ECS hosts a vibrant network of nearly 70 student chapters, bringing together innovative young minds across the globe. Joining that list is the ECS University of New Mexico Student Chapter, chartered by the ECS Board of Directors on March 7, 2017. The chapter’s faculty advisor, Fernando Garzon, believes the establishment of the student chapter could help encourage research collaboration and bolster students’ visibility in the scientific community.
“It greatly benefits students to have a venue such as the ECS University of New Mexico Student Chapter to engage in meaningful scientific dialog with their peers and mentors,” says Garzon, past ECS president. “Engagement in a student chapter helps improve communication skills and provides networking opportunities with other individuals engaged in the ECS technical interest areas.”
The development of the ECS University of New Mexico Student Chapter can provide an avenue for students in different departments working in the electrochemical and solid state science technical area to connect. According to Garzon, many students across campus are actively involved in research pertaining to fuel cell materials, bioelectrochemistry, advanced electrolysis, electrochemical synthesis of fuels, sensor technology, and more.
“Students are more aware of the role that electrochemical and solid state science plays in their lives and the development of more sustainable, lower impact technologies to enhance the well-being of the growing global population,” Garzon says.
The University of New Mexico’s extensive collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory may also open new doors for students, providing networking opportunities and the ability to meet and interface with many ECS members that are actively involved in the Society.
In addition to local opportunities, members of the ECS University of New Mexico Student Chapter will be able to engage with a network of over 8,000 ECS members, gain access to career resources, collaborate with peers to present posters at ECS meetings, and gain funding to support chapter activates.
“The chapter provides a forum for the exchange of research information, an opportunity for students to present their work to their peers, and the chance to engage with visiting ECS members,” Garzon says.
Learn more about ECS student chapters and the benefits of student membership!
