30 YEARS OF SCIENCE AND SERVICE: THE LSU NOBCCHE LEGACY

For three decades, LSU’s Chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) has been building something far greater than a résumé line or meeting schedule. It has been building a community.

Today, that mission continues through a new generation of leaders who are committed to preserving and expanding the chapter’s legacy. Under the mentorship of the current chapter advisor, Dr. Kristen Williams, and the guidance of chapter president Dominic Adrewie, a fourth-year doctoral student in chemistry, LSU NOBCChE remains grounded in mentorship, service and academic excellence, sustained by a team of members who carry its vision forward together. 

“LSU NOBCChE is more than a student organization; it’s a family,” said Adrewie. “It’s a space where students can show up fully as themselves and be affirmed both academically and personally. We celebrate each other’s wins, support one another through challenges and make sure no one has to navigate graduate school or their professional journey alone.”

A Historic Beginning

The chapter’s story begins in 1994, when LSU’s Department of Chemistry welcomed a historic number of African American graduate students. What could have been an isolating experience at a large institution instead became the foundation for connection.

Among that first cohort were founding members like Judson Haynes and Crystal Harrell, who would go on to serve as early chapter presidents, along with peers such as Emmanuel Waddell and other graduate students committed to building something meaningful at LSU. They bonded over shared academic goals and a deep commitment to service.

From the very beginning, outreach has been central to their identity. In their first year, they organized a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway for families in Baton Rouge—designing flyers, collecting donations and coordinating the distribution to ensure families were supported during the holiday season.

Although their early efforts faced administrative challenges due to their unofficial status, faculty members recognized the value of what they were building. With mentorship and guidance, the students completed the process to become a recognized student organization on campus.

Inspired by national involvement and connections with peers at institutions such as Howard University, the group formally affiliated with NOBCChE and attended the 1995 National Conference in Los Angeles, where it was recognized as an official chapter. Under the mentorship of Emeritus Boyd Professor Isiah Warner, the chapter’s first faculty advisor, LSU NOBCChE established a strong and sustainable foundation.

Rooted in Outreach

With official status came expanded programming and deeper community engagement. The chapter began hosting seminar speakers, supporting scholarships, tutoring students and leading chemistry demonstrations throughout Baton Rouge.

Community involvement became a defining characteristic of LSU NOBCChE. Whether providing safety goggles and lab supplies to classrooms or performing hands-on demonstrations that make chemistry accessible and exciting, members consistently connect science to everyday life. Service is not separate from their academic work—it strengthens it.

“When we step into a classroom or community event, we’re not just demonstrating chemistry, we’re showing students what’s possible. Representation matters. For some of the students we meet, we may be the first scientists who look like them or share similar backgrounds,” Adrewie said.

“ In those moments, chemistry becomes a pathway. We are building confidence, sparking curiosity and helping students see themselves in STEM. ”

 

Building Leaders in STEM

Beyond community engagement, LSU NOBCChE has been a training ground for leadership. The chapter intentionally cultivates mentorship, executive experience, conference participation and national networking, equipping students with the confidence and professional skills to lead in academia, industry, and public service.

For Adrewie, leadership development is intentional. “We’re preparing students to graduate and to lead. Whether that’s in a research lab, a corporation, a classroom or a community organization, NOBCChE gives students the tools and confidence to step into those spaces with purpose.”

That leadership pipeline is evident at the national level. LSU alumni Dr. Judson Haynes and Dr. Emmanuel Waddell went on to serve as national presidents of NOBCChE in 2013 and 2017. Dr. Tyrslai Williams-Carter serves as the 2026 national president, with Dr. LaRico Treadwell as president-elect. Numerous other LSU alumni continue to shape the organization’s national and regional governance, further extending the chapter’s influence. 

As part of the spring 2026 LSU NOBCChE events lineup, the chapter has the privilege of hosting the current national president and LSU alumna, Dr. Tyrslai Williams-Carter, on March 30th and 31st, where she will provide invaluable insights into leadership, empowerment and life beyond the four walls of academia.

A Community Without Boundaries

Over time, LSU NOBCChE grew into a multidisciplinary community. While rooted in chemistry and chemical engineering, the chapter welcomes students from biological sciences, food science, kinesiology, social work, education, business and other STEM-related fields.

Adrewie emphasizes their openness is a strength. “You don’t have to be a chemist or a chemical engineer to belong here. What connects us is a commitment to excellence, service and uplifting one another. Our wide range of disciplines actually makes us stronger.”

Beyond professional preparation, LSU NOBCChE fosters a culture of belonging. It is a community where students grow as scholars and leaders, strengthened by mentorship, shared purpose and connections that endure long after graduation.

After 30 years of its founding, LSU NOBCChE stands as more than a student organization. It is a bridge connecting students to mentors, science to community, and LSU to a broader legacy of leadership and excellence in STEM.

“All students are welcome here,” Adrewie adds. “If you’re looking for community, leadership, service and a place where your voice matters, NOBCChE is for you.”

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