2026 ACCESS Day at U Chemsitry
July 15, 2026, in the Department of Chemistry
University of Utah’s College of Science runs the ACCESS Scholars program; a program focused on facilitating research along with leadership experiences in science and mathematics for College of Science students.
History of ACCESS
Originally named the ACCESS Program for Women in Science and Mathematics when it was established in 1991, it had the goal of preparing undergraduate women for success in their future science careers. Dr. Hugo Rossi created the program after being inspired by Utah women in STEM and their research.
Women have historically had fewer opportunities in science, especially in Utah, so that prompted the University of Utah to submit a proposal to the National Science Foundation to fund this program. The NSF funding ended in 1993, but thanks to university, community, and private donor support, the program has continued and flourished. The first class of students from 1991 had 20 people, and now the program has averaged 33 students per year, building an alumni network of over 800 people.
What the program offers today
ACCESS Scholars provides a distinct first-year experience plus ongoing opportunities throughout students’ undergraduate years, helping them identify academic and career goals, as well as build social awareness and connections, develop leadership skills, connect with mentors, networking opportunities, and join a community of future scientists. The award contains a monetary scholarship, covering all costs associated with the first-year experience.
ACCESS Day at U Chemistry
Every summer, ACCESS Scholars visit the University of Utah’s Department of Chemistry for a hand-on scientific experience. This year there was a chemistry demonstration by chemistry undergraduate students Aaboli Samant and Mia Kabella who are part of Utah’s American Chemical Society. The two students made some liquid nitrogen ice cream and then dipped roses in liquid nitrogen and shattered them.
Thank you to our speakers: Emma Hale (Graduate Student) and Jillian Battista (UG), Zhu Lab | Jadon Kogel (Graduate Student), Lucas Payne (UG), and Lydia Lindsay (UG), Clark Lab | Dasha Ivannikava (Graduate Student) and Joe Brosz (UG), Lessard Lab
Victoria Russell, the NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry Outreach Coordinator, noted that as part of the University of Utah’s ACCESS program for incoming undergraduates, students explored the many ways chemistry connects research, collaboration, and community engagement. The session highlighted interdisciplinary research centers with connections to the U of U Department of Chemistry, including the NSF Center for Synthetic Organic Electrochemistry (CSOE), and introduced students to opportunities for public engagement through programs such as Chemistry Night at the Natural History Museum of Utah. Students then put chemistry into practice with a colorful, hands-on activity using red cabbage–soaked watercolor paper as a natural pH indicator. By “painting” with acidic and basic solutions, participants created colorful designs while exploring the chemistry of acids, bases, and pH.