“I hope my experience will inspire more College of Science & Engineering students
at TCU to realize the incredible opportunities that are available for them,” says
second-year biochemistry student Tatum K. Harvey.
Harvey recently attended the American Chemical Society (ACS) Leadership Institute in Atlanta and shared her invaluable experience.
What is the Institute?
Harvey: To attend the ACS Leadership Institute as an undergraduate, you must demonstrate your active participation and leadership with your student chapter or local section. Out of over 250 candidates, 18 were awarded a student leadership grant to attend the conference. The award recognizes emerging leaders in our ACS student chapter network and helps them prepare for leadership opportunities with volunteer organizations and in their professional careers.
What did you do at the Institute?
The Institute provided insightful knowledge on how to lead a team, network within an organization, specifically with the ACS community, and other career settings, and used comprehensive workshops to identify strengths within yourself and in teams. From student chapters and local sections to the Board of Directors and the CEO of ACS, I had an invaluable opportunity to interact with professionals in various stages of their careers, from post-doctoral students to tenured professors and high standing members within the chemical industry. I was able to build connections with people who offered incredible insight and support as I develop my career, as well as supporting my role in ACS providing opportunities for me to show my passion and dedication to chemistry and other ACS members.
What were some highlights?
Harvey: I met Mary K. Carroll, president of ACS, who highlighted me on her LinkedIn account as the “future of the chemical enterprise,” Judith C. Giordan, former ACS president, who offered her encouragement and wisdom, and Dorothy J. Phillips, president-elect and the first African American woman to graduate from Vanderbilt University and share her story of rising through diversity by keeping her faith and values at the forefront.
What were your takeaways?
Harvey: The Institute exposed me to true networking with both peers and career professionals. It was a surreal experience that provided me valuable knowledge and motivation to keep pushing forward. It really embodied the Lead On philosophy. I am grateful for this opportunity and came back with big ideas for the Chemistry Club, the Chemistry Department, and TCU.
