Student Organizations in Chemistry

There are many ways to get involved at Otterbein both on and off campus.

Opportunities and organizations that chemistry majors may be especially interested in include the following:

Chemistry Tutors and Teaching Assistants

Students who have completed a class with an A or B may gain leadership and teaching experience by serving as peer tutors, supplemental instructors and laboratory teaching assistants for that course in later years. Peer tutors work one-on-one with students, while supplemental instructors (SI) help groups of students with class material. Laboratory teaching assistants work with the laboratory instructor to set-up experiments and address student questions in the lab.

 

Otterbein University Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS)

This organization allows students with an interest in chemistry to become better acquainted, to secure the intellectual stimulation that arises from professional association, to obtain experience in preparing and presenting technical material before chemical audiences, to foster a professional spirit among the members, to instill a professional pride in the chemical sciences, and to foster an awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist. The members also have a focus on chemistry outreach to K-12 and campus audiences.

The ACS Student Chapter was recognized based on their programs and activities in 2019-2020 by the ACS National Society Committee on Education. They received the second-highest award – commendable.

American Chemical Society

American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The ASBMB Student Chapter is devoted to building a national community of undergraduate students and faculty members for the advancement of biochemistry and molecular biology research, education and science outreach. Our mission is to provide networking and career-development opportunities at regional and national levels, access to research and science outreach, as well as grants and awards to facilitate these aims. Past outreach events have included educational activities at the Fall Harvest Festival, Earth Festival, Otterthon, and more. Our chapter also has weekly BMB Tea meetings provided by students and faculty, for students and faculty to come and mingle, drink tea/coffee, and discuss current events.

Women in Science

The Women in Science club is a student run campus organization. Women in Science hopes to reach Otterbein’s community and broaden horizons of the next generation. Members will gain a greater understanding of the contributions of women in any and all sciences. The group also provides an open environment for members to share and explore interests and career paths within the sciences. Major focuses of Women in Science includes: bringing female speakers to campus, holding discussion and networking opportunities following talks, and engaging in the local community. Involvement of the organization consists of participation in OTTERTHON, Girl Day, and outreach at local elementary schools.

Alpha Epsilon Delta

AED is the national Pre-Professional Health Honor Society. Otterbein’s AED chapter offers informational sessions, activities, and service opportunities for all pre-professional health students. Those Otterbein students meeting specific GPA requirements may apply to become AED members for life and help run the chapter.

Global Brigades

Global Brigades is a student-led organization that travels once a year to Panama, Nicaragua, Ghana, or Honduras to set up medical clinics with the help of student volunteers and medical professionals. Global Brigades is run using a holistic model, where immediate medical care is provided, and a long-term health solution project is completed. Anyone is able to participate, and no medical experience is needed!

Plan-It Earth

This program takes an activist approach to addressing environmental issues, with a focus on fostering environmentally friendly practices and awareness on campus and in the community. Plan-It Earth plans activities that encourage and challenge Otterbein students to make steps to reduce, re-use, and recycle. This group also plans activities to give back to our earth, such as picking up litter, planning recycling projects and initiatives, and volunteering at Otterbein Lake.

Otterbein Student Education Association (OSEA)

OSEA is a professional development organization for all education majors attending Otterbein University. Students involved in OSEA have opportunities to attend events focused on a variety of educational topics, including classroom management, resume writing, interviewing tips, and classroom technology resources. Through social events, OSEA allows its members to connect with other passionate educators while simultaneously building valuable skills needed to become an effective educator.

Education Theme House

Residents living in the Education House at 162 W. Home Street are education majors. They live and learn together, supporting one another through the Education Program. The house plans programs on the topics of Columbus schools, leadership development and student teaching. Residents serve as role models to freshmen education majors and those going through the student teaching process. They also host meetings and programs sponsored by the Education department and often have socials open to the campus.

Kappa Delta Pi

The Otterbein chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, Chi Eta, consists of Education students whose grade point average is in the top 20% of students in their Education program area and who, by faculty evaluation, possess qualities of leadership, service and professionalism. The mission of Kappa Delta Pi is to sustain an honored community of diverse educators by promoting excellence and advancing scholarship, leadership, and service. The vision of Kappa Delta Pi is to help committed educators be leaders in improving education for global citizenship.