A Conversation with Chemical Kim: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 4

A Conversation with Chemical Kim: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 4

To cap off this special #ACS150 miniseries, we chat with chemistry educator, science communicator, and social media creator Kim Hilton — better known as Chemical Kim (follow @chemicalkim). Kim reflects on her unexpected path into teaching, from struggling to understand chemistry as a college student to becoming a professor who has spent three decades helping others discover their place in STEM. The conversation explores Kim’s passion for outreach, from creating hands-on science experiences for children in hospitals and community programs to building an online audience that spans generations. Along the way, Kim explains why making chemistry accessible is not the same as making it easier, and why educators must meet learners where they are to help them succeed. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Chemistry in the New Space Age: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 3

Space is the place . . . for chemistry! ACS president-elect Chris Bodurow and three colleagues chat about the role of chemistry in space exploration and how they ended up working in such an exciting field. Luke Roberson, Ken Savin, and George Rodriguez highlight the expanding space industry, the technologies that chemistry has enabled in space, and how chemistry might change the industry in the future by, for instance, enabling long-term life-support systems. Across all conversations, one thing becomes clear: Chemistry is enabling humanity to explore, live, and innovate in space.   Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Mentoring Across Generations: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 2

ACS president Rigoberto Hernandez invites colleagues to speak about mentorship, communication, and the human side of science. One of Rigoberto’s former students, Ashley Ringer McDonald, talks about the power of multi-directional mentorship and the importance of nurturing growth and confidence in students. Michelle Francl and Rigoberto discuss the evolving role of theoretical chemistry, the need to balance basic and applied research, and the importance of communicating science in accessible, engaging ways. The episode closes with Angel Martí, who reflects on inclusive mentoring, community-building, and creating a sense of belonging to retain diverse talent in STEM. Across these conversations, a central theme emerges: science is fundamentally a human endeavor shaped by relationships, communication, and shared curiosity.  Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Breaking Barriers: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 1

This episode of Chain Reaction launches a special series celebrating the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary. Immediate past president, Dorothy Phillips, interviews three chemists whose journeys emphasize resilience, representation, and inclusion. Cary Supalo, a blind chemist, describes overcoming barriers in education and research by developing collaborative techniques and accessible technologies that allow visually impaired scientists to participate fully in chemistry. Zemen Berhe, a refugee and first-generation scholar, reflects on the importance of representation and mentorship in shaping her path to becoming a professor and supporting underrepresented students. Simon Shannon shares his transition from bench chemistry to business leadership at 3M, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary skills and diverse perspectives. Throughout, the episode underscores how mentorship, community, and increased access can help broaden participation in STEM and ensure that chemistry truly belongs to everyone. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Teaser: Chemistry is Everyone

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Chemical Society, our upcoming miniseries features the past, present, and future presidents of ACS in conversation with colleagues about topics they’re passionate about, including mentorship, representation, and … space!  Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]