The Electrochemical Society (ECS) welcomed over 400 members from around the world at the 248th ECS Meeting Member Reception Celebrating Student Chapters in Chicago, IL, US. Held at the Hilton Chicago, this special gathering was a chance to recognize the collective impact of ECS members and celebrate the Society’s over 160 Student Chapters!
In a room alive with energy, ideas, and warm fellowship, members enjoyed an animated celebration filled with memorable moments, news, proud achievements, and the always-anticipated ECS raffle. Here are the highlights.
ECS Student Chapters: Bridges between learning and leadership
Shannon Reed, ECS Senior Director of Engagement, introduced the importance of the Society’s Student Chapters. “The heartbeat of our future, where curiosity becomes discovery and community becomes impact, these global hubs of energy, innovation, and community are shaping the future of electrochemical and solid state science.”
Robert Savinell, ECS 2nd Vice President and Case Western Reserve University Student Chapter Faculty Advisor, then described the chapters’ phenomenal growth, from 50 in 2016, to 161 today, with 1,207 members, and representation in 34 US states and 32 countries! “This amazing and ever-evolving ECS network—from classrooms and labs to outreach in local communities—connects students to mentors, opportunities, and each other,” he said. The Society’s financial support, totaling nearly $60,000 since 2023, helps fuel their growth and success.
Prof. Savinell acknowledged the 2025 Outstanding Student Chapter Award winner—Case Western Reserve University, represented by students Desiree Mae Prado and Yuanman Ma—and Student Chapter of Excellence winner—Lewis University, represented by Kiersten Smith. Desiree Mae, Yuanman, and Kiersten then spoke about the strength of their chapters which connect them to the larger ECS community and provide opportunities to network and collaborate with other emerging scientists in their fields. (The University of Washington, which was also named a 2025 Student Chapter of Excellence, will be acknowledged at the 249th ECS Meeting in Seattle, WA, in May 2026.)
And the raffle winners are…
The ECS Member Reception wrapped up with a lively raffle featuring great prizes. Here are the lucky winners:
Elizabeth Biddinger (Associate Professor, City College of New York), an ECS member since 2004, won a 5-Night Hotel Stay for the 250th ECS Meeting in Calgary, Canada (October 2026).
Praduman Gupta (Senior Research Fellow, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science), a new ECS Student Member, walked away with a complimentary ECS Lifetime Membership—a gift that keeps on giving.
Dayi Chen (CEO, PowerOnMe LLC), a rejoined ECS member since 2022, scored complimentary registration for the 249th ECS Meeting in Seattle, WA (May 2026).
Paul J. A. Kenis (Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), an ECS Member since 2003, and Abigail Paul (PhD Student, Ohio University), an ECS Student Member since 2022, each took home a $250 Amazon Gift Card!
Let’s give a big round of applause to our winners—and an even bigger shoutout to all the ECS members who help make our Society a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring community.
See you in Seattle!
The excitement doesn’t stop here! Let’s keep the momentum alive as we celebrate “Sustainable Technologies” at the 249th ECS Meeting in Seattle, WA, in May 2026.
To relive past celebrations, check out past ECS Member Reception highlights:
243rd ECS Members Reception Winners
244th ECS Members Reception Winners
245th ECS Member Reception Raffle Winners
247th ECS Meeting Reception Raffle Winners
Thank you, ECS Members, for being the heart of our Society.