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Green Chemistry

Director, Green Chemistry

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Overview

The 30th Annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference (GC&E)

Graphic promoting Beyond Benign’s talks, posters, workshops, and summit events at the 30th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference in San Antonio, Texas, June 15–18, 2026.
Event Date
-
Event Type
Hosting Organization(s)
American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute (ACS GCI)

Event Description

Members of the Beyond Benign team and community will be at the 30th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference (GC&E) in San Antonio, Texas, this June! Hosted by the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute, this year’s conference will center on the theme "Building the Future: Sustainable Chemistry for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure." To connect with our team and community, add our green chemistry presentations and workshops to your agenda, find us at booth #13 in the expo, and, if your institution is a Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) signer, join our in-person GCC Summit. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

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Graphic announcing the 2026 Green Chemistry Commitment Summit keynote speakers. The summit, titled “From Green Chemistry Principles to Practice at Scale,” will take place in person on June 14 at the GC&E Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Featured keynote speakers are Dr. Glenn Hurst of the University of York, Dr. Paul Anastas of Yale University, and Dr. John Warner of Technology Greenhouse.

 

🌱 Green Chemistry Commitment Signers: Join 2026 GCC Summit 

 

If your institution is a Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) signer and you are attending the conference, please join Beyond Benign for our in-person GCC Summit, taking place on June 14th during the GC&E. All GCC signers with accounts in the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) will receive a registration link. If you have not yet received your invitation, reach out to [email protected] for support. 

 

Plus, join our Welcome Networking Reception for Students and Faculty at 6:30 p.m. following the GCC Summit. 

 

🗓️ Add Our Green Chemistry Presentations to Your Calendar 


Monday, June 15th (Pre-Conference) 

 

Best Practices in Teaching Green Chemistry: A Workshop for Instructors

Organized by Dr. David Laviska (American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute), Dr. Sarah Prescott (University of New Hampshire), Dr. Jennifer Tripp (University of San Francisco), Dr. Tom Umile (Villanova University), and Dr. Alexey Leontyev (North Dakota State University).

This full-day workshop helps science instructors incorporate the principles of green and sustainable chemistry and engineering into their curricula. The agenda covers four topic areas: systems thinking, faculty mentoring networks, case studies in the classroom, and assessments relevant to green and sustainable chemistry. Beyond Benign’s contribution focuses on developing and using case studies to highlight green chemistry principles in real-world classroom contexts, which will be presented by Dr. Tom Umile and Dr. Jennifer Tripp as part of the full-day workshop.

🗓️ June 15th | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT
 📍Room TBD - Marriott Rivercenter


Frontlines of Innovations: Green Chemistry for Resilient Communities

Presented by workshop organizers Dr. Laurel Royer (Carnalis Consulting), Dr. Loyd Bastin (Widener University), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), Dr. Sederra Ross (American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute), and Dr. Mahlet Gardew (AAAS Fellows).

Green chemistry is more than a scientific framework; it is a pathway to equity and resilience. This workshop explores how green chemistry can serve as a tool for reducing toxic exposures and improving health outcomes in communities disproportionately burdened by pollution and environmental hazards. Through real-world case studies, storytelling, and interactive dialogue, the session will examine how chemists can partner with frontline and fenceline communities to inform research priorities, shape safer product design, and support community-driven solutions.

🗓️ June 15th | Time TBD
 📍 Room TBD - Marriott Rivercenter

 

 

Tuesday, June 16th

 

Green Chemistry Case Studies in the Undergraduate Curriculum

Dr. Tom Umile (Villanova University), Dr. Jennifer Tripp (University of San Francisco), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), and Dr. David Laviska (American Chemical Society). 

This symposium features examples of green chemistry case studies used by educators alongside real-world examples from industry experts. The session supports the American Chemical Society Guidelines for Undergraduate Chemistry Programs, which encourage case-study pedagogy to connect chemistry content with environmental, health, regulatory, and business considerations influencing chemical processes and product design.

🗓️ June 16th | 2-6 p.m.
📍 Salon L — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Making the Case for Soybeans: Sustainable Solutions for Industrial Applications

Dr. Jane E. Wissinger (University of Minnesota), Dr. Michael T. Wentzel, and Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign). 

This presentation introduces a series of case studies built on soy chemistry that connect chemistry concepts with sustainable industrial applications. Topics include safer and more resilient electrical transformers, recycled asphalt, hydrogenated oils for candle wax, and biobased adhesives for wood, with examples adaptable across general, organic, biochemistry, materials, and environmental chemistry courses.

