American Institute of Chemical Engineers Club
The American Institute of Chemical Engineers club (AlChE) is an international organization for chemical engineers with more than 60,000 members from more than 110 countries, according to its webpage.
“[At] SJSU we became chartered back in 1867 so we’ve been here for a while and we introduce our members to be part of different competitions and compete against other chapters in other states and we do consortium projects to work toward a common goal for some type of sustainability or communal service,” club president Kathy Tong said in a phone call.
“Everyone should join [the club] even if you’re not a chemical engineer or anyone who is undecided within the engineering field so they can get insight on what chemical engineering is all about,” club secretary Daisy Ruiz-Benitez said in a phone call.
The club offers up-to-date courses and webinars in chemical engineering, process and hydrogen safety, bioengineering sustainability and professional development, according to its academy webpage.
“We always have this pressure of being the hardest of all the engineers but I think as a student that’s the challenge, we look out for the outcome and what we’re going to get from it and that is what we learn from the club, to look forward to the future and new paths,” club member Yohan Franca De Oliveira said in a phone call.
Pre-Optometric Association
The Pre-Optometric Association (IRIS) is a club that helps students aspiring to be optometrists.
The club, consisting of more than 20 members, was formerly known as SJSU Optometry Club.
It was revamped, rebranded and renewed in Fall 2018 as a recognized organization on campus, according to its webpage.
The club’s goal is to help students acquire resources to apply to optometry school.
It also hosts multiple events throughout the semester including a joint event with the Pre-Dental society.
“Pre-Optometry is one of those daunting health fields that gets looked over,” club president Richard Bui said in a Zoom call.
“The support system is not as big in this field as it is for traditional medical school. Our club helps create a support system for students who want to get in the optometry field.”
Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists
The Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists (SOLES) aims to help the Latino community succeed in the science and tech field.
The club consists of two groups, Latinos in Engineering and Science (MAES) and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
According to the groups LinkedIn, the vision for the club is to have SOLES graduates become STEM professionals.
“Latinos are a minority in STEM programs,” Catherine Hernandez, sophomore and club member said in a Zoom call.
“The club has built a great support group for us. During our events there are well over 50 people.”
Society of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) aims to help women in the STEM fields create a network where individuals can help one another in technological advancements.
The team consists of all women who plan marketing, social events and engineering conferences for women.
“My goal is for all of our members to have life-long friends, to gain access to all the opportunities for leadership, growth, internships, build up their confidence and give them more clarity about their future,” club internal vice-president San Vu said.
The club encourages women to pursue careers in the STEM field and create a community that helps them feel wanted.
“We have a board of over 30 officers that helps our members join leadership roles and engineering opportunities where they can get sponsored to join conferences in Indiana which is the largest engineering conference for women . . . it’s all about networking and expanding your horizons.”
