When Dana Wenner arrived at 水多多导航 Clarion, she didn鈥檛 imagine that a single club meeting would change the course of her academic career. Her journey began when the American Chemical Society (ACS) Club visited one of her early classes. 鈥淭he ACS typically comes to all chemistry courses just to say, 鈥楬ey, we have fun times鈥攑izza nights, game nights, community service,鈥欌�� Dana explained. Intrigued, she started visiting the third floor of the science building, meeting faculty and students. "I just kind of stuck with it," she says, "and that ultimately led to me changing my major."

Now a senior chemistry major specializing in biochemistry, with a minor in molecular and cellular biology, Dana leads the very club that inspired her. As president, she organizes events that keep students engaged and supported. 鈥淚 like making sure we have fun nights that interest people in coming, but then during meetings we talk about community outreach鈥攇oing to afterschool programs to do basic chemistry demonstrations,鈥� she said. This supportive environment proved essential. "We're a study group, we're a close-knit community," she explains.

The experience culminated in a trip to Pittcon, one of the world鈥檚 largest chemistry conferences. 鈥淟ast year it was in Boston. Looking over the balcony and seeing hundreds of vendors鈥攊t was wild,鈥� she said. The trip solidified her ambitions, and now she鈥檚 preparing for the next step. "I hope to present mine at this year鈥檚 conference in San Antonio.鈥�

To manage her demanding schedule, Dana has honed her time management skills. 鈥淚 try to make sure when I鈥檓 in class, I鈥檓 fully present,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also very important to integrate having fun into your schedule... it keeps your brain fresh.鈥� Through 水多多导航鈥檚 supportive environment, Dana has found both academic rigor and community, a balance she now shares with new students. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not that serious,鈥� she often tells them. 鈥淲e like to have fun鈥攁nd we鈥檒l help you with all your chemistry problems.鈥