In-Person

Join Beyond Benign Senior Program Manager Dr. Juliana Vidal at the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress in Antwerp, Belgium, for a presentation on how the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program is driving systemic change in chemistry education. 👋🌱

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Attend Juliana’s presentation at 11 a.m. CEST on July 13th: 
 

Juliana’s presentation, “Cultivating Responsible Chemists: The Green Chemistry Commitment as a Catalyst for Educational Systemic Change,” will highlight the Green Chemistry Commitment as a framework that supports institutions in integrating green chemistry across the curriculum, research, and training. She will explore how chemistry education prepares students to design safer, more sustainable products and processes while advancing a culture of responsible chemistry. The presentation is part of the session “Responsible Chemistry for Society: Education, Ethics, History & Cultural Heritage.

About the 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress:

The 10th EuChemS Chemistry Congress will take place from July 12th-16th, 2026, at the Flanders Meeting & Convention Center, Antwerp. Hosted by the Royal Flemish Chemical Society (KVCV), the congress brings together chemists from Europe and around the world for plenary talks, invited lectures, oral presentations, and poster sessions. Learn more and register. 

Members of the Beyond Benign team and community will be at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE)! If you are attending the conference at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, visit us at booth 29 in the Expo and join us for green chemistry programming. Here’s our schedule:

Sunday, July 26

Building Skills for the Future: A Workshop on Integrating Green and Sustainable Chemistry into Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories

Organized by Dr. Jonathon Moir (Beyond Benign), Dr. David Laviska (ACS Green Chemistry Institute), Dr. Jane Wissinger (University of Minnesota), and Dr. John De Backere (University of Toronto)

This workshop engages educators in integrating green chemistry as a framework for teaching fundamental chemical concepts through a lens of sustainability, while emphasizing peer-to-peer learning and mentorship within communities of practice. Participants will explore approaches to developing modern laboratory curricula that reflect current industrial practices, guided by experienced facilitators. 

🗓️  Sunday, July 26 | 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. and 3:30–5 p.m.

📍  Chemistry: 1357/1359

Monday, July 27

From Ideation to Assessing Impact: The Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) as a Global Community of Practice

Presented by Dr. Jonathon Moir (Beyond Benign); co-authored by Tyler Schisler, Dr. Sarah Kennedy, Dr. Alisha Szozda, Dr. Omar Villanueva, and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign)

This presentation will describe the overall lifespan and development of the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) to date, from initial ideation in 2020 and collaborative development of the various components of the site to the current state of the platform and its future growth and trajectory. Such an overview can inform conference attendees of the opportunities and pitfalls of starting an online platform to support a global Community of Practice (CoP), highlight how assessment of impact reveals community member interests and can help adjust course, and, importantly, reveal the impact that the GCTLC as a CoP has already had on its members and the community at large.

🗓️  Monday, July 27 | 11:15–11:35 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 2535

An Easy-to-Use Template for Creating Custom Case Studies Focused on Green Chemistry and Sustainability

Presented by Dr. Jennifer Tripp (University of San Francisco) and Dr. Tom Umile (Villanova University); co-authored by Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), Dr. David Laviska (ACS Green Chemistry Institute), and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign)

This poster presents a versatile template that guides instructors in building their own effective case studies for classroom use—helping them select a suitable real-world example, identify connections to green and sustainable chemistry, write effective learning objectives, and create course materials, including activities, slides, and assessments. The template allows instructors to create a complete curriculum package that can be shared with others, leading to broader impact across the chemistry educator community.

🗓️  Monday, July 27  | 2-3:30 p.m. (interactive) and 5:30–8:30 p.m. (open viewing)

📍  Main Lounge

Advancing Green Chemistry in Higher Education Through the GCC Program

Presented by Dr. Michelle Duarte (Beyond Benign); co-authored by Dr. Juliana Vidal, Dr. Omar Villanueva, and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign)

Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program supports institutions with tools to integrate green chemistry into higher education, promote systemic, long-lasting change, and foster a global community of practice. To date, the GCC accounts for over 270 institutions across more than 37 countries, impacting 1.6+ million students annually. This poster presents results from the 2025 annual audit and survey, highlighting how the program's resources, community, and guidance facilitate institutional integration of green chemistry, with comparisons to previous data illustrating long-term impact and evolving adoption strategies.

