A curiosity about nature and a passion for learning provided early guidance for Omar Villanueva’s academic and professional journey. Secondary educators sparked his enthusiasm for the study of chemistry and inspired his decision to become a teacher himself.
Now, he is taking the next step into his new role as Chief Program Officer at Beyond Benign, where he sees an opportunity to spread the word about green chemistry as a powerful tool to inspire and educate others. “Learning green chemistry is essential for students because it represents the future of chemistry,” Omar says. “By embedding the principles of green chemistry into core courses, research, and extracurricular activities, we can ensure that the next generation of chemists is equipped to tackle the environmental and societal challenges of the 21st century.”
After first learning of green chemistry during his PhD studies, Omar embedded its principles into his research and subsequent faculty role at a Georgia undergraduate institution. While there, he introduced students to principles of green chemistry and saw firsthand how signing the Green Chemistry Commitment can help educational institutions develop a cohesive and collaborative approach to green chemistry.
As part of the Beyond Benign team, Omar is eager to broaden the impact of green chemistry and reach a larger audience. “We offer a wealth of resources to support chemistry programs implementing green chemistry principles and fostering a more sustainable approach to chemistry,” he says. “I look forward to continuing my journey by empowering other educators, students, and institutions to embrace green chemistry and contribute to a more sustainable future.”
In this Q&A, Omar shares more about the educational and professional journey that led him to his new role at Beyond Benign and his vision for the role that green chemistry can play for future learners and organizations.
As the newest member of the Beyond Benign team, we would love to hear about your journey to science and green chemistry. Can you share your educational and professional background?
Growing up in rural southwest Mexico, becoming a scientist seemed like a distant dream. However, my love for science began at an early age, fueled by an innate curiosity about how things in nature worked. At age 10, my family moved to the United States for better educational opportunities, and we settled in Georgia, where I attended middle and high school. My fascination with science deepened in high school—especially in my chemistry class. While challenging, chemistry quickly became one of my favorite subjects, primarily due to the enthusiasm and dedication of my teachers, who made the subject come alive. When I began my undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia in Athens (UGA), I majored in chemistry after falling in love with organic chemistry. At the same time, my passion for education inspired me to pursue a double major in science education, as I envisioned a future where I could combine my love for science with a desire to teach and inspire others. Interestingly, I never encountered the term “green chemistry” during my undergraduate studies, though I was always drawn to sustainability. This curiosity about sustainable solutions led me to pursue graduate studies at Emory University, where my official journey into green chemistry began.
During my PhD program, my research focused on developing sustainable, Earth-abundant transition metal catalysts for organic synthesis. These catalysts were designed to minimize environmental impact by using less toxic reagents—like oxygen as an oxidant—and generating fewer (or no) harmful byproducts. They were also more economically viable compared to traditional catalysts. It wasn’t until I came across the book Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice by Paul Anastas and John Warner that I realized my work directly aligned with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. This discovery sparked a more profound commitment to sustainable science, and I became intentional about incorporating green chemistry principles into all aspects of my research.
After completing my PhD, I joined the faculty at an undergraduate-only institution in Georgia. I had the privilege of mentoring students and introducing them to sustainable catalysis and its critical role in green chemistry. Over the past decade, my research has consistently focused on developing greener catalysts, and I’ve also worked to integrate green chemistry into my teaching. From introductory courses to organic chemistry and senior-level special topics, I’ve created courses, modules, and hands-on activities centered on green and sustainable chemistry. This approach has helped students see the societal relevance of chemistry and equipped them with valuable skills that set them apart when applying for graduate programs or industry positions.
Now, as part of the Beyond Benign team, I am thrilled to broaden the impact of green chemistry by reaching a larger audience. I look forward to continuing my journey by empowering other educators, students, and institutions to embrace green chemistry and contribute to a more sustainable future.
How did your professional path lead you to your current role with Beyond Benign? Why were you interested in joining the team?
