Chemistry graduate student Rebeca Rodriguez honored with Josie R. Johnson award

Chemistry graduate student Rebeca “Becky” Rodriguez has received the Spring 2021 Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award  Becky is the first recipient from the College of Science & Engineering in the 23-year history of the Josie R. Johnson award.

Rodriguez, a fifth year Ph.D. candidate in Professor Christy Haynes’ lab, was recognized for her work to further diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) in STEM on the Twin Cities campus and beyond. Last year, she worked with the University of Minnesota Student Chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) to organize a workshop on research experiences for undergraduates (REU) for students attending local academic colleges and universities such as Metropolitan State, Augsburg, and Century College. She is currently planning a local symposium for BIPOC undergraduates in the Twin Cities along with others in the Haynes group.

Rodriguez has participated in multiple STEM outreach programs through department’s Energy & U outreach shows and the Science Museum of Minnesota, Women in Science and Engineering, and the local American Chemical Society chapter. She also shares her expertise on how to apply to graduate school with students throughout the country through the online platform Científico Latino.