On October 24, 2025, UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry students and faculty gathered in the Mani L. Bhaumik Centennial Collaboratory in Young Hall for a student-faculty mixer. This year, UCLA’s Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) hosted the event in collaboration with Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS), the professional co-ed chemistry fraternity at UCLA.
Select photos from the event can be viewed below, and the full photo gallery is available here.
More than 70 students and faculty members attended the event, enjoying refreshments and participating in discussions that ranged from current research topics to chemistry courses and life beyond the laboratory. The event provided an informal setting for members of the department to converse, building connections and belonging within the department across academic levels.
Amaar Siddiqui, a 3rd-year, first-year transfer biochemistry student passionate about organic chemistry, attended the SMACS mixer. “The vibe of the mixer was very relaxed and felt almost like a party where I got to talk to new people. I was able to meet older and younger students to hear about their interests and experiences at UCLA. I also got to meet faculty members outside of lecture through the event. Hearing from both students and faculty was very interesting, as I got to see the similar passion I have for chemistry in others!”
This event is the fourth Student-Faculty Mixer, continuing a growing tradition of connection in the department. In previous years, SMACS has partnered with the department on various events, and this year’s collaboration with AXS made for an especially vibrant gathering.
SMACS serves as the UCLA undergraduate chapter of the American Chemical Society and is dedicated to nurturing a strong network for undergraduates studying chemistry and biochemistry. SMACS meets weekly on Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Young Hall 2033, hosting meetings focused on professional development, green chemistry and community engagement. To learn more about SMACS at UCLA, visit https://linktr.ee/SMACSUCLA or check out their Instagram page @smacsbruins.
Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS) is UCLA’s professional co-ed chemistry fraternity. They strive to promote chemistry as a science and as a profession through free tutoring events, STEM outreach activities, and accessible lab supply sales. Furthermore, they hope to create a welcoming community for Chemistry and Biochemistry students through a range of professional and social activities. For students interested in joining, AXS will be holding recruitment Week 1 of Spring Quarter. To learn more about AXS visit their Instagram page @uclaaxs.
Article written by SMACS Co-President Felisha Kuo, smacsbruins@gmail.com.
Photos by Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penjen@g.ucla.edu.
