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Join us for ComSciCon-ACS, a dynamic science communication workshop designed specifically for chemistry graduate students and postdocs! Held in conjunction with ACS Fall 2025 in Washington, D.C., this event offers hands-on training in writing, speaking, and sharing science with broad audiences. Participants will network with professional communicators and learn new skills to amplify their outreach and communication. Whether you’re passionate about public engagement or exploring new ways to share your research, ComSciCon-ACS is your gateway to impactful science communication.
This event is co-sponsored by the NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry(CSOE). Their support makes it possible for early-career chemists from across the country to connect, grow, and develop as science communicators. CSOE’s commitment to public engagement and inclusive access to professional development helps empower the next generation of chemists to share their science with the world.
Program
CSC-ACS will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025 at ACS Fall 2025 in Washington, D.C. All activities will be in Marriot Marquis Washington, Shaw room.
Morning — Open Session
8:15 am- 8:30 am Welcome and Overview
8:30 am- 9:15 am Keynote Address
Ky the Chemist
The Chemistry of Sci-Comm: Culture x Curiosity = Connection
What do you get when you mix culture and curiosity? According to Ky the Chemist™, it’s the perfect formula for powerful science communication. In this keynote, Ky shares her journey from chemistry classrooms to TEDx stages, breaking down how culture and curiosity are not just tools—but key elements—for building real connection. Through stories, science, and soul, she reminds us: the most meaningful outreach doesn’t begin with content—it begins with connection.
9:15 am- 9:30 am Coffee and Networking Break
9:30 am- 11:00 am How to Run an Outreach Event
11:00 am – 11: 15 am Coffee and Networking Break
11:15 am- 12:00 pm Careers in Science Communication
Ayanna Lynch, Program Specialist, Office of Science Outreach, ACS
Maya Wei-Haas, award-winning science writer
Christine Dell’Amore, Deputy Editor in Chief, Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN)
Shane Hanlon, Executive Editor, C&EN Brand Lab
Kelley Donaghy, Managing Editor of ChemMatters, ACS
Afternoon — Create-a-thon
1:00pm- 3:00 pm Create-a-thon (previous application required)
Interested in communicating your science but don’t know where to start? The Create-a-thon pairs graduate student authors with ACS science communication mentors.
Submit your pitches here. Applications close June 30.
We’re pleased to announce Ky the Chemist as the keynote speaker for ComSciCon-ACS!
Jakyra Simpson, professionally known as Ky the Chemist™, is an internationally recognized master chemist, TEDx speaker, and award-winning science communicator. She is the founder and CEO of STEAM Sneakerheadz™, a mission-driven education business that bridges chemistry—and all of science—with culture to make learning more inclusive, engaging, and transformative.
Ky holds a B.S. in Chemistry/Pre-Pharmacy from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and a Master’s in Chemistry from Indiana University. Through her culturally responsive approach, she uses sneaker design, music, and storytelling to teach complex scientific concepts—empowering students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers.
Her workshops and open-access resource, “The Chemistry of Shoe Game,” have reached thousands nationwide and earned widespread acclaim. In 2025, Ky was honored with the MARM Stanley C. Israel Award for her leadership in advancing diversity in the chemical sciences.
Organizers
Victoria Russell, Outreach Coordinator, Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry (CSOE)
Interests: Science Communciation and Outreach, carnivorous plants, hiking with her rescue dog
Emily Carroll, Graduate Student, University of Utah, CSOE
Research: Energy storage, bioelectrocatalytic systems, and biosensors
Interests: Cooking, pilates, and road trips around Utah.
JJ Intano, Postdoc, University of Utah, CSOE
Research: Electroorganic synthesis, bioelectrocatalysis
Interests: Cooking Filipino and international dishes, collecting fridge magnets while travelling, watching The Golden Girls, and hiking with his Shiba Inu, Bandit
Luke Kayes, Graduate Student, University of Utah, CSOE
Research: Enzymatic electrosynthesis, electrochemistry education
Interests: Hiking, trying to keep up with my toddler, and buying unnecessary items from National Park Visitor Centers
Kristine Legaspi, Graduate Student, San Diego State University, CSOE
Research: Electroanalytical chemistry, synthetic organic electrochemistry, mechanistic studies
Interests: Crochet, cozy games, volleyball, and ballet
Zach, Nguyen, Graduate Student, University of Utah, CSOE
Research: Organic electrosynthesis, modified electrodes
Interests: Skiing, fly fishing, and cooking
Lokesh Saravanan, Postdoc, University of Utah, CSOE
Research: Cluster electrocatalysis, surface characterizations and modifications
Interests: Raquet sports, cooking and road trips
[Not pictured]
Zihan Wang, Graduate Student, University of Utah, CSOE
Code of Conduct
All participants will follow ACS’s Code of Conduct, found here.
ComSciCon 