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UCLA PhD Student Develops “REACT!” – An Organic Chemistry Board Game to Enhance Learning

Introduction to REACT!
Kelly Wong, a first-year PhD student at UCLA’s Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, co-developed an innovative board game named REACT! that transforms organic chemistry education. The game is designed to help students engage with complex organic chemistry concepts in an interactive and enjoyable manner.

Background and Inspiration
While an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, Wong and her peers noticed the struggles students faced in mastering organic chemistry, a subject often perceived as a challenging barrier in STEM fields. Recognizing the potential to reframe the learning approach, the team created REACT! to encourage students to view organic chemistry as a puzzle to solve, making the learning process more accessible and stimulating.

Game Mechanics
REACT! positions players as scientists on a mission to synthesize organic compounds by employing fifteen fundamental chemical reactions. By integrating core organic chemistry principles with strategic gameplay, the game promotes critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the subject.

Development and Recognition

• The REACT! project began with Wong and eight former UC Berkeley classmates, all passionate about teaching STEM.
• In 2017, the team successfully raised over $15,000 through Kickstarter and earned two awards at UC Berkeley’s Big Ideas international entrepreneurship contest.
• The game has earned endorsements from UC Berkeley chemistry professors and has attracted media attention from outlets such as ABC 7 News, Chemical & Engineering News, and NPR’s How I Built This podcast.

Availability and Future Plans
REACT! became available for purchase on its dedicated website in April 2019. The creators plan to expand its distribution through platforms like Amazon and aim to donate copies to low-income schools, furthering educational outreach. Wong is also interested in partnering with UCLA outreach organizations to broaden the game’s impact.

About Kelly Wong

• Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Berkeley in 2018.
• Conducted significant research in bioengineering and chemistry education during her undergraduate studies.
• Joined UCLA in Fall 2019 as a chemical biology graduate student with aspirations of becoming a university professor.
• Outside academia, Wong enjoys baking and playing jazz flute and trombone.

Summary: REACT! is an innovative educational board game developed by UCLA PhD student Kelly Wong and UC Berkeley alumni to make organic chemistry approachable and fun. Combining core scientific principles with engaging gameplay, it offers a novel resource for STEM education, backed by successful crowdfunding, prestigious awards, and positive media coverage.

For more information or to purchase REACT!, visit the official site: REACT! website (link as per original source)
Contact: Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penny@chem.ucla.edu

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