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Congratulations to Donella Beckwith, Ph.D., an instructor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, who was named a member of the inaugural cohort of the Green Chemistry Professional Mentoring Networks (PMNs) this summer. Led by Beyond Benign and Monmouth University and supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the PMNs are year-long professional learning communities that foster the implementation of green chemistry – the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances – in undergraduate chemistry education.

“Being selected as a mentor represents a meaningful opportunity to grow as both an educator and a change agent within the chemistry community,” stated Beckwith. “To me, being selected represents both an acknowledgment of my dedication to advancing green chemistry and a responsibility to actively drive curriculum transformation at ����Vlog and beyond. By sharing best practices, resources and implementation strategies with colleagues, this collaborative approach will help build a community of educators dedicated to advancing green chemistry education and leading curricular reform.”

Beckwith is set to join the toxicology network within the mentoring program. This component aims to share knowledge of toxicology principles with educators who will in turn teach chemistry students the basic principles of toxicology. Such foundational knowledge will better equip students to design greener, safer chemical products and processes in academic research, industry and policy, which increasingly require sustainable and responsible scientific practices.

“By integrating these concepts into both lectures and laboratory environments, I aim to help students connect foundational chemistry knowledge to real-world applications that prioritize safety and sustainability,” said Beckwith. “It will also allow me to incorporate a stronger emphasis on hazard evaluation, the molecular-level impacts on human health and the environment and risk-informed decision-making.”

Specifically, Beckwith intends to integrate green chemistry principles into a range of courses, including general chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry and biochemistry. These efforts will align with updated America Chemical Society (ACS) guidelines that require the inclusion of green chemistry concepts within undergraduate curricula, particularly in the department’s ACS-approved Bachelor of Science in chemistry program.

“By leveraging the program’s emphasis on peer mentorship, collaboration and open-access curriculum development, I plan to adapt and implement instructional materials that emphasize safer chemical practices, waste reduction and sustainable decision-making,” noted Beckwith.

Beckwith, a three-time alumna of Florida Atlantic and the Schmidt College of Science’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, shared that her interest in green chemistry began early in her academic career through direct independent research as an undergraduate. She was mentored by Evonne Rezler, Ph.D., senior associate dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Science.

“That experience introduced me to the importance of designing and practicing chemistry in ways that are safer and more sustainable,” recalled Beckwith.

Beckwith’s interest continued to grow throughout her graduate studies at Florida Atlantic with the guidance and support of Mare Cudic, Ph.D., professor and director of graduate programs, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Gregg Fields, Ph.D., vice president for research, and Predrag Cudic, Ph.D., professor and associate dean for research, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

“All of my outstanding mentors at Florida Atlantic reinforced the importance of integrating scientific rigor with responsibility toward human health and the environment,” shared Beckwith.