Sinclair’s Chemistry Club is more than just lab experiments

Starting and sustaining a student organization in any college is no small task. Students transfer, graduate, or change majors, but Sinclair College’s American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter has managed to grow into an award-winning organization in just a few years.

According to faculty advisor Steven Trohalaki, the chapter began with student initiative.

“It started with the students,” Trohalaki said. A former student named Jacqueline helped launch the effort after expressing interest in forming an official ACS presence on campus. From there, the process began and it wasn’t simple.

Steven Trohalaki, Sinclair’s ACS chapter advisor. CONTRIBUTED

Because the chapter is affiliated with the American Chemical Society, there were specific requirements that needed to be met. A minimum number of student members were needed, and the advisor also had to be an ACS member. At the time, Trohalaki was the only faculty member who met that requirement.

“It took us a long time to meet all the requirements,” he said.

In addition to building membership, students had to draft a constitution and bylaws to formalize the organization.

“The first year was a lot of work,” Trohalaki said. “Getting it going was really a lot of work.”

The effort paid off in its first year, as the Sinclair ACS chapter was named an outstanding club and Trohalaki was recognized as one of the most outstanding advisors. Since becoming official, the chapter has focused on giving students opportunities that extend beyond classroom lectures and lab experiments. One of their early experiences included touring Bowser-Morner, a company that specializes in testing materials and products.

“They want real-life experiences,” Trohalaki said. “They were interested in doing things you don’t normally do in class.”

**Bowser-Morner specializes in testing materials.** THE BUSINESS JOURNALS

Members have also volunteered during National Chemistry Week, participated in TechFest and organized sustainability efforts on campus. In one example, students collected recyclable materials from campus trash during the week to highlight the volume of waste being produced and promote environmental awareness.

The organization also encourages members to seek academic enrichment opportunities. Some students have participated in fully funded summer research programs, spending time in laboratories across the country conducting hands-on research. Others take part in honors programs while balancing demanding coursework.

Trohalaki emphasized the level of commitment his students show both inside and outside the classroom. Many ACS members balance demanding coursework with tutoring and leadership roles within the club.

“My students are working much harder,” he said, noting that many of them take on additional responsibilities while still managing their chemistry courses.

Beyond academics, the chapter also serves as a support system. While chemistry is often associated with solitary lab work, Trohalaki mentioned that the club creates both academic and social connections.

“It’s also a social club as well as an academic club,” Trohalaki said. Members meet at least monthly, often twice a month, and hold end-of-semester gatherings. The regular meetings provide space for students to talk about coursework, research goals and any future plans.

**A sense of community can be critical for college students, especially in heavily academic fields.** ISTOCK

For STEM students, that sense of community can be critical.

“If you’re feeling isolated at all as a student — and it’s easy for that to happen — joining the Chem Club can only help,” Trohalaki said.

The chapter is open to more than just chemistry majors. Students in biochemistry and other STEM-related fields are encouraged to join, reflecting the broad impact chemistry has across all fields.

Looking forward, Trohalaki hopes to see the organization continue to grow. “I wanted to see it sustained and to grow as a club,” he said.

With dedicated student leaders, academic ambition and a commitment to real-world experience, Sinclair’s ACS chapter is proving that even in one of the most demanding majors, students can find opportunity, recognition and community.