Organic Researchers and Chemists Association (ORCA) was founded by Summer J. Brown and Melisa S. Gonzalez in Fall 2024.  Initially a note on a cocktail napkin at FloHet 2024, ORCA has grown from two members to a community of over 30 students in the department.  Our members actively volunteer in the greater Gainesville community, and ORCA E-Board recently hosted the first Synthetic Connections (SynCon) which had a turnout of over 60 people (undergraduates, graduate students, faculty).

At our core, we are committed to building a club dedicated to inclusivity, community service, and holistic growth. Through collaborative educational efforts, we seek to make a meaningful difference in the broader chemical community.  Ultimately, we envision a supportive organization that embraces and assists individuals to be a positive force in the College and the community while striving for social and academic excellence.