Just wanted to give a shoutout to our @umichLSA alums who are helping out with remote instruction for my @MichiganChem 215H class. The class, mostly 1st & 2nd year students, watch my lectures asynchronously, and we have used class time for open discussions and visits from alums.

The class reviewed a list of 60 alums and selected ones they wanted to hear from. We had planned a different alumni connection activity before in-person meetings were suspended, and then decided to invite some of the most-requested alums to our virtual class meetings instead.

Before the #COVID19 shutdown, we enjoyed a visit from @EngleLab, where he talked about his path through UM, the diversity of classes that he enjoyed, great things about academic life, and a bit about his research group at @scrippsresearch.

Following the shutdown, we went in remote mode, starting with a visit from @BetleyTed of @BetleyGroup at @HarvardCCB, where we had a great discussion about his academic path, sustainable chemistry, and the imposter syndrome that comes along with sudden leadership transitions.

Next up was recent grad @erinefinn, current student at @umichmedicine and former standout from @UMichTrack. Erin gave great insights into how chemistry and public health degrees shaped her preparation for med school & provide complementary skills for what she hopes to accomplish.

Our next visitor, Amethyst Smith, went to @UMichLaw and is VP and Assistant General Counsel at @PerrigoCompany. She gave terrific information on how a chemistry background positioned her for activities in business development, litigation, and intellectual property.

Patricia Greco, fellow in Maternal Fetal Medicine with @UMichOBGYN_Res, joined us for a great discussion about the role that her chemistry training plays in understanding and designing research studies at @umichmedicine, and gave insights into how #COVID19 is affecting her work.

Next up was Darry Boyd @DrBoyd_Chemist, who came to us from US Naval Research Laboratory @USNRL, where he works in polymer chemistry and material science. He gave the class inspiring insights about his challenges and struggles and how they made him stronger and more successful.

We get 80-90% attendance from the class for the visits, and the students were super engaged in the discussions. I highly recommend reaching out to alums if you’re looking for ways to engage your class. A few more visits are scheduled and I’ll add to this thread as we go! #GoBlue