As a faculty member, I’ve had many opportunities to use green chemistry as a powerful tool to inspire and educate others about creating a more sustainable future in chemistry. My passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students has always been a driving force in my career in higher education. However, I’ve also been deeply interested in expanding my skill set and exploring leadership roles in administration.
I embraced a new chapter in my professional journey about three years ago by focusing on higher education administration. I became the Chemistry Department Chair at Georgia Gwinnett College, a diverse undergraduate institution in Georgia. In this role, I led a highly diverse department with 33 full-time and 10 part-time faculty members. I also oversaw the four chemistry tracks, including implementing an innovative track in fermentation science. Working alongside incredible colleagues, I gained a profound appreciation for strong leadership’s impact on shaping departments and fostering positive change.
I’ve always believed that effective administrators can create broader, meaningful impacts within organizations, and this belief guided my interest when I learned about the Chief Program Officer position at Beyond Benign. This role presented an exciting opportunity to combine my administrative experience with my passion for green chemistry education. Beyond Benign’s mission to advance green chemistry through education profoundly resonates with my values and professional goals. The chance to contribute to such transformative work while staying connected to the chemistry community perfectly aligned with my aspirations.
After learning more about the incredible work Beyond Benign does, I was even more inspired by the organization’s vision and impact. I’m excited to join a team that is making a profound difference in green chemistry education and contributing to its growth. This role allows me to combine my administrative skills, passion for green chemistry, and dedication to advancing education to help Beyond Benign achieve its mission.
How did you learn about the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC)? Why did Georgia Gwinnett College decide to sign the Commitment?
I first learned about Beyond Benign and the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) when my colleague at Georgia Gwinnett College, Dr. Cynthia Woodbridge, introduced the idea of having our institution sign the Commitment. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how transformative this initiative would become for our department. While our faculty had already been engaging in impactful green chemistry efforts, much of the work was happening in silos, with individual faculty members working independently.
The turning point came when Cynthia formed a dedicated Green Chemistry Task Force—a small group of five faculty members who shared a passion for green chemistry. This task force became the foundation for uniting our department’s efforts and fostering collaboration. Cynthia’s leadership catalyzed committing to the GCC, and her advocacy was instrumental in bringing us together to embrace this initiative as a department.
The GCC has been pivotal in shifting Georgia Gwinnett Chemistry department’s approach to green chemistry from fragmented efforts to a cohesive and collaborative mission. It has allowed us to amplify the impact of our work, and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this transformative journey. I look forward to hearing more stories like these as part of the Beyond Benign staff.
What impacts did you see — or what changes were implemented — after bringing the GCC to Georgia Gwinett College’s Chemistry Department?
Signing the GCC was a transformative milestone for our chemistry department – we were the first institution in Georgia to sign the GCC! It made us eligible for funding opportunities, such as a higher education grant from MilliporeSigma, and empowered us to advance our green chemistry journey in meaningful ways. With the support of the GCC, we were able to develop green chemistry materials, including a dedicated course, present our departmental journey at national conferences, and spread awareness about green chemistry initiatives across our campus (to both faculty and students).
Perhaps most importantly, the GCC connected us with a broader network of like-minded institutions and individuals who share our passion for green chemistry, inspiring further collaboration and growth. Now that I am with Beyond Benign, I can’t wait to hear about all the great work from those initial efforts.
Why would you recommend the GCC program to department chairs at other higher education institutions?
As a former department chair, I highly recommend the GCC program to my fellow chemistry department chairs. The program provides a wide range of internal and external benefits that can elevate your department and create systemic, lasting change in chemistry education. Beyond increasing visibility for your department, the GCC fosters the expansion of a global community of green chemists, opens doors to funding opportunities, strengthens connections to job prospects, and enhances the resources available to your faculty and students.
At Georgia Gwinnett College, joining the GCC transformed our department’s approach to green chemistry. For example, through the GCC, we gained access to a Higher Education Award funded by MilliporeSigma. This grant enabled us to develop a yearlong program to promote green chemistry across our campus and support faculty in learning to incorporate green chemistry principles into their teaching. These funding opportunities can provide invaluable resources for departments looking to make a meaningful impact in green chemistry education.