🗓️  Monday, July 27 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. (open viewing)

📍  Main Lounge

Development and Implementation of an On-Demand Introductory Course to Infuse Green Chemistry in the Undergraduate Curriculum

Presented by Dr. Deborah Bromfield Lee (Florida Southern College); co-authored by Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign)

This presentation outlines the development and implementation of an on-demand introductory course in green chemistry for Beyond Benign, structured into four comprehensive parts and hosted on the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC). The course design draws on current literature, peer collaboration, community feedback, and alignment with educational standards—equipping faculty to educate undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills to apply green chemistry principles and promote sustainability and environmental stewardship in the chemical sciences.

🗓️  Monday, July 27 | 4:15– 4:35 p.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800 (within S45c)

Examining the Integration of Cosmetic Chemistry Into the Chemistry Curriculum

Presented by Natalie Gil-Arcos (Monmouth University); co-authored by Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign) and Dr. Nikita Burrows (Monmouth University);

This research presents a systematic literature review of 60 peer-reviewed academic articles on cosmetic chemistry education published since 1939. The focus of this review is to establish how cosmetic chemistry topics are being integrated into chemistry classrooms and labs to understand how applied-chemistry courses can impact students’ learning and motivations toward chemistry and its ability to foster awareness of potential careers within the discipline. The findings of this literature review can serve as a useful guide for chemistry instructors and education researchers, as it underscores the value of integrating applied chemistry experiments and courses to connect fundamental concepts of industry, green chemistry, and real-world applications to the classroom.

🗓️  Monday, July 27 | 5:30– 8:30 p.m.

📍  Main Lounge (open viewing)

Tuesday, July 28

Case Studies of Green Chemistry in the Classroom

Chaired by Esther Hines (Billerica Memorial High School, retired) and Dr. Jennifer Tripp (University of San Francisco); organized with Dr. Tom Umile (Villanova University), Dr. David Laviska (ACS Green Chemistry Institute), and Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign).

This session highlights the diverse ways chemical educators at all levels have employed case study-based lessons in their classrooms—from high school through graduate level—and includes a moderated discussion to foster networking, sharing of ideas and course materials, and community building. The American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute and Beyond Benign recently co-developed a case study template and guide to assist instructors in developing their own case study-based lessons.

🗓️  Tuesday, July 28 | 8:30–10 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800

Understanding Chemistry as both the Problem and Solution to Human and Environmental Health Challenges through the Implementation of Case Studies in a Green Chemistry Course

Presented by Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign)

This presentation shares how case studies were used in a green chemistry course to provide context and understanding of the challenges and opportunities our field faces. Case studies highlighting U.S. Superfund sites bridged historical impacts of the chemical industry to concepts such as toxicology, epidemiology, and greener chemical design. Toxicology case studies taught key concepts and provided students with tools for greener chemical design, equipping them to contribute to a future in which chemistry addresses environmental and human health challenges without repeating past mistakes.

🗓️  Tuesday, July 28 | 8:35–8:55 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800 (within S158a)

Bridging Academia and Industry: Defining Green and Sustainable Chemistry Skills for the Future Workforce

Moderated by Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign), featuring Jeffrey Whitford (MilliporeSigma), Dr. Victor Ramos Sanchez (Northern Arizona University), and Dr. Mary Carroll (Union College) 

This community conversation brings together academics and industry professionals to define the green and sustainable chemistry competencies that matter most for the future workforce. Co-organized with MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, the session explores how institutions can better align chemistry education with real-world industry needs—ensuring graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to advance sustainable chemistry in professional settings.

🗓️  Tuesday, July 28 | 6-7 p.m.

📍  Memorial Union: Play Circle (2190)

Advances in Research and Practice on Sustainability in the Lab

Organized by Dr. Nikita Burrows (Monmouth University), Dr. Mary Ross (Georgia Gwinnett College), and Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign)

This symposium highlights current research and innovative practices in sustainable laboratory chemistry. Presentations explore how educators and researchers are implementing greener approaches in teaching and research labs across a range of institutional contexts.

🗓️  Tuesday, July 28 | 3:30–5 p.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800

Green Chemistry Education for a Sustainable Future: Sharing Ideas and Building Community

Chaired by Cecilia Smith (ACS Green Chemistry Institute) and Dr. Omar Villanueva (Beyond Benign)

A lightly facilitated conversation for attendees interested in advancing green chemistry education in their courses, programs, and institutions. Co-hosted by Beyond Benign and the American Chemical Society Green Chemistry Institute, the session will create space to share specific resource examples—from small changes in a single lab or lesson to broader program-level efforts—and to learn from what others are trying in different contexts.

