Learn. Lead. Engage. Make an Impact.

About the Team

The Green Chemistry Initiative (GCI) Student Leadership and Engagement Team provides students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, contribute ideas, and participate in advancing green chemistry education, research, and community engagement at Georgia State University.

Working under the guidance of GCI faculty leadership, student team members help support GCI programs, educational activities, outreach initiatives, events, and communications. Through these experiences, students can connect their academic interests with meaningful activities that promote safer, more sustainable chemical practices.

The team welcomes students from different academic backgrounds who are interested in sustainability, chemistry, science communication, education, research, and community engagement.

Faculty Leadership and Program Oversight

The Green Chemistry Initiative is a faculty-led initiative. The GCI Director provides overall leadership, establishes program priorities, oversees activities, and ensures that GCI initiatives align with the mission and goals of the program.

Student leaders and team members contribute ideas, coordinate assigned activities, and support implementation under the direction and approval of the GCI Director.

The GCI Director retains final authority over program direction, leadership appointments, official communications, external collaborations, and major program decisions.

This structure provides students with opportunities to take initiative, develop leadership experience, and contribute to GCI while maintaining consistent program direction and accountability.

Student Leadership Opportunities

Students may serve in one or more of the following roles, depending on their interests, experience, and program needs.

Student Team Lead

• Help coordinate student team activities and maintain communication among team members.
• Support the implementation of GCI programs and assigned projects.
• Help organize team meetings and coordinate follow-up activities.
• Communicate student ideas, questions, and updates to the GCI Director.
• Encourage participation and collaboration among student members.

Assistant Student Team Lead

• Support the Student Team Lead in coordinating team activities.
• Help communicate assignments, schedules, and updates.
• Assist with organizing student participation in GCI events and initiatives.
• Provide coordination support when the Student Team Lead is unavailable.

Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

• Assist with student outreach and campus engagement activities.
• Help promote green chemistry awareness and educational opportunities.
• Support collaboration with student organizations and campus groups.
• Encourage student participation in GCI programs and events.

Events and Programs Coordinator

• Assist with planning and organizing GCI events and activities.
• Support logistics, registration, volunteer coordination, and event preparation.
• Help coordinate student participation in Green Chemistry Awareness Day, Green Chemistry Week, and other GCI activities.
• Provide suggestions for improving event engagement.

Communications Coordinator

• Assist with preparing announcements, newsletters, flyers, and social media content.
• Help share GCI activities, student opportunities, and program achievements.
• Support the development of educational and promotional materials.
• Ensure proposed communications follow GCI guidelines and receive appropriate approval before publication.

Research and Education Coordinator

• Help promote student research and educational activities related to green chemistry.
• Assist with organizing poster presentations, oral presentations, and educational projects.
• Identify opportunities for student participation in research, outreach, and sustainability initiatives.
• Help share educational resources and student achievements.

Not all positions need to be filled at the same time. Responsibilities may be combined or adjusted based on student interest, availability, and GCI program needs.

Year-Round Student Engagement

GCI student team members may contribute throughout the academic year through activities such as:

Fall Semester

• Support green chemistry awareness and educational activities.
• Help organize student engagement and outreach opportunities.
• Assist with research presentations and campus events.

Spring Semester

• Support Green Chemistry Week activities and student competitions.
• Help organize educational outreach and sustainability initiatives.
• Assist with communications and event preparation.

Summer

• Support ongoing educational and outreach projects as available.
• Help prepare materials and activities for the upcoming academic year.
• Contribute ideas for future GCI programs.

Activities and responsibilities may vary each semester depending on program priorities and student availability.

Eligibility and Participation

Students from all academic disciplines at Georgia State University are encouraged to express interest in joining the team.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• An interest in green chemistry, sustainability, science, education, or community engagement.
• A willingness to work collaboratively with other students and faculty.
• Reliability, responsibility, and good communication.
• An interest in contributing ideas and supporting GCI activities.

Previous experience in leadership, research, communications, or event planning is welcome but not required.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Student team members are expected to:

• Fulfill their assigned responsibilities and communicate regularly with the team.
• Participate in agreed-upon activities and complete tasks within reasonable timelines.
• Work respectfully and collaboratively with students, faculty, and campus partners.
• Follow GCI guidelines for communications, public representation, and program activities.
• Seek approval from the GCI Director before making official commitments or representing GCI in external matters.
• Inform the team when academic or personal commitments affect their availability.

The expected time commitment will depend on the position and activities. As a general guideline, students may contribute approximately 2–4 hours per month, with additional time during major events or projects when mutually agreed upon.

Appointment, Performance, and Leadership Transitions

All student leadership positions and team appointments are subject to the approval and oversight of the GCI Director.

Student members are expected to fulfill their assigned responsibilities, communicate regularly, participate in team activities, and contribute to the objectives of the Green Chemistry Initiative.

To maintain effective program operations and accountability:

• The GCI Director reserves the authority to appoint, reassign, or replace student team members and coordinators as necessary.
• If a student member does not fulfill assigned responsibilities, maintain reasonable communication, or meet participation expectations, the GCI Director may provide guidance and an opportunity for improvement.
• If performance or participation does not improve, the GCI Director may reassign responsibilities, appoint another student, or remove the member from their leadership position.
• Student appointments may also be adjusted due to graduation, changes in availability, academic commitments, or program needs.
• All leadership transitions and appointments are subject to GCI Director approval.

These provisions help ensure continuity, accountability, and effective implementation of GCI programs and activities.

Appointment and Leadership Development

Student leadership appointments are generally made for one academic year, with opportunities for renewal based on student interest, participation, and program needs.

Students who are graduating or whose availability changes may help with the transition by sharing project information and assisting incoming team members when appropriate.

GCI encourages students to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, project coordination, and professional skills through their participation.

Recognition and Professional Development

Participation in the GCI Student Leadership and Engagement Team provides opportunities to:

• Develop practical leadership and project coordination experience.
• Participate in green chemistry education, research, and outreach.
• Build communication, teamwork, and professional skills.
• Connect with faculty, students, and campus and community collaborators.
• Receive recognition for contributions to GCI programs and activities.

Student contributions may also be highlighted on the GCI website, in program announcements, and through appropriate university and professional engagement opportunities.

Meet Our Student Leaders

Meet the students who contribute their time, ideas, and energy to advancing green chemistry at Georgia State University.

[View Our Student Leaders]

Join the GCI Student Leadership and Engagement Team

Are you interested in sustainability, green chemistry, education, research, or community engagement? We welcome motivated students who want to contribute ideas, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact.

Interested in joining? Submit an application to express your interest in becoming part of the GCI Student Leadership and Engagement Team.

[Apply to Join the Team]