🗓️ June 16th | 2:25-2:45 p.m.
📍 Salon L — Marriott Rivercenter

 

 

💬 Green Chemistry and Engineering Poster Session & Reception 

 

This conference-wide poster session and reception on June 16th from 6-8:10 p.m. in Salon H at the Marriott Rivercenter includes multiple Beyond Benign-affiliated posters highlighting green chemistry education, institutional change, expert engagement, and global resource-sharing through the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community. Check out the list of posters from our community: 

 

Institutionalizing Change for a Sustainable Future: A Commitment to Green Chemistry

Dr. Juliana Vidal, Dr. Michelle Duarte, Dr. Omar Villanueva, and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign).

This poster presentation centers on the Green Chemistry Commitment and the institutional pathways through which Beyond Benign supports lasting change in higher education. It highlights how institutions can embed green chemistry across curricula, laboratories, and broader campus systems to advance sustainable chemistry education.

🗓️ June 16th | 6-8 p.m.
📍 Salon H — Marriott Rivercenter, Poster #93

 

Engaging Experts to Promote Sustainable Chemistry

Dr. Francesca Kerton (Memorial University of Newfoundland) and Dr. Juliana Vidal (Beyond Benign). 

This poster presentation explores expert-engagement strategies that support sustainable chemistry education and practice. The work highlights how collaboration with field experts can help strengthen green chemistry learning, expand professional connections, and support broader adoption of sustainable chemistry approaches.

🗓️ June 16th | 6-8 p.m.
📍 Salon H — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC): Accelerating the Adoption of Green Chemistry Education and Teaching Practice Across the World

Dr. Jonathon Moir, Dr. Sarah Kennedy, Dr. Alisha Szozda, Dr. Omar Villanueva, and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign).

This poster presentation highlights the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC), a global hub for resource sharing and educator collaboration developed by Beyond Benign in partnership with the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute. The poster explores how the platform is accelerating the adoption of green chemistry education and teaching practice across the world.

🗓️ June 16th | 6:10-8:10 p.m.
📍 Salon H & I — Marriott Rivercenter

 

 

Wednesday, June 17th

 

Green Chemistry Resources in the Classroom and Laboratory — Part 1

Dr. Kendra Denlinger (Xavier University), Dr. Richard Mullins (Xavier University), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), and Dr. David Laviska (American Chemical Society).

This symposium showcases practical green chemistry resources educators can use across general, organic, and upper-level chemistry classes, including resources developed by Beyond Benign, the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute, the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community, and others. Speakers will share what they are using, why it matters, and how educators can take actionable steps toward both major curriculum changes and small first shifts.

🗓️ June 17th | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
📍 Salon D — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Green Chemistry Professional Mentoring Networks: A New Five-Year NSF-Funded Program to Advance the Adoption and Implementation of Green Chemistry Curriculum Materials

Dr. Jonathon Moir (Beyond Benign), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), Dr. Nikita Burrows (Monmouth University), Dr. Omar Villanueva (Beyond Benign), and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign).

This presentation introduces Beyond Benign’s five-year, $1.8 million National Science Foundation-funded Green Chemistry Professional Mentoring Networks program, which supports up to 160 faculty and educational practitioners through thematically focused mentoring groups. Participants receive peer mentorship, access to green chemistry experts, professional development time, a stipend, travel support to an in-person summit, and curriculum development funds. The talk will share the program overview, research framework, and initial outcomes to date.

🗓️ June 17th | 9:55-10:15 a.m.
📍 Salon D — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Teaching the Future: Education, Belonging, and the Next Era of Green Chemistry

Dr. Juliana Vidal (Beyond Benign).

This invited fireside-chat-style session explores how the future of green chemistry will be shaped not only by new molecules and materials but also by education, community, and who feels empowered to participate in the field. Drawing on Dr. Vidal’s research background in waste valorization and biorefinery approaches and her leadership at Beyond Benign, the conversation invites attendees to consider how green chemistry can become a lived practice through curriculum, mentorship, and collective action.

🗓️ June 17th | 9:55-10:15 a.m.
📍 Salon J — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Working in Partnership for International Green Chemistry Education

Dr. Glenn Hurst, University of York) and Dr. Juliana Vidal (Beyond Benign).

This presentation explores how international partnerships can support the global adoption of green chemistry instruction across diverse social, environmental, and economic contexts. The speakers will share examples of effective partnership models and discuss how intentional, systems-based collaboration can make green chemistry education more accessible, scalable, and effective.

🗓️ June 17th | 11:10-11:30 a.m.
📍 Salon D — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Green Chemistry Resources in the Classroom and Laboratory — Part 2

Dr. Kendra Denlinger (Xavier University), Dr. Richard Mullins (Xavier University), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), and David Laviska (American Chemical Society). 

This afternoon continuation of the symposium covers faculty perspectives on core green chemistry competencies, the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute’s new Fundamentals of Green Chemistry professional development course, engineering perspectives on bridging green chemistry education and practice, and several greener-laboratory case studies.

