The American Chemical Society’s Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering has selected a University of Illinois group for recognition as an outstanding student chapter.
The Illinois ACS POLY/PMSE chapter was selected as the 2026 third place winner as Outstanding Student Chapter. The group, which draws members from chemistry and chemical and biomolecular engineering, was selected for creating a dynamic and supportive environment for new researchers in polymer science and engineering and for facilitating teamwork and collaboration. The chapter will be recognized at the PMSE/POLY Plenary Lecture and Awards Reception at the upcoming Chicago ACS Meeting on Aug. 25 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Illinois chemistry graduate student Joanna Vo serves as president of the Illinois student chapter that has about 38 members, including postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
In the 2025-26 academic year, the student chapter hosted its first symposium, a two-day event featuring Illinois researchers from seven departments and 19 research groups on campus, presenting their polymer research. The chapter also hosted a Coffee Talk Series. The bi-semester gatherings gave chapter members the opportunity to discuss research with Illinois faculty members and their research group members. The chapter also collaborated with Graduate Women in the Society of Women Engineers and the Urbana Tiger Academy, engaging high school students in the Urbana community with the chemistry of polymer networks and hydrogels through a hands-on, edible popping boba class.
The POLY/PMSE chapter’s goals are to expand the annual symposium, broaden outreach programs, connect with a broader network on the Illinois campus, and promote career and professional development.