As we head into the second cycle of recognizing graduate students’ excellence in research, let us take a moment to highlight the honorees of the inaugural cohort of ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award. The goal of the ACS Pride-Merck Graduate Research Award is to encourage and support members of the LGBTQ+ community in their research efforts and pursuit of careers in the chemical sciences. The award recognizes graduate students who are setting a foundation of service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to bridge the gaps in mentoring styles to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ students. This year, the division recognized seven graduate students at the Spring 2024 ACS Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The recipients of the ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award receive a $1,500 cash prize alongside a year-long mentoring relationship with an industry employee. Merck, the pharmaceutical company, has graciously sponsored and championed the establishment of the award alongside the ACS Pride subdivision of PROF.
“At Merck we recognize that diversity is a catalyst for world-class science and innovation. Most importantly, we are growing a diverse and inclusive culture in which everyone feels they belong, can have tremendous impact, and are able to continuously learn and grow,” said Dr. Rob Garbaccio, Vice President of Chemistry, Merck Research Laboratories.
Dr. Sambuddha Banerjee, 2023 ACS Pride Subdivision Chair, commented, “Despite progress, LGBTQ+ people continue to face significant social and professional challenges. We are excited to establish this new award and grateful to Merck for their generosity and collaboration.”
At the ACS Fall 2024 meeting, the ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award was recognized as the “Best Activity or Program Highlighting ACS Change Driver(s) or Strategic Planning” in the 2024 ChemLuminary Awards by the Strategic Planning Committee. This activity supports the chemistry and social responsibility change drive.
The 2025 ACS Pride Merck Graduate Research Award applications are being accepted through Friday, September 13, 2024. Questions regarding the application may be directed to awards@acsprof.org.
2024 ACS Pride Merck Graduate Award recipients
Joe Forzano [he/him], University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Joe graduated from Colby College with a B.A. in Chemistry in 2019 and currently is a Ph.D. Candidate in organic chemistry. His research interests lie at the intersection of organic synthesis and chemical biology. His PhD thesis focuses on the development of light-activated therapeutics for targeted treatment of cancer.
“The ACS Pride Merck Graduate [Research] Award has given me the chance to find and build community across the country with other graduate students, academics, and industry partners. It has inspired me to continue bringing my full self to lab and to encourage others to do the same.”
Eric Geunes [he/him], Princeton University
Eric grew up in Gainesville, Florida, before heading to Wisconsin in 2016 to swim and study biochemistry. He fell in love with organic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin. Following his undergraduate graduation in 2020, Eric began his doctorate at Princeton in the Knowles Group. His research is focused on synthetic method development and asymmetric catalysis; Eric currently studies photoredox-catalyzed alkene hydroanimation.
“The ACS Pride Merck Award has allowed me to continue building strong scientific and queer communities in my life and has strengthened my desire to make chemistry a more inclusive and equitable space. The experiences I have gained since receiving this award have further ignited my passion for chemistry and have affirmed my desire to continue chemistry research after graduate school.”
Syd Schoellhorn [she/they], University of North Texas
Syd’s dissertation research consists of the study of fungal natural products, particularly identifying natural products which has the potential to be used as an antitoxin against common harmful compounds produced in corn.
“However, research experiences extend beyond the bench. Personally, this award has introduced career-altering levels of engagement with industry chemists, especially through gaining an industry mentor. It has encouraged conversations about pushing boundaries of scientific discovery by championing diversity in individuals and, therefore, diversity of thought.”
Corey Davis [he/him], University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Emory and Henry University in 2020, Corey began his graduate studies in analytical chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While starting during a tumultuous time with the uncertainties of a global pandemic, Corey found himself drawn to the innovative research in the Erie lab. Using single-molecule techniques to investigate the structural and mechanistic aspects of DNA mismatch repair proteins – a crucial process in maintaining the integrity of the genome and preventing mutations that can lead to diseases such as cancer.
“Receiving the inaugural ACS Pride Merck Award has been a deeply meaningful experience for me as a gay scientist. This recognition represents a profound affirmation of acceptance and has emboldened me to embrace my authentic self in any setting. It has given me the courage to share my story openly and to encourage others to do the same. The award also serves as a reminder of the importance of visibility and inclusivity in science, inspiring me to advocate for a community where all voices are heard and valued.”
Jordie Thompson [he/him], California Institute of Technology
Jordie’s research area focuses on the total synthesis of natural products. From making biologically relevant compounds from scratch and developing new chemical methods, his work fills the gaps in traditional organic chemistry method development programs.
“The ACS Pride Merck Award has been very meaningful and impactful. I matched with an incredible Merck mentor, and the ACS symposium connected me to many people across academia and industry. This award, organized through PROF, gave me a home in my research family, and I am unbelievably grateful to all who played a part in making it happen and providing me a community that accepts and celebrates me!”
José Hernández-Meléndez [he/him], University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
José was born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. He completed my undergraduate degree in Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, gaining experience in organometallic chemistry and total synthesis. José’s doctoral research in the Narayan group, at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, focuses on optimizing metalloenzymes through protein engineering for biocatalytic applications.
“Receiving the ACS Pride–Merck Award provided me with the opportunity to connect with fellow queer scientists from both academia and industrial, and expand my knowledge in diverse scientific fields.”
Gabe Halford [he/him], University of Virginia
After starting his doctoral work in the Personick Group at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, Gabe moved with the lab to the University of Virginia in summer 2023. In the Personick Group at both institutions, he has worked on shaped noble metal nanoparticle synthesis and mechanistic understanding of particle growth. Gabe also dabble in analytical electrochemistry.
“As an ACS Pride-Merck awardee, I’ve benefited from the opportunity to connect and build community with chemists from a variety of subdisciplines and career stages. The connections with my wonderful Merck mentor and cohort, both virtually and in person at the spring ACS Meeting, have been invaluable in expanding my sense of possibility and belonging as a queer/trans and early-career chemist.”
The ACS Pride Subdivision is one of the communities within the Division of Professional Relations and welcomes all queer chemical scientists and allies. If you would like to get more involved, please reach out to the ACS Pride leadership at acspride@acsprof.org.
