edu; Karla Denzler, denzler@illinois.edu; Raylene Gomez Hernandez, rayleneg@illinois.edu; Alexa Kuenstler, akuenstl@illinois.edu; Charles Sing, cesing@illinois.edu.

Monthly C2 Events

Monthly events generally include a Networking and Food segment, giving participants an opportunity to talk with their mentors, make new friends, meet professors, and eat free food. And that's generally followed by a Professional Development segment, featuring things like workshop activities, panel speakers, and award presentations.

 

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Chart showing how C² - Chemistry through Community - plans to help with Networking, Research Opportunities and Professional Development