The Modern Chemist: The Origin Story of Chemistry, Episode 3

For centuries, chemistry in the United States was for one kind of a person: The white man. But now, after decades of progress, chemistry is more inclusive than ever.

Historian Laura Puaca reveals how wars, feminist movements, and shifting societal expectations opened long‑closed doors for women in science. As feminism changed women's role in chemistry, other social movements were advancing the causes of minority scientists. Chemist and educator Sibrina Collins highlights the stories of early Black chemists, the vital role of HBCUs, and the creation of NOBCChE to provide community and opportunity amid systemic exclusion. And chemistry lecturer Barbara Belmont recounts the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility in chemistry, leading to the creation of Out to Innovate and ACS’s LGBTQ+ Chemists and Allies Subdivision. Together, their stories show how representation, advocacy, and community continue to reshape the chemical enterprise.

Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction