Chemistry Learning Community

The Chemistry Learning Community (CLC) seeks to build a community environment that fosters the educational and emotional growth of chemistry students. Because of the importance of research in chemistry, the CLC is centered on a research theme. The CLC holds weekly meetings and activities with freshmen and transfer students throughout the year. In the fall and spring semester students enroll in Chemistry 101 “Chemistry Learning Community Orientation.” We will introduce students to support services, resources, and opportunities at ISU including AccessPlus, Canvas, and the Society of Chemistry Undergraduate Majors (SCUM) – our chemistry club. We will develop team-building, problem-solving, and professional skills, provide educational and service-based field trips, and invite faculty to discuss their research.  We will also have some activities just for fun!

Demonstration for elementary school students
CLC peer mentors visiting Center Grove Orchard
CLC outing

Our goals include

  • Building a supportive community for our freshmen and transfer students by creating and promoting connections between other chemistry majors, peer mentors, faculty and staff. 
  • Exposing freshmen and transfer students to undergraduate research and career opportunities in chemistry.
  • Helping students learn coping, problem-solving and communication skills. 

Be sure to check out our Facebook page!

Signing up

All incoming first-year and transfer chemistry majors will automatically become part of the Chemistry Learning Community when they register for courses at summer orientation. Be sure to show up in August for the learning community orientation events which will be held just prior to the start of classes.

Peer Mentors:

Cassidy Knops: cknops@iastate.edu

Seth Larson: sethl20@iastate.edu

Alex Parrish: alex921@iastate.edu

Nora Conzemius: nconz22@iastate.edu

If you have any further questions, please contact:

Levi Stanley, lstanley@iastate.edu, (515) 294-3609 

Elizabeth Zimmerman, ezim@iastate.edu, (515) 294-4832

Ben Noack, benoack@iastate.edu, (515) 294-8980

Joe Burnett, joechem@iastate.edu, (515) 294-6352

Why Chemistry at Iowa State? See a YouTube video featuring Justin Mikesell, class of 2014.