🗓️  Tuesday, July 28 | 7–8 p.m.

📍  Memorial Union: Profile (2318)
 

Wednesday, July 29

Advances in Research and Practice on Sustainability in the Lab (continued)

Organized by Dr. Nikita Burrows (Monmouth University), Dr. Mary Ross (Georgia Gwinnett College), and Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign)

This symposium invites qualitative and quantitative research, as well as teaching-focused contributions, centered on undergraduate chemistry laboratory courses with a focus on green chemistry and sustainability, systems thinking, and safety. In alignment with the updated American Chemical Society Guidelines, the session welcomes studies on lab curriculum and experiment design, instructional strategies at the bench, and student engagement.

🗓️  Wednesday, July 29 | 8:30–10 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800

Writing Green Chemistry Case Studies

Organized by Dr. Jennifer Tripp (University of San Francisco), Dr. Tom Umile (Villanova University), Dr. Monica Hensley (Beyond Benign), and Dr. David Laviska (ACS Green Chemistry Institute)

In this interactive workshop, educators will collaboratively work through a versatile Case Study Template to begin building their own case study for classroom use. Participants will also learn how to share case studies through the Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) to build a broader community of practice. Bring a laptop or another device for writing and online searching!

🗓️  Wednesday, July 29 | 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

📍  Chemistry: 2401

Green Chemistry Education for a Sustainable Future

Presented by Dr. Monica Hensley; coauthored with Dr. Omar Villanueva and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign)

Beyond Benign has developed a comprehensive, faculty-driven model to support the integration of green chemistry into undergraduate curricula. Through the creation of open-access curricular resources, developed in collaboration with higher education faculty and informed by industry expertise, combined with targeted professional development programs, Beyond Benign empowers educators to embed sustainability meaningfully into chemistry education.

🗓️  Wednesday, July 29 | 11:35–11:55 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800 (Symposium presented in: Educating for Sustainability in a Climate-Challenged World)

Thursday, July 30

Sustainability in Practice: Institutional Approaches to Advancing Green Chemistry Education

Chaired by Dr. Omar Villanueva (S337a) and Dr. Michelle Duarte (S337b) (Beyond Benign); co-organized with Dr. Loyd Bastin (Widener University)

As demand for sustainable chemical solutions continues to grow and new accreditation guidelines emerge, higher-education institutions worldwide are seeking effective ways to integrate green chemistry principles into their teaching, research, and departmental practices. This symposium invites faculty and educators to share strategies for driving systemic and institutional change through curriculum design, laboratory transformation, and research-led teaching. 

🗓️  Thursday, July 30 | 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800

Green Chemistry for Non-Science Majors: Development and Implementation of a Physical Science Course

Presented by Dr. Omar Villanueva (Beyond Benign) and co-authored by Dr. Cynthia Woodbridge (Georgia Gwinnett College)

This presentation highlights the design, development, and implementation of a fully online, asynchronous Physical Science course at Georgia Gwinnett College centered on green chemistry for non-science majors. The course reframes core topics—atomic structure, chemical reactions, energy, materials, and environmental systems—through the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry and systems thinking, helping students connect chemistry to real-world decisions and societal challenges. 

🗓️  Thursday, July 30 | 10:35–10:55 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800 (within S337b)

Supporting Institutional Approaches for Advancing Green Chemistry Education in Brazil Through Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Commitment Program

Presented by Dr. Juliana Vidal (Beyond Benign); co-authored by Dr. Michelle Duarte, Dr. Omar Villanueva, and Dr. Amy Cannon (Beyond Benign)

This presentation highlights how the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) program is supporting Brazil's growing network of GCC signers (now 22 institutions, the third-largest globally). It explores how regional collaboration, understanding local needs and misconceptions, and international network support can move green chemistry adoption from isolated efforts to a unifying, transferable framework.

🗓️  Thursday, July 30 | 8:35 – 8:55 a.m.

📍  Engineering Hall 1800 (within S337a)

Find more green chemistry and sustainability programming here.

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Conference & Expo is the largest stage to share successful case studies, initiatives, projects, research, policies, and transformative actions advancing sustainability in higher education and surrounding communities. Join higher education sustainability leaders, practitioners, students and partners on October 4-6 at the Hilton Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD!

Click here to learn more and register.

