2024 American Chemical Society Leadership Institute Award Goes to UCF Chemistry Junior  

A deserving Chemistry student earned the 2024 American Chemical Society (ACS) Leadership Institute Award, allowing her to attend this year’s conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The recipient, Yael Faroud, is a junior majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Health Science. She serves as the Secretary for the UCF ACS student chapter.  

Professor Stephen Kuebler has been the chapter’s faculty advisor since 2005 and was excited to nominate Faroud for this award.  

“Yael embodies everything we hope for in the rising generation of young chemists who will lead our profession,” shared Kuebler.  

Read what Faroud has to share about this exciting accomplishment below. 

Please share more about your involvement in the ACS chapter.  

This is my second year serving as the secretary for the ACS Student Chapter at the University of Central Florida and my third year as a general member. This role has allowed me to actively engage with the club’s mission while giving me room for growth in valuable skills. 

As a secretary, I have played an essential role in facilitating smooth communication and coordination within the chapter. This includes managing the club’s social media and website, ensuring accurate records and promptly delivering pertinent information to members. Apart from the rewarding experience I have had while serving as the secretary, I genuinely enjoy the activities done as a club. I have attended significant workshops, engaging and knowledgeable guest speakers talks, fun and exciting experiments and my favorite, volunteering at the Orlando Science Center.  

In recognition of my active participation, I attended the ACS National Conference in both Spring 2022 and 2023, an experience that I found genuinely enriching and inspired me to present my research at future conferences. Overall, being a part of ACS at UCF has been a gratifying experience.    

What does this award mean to you?   

This award is a huge honor for me; I feel very happy to represent the ACS Chapter at the University of Central Florida. 

I believe that this institute adheres precisely to my academic and professional aspirations. The chance to immerse myself in an environment focused on leadership within the field of chemistry is not only exciting but also matches my long-term goals. I am excited about acquiring a comprehensive set of management and leadership skills, intending to become an effective leader within the American Chemical Society.