The Shippensburg University Chemistry Club hosted its Chem Craft Night on March 30 with DIY tie-dye shirts, shrinky dinks and air-dry clay, offering students a creative, stress-relieving break from coursework and a chance to connect outside class.

The event continued the club's tradition of craft-based programming, as it has previously hosted activities such as crystal-making, slime-making and pumpkin carving.

Mara Connolly, chemistry club president, said the group has held similar events before and tries to create space for students to step away from academic pressure.

“We’ve done crafty things before,” Connolly said. 

She described events like these as a time for students to hang out and embrace their passion without thinking about the busy workload of classes.

“Our club’s priority is to take a break and hang out with people in our major — not just think about chemistry,” Connolly said.

Connolly said the club has also hosted a trivia night and collaborated with the biology club on Lab Olympics. Its last event of the semester will include creating your own ice cream and elections for board leadership.

She explained that while the club is recognized by the university, it does not receive university funding. Instead, the club raises money through individual efforts like T-shirt fundraisers. Connolly added that the club is also planning and designing clothes and coordinating spring picnics.

Connolly said the organization also participates in science nights for younger students, including middle and intermediate school events, with an elementary school event scheduled this week.

“The classes are strenuous, so we do activities like bingo, slime-making or pumpkin carving,” Connolly said. “We’re just providing a place to enjoy our major without stressing about grades.”

Connolly said she plans to pursue a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Utah and credited the department for helping shape her experience. 

“This department is so wonderful and these professors are awesome,” she said.

Allison Pioli, the club’s treasurer, said Chemistry Club gives students a chance to engage with chemistry in a more relaxed way.

“I’m a bio major; so proof [that] every type of major can enjoy Chem Club,” Pioli said.

Pioli said the club has been a positive part of her experience.

Chemistry Club member Liam McAllister said the organization allows students to interact with chemistry in a more enjoyable way.

“It’s great — you get to do so many things related to chemistry. We mess around with a purpose,” McAllister said.

Cole Pearson, the club’s senior vice president, said the organization helps students decompress in a rigorous field. Pearson said his favorite part of the club is bringing in new chemistry enthusiasts to the club and having fun with the resources the major provides.

Pearson said the club enhances the social environment and makes working with classmates more enjoyable. He plans to continue his studies at the University of California, San Diego. 

“I owe 100% of my success to the faculty and the community of students,” Pearson said.

For more information about the Chemistry Club, check out its Instagram @ shipchemclub. 

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