Mary C. Okorie chats about YCC

Mary C. Okorie became an educator after graduating with a PhD in chemistry from Seton Hall University in 2023. She recently took up her first high school chemistry teacher post, at Golda Och Academy in West Orange, New Jersey. “I am looking forward to having the opportunity to make chemistry fun and enjoyable for my students . . . and hopefully open their eyes to a field that some may find intimidating or challenging,” she says. Since late 2021, Okorie has championed early-career chemists in the American Chemical Society’s North Jersey Section as cochair of its newly re-formed Younger Chemists Committee (YCC). She recently spoke with Nina Notman about what the role entails. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Can you elaborate on the purpose of the local section YCCs? The purpose is to provide early-career chemists with opportunities that can help them develop professionally and personally, and