Two graduate students in the School of Chemical Sciences are recipients of Gender Equity in the Chemical Sciences Inclusive Leadership Awards.
This award was created to recognize graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering who are models of inclusive excellence and demonstrate a commitment to promoting full and equal participation of women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and/or persons of differing sexual orientations and gender identities in research and teaching. The recipients of the 2025 GEICS Inclusive Excellence Awards were recognized during the annual GEICS Conference on Sept. 12, 2025.
Micah Robinson
Graduate student
Department of Chemistry
Advisor: Prof. Joaquín Rodríguez-López, chemistry
Robinson consistently demonstrates inclusive leadership as President of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers by fostering an environment where all voices are valued and respected. According to the nominations, Robinson actively promotes inclusion by encouraging diverse perspectives in discussions, supporting equitable opportunities for professional growth, and advocating for fair recruitment and mentorship practices. Through her efforts, she champions diversity not only in representation but also in thought, experience, and background. By recognizing and celebrating individual differences, the nominee cultivates a departmental culture of belonging, collaboration, and mutual respect, making a lasting impact on the community she serves.
Afia Subhani
Graduate student
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Advisor: Prof. Christopher V. Rao, ChBE
As a committed member of the Bangladesh Student Association, Subhani serves as the Cultural Secretary of the association and has significantly contributed to fostering inclusive excellence by bridging cultural communities within the broader university environment. According to nominations, it is through her work in logistics, that Subhani has helped organize cultural events, festivals, and social gatherings that celebrate Bangladeshi heritage while inviting participation from students of all backgrounds. She ensures these events are accessible, thoughtfully planned, and welcoming—paying attention to details such as food inclusivity, clear communication, and collaborative partnerships with other cultural groups. By creating spaces where cultural identity is honored and cross-cultural exchange is encouraged, she actively supports a more inclusive and interconnected student experience, helping move the university community toward a more diverse and welcoming campus culture.