BCCE 2026 will include three honorary symposia recognizing Bassam Shakhashiri, John Moore, and Cathy Middlecamp, whose careers have shaped chemistry education at UW–Madison and beyond through public engagement, curriculum innovation, disciplinary leadership, sustainability education, and mentorship.
Each symposium will take place in the auditorium of the Wisconsin Historical Society over two sessions: 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Each will be live-streamed and open to the Madison community. Symposium-specific livestream links will be added when available.
These honorary symposia are sponsored by the UW–Madison Office of the Provost.
Looking Around, LOOKING AHEAD with Bassam Shakhashiri
Symposium Details
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Livestream Link: [coming soon]
Bassam Z. Shakhashiri is Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the first holder of the William T. Evjue Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea. He joined the UW–Madison faculty in 1970 and retired in 2021 after a career devoted to science education, public engagement, and the joy of chemical demonstrations. He served as General Chair of the 1976 BCCE in Madison and later as Chair of the ACS Division of Chemical Education, Assistant Director of the National Science Foundation for Science and Engineering Education, and 2012 President of the American Chemical Society. His work has helped generations of students, teachers, and the public experience chemistry as a human, creative, and civic enterprise.
Celebrating the Career and Contributions of John Moore
Symposium Details
Date: Monday, July 27, 2026
Livestream Link: [coming soon]
John W. Moore is W. T. Lippincott Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A longtime leader in chemistry education, Moore joined the UW–Madison faculty in 1989 after earlier appointments at Indiana University and Eastern Michigan University. His career has connected chemistry, computing, publishing, and instructional innovation. He was deeply involved with the Journal of Chemical Education, including service beginning with the journal’s Computer Series and continuing through decades of editorial leadership. His work with the Institute for Chemical Education and open educational resources has supported teachers and students well beyond a single campus. Moore also has a direct connection to the 1976 Madison BCCE: he organized the minicomputer exhibit session highlighted in the historical conference materials.
Celebrating Cathy Middlecamp: Lessons from Our Students
Symposium Details
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Livestream Link: [coming soon]
Cathy Middlecamp is Professor Emerita at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies and an affiliate of the Department of Chemistry. She earned her doctorate in chemistry from UW–Madison in 1976, the same year Madison hosted the Fourth Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. Across her career, Middlecamp has been a national leader in connecting chemistry education with sustainability, environmental issues, radioactive substances, and the real-world contexts in which students encounter science. Her teaching, writing, and leadership have helped make chemistry more relevant to civic life, environmental responsibility, and public understanding. She has also been recognized with major honors including ACS Fellow status and the ACS Award for Incorporating Sustainability into Chemistry Education.