Chemistry News

National Honor Society for Women Chemists Meets at Sweet Briar College

Lanthanum Chapter of Iota Sigma Pi:
President Jill Granger, Treasurer Susan Piepho,
Vice-President Ann Fabirkiewicz. The chemistry was working for Iota Sigma Pi members who assembled June 8 to12 at Sweet Briar College’s Florence Elston Inn and Conference Center. The occasion was ISP’s 2005 Triennial National Convention. Iotans from Virginia to California planned the national honor society’s course for the next three years, and recognized the achievements of women chemists. Award recipients speaking at the Convention included Professor Ann Nalley, the 2005 President-Elect of the American Chemical Society.

The Lynchburg-area Lanthanum Chapter hosted the event. Susan Piepho, Sweet Briar professor of chemistry and a key organizer, thought the conference offered great networking opportunities. It was neat. I met a lot of people who, if I were just starting out my career, would be wonderful contacts, she said.

Piepho noted the benefits of hosting the Triennial Convention and providing the venue. It gives us national recognition in the chemistry community and being a women’s college is a nice tie in, she said.

The Lanthanum Chapter includes members from Sweet Briar, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Lynchburg College, and area chemistry teachers and professionals. ISP promotes interest in chemistry among women students, provides academic and professional recognition, and supports women in the field. Each chapter is named for an element in the periodic table.