Abstract
“Chemistry isn't just about science. It's the shared story of everything.”

Too often, chemistry is treated as a subject reserved for the few—complex, intimidating, and inaccessible. But what if we approached chemistry the way we teach reading?

Molecular Literacy begins with this shift—teaching chemistry like teaching reading—and in doing so, it gives everyone a basic understanding of the world on a molecular level.

Molecular Literacy is the key to understanding what we are made of and how we are connected. By recognizing the elements and molecules that form us all, we bridge divides, foster curiosity, and speak a universal language—one that connects us with each other and the world around us.

Whether you're 8 or 108, this talk is an invitation to see chemistry not as a gatekeeper, but as a gateway—to wonder, to connection, and to a more molecularly literate world.

Program

• 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM Check-In, Social half hour
• 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Dinner
• 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Presentation

Homestead Harvest Buffet

• Dinner roll served with butter
• Sweet potato salad
• Whipped mashed potatoes
• Sautéed green beans
• Herb-roasted chicken
• Beyond barbecue meatloaf
• Vegan mushroom gravy
• Apple pie
• Water, Lemonade, Coffee

Parking is free and available on campus in the Alexander Lot on Alexander Blvd. 

Directions and campus map can be found here: https://www.elmhurst.edu/about/location/maps-directions/

Biography

Dr. Colleen Kelley Creating fun and accessible chemistry stories has been a labor of love for Colleen as a retired University of Arizona chemistry professor and author of a series of kid’s chemistry comic books. In 2023, the PBS short documentary, “Comic Book Chemistry,” was awarded an Emmy. This documentary centered around Colleen’s vision, chemistry comic book series and her success with teaching college-level chemistry concepts to kids. This vision was then presented as a TEDx talk, “Molecular Literacy for Ages 8 – 108,” in 2025. During Colleen’s 30 years of teaching chemistry, she became aware that her students were struggling with basic concepts, including fluency with the symbols for the elements themselves. These comic books, videos, and activities are Colleen’s gift to all future scientists – one that will help them succeed in college chemistry. Colleen holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State University, was awarded a Chateaubriand Fellowship to conduct research at the Universite Pasteur in Strasbourg, France under the direction of Nobel Prize Winner Jean-Marie Lehn. Colleen was a tenured faculty member with research expertise in environmental toxicology, medicinal chemistry, and chemistry education. She has published four chemistry textbooks, over 30 peer-reviewed articles, and has presented her work globally.

Tickets

$30.00 Member In-person

$35.00 Non-Member In-Person

$15.00 Students/Postsdocs