Wilson-Kennedy Named 2024 American Chemical Society Fellow

The American Chemical Society, or ACS, one of the world's largest scientific societies with over 200,000 members globally, has named Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy, Associate Dean for Academic Innovation & Engagement for the College of Science and Ron and Dr. Mary Neal Distinguished Associate Professor of Chemistry Education, a 2024 ACS Fellow. The prestigious honor recognizes Wilson-Kennedy's outstanding achievements and contributions to science, the profession, and the community.

Wilson-Kennedy's two decades of scholarly leadership in chemistry and STEM education research have significantly advanced knowledge and practices that promote access and opportunities for all. As a principal and co-principal investigator, she has secured nearly $35 million in funding for STEM education research and training projects. 

Her work focuses on science identity, social cognitive career development, and community cultural wealth, fostering self-efficacy and agency among students. Her designed transformative mentoring models have significantly improved opportunities and retention in undergraduate STEM disciplines, advancing knowledge of effective practices that support student persistence and success among all populations. 

Wilson-Kennedy curated best practices and published them in several STEM education journals. She was also the lead editor of “Broadening Participation in STEM: Effective Methods, Practices, and Program in the Diversity in Higher Education Series” and a co-editor of “Growing Diverse STEM Communities: Methodology, Impact, and Evidence” in the ACS Symposium Book Series. Her scholarly contributions demonstrate the impact of best practices on student success and retention and serve as a valuable resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and equitable STEM education environment.

From 2006 to 2012, Wilson-Kennedy's efforts to increase the domestic student population in doctoral education contributed to the LSU Department of Chemistry becoming a national leader in producing Black and women Ph.D.s in chemistry. Her work involved establishing partnerships with regional colleges and universities, including historically Black and other minority-serving institutions, to attract and retain U.S. students of all backgrounds. She developed expertise in mentoring through critical junctures and supporting students’ sense of belonging and value in the scientific community.

Also, as a staunch advocate for gender equity in faculty ranks, Wilson-Kennedy played a pivotal role in NSF ADVANCE projects in two institutions aimed at addressing the stagnation of women in the tenured and tenure-track pipeline. Additionally, she led an exploratory research study sponsored by NSF to investigate the work-life balance policies at minority-serving universities to promote the success of STEM women faculty of color and further the progress of gender advancement in STEM higher education. 

In addition to her scholarly contributions, Wilson-Kennedy has demonstrated exceptional leadership within ACS and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, or NOBCChE. She has served in various roles in the ACS Baton Rouge Local Section, Division of Professional Relations, and Women Chemists of Color. 

Within the K-12 community, Wilson-Kennedy chaired the National Science Fair and supported the National Quiz Bowl as co-chair of the NOBCChE National Science Competition (2007 to 2009), promoting science among middle and high school students nationwide. She developed a student guidebook for writing reports, creating poster boards, and giving oral presentations, encouraging students to engage in scientific inquiry and communication. More recently, she has led the implementation of Geaux Science Explorations, an outreach program serving the greater Baton Rouge area that engages K-8 students in high-impact science learning experiences.

Among her numerous accolades, Wilson-Kennedy is also a NOBCChE Fellow (2023) and AAAS Fellow (2021). She received the NOBCChE Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Award (2019), the NSF Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) Organization Award (2014), and the ACS Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences (2010).

Wilson-Kennedy is one of 37 ACS Fellows that will be recognized at the ACS Fall 2024 induction ceremony in Denver, CO. She joins a list of distinguished LSU faculty who have been previously named ACS Fellows:

• Kevin L. Armbrust, Claiborne Gasoline Company Chair in Air Quality/Environmental Toxicology and Professor of Environmental Sciences, 2022
• Andrew Maverick, Associate Dean of Academic Services and Philip & Foymae West Distinguished Professor in Chemistry, 2018
• John W. Finley, Professor, Food Science, 2011
• George G. Stanley, Professor Emeritus, Chemistry, 2011
• William H. Daly, Professor Emeritus, Chemistry, 2010
• Saundra Yancey McGuire, Professor Emerita, Chemistry, 2010
• James Traynham, Professor Emeritus, deceased, Chemistry, 2009
• Isiah M. Warner, Emeritus Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives, Philip West Chair of Analytical and Environmental Chemistry and LSU System Boyd Professor of Chemistry, 2009

For more information about the ACS Fellows Program and the 2024 honorees, visit the ACS Fellows Program webpage.