When Dana Wenner arrived at PennWest Clarion, she didn’t imagine that a single club meeting would change the course of her academic career. Her journey began when the American Chemical Society (ACS) Club visited one of her early classes. “The ACS typically comes to all chemistry courses just to say, ‘Hey, we have fun times—pizza nights, game nights, community service,’” Dana explained. Intrigued, she started visiting the third floor of the science building, meeting faculty and students. "I just kind of stuck with it," she says, "and that ultimately led to me changing my major."

Now a senior chemistry major specializing in biochemistry, with a minor in molecular and cellular biology, Dana leads the very club that inspired her. As president, she organizes events that keep students engaged and supported. “I like making sure we have fun nights that interest people in coming, but then during meetings we talk about community outreach—going to afterschool programs to do basic chemistry demonstrations,” she said. This supportive environment proved essential. "We're a study group, we're a close-knit community," she explains.

The experience culminated in a trip to Pittcon, one of the world’s largest chemistry conferences. “Last year it was in Boston. Looking over the balcony and seeing hundreds of vendors—it was wild,” she said. The trip solidified her ambitions, and now she’s preparing for the next step. "I hope to present mine at this year’s conference in San Antonio.”

To manage her demanding schedule, Dana has honed her time management skills. “I try to make sure when I’m in class, I’m fully present,” she said. “It’s also very important to integrate having fun into your schedule... it keeps your brain fresh.” Through PennWest’s supportive environment, Dana has found both academic rigor and community, a balance she now shares with new students. “We’re not that serious,” she often tells them. “We like to have fun—and we’ll help you with all your chemistry problems.”