The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) has expanded its reach with the establishment of a new chapter at the University of Houston.
The chapter was confirmed as a registered student organization at the University of Houston in Fall 2024. The organization aims to foster a diverse community of future leaders in STEM and support their professional growth through various initiatives.
Abdulmaliq Abdulsalam, the president of the organization, is a Ph.D. Candidate in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. When asked about why they started a chapter at UH, he said it was based on his experience on the Student Programming Committee at the national level of the organization.
“I witnessed the enormous opportunity the organization offers to students and young professionals and I got inspired to bring this to the students at the University of Houston,” he said.
He highlighted that programs at NOBCChE are designed for student’s success, including professional development workshops, academic seminars, graduate school application support, industrial visits, community outreach activities and social networking events.
Jerrod A. Henderson, assistant professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, is serving as faculty advisor for the group, noting that the initiative was needed to raise awareness and foster community among Black chemistry, chemical engineering and other similar STEM majors at the University of Houston.
“Upon sharing Abdulmaliq’s idea with my department chair, Triantafillos ‘Lakis’ Mountziaris, he received the idea with support,” Henderson said. “Abdul’s idea was also the catalyst for getting me back involved in NOBCChE after a 20-year hiatus. I am happy to see the organization thriving. Establishing a NOBCChE chapter on our campus will enrich our students’ academic and professional experiences, providing them with valuable resources and networking opportunities within the scientific community.”
Henderson added that recently, undergraduate and graduate research assistants Cheery Chukwukelu, Omar Sanchez, Jamil Williams, Kenneth Kusima, Abdulsalam and David have presented at the NOBCChE conference, enhancing their technical communication skills and career readiness.
Ogonna David, a Chemistry Ph.D. candidate and founding member of the organization, noted that he got involved with NOBCChE in early 2023 when approached by Abdulsalam. The chapter’s first formative meeting was in May 2023.
As the program chair of the organization, David helps to schedule programs and coordinate the logistics involved in hosting events. Ogonna emphasized the chapter’s commitment to inclusivity while encouraging students from all educational levels with backgrounds or interests in chemical engineering and chemistry-related subjects to join.
As part of Black History Month, which is designated to honor the rich history, achievements and contributions of black scientists and engineers to stem advancement, NOBCChE is partnering with SACNAS to host a “Lunch N’ Learn / BHM Trivia” on Friday, Feb. 28 in SEC 105 from 2:30 p.m. To 3:45 p.m.
This event will feature student research presentations, and a student panel to discuss academics, professional and lived experiences. Students are encouraged to get involved for an insightful discussion and opportunity to learn from peers. Please RSVP for the event here.
The chapter has hosted several key events in its first semester and has more in plan for the spring. Notably, NOBCChE hosts a Monthly Professional Series, where they invite distinguished members of industry to share insights and experiences with students, helping them gain a deeper understanding of how organizations operate, job expectations and career opportunities. The event also features student research presentations, enabling student members to discuss their research and to get input from the industry perspective.
NOBCChE invites all students with a background or interest in chemical engineering and chemistry related subjects, at all educational levels, to be members of this trailblazing chapter. Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to join and support the organization’s mission of inclusivity and professional growth.
To express your interest and sign up as a member, please fill out the membership form via this link. You can reach out to the executive board, nobcche.uh [at] gmail.com (nobcche[dot]uh[at]gmail[dot]com), or in person at Students Centre Office space, Carrel 69. The organization is also on LinkedIn and Instagram.
NOBCChE Chapter Executive Board
- President: Abdulmaliq Abdulsalam
- Vice-President: Kameron Brooks
- Secretary: Emmanuel Olanrewaju
- Treasurer: Kwabena Wilfred Darko
- Program Chair: Ogonna William David
- Professional Chair: Richard I.S. Ikwugbado
- Academic Chair: Elvis Enebeli
- Communications Chair: Oluwaferanmi D Isinkaye
- Social Chair: Vera Enyonam Alato