Service and Outreach Activities
Presiding/Facilitation
Benedicta served as a facilitator for The Virtual Event at Reed College in 2025, where she guided the session "Acting for Change Across Our Spheres of Influence." In this role, she helped steer discussions on how individuals can leverage their unique positions to advocate for change, fostering a collaborative environment for participants to explore strategies for creating positive societal impact.
In 2024, Benedicta served as a presider for the Chemistry Education Research: Graduate Student Research Symposium at the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing presentations and facilitating discussions, ensuring that the symposium ran smoothly and fostering an environment that encouraged intellectual conversations and contributions.
Outreach Activities
During the 2022-2023 academic year, Benedicta served as a treasurer of the Auburn University chapter of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE). In collaboration with her NOBCChE colleagues, she participated in K-12 outreach initiatives to inspire the next generation of chemists, chemical engineers, and innovators to contribute to impactful and well-rounded scientific advancements.
As a general volunteer at the 2022 Destination STEM, Benedicta played a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of this interactive outreach event. Destination STEM is designed for sixth through ninth-grade students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through engaging, hands-on exhibits. The event provides students with the opportunity to experience the Auburn University campus while learning about the programs offered by the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering.
In the summer of 2021, Benedicta participated in the Summer Science Institute (SSI), a prestigious week-long residential program designed for outstanding rising 11th and 12th grade students from Alabama and Georgia with a strong interest in science and mathematics. This program partners students with experienced Auburn University science and mathematics research faculty, offering them the opportunity to explore advanced topics beyond the typical high school curriculum. As a member of a team, Benedicta contributed to the training of students in ambient ionization mass spectrometry, providing them with hands-on experience in this cutting-edge analytical technique.
Manuscript Review
Reviewer for the following Journals
July 2025 - Heliyon
May 2023 - Chemistry Africa
Other Review
Feb-Mar 2025 - Reviewed application packets for the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program at Auburn University
Apr 2024 - Reviewed application packets for the Graduate Rising Star Award and the Winifred Burks-Houck Graduate Leadership Award, NOBCChE
Other Departmental and Organizational Services
Mar 2025 - NOBCChE Technical Sessions Committee Member (Invited), National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
Apr 2024 - Awards Committee Member, National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
Served as a committee member for the Graduate Rising Star Award and the Winifred Burks-Houck Graduate Leadership Award
Feb 2024 - Prospective Graduate Student Host, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Auburn University
Served as a welcoming host for prospective students by engaging in conversations, answering questions, and ensuring they felt comfortable throughout their visit
2022-2023 - Treasurer, NOBCChE Auburn Chapter
Managed the organization’s finances
Mentorship
Spr 2023 - Mentored 24 senior undergraduate chemistry students in the instrumentation lab, providing guidance on their respective group projects
Spr-Fall 2021 - Provided mentorship to an undergraduate student (female) in an analytical chemistry research lab, guiding their research development skills
Fall 2020 - Provided mentorship to an undergraduate student (male) in an analytical chemistry research lab, guiding their research development skills