Hosted at the CAS Campus, the event drew more than 120 students, faculty, researchers, and professionals from 47+ institutions nationwide, all converging for three days of bold ideas, real connection, and scientific momentum.
The energy started early with an exclusive Battelle tour and networking reception, setting the tone for a program packed with professional development, cutting-edge technical presentations, career exploration, and community engagement.
Behind it all: the 2026 MWRS | Collaborative Planning Committee, led by Dr. Angelar K. Muthike (Symposium Chair), Dr. Safiyah Muhammad (Midwest Regional Chair), Dr. Davita Watkins-Walters (The Ohio State University, Collaborative), and Dr. Rashanique Quarels-Allen (Collaborative Liaison, Board Member-at-Large) — whose vision brought the Midwest STEM community together to learn, network, and grow.
Changes made: led with the theme and a vivid hook, tightened sentences, added momentum-driven verbs (“turned,” “converging,” “packed”), and moved the committee credits to a closing beat so the opening leads with impact rather than logistics.
Saturday’s program featured three concurrent knowledge exchange sessions that addressed critical aspects of career success in STEM. Brian Burke, Esq., Partner at Shihab Burke LLC, presented “Immigration 101,” providing practical guidance on global talent immigration pathways for scientists and engineers. Dr. Ben Kabagambe and Dr. Takiya Foskey of PPG Industries led “Navigating the Shift from Bench to Beyond,” offering strategies for translating scientific expertise into leadership and interdisciplinary career pathways. Dr. Tyrslai M. Williams-Carter, President of NOBCChE, facilitated “Key Transferable Soft Skills,” emphasizing leadership, communication, and professional competencies necessary for career advancement.
The technical program showcased nationally recognized speakers, including Dr. Rebecca Lindsey (University of Michigan), Dr. Nicholas Jackson (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Dr. Subha Das (Carnegie Mellon University), Dr. Ernest Opoku (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), and Dr. Psaras McGrier (The Ohio State University), who shared cutting-edge research at the cusp of emerging technologies, spanning artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, nanobiotechnology, computational chemistry, materials science, and academic workforce development.
During the luncheon, attendees heard an inspiring keynote from Andrea Jacobs, Director of Artificial Intelligence at Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), who explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence in accelerating scientific discovery and the need for human judgment as AI continues to improve the speed of innovation. After lunch, a dynamic Career Panel Discussion featured Dr. Psaras McGrier (The Ohio State University), Dr. Erica Womack (Idlewood & Company), Dr. Takiya Foskey, Tristian Tucker, and Yasmin Walton of PPG Industries, who shared wide-ranging perspectives on careers in academia, entrepreneurship, and industrial research.
Student researchers presented innovative work in chemical engineering, polymer science, inorganic chemistry, computational chemistry, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biochemistry, showcasing the depth and cross-disciplinary nature of research occurring across Midwest institutions and beyond.
The Midwest Regional Symposium & Collaborative Meeting Career Expo connected students with recruiters, scientists, and professionals from PPG Industries, the American Chemical Society (ACS) – Columbus Section, CAS, Colgate-Palmolive, and NOBCChE, providing valuable opportunities for networking and career exploration. On Sunday, the symposium offered a forward-thinking AI & Innovation Panel, featuring Dr. Subha Das (Carnegie Mellon University), Dr. Rebecca Lindsey (University of Michigan), Dr. Juana Mendenhall (Morehouse College), Dr. Monique Ross (The Ohio State University), Dr. Kayla Storme (Dow Chemical Company), and Joanna Yang (PPG Industries).
Each panelist shared how they use and/or train others on the use of AI in their respective roles, as well as offered strategies for integrating AI practices into scientific pathways. Following the panel, students engaged in one-on-one mock interviews with industry professionals and academic leaders, gaining valuable career insights and interview experience. At the same time, nearly 20 K–12 students explored chemistry through interactive SparkLab demonstrations that sparked curiosity and excitement for STEM.
The Midwest Regional Symposium & Collaborative Meeting was concluded by the awards luncheon and the Collaborative STEM Landscape panel. The awards presentation recognized outstanding student research and leadership achievements. The student Oral Presentation Awards, sponsored by the Columbus Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), were presented to Kirollos Mikhaeel (First Place) and Joseph Olaniyan (Second Place). Graduate Poster Presentation Awards, sponsored by PPG Industries, recognized Fiyinfolu Olubiyo (First Place), Chikadibia Edward (Second Place), and Anita Adams (Third Place).
Undergraduate Poster Presentation Awards, also sponsored by PPG Industries, honored Maya Moore (First Place), Jessenia Jones Rowland (Second Place), and Makaila Miller (Third Place). These awards celebrated excellence in scientific communication and research while highlighting the exceptional talent represented across NOBCChE.
Additionally, the Executive Planning Committee recognized Dr. Fatou Baka Diop, Dr. Kayla Storme and Olamide Olabiyi for their exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication and outstanding service in planning and execution of the 2026 Midwest Regional Symposium and Collaborative Meeting. Their commitment to excellence set the standard for this year’s events and exemplifies the spirit of NOBCChE leadership.
National NOBCChE leadership, Dr. Tyrslai M. Williams-Carter and Dr. Karl Reid also extended recognition to the Executive Planning Committee and the CAS team for their remarkable efforts in organizing, coordinating, and bringing the conference to life. Their partnership and support were instrumental in materializing this regional gathering and advancing the mission of NOBCChE across the Midwest and beyond.
The success of the 2026 Midwest Regional Symposium & Collaborative Meeting was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners. The Midwest Region and NOBCChE Collaborative extend sincere appreciation to CAS, PPG Industries, ACS – Columbus Section, Colgate-Palmolive, The Dow Chemical Company, the Midland Professional NOBCChE Chapter, ACS – Midland Local Section, Piramal Pharma Solutions through the Patient Awareness Council, Battelle, 3M, and the many speakers, exhibitors, volunteers, and planning committee members whose dedication created an exceptional experience for all attendees. Their continued investment in scientific excellence, professional development, and student access exemplifies NOBCChE’s mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
More to be announced.
