The American Chemical Society has recognized Montwaun Young,
a graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, for his
outreach efforts with a 2019 Outreach Volunteers of the Year award for the
Eastern New York Local Section.

Department head Wilfredo Colón, noting that each local section
may recognize only one individual annually for demonstrating extraordinary
volunteer service, congratulated Young on a recognition not typically bestowed
on a student.

“On
behalf of the Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department at Rensselaer, I congratulate
Montwaun for being recognized for his commendable outreach efforts,” Colon
said. “Montwaun is a dynamic leader and role model who encourages students
and young professionals to get active in their community.”

Young is credited with reviving the ACS Eastern New York Local Section ACS Younger
Chemist Committee, and is also active
at Rensselaer, where he participates in the School of Science Grad Council
and is the treasurer for the Black Graduate Student Association. Colón
said he is well known for his involvement in outreach and service, has
raised funding for outreach efforts and developed activities for using Virtual
Reality in STEM learning, and is active within the department, ACS, and other organizations focused
on under-represented minorities in STEM fields.