From left to right: Bryan Deschamps, Gayle Gibson, and Eric Reiner at the IDEAL reception during the 2026 AIChE Spring Meeting & GCPS.
As part of AIChE's commitment to the IDEAL path to inclusion, we celebrate Pride Month by honoring and uplifting chemical engineering's LGBTQ+ community.
This year marks our fourth annual Virtual Pride Parade, hosted by the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community. You're invited to join us for this dynamic celebration of identity, progress, and connection.
Read on to learn more about this event and discover additional ways to celebrate Pride Month.
Virtual Pride Parade
Wednesday, June 10th, 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET
Open to all
This year's theme, From Awareness to Action: Practicing Effective Allyship, brings chemical engineering professionals together for an engaging conversation on inclusion, allyship, and the building of supportive workplace cultures.
The virtual event opens with remarks from AIChE CEO Victor Bohnert, followed by a live discussion featuring Christopher Muhich of Arizona State University and Beverly Douglas of BASF. Through personal perspectives and interactive discussion, the speakers will explore lived experiences, workplace inclusion, and practical ways allies can foster belonging within professional spaces.
You'll also have the opportunity to join breakout conversations and participate in an allyship workshop designed to encourage reflection, connection, and actionable takeaways. Feel free to wear your brightest Pride gear as we celebrate authenticity, community, and continued progress together. Pre-registration is required.
Register for the Virtual Pride Parade
Meet the speakers
Christopher Muhich
Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, Arizona State University
Christopher Muhich is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University whose research focuses on renewable energy, carbon utilization, environmental remediation, and advanced materials. His group combines multiscale modeling, atomistic simulations, and machine learning to understand and optimize chemical systems. He joined Arizona State University in 2018 and serves in several AIChE leadership roles, including as Second Vice Chair of the Societal Impact Operating Council.
Beverly Douglas
Environmental Expert Services, BASF
Beverly Douglas is an engineer and advocate who came out as transgender in 2020 after decades of living a conventional, straight-conforming life. With few visible mentors to guide her, she decided to become one herself. Today, she leads ALLchemie, BASF's LGBT+ employee resource group, advancing education and awareness both within and beyond the company. As she wraps up her 31-year career, she's committed to supporting the next generation of trans and gender-diverse people.
Why attend?
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Reflect on what allyship means in professional settings
- Hear personal perspectives and lived experiences from LGBTQ+ members
- Participate in guided breakout discussions and connect with peers
- Learn practical strategies to support LGBTQ+ colleagues
- Connect with LGBTQ+ professionals and allies across the chemical engineering community
More ways to celebrate
Share your interest in leadership
Complete this quick survey to explore opportunities to get more involved and help shape the future of the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community.
Join AIChE's LGBTQ+ & Allies Online Community
This community is open to AIChE professional members who are LGBTQ+ and allies. We discuss the ongoing development of LGBTQ+ initiatives within AIChE, plus issues and opportunities facing LGBTQ+ chemical engineering professionals. Only $10 for AIChE Professional Members and free for students.
Support the LGBTQ+ Endowment
Help fund programs that uplift LGBTQ+ engineers across all career stages.
The LGBTQ+ & Allies Community supports the IDEAL path.
Learn more about the AIChE Foundation and more than a decade of Doing a World of Good.