🗓️ June 17th | 2-5 p.m.
📍 Salon D — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Shared Chemical Hazard Data as an Accelerator for Safer Substitution and Green Chemistry Decision-Making

Heather McKenney (ChemFORWARD), Dr. Mike Delee (Dow Chemical Company), Sara Farahmand (The Honest Company), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign).

This presentation highlights the Chemical Hazard Data Trust, a public-interest asset managed by ChemFORWARD that provides standardized, peer-reviewed GHS-based chemical hazard assessments to support safer chemical selection. The talk will explore how shared hazard data can help identify safer functional alternatives, promote verified safer materials, and support hazard-based metrics, including its use as an educational tool in Beyond Benign Green Chemistry Commitment signatory classrooms.

🗓️ June 17th | 2:25-2:45 p.m.
📍 Salon K — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Incorporating Systems Thinking and the UN SDGs into an Online GOB Second Semester Lab

Dr. Cynthia Woodbridge (Georgia Gwinnett College) with Dr. Omar Villanueva (Beyond Benign).

This presentation shares examples from Georgia Gwinnett College’s work to update the online lab portion of an Organic-Biochemistry course by integrating systems thinking, green chemistry, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The session will highlight selected adaptations designed to make online lab activities more engaging, meaningful, and connected to broader sustainability learning outcomes.

🗓️ June 17th | 4:20-4:40 p.m.
📍 Salon D — Marriott Rivercenter

 

Development of an Online Green Chemistry Professional Development Course

Dr. Monica Hensley, Dr. Amy Cannon, and Dr. Omar Villanueva of Beyond Benign, alongside Dr. Jaime Curtis-Fisk, Melissa Schisler, Dr. Nesta Bortey-Sam, and Dr. Douglas Raynie.

This poster presentation highlights the development of an online green chemistry professional development course. The presentation reflects Beyond Benign’s ongoing work to expand accessible professional learning opportunities that support educators in bringing green chemistry principles, resources, and practices into their teaching.

🗓️ June 17th | 6-8:30 p.m.
📍 Salon G — Marriott Rivercenter, Poster #11

 

 

Thursday, June 18th

 

Building a Sustainable Molecular Foundation Through Green Chemistry Innovation and Education

Beyond Benign Co-Founders Dr. John Warner and Dr. Amy Cannon. 

This presentation frames Beyond Benign’s vision for building a sustainable molecular foundation through green chemistry innovation and education. It discusses the Technology Greenhouse and the Green Chemistry Commitment as global initiatives driving systemic change in how chemistry is taught, practiced, and connected to industry. The talk anchors a broader session on chemistry for the future by exploring how education and innovation pipelines can move basic science toward real-world impact.

🗓️ June 18th | 2:05-2:45 p.m.
📍 Salon J — Marriott Rivercenter

The 11th Annual GCM x GCI Symposium: Lab to Landfill

Graphic promoting the Lab 2 Landfill event on minimizing chemical waste at McGill University in Montreal, May 19–20, 2026, featuring five guest lecturers.
Event Date
-
Event Type
Hosting Organization(s)
Green Chemistry McGill
Green Chemistry Initiative - University of Toronto

Event Description

Hear from Dr. Juliana Vidal, Beyond Benign Senior Program Manager, at this event hosted by two Green Chemistry Commitment signers! The annual Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI) Symposium, co-organized by Green Chemistry McGill and the Green Chemistry Initiative at the University of Toronto, connects students, post-doctoral fellows, and faculty interested in green chemistry with current leaders to discuss advances in chemical processes and the future of sustainable research.
 

This year’s symposium, Minimizing Waste from Lab to Landfill, emphasizes that even small daily decisions we make in the lab can reduce the chemical waste our institutions produce. Speakers from both academia and industry will discuss reaction optimization with lower solvent volumes, lower reaction temperatures, lower overall energy use, and safer reagents, highlighting that efficient chemistry is green chemistry.

Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition (x2026)

Graphic promoting the 2026 Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Conferences and Exhibition in Toronto, May 24–28, with the theme “Erasing boundaries.”
Event Date
-
Event Type
Additional Host Organizations
Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (GCSChE), Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering (GCSChE)

Event Description

Join Beyond Benign staff and faculty collaborators throughout x2026 (Canadian Societies for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering 2026 Conferences and Exhibition), for workshops, presentations, and discussions focused on green chemistry education, curriculum transformation, sustainability, and communities of practice. Meet Dr. Jonathon Moir and Dr. Monica Soma Hensley at the sessions below.

 

Workshop on Green Chemistry in Teaching and Laboratory Instruction

  • May 25 | 8:00–11:40 AM ET | Meeting Room 810 | Workshop/Technical Session
  • A hands-on workshop exploring practical strategies for teaching and assessing Green Chemistry across undergraduate lecture and laboratory courses.
  • Featuring: Dr. Jonathon MoirDr. Monica Soma Hensley, Prof. Barb Morra, Dr. David Laviska, Prof. Kylie Luska, and Prof. John De Backere
  • REGISTER HERE!

