BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Chemistry major Avery Powell ‘25 has been selected as a 2025 Collegiate Scholar by the Illinois Heartland American Chemical Society (ACS).
The Illinois Heartland ACS consists of 240 chemists, chemical engineers and educators in a 11-county area in Central Illinois including Peoria, Bloomington-Normal, Henry, Jacksonville and Galesburg. The organization supports the research and education of chemists through conferences, networking, assistance in publication and grant funding.
Powell presented her research on organometallic synthesis of transition metal complexes and characterizations during an award ceremony on April 29 at the Illinois Heartland Annual Award Banquet in Peoria.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Wathsala Waduge is Powell’s research advisor who nominated her for the award, along with input from chemistry faculty.
“We have selected Avery for this award considering her excellent performance in both chemistry program and research work,” said Waduge.
Waduge said chemistry faculty were thrilled by Powell’s recognition, adding that the award serves as a meaningful acknowledgement of Powell’s accomplishments at IWU.
“I have worked in Dr. Waduge's lab since my sophomore year conducting inorganic research,” Powell said. “Working in a research lab is much different than taking a lab for a class. I learned how to be independent in a lab setting, and also developed professional skills through school events and attending ACS conferences.”
Powell also presented her research in October at the ACS regional meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. Powell has been accepted by the University of Notre Dame doctoral program in organic chemistry, starting in the fall of 2026.