The benefits of the GCC extend far beyond faculty development; it empowers students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Learning green chemistry is essential for students because it represents the future of chemistry—chemistry that is safer, more sustainable, and aligned with global challenges. Integrating green chemistry into your curriculum prepares your students to be more competitive for graduate programs and industry positions while helping them see the critical connection between chemistry and sustainability.
New American Chemistry Society (ACS) guidelines further underscore the importance of green chemistry by requiring ACS-approved programs to include the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry in undergraduate curricula. The GCC program is an excellent way to ensure your department stays ahead of these changes and remains a leader in chemistry education. Beyond Benign is here to help, offering a wealth of resources to support chemistry programs implementing green chemistry principles and fostering a more sustainable approach to chemistry. For those looking to add to their department’s green chemistry expertise, Beyond Benign’s Green Chemistry Teaching and Learning Community (GCTLC) is an excellent and accessible resource. This online community connects educators with resources, tools, and a network of professionals who can help guide your department in its green chemistry journey.
Whether you already have expertise in green chemistry or are just beginning to explore this field, the GCC connects faculty and students alike in learning, growing, and adopting green chemistry principles. Ultimately, the GCC equips your department to be at the forefront of a movement reshaping chemistry education. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on your department students and the broader chemistry community. Joining the GCC ensures that your department is part of a collective effort to build a more sustainable future through green chemistry.
What are your hopes for the future of green chemistry in education?
My vision for the future of green chemistry is that it becomes a cornerstone of chemistry education, not only in higher education but also in K-12 education. I believe green chemistry should be fully integrated into every level of the curriculum, from foundational science education in schools to advanced courses in universities. It should no longer be viewed as an elective or niche topic but embraced as a guiding framework for teaching and practicing chemistry.
In higher education, I see green chemistry becoming a fundamental part of core courses, research initiatives, and extracurricular activities. This integration will equip students with the tools to address the pressing environmental and societal challenges of the 21st century while enhancing their competitiveness for graduate programs and industry roles. Similarly, by introducing green chemistry concepts to K-12 educators and students, we can inspire young learners to see chemistry as a key to solving real-world sustainability issues and nurture an early interest in science that aligns with responsible and sustainable practices.
For K-12 education, I envision collaboration with educators to design (or redesign) age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences that illustrate the principles of green chemistry. Organizations like Beyond Benign can play a crucial role by partnering with schools, providing resources, and offering professional development for teachers. By empowering K-12 educators to bring green chemistry into their classrooms, we can create a pipeline of environmentally conscious students who carry this mindset into higher education and beyond.
Another critical goal is fostering collaboration among educators, researchers, and industry partners to build a vibrant network for advancing green chemistry education. Programs such as the GCC and platforms like the GCTLC provide an excellent foundation for sharing resources, best practices, and innovative ideas. Expanding these initiatives to include the K-12 sector will broaden the impact and ensure the principles of green chemistry reach a more diverse audience.
Finally, I hope to see increased investment in faculty and educator development across all levels of education. This includes funding for curriculum development, access to professional development opportunities, and resources to support the adoption of green chemistry principles. When educators are equipped with the right tools and knowledge, they can inspire and empower their students to become leaders in sustainable science.
The future of green chemistry is bright, and its integration into both higher education and K-12 education will ensure a new generation of scientists and global citizens who prioritize sustainability in their personal and professional lives. With the continued efforts of passionate individuals, organizations like Beyond Benign, and academic institutions, we can drive meaningful change and make sustainability an intrinsic part of our collective scientific identity.
How to get involved:
- Learn more about the Green Chemistry Commitment and how your higher education institution can join the movement.
- Connect with Omar in the GCTLC to keep up with his work!
- Subscribe to Beyond Benign’s newsletter to receive green chemistry news, resources, and opportunities directly to your inbox.
