What Inspired You to Be a ChE? Students Share their Stories at the 2022 Annual Student Conference

In November, chemical engineering students from across the world convened at the 2022 AIChE Annual Student Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona for an incredible opportunity to learn, network, and engage with their peers. Many were the recipients of travel grants that ensured that regardless of chapter size or resources, they could attend.

After attending my first AIChE Student Conference last year in Boston, it inspired me to participate and engage with chemical engineering on a larger scale. I was determined to take every NMT student who wished to go to ASC 2022, hoping they would have a similar experience. — Samantha Lindholm, NMT AIChE Chapter President

The AIChE Foundation was pleased to host at its booth hundreds of attendees who were encouraged to share why they were inspired to seek a chemical engineering degree and who inspired them on their path. Responses revealed how chemical engineering is seen as a lucrative career path and also an outlet for personal development, ambition, and altruism. For the 17-member student group (pictured above) from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NMT), their journey to the 2022 ASC demonstrated exactly that.

To secure funding for the travel, lodging, and registration fees for all 17 students, the NMT AIChE Chapter had to submit and defend an application to the NMT Student Government Association (SGA). To prepare for their presentation, chapter president Samantha Lindholm and chapter treasurer Arrika Duran researched the most suitable lodging and travel accommodations, sourced hotel options with the support of a family discount, and reduced transportation costs by opting to rent two large vans instead of flying.

During the presentation to the SGA, the first grant amount mentioned was $500 total, but after further discussion, this was raised to $2,700 to cover the expenses for all the student chapter members. Several faculty members also personally contributed to offset the transportation and registration fees. Once the paperwork was finalized, the students were ready for Phoenix!

The NMT students eagerly participated in several of the AIChE Student Conference events at the Annual Meeting, including the Student Conference Keynote Address given by Foundation Trustee Dan Coombs, ChemE Jeopardy, safety workshops, poster competitions, and networking receptions. Thanks to their determination, hard work, and passion for chemical engineering, they were able to have a great experience and look forward to future conferences.

Supporting the Future Generation of ChEs

The AIChE Foundation is committed to providing the next generation of chemical engineers the necessary support, resources, and tools needed to thrive in their chosen career paths and accomplish the extraordinary. Our Doing a World of Good campaign strives to advance chemical engineering in its application and accessibility.

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