Diversity | Department of Chemistry

Welcome from the Chair

Penn Chemistry provides an open, safe, and engaging environment in which we hope everyone will feel welcome and respected. We are a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students, and our strength derives from our mutual support. Our department is committed to the code of mutual respect, inclusion, and cooperation. The 12 principles of the code are:

Treat everyone equally and with respect
Be courteous
Be ready to communicate
Encourage others and share your expertise
Give and accept constructive criticism
Be receptive to change
Be a team player
Get involved
Have a positive attitude
Be honest and accept responsibility
Recognize other people’s priorities
Strive to do your best

Please visit the homepage of our Committee on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to see how we are working to make Penn Chemistry an even more welcoming place to learn, discover, and contribute to society.

– Tom Mallouk

Penn Chemistry Diversity Groups

Penn Women+ in Chemistry

We are a group of graduate women in the Chemistry department who organize events and activities to promote the growth and well-being of women in the chemical sciences.

NOBCChE – National Organization of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers Student Chapter

The mission of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) is to build an eminent cadre of successful diverse global leaders in STEM and advance their professional endeavors by adding value to their academic, development, leadership, and philanthropic endeavors throughout the life-cycle of their careers.

PGWISE – Penn Graduate Women in Science and Engineering

The Penn Graduate Women in Science & Engineering (PGWISE) was founded to foster an environment at Penn and nationally where women are given the opportunities to be successful in their chosen fields, facilitating the growth and innovation in our country as a whole.

Penn Chemistry REU Program

The REU at Penn Chemistry hosts 10 undergraduates with limited research experience, including students from underrepresented minority (URM) backgrounds during a ten-week summer research experience on the exciting University of Pennsylvania campus located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

UPenn SACNAS Chapter

The Penn chapter of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science is housed in the Perelman School of Medicine. SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of underrepresented trainees in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.

Penn ADSE Chapter

The ADSE mission is to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in academia, industry, and government. ADSE supports, organizes, and oversees local, graduate student-run organizations that reach out to students and scientists of all ages and backgrounds.

Penn Chemistry Anonymous Reporting Form

We want to hear from you.

Anyone in the Penn Chemistry community is invited to share with us any concerns or experiences that Department leadership should know about. Your feedback and suggestions are important to us as well.

The form is anonymous if you choose. Please note that while we seek to maintain confidentiality, depending on the severity of the incident, we may be required by law to report it for your safety and that of others.

Penn Chemistry Anonymous Reporting Form