Join us on July 15th, 2026, in Troy, New York, for the 2nd Annual Bridging the Gap: Green Chemistry Innovation & Education Workshop. This free, full-day event brings together industry professionals, K-12 educators, and higher ed faculty and staff to explore practical applications of green chemistry. Hosted by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, Beyond Benign, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), this workshop sparks collaboration and practical strategies for advancing green chemistry at every level.

Attendees can earn up to 8 CTLE credit hours for participating. Beyond Benign is a CTLE-approved sponsor as of March 2026. Explore the full agenda and reserve your spot! 

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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🌱 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

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.

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 Moir, Dr. 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
  • Session 1: 2:00–3:40 PM ET
  • Session 2: 4:00–6:00 PM ET
• 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 Hensley, Dr. Jonathon Moir, Prof. Kylie Luska, Prof. Barb Morra, and Dr. Alisha Szozda

Attention academic leaders, students, and industry partners from Green Chemistry Commitment institutions! Join Beyond Benign and the green chemistry community at the 2026 GCC Summit to explore how to implement and scale green chemistry in higher education. Our global community can participate virtually on June 10th or in person on June 14th at the Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Now in its 9th year, the GCC Summit aims to foster deeper engagement with green chemistry across curricula, laboratories, and workforce development. The program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, working groups, and case studies that highlight the systems, partnerships, and strategies needed to embed green chemistry at scale.

GCC Signers: Check your email for an invitation from our team and register to join us for one (or both!) of these gatherings: 

🧑‍💻 Virtual: June 10th, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT / 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. UTC
📍 In person: June 14th, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CDT | Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, San Antonio, Texas

It’s Easy Being Green: Budget-Friendly Safety-Conscious Chemistry Labs for the Secondary Science Classroom of Today

Middle/High School Physical Science and Chemistry Teachers, you are invited to join us, as the Department of Chemistry and Physics at Belmont University announces the 2nd annual half-day professional development workshop* this spring.

Explore the effects of density, solubility and intermolecular forces on mixtures, and learn how to apply separation techniques to isolate mixture components in Exploring the Effect of Density and Solubility on Mixtures and Separation Techniques.

Why Register?

• There is no registration fee.
• Apply for a chance to receive a small microgrant for curriculum items, lab materials, or professional development opportunities that focus on green chemistry topics and classroom applications.
• Perform green chemistry labs, with an emphasis on preparation, student safety and chemical disposal.
• Receive a printed copy of both instructor and student versions of the labs taught at the workshop – including background information, lab procedures and analysis questions.

Event and Registration Information

• The workshop will run from 9:15 AM to 12:30 PM Saturday, March 28, 2026.
• Light breakfast snacks will be available.
• Registration ends Monday, March 16, 2026.
• Register under Upcoming Events at https://sites.google.com/view/its-easy-being-green-pd/home

Now in its 37th year, the Bioneers Conference convenes activists, scientists, educators, artists, Indigenous leaders, and community organizers to share solutions and foster connections across social and environmental movements. Bioneers 2026 will offer main-stage talks, performances, in-depth discussions, hands-on workshops, an Indigenous Forum, youth programs, and collaborative opportunities over three days in Berkeley, California.

Each conference day includes a morning plenary at Zellerbach Hall beginning at 9 a.m., followed by afternoon and evening panels, interactive sessions, films, performances, and networking events at various downtown Berkeley venues.

If you are attending, don’t miss presentations from Beyond Benign Co-Founders Dr. John Warner and Dr. Amy Cannon on Saturday, March 28th: 

• Keynote: Dr. John Warner – “Biomimicry at the Molecular Level—Inventing a Sustainable Future” (March 28th, 9:40–10:02 a.m., Zellerbach Hall)  | In this talk, John will share his vision of how we can draw from the molecular design genius of nature, which has been running countless rigorous chemistry experiments for nearly 4 billion years, to create benign products and technologies that provide for human needs without contaminating the biosphere and endangering our health.
• Panel: Green Chemistry Innovation and Education featuring Dr. John Warner and Dr. Amy Cannon (March 28th, 4:45–6 p.m.) | Our educational systems need to be transformed to prepare chemists and scientists to design more sustainable products. In this panel, John and Amy will share their work on key initiatives, such as the Green Chemistry Commitment, which equips universities to integrate green chemistry across curricula, research, and training. These initiatives and more are enabling a new generation of scientists to create breakthrough technologies that will enable a more sustainable, circular, and regenerative economy and society. 

🐢 Learn more and register!