West Virginia State University (WVSU) junior Oddai Gharib has been selected to receive the 2019 Student Leadership Award from the American Chemical Society (ACS). The program recognizes emerging leaders in the ACS student chapter network and helps them prepare for leadership opportunities at volunteer organizations and in their professional career.
“Oddai is an incredibly talented student that has worked hard to help West Virginia State promote STEM in the community,” said Dr. Micheal Fultz, a WVSU chemistry professor and faculty advisor for the ACS chapter. “He is a leader in the ACS and the College, and the ACS Leadership Institute will further benefit Oddai to take additional leadership roles next year as well.”
As a recipient of the Student Leadership Award, Gharib will attend the 2019 ACS Leadership Institute, to be held in January in Atlanta, where he will be able to meet other award winners and ACS leaders and participate in a variety of leadership courses.
“Leadership is something that really inspires me on my educational journey,” Gharib said. “Learning from other leaders will allow me to have more methods and strategies to inspire other people in order to help them reach their goals.”
Gharib currently serves as vice president of WVSU’s ACS student chapter, where he routinely leads STEM outreach activities with elementary school students throughout the Kanawha Valley. A chemistry major with a pre-med focus, he is eyeing medical schools after graduating from WVSU, with the ultimate goal of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.
Founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress, ACS is the world’s largest scientific society. Its mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. ACS student chapters are organizations for undergraduate students with an interest in the chemical sciences.
Members participate in a wide range of programs and activities that enhance their college experience and prepare them for successful careers. There are nearly 450 active student chapters throughout the nation and world.
Originally from Jack Bailey for West Virginia State University News.