The Department of Chemistry recently hosted “Medicinal Chemistry in Action: A STEM Experience for High School Women,” an outreach program organized by Olaosebikan Ibukunoluwa Abigail, a second-year graduate student passionate about expanding access to STEM education in West Virginia.
This program, the first of its kind in the Department of Chemistry, offered high school students from across West Virginia a hands-on introduction to medicinal chemistry, mentorship opportunities and exploration of career paths. As part of the event, four faculty members served as panelists during an engaging Q&A session where students had the opportunity to ask questions about college life, research careers and pathways into STEM fields.
Olaosebikan’s vision for the program stems from a long-standing commitment to outreach and education, a passion cultivated even before arriving at WVU. Supported by the WVU Giving Circle Engage Fund, the event created a meaningful and inspiring experience for students, demonstrating the power of connecting academic research with community engagement.