Texas Southern University

Houston, TX
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Event Information

Details

When

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

9:30-16:00

Where

Texas Southern University
Science Building/Chemistry
3100 Cleburne Street
Houston, TX 77004

Who

Texas Southern University

About

Join us for an inspiring full-day event packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Leading ACS experts will share insider tips on creating compelling graphics, navigating the publishing process, unlocking the full potential of mentorship, and more. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or early-career professional, this is your chance to gain valuable insights and elevate your scientific journey.

This event is open to the Houston scientific community. All events are FREE and open to students and researchers studying the sciences, not just chemistry!

 

Agenda

9:30-9:45

Check In & Coffee

9:45-10:00

Opening Remarks

10:00-10:20

Bingo! Networking with Purpose

  • Saderrick Johnson, MEd, Portfolio Manager, Student Communities
10:20-10:45

Landing Your Next Opportunity

A practical, student‑focused session led by Texas Southern University Career Services on finding internships and jobs with the Handshake platform, and making the most of campus career resources, no matter where you study. Preview the upcoming TSU Campus Crawl with on-site recruiters and touch on similar opportunities at other universities.

  • Shawndra Harmond, Executive Director, Career Services, Texas Southern University
10:45-12:00

Many Careers, One Degree

A dynamic career panel highlighting diverse, in-demand STEM careers across health, medicine, engineering, technology, and industry; featuring role models with strong ties to Texas and the Houston region. Topics to include career pivots, graduate school decisions, working in industry, and positioning STEM skills for multiple sectors.

  • Moderator: Michael S. Wong, Ph.D., Executive Editor, Environmental Science & Technology; Professor, Rice University
  • Aaron-Albert Hargrove, PharmD, Associate Director, Clinical Research Lead, Eli Lilly and Company
  • Ashley M. Taylor-Jackson, Ph.D., Principal Scientist, Research & Clinical Development, Revision Skincare
  • Keith Reed, Ph.D., Fluids Global Business Manager, ExxonMobil
  • Emerilis Casado Rivera, Ph.D., Diagnostic Solutions Manager, SLB
12:00-13:00

Networking Lunch

13:00-14:15

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Student Track: Positioning Yourself for the Future of Science: Interviews & InDemand Skills
Explore interviewing strategies, emerging areas in chemistry and STEM, and how interdisciplinary skills, such as polymers, data, or targeted certificates, can strengthen career readiness.

  • Nicole Godellas, Ph.D., Program Manager, ACS Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Development Office

Faculty Track: Funding, Fellowships, and Cultivating Student Opportunities
A focused session for faculty and graduate students covering ACS funding opportunities, fellowships, grant timelines, and strategies for cultivating and supporting student success through university and ACS resources.

  • ChaMarra Saner, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Catawba College
  • Michael S. Wong, Ph.D., Executive Editor, Environmental Science & Technology; Professor, Rice University
  • Saderrick Johnson, M.Ed., Portfolio Manager, ACS Student Communities
14:15-14:45

From Lab to Brand: Cosmetic Chemistry & Entrepreneurship

  • Lo Williams-Thomas, MBA, Zenistry Labs
14:45-15:45

Building Local Collaborations
An interactive workshop focused on science communication, branding, and collaboration, featuring real-world examples and a 90second pitch competition with prizes.

  • Saderrick Johnson, M.Ed., Portfolio Manager, ACS Student Communities
  • Ashley M. Taylor-Jackson, Ph.D., Principal Scientist, Research & Clinical Development, Revision Skincare
15:45-16:00

Closing Remarks