 

Green Chemistry Professional Mentoring Networks (PMNs)

  • May 25 | 6:00–7:30 PM ET | Exhibit Hall DE | Poster Presentation
  • Learn about Beyond Benign’s new NSF-funded mentoring initiative designed to support widespread adoption of Green Chemistry in undergraduate education.
  • Presented by: Dr. Jonathon Moir

 

Instructors’ Perceived Impact of a Centralized Green Chemistry Education Database

  • May 26 | 8:40–9:00 AM ET | Meeting Room 602A | Oral Presentation
  • Explore research on how educators are using Green Chemistry teaching resources and the factors that support successful curriculum integration.
  • Presented by: Dr. Monica Soma Hensley

 

Creating Systemic Change in Chemistry Education Through Communities of Practice

  • May 27 | 4:20–4:40 PM ET | Meeting Room 602A | Oral Presentation
  • Explore how the Green Chemistry Commitment and Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community are helping educators build confidence, connection, and long-term curricular change.
  • Presented by: Dr. Jonathon Moir
     

Developing Instructor Capacity in Green Chemistry Education

  • May 27 | 6:00–7:30 PM ET | Exhibit Hall DE | Poster Presentation
  • Discover how Beyond Benign’s self-paced professional development course helps educators integrate Green Chemistry and sustainability into undergraduate teaching through practical, scalable instructional design.
  • Presented by: Dr. Monica Soma Hensley
     

Green and Sustainable Practices in Chemistry and Engineering Education (2 Sessions)

  • May 28 | Meeting Room 717A | Symposium
  • Join a collaborative afternoon symposium exploring innovative approaches to integrating Green Chemistry and sustainability into chemistry and engineering education, including curriculum mapping, laboratory redesign, systems thinking, open-access teaching tools, and strategies for embedding sustainability across undergraduate coursework.
  • Session Chairs: Dr. Monica Soma HensleyDr. Jonathon Moir, Prof. Kylie Luska, Prof. Barb Morra, and Dr. Alisha Szozda

Paid Research Assistant Opportunity in Green Chemistry

Dr. Krishna Sharma is inviting applications for a paid student Research Assistant role to join a funded laboratory project this summer, focused on making a pharmaceutically relevant chemical reaction more sustainable.

The role will involve organic synthesis experiments, reaction optimisation, laboratory record-keeping, data collection, and preliminary analysis under supervision.

 

For more details about the work: 
https://lnkd.in/eWdDGWU9

 

#CLEAR26 Online Symposium (#CLEAR2026 Symposium)

Promotional graphic for the CLEAR symposium on a light gray background. Large blue text reads, “An Online Symposium on Education in the Chemistry Laboratory” and “CLEAR Thursday, May 7th, 2026.” On the right, a stylized laboratory flask overlaps a blue and green globe labeled “#CLEAR26.” Smaller text in the top right lists contact emails for four organizers. Along the bottom, the graphic says, “Register at: clearsymposium.weebly.com,” and includes endorsement logos from EuChemS, the Royal Society of Chemist
Event Date
Event Type
Additional Host Organizations
Council on Licensure, Enforcement & Regulation (CLEAR)

Event Description

The annual CLEAR Symposium connects chemistry educators worldwide in a virtual symposium, enhancing laboratory teaching through research. Attend #CLEAR26, an online symposium on laboratory teaching in chemistry, to gain valuable insights from experts in the field! Dr. Monica Soma Hensley, Beyond Benign Higher Education Instruction and Research Manager, is a co-organizer for this year's symposium, which centers on the theme of Sustainability and Green Chemistry. 

Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to share their work on teaching and learning in the chemistry laboratory. All interested individuals are invited to submit a poster for the event that focuses on research, assessment, or evaluation related to laboratory practices.

🗓️ Date: May 7th, 2026  
📍 Location: Online  
🔗 To learn more, register, or submit a poster:

https://clearsymposium.weebly.com/registersubmissions.html

Green Chemistry Catalysts Program Ambassador

The ACS GCI Green Chemistry Catalysts Program aims to build a strong, engaged community of students and professionals who champion green chemistry and sustainability across the chemical enterprise. Through a structured pipeline, the program empowers participants to serve as advocates, mentors, and facilitators that drive the adoption of green and sustainable chemistry in academia, industry, and beyond.

Intern with the ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable (GCIPR)

The ACS GCI Pharmaceutical Roundtable (GCIPR) is looking for an enthusiastic, mission-driven intern to join our team for the 2026 academic year. This is a unique opportunity to work directly with industry scientists, support high-impact green chemistry projects, and help shape tools and educational resources that advance sustainable science worldwide.

 

Who We’re Looking For