The Department of Chemistry proudly, Faculty of Science and Technology, The University of the West Indies, Mona congratulates the American Chemical Society (ACS) Jamaica Student Chapter, led by President Mr. Kurt McBayne and Faculty Advisors (Undergraduate Student, Department of Chemistry), Dr. Andrea Goldson-Barnaby (Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemistry) and Dr. Ainka Brown (Lecturer, Department of Chemistry), on receiving the Outstanding Chapter Award for the academic year 2024–2025.

This international recognition, presented annually by the American Chemical Society, celebrates student chapters that demonstrate excellence in promoting chemistry through innovative activities, impactful outreach, and strong engagement with their academic and local communities. The Outstanding Chapter Award is the highest honour bestowed upon student chapters, highlighting those that exemplify leadership, creativity, and alignment with the ACS core values of passion for science, inclusion, integrity, and collaboration.

The reviewers commended the Jamaica Student Chapter for its impressive year of accomplishments and meaningful initiatives.

Reviewer 1: “It is wonderful that you have been so successful in receiving grants. Well done!”

Reviewer 2: “Your chapter is such a strong and enthusiastic chapter; it was so much fun reading about all the activities you all participated in this past year. Well done for a great year. You clearly kept your events aligned with your goals for the year and with the ACS core values of passion for science and inclusion and belonging. Congratulations. Your goals for next year are well articulated with specific outcomes that will allow you to know when you have achieved your goals and celebrate your successes. I like that you have considered the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to help shape your chapter goals… I like your focus on creating a welcoming environment for your members.”

 Caption: Students participating in ACS Ja Student Chapter activities.

The American Chemical Society, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is one of the world’s largest scientific societies, with more than 173,000 members globally. Through its student chapters, ACS encourages undergraduates to develop leadership skills, engage in outreach, and connect classroom learning to real-world scientific challenges.

This latest achievement reflects the ACS Jamaica Student Chapter’s continued excellence and the Department’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive scientific community.

Well done, ACS Jamaica Student Chapter!