SAACS Club Mission
The Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) represent a group of highly motivated students who have a desire to investigate how chemistry effects our everyday lives. Book knowledge can be learned from lectures and laboratory exercises, but SAACS wants to know the how and why of chemistry on a global scale. What are the new breakthroughs? How can cutting edge technology advance research possibilities? What effect will breakthroughs and technology have on the world? These are only a few of the questions asked by concerned members of SAACS. As a unified club we try to advocate critical thinking on controversial scientific issues. We also encourage interactions between students and support new friendships. SAACS remains in contact with the American Chemical Society via e-mail so we are brought up-to-date with any new events and special opportunities.
Dr. Sara Choung, Dr. Gary Smith and fifteen members of the chemistry club, Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS), attended the 237th National American Chemical Society Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in March 2009.  PLNU students making the trip were Mark Boerneke, Summer Bunting, Kevyn Davenport, Vanessa Franz, Madison Kempton, Kristin Mitrovich, Anthony Montano, Rebekah Schneider, Seth Simonds, Elyse Swift, Luke Tatum, Julie Thomsen, Jacob Thorpe, David Vandenbroek and Karl Wilhelm. The students presented a poster entitled, "Sharing Chemistry with Middle and High School Students Through Interactive and Stimulating Educational Methods." The poster included some of the groups service activities, including classroom demonstrations and lesson plans for a middle school and laboratory activity and a PLNU campus tour for high school students. It was awarded an "Honorable Mention."
Many new and exciting discoveries are happening everyday in the world of chemistry. Students should be able to learn of these discoveries in an atmosphere conducive to a higher level of thinking. The SAACS club is such an atmosphere. SAACS wants to harness the potential of students and at the same time form the leaders that will guide America through the next century.
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