Bouchet Society Spotlight: Andrea Valenzuela

The Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society (Bouchet Society) is named for the first African American doctoral recipient in the United States (Physics, Yale University, 1876) and recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement, promotes diversity, and advances excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate. The society was formed in 2005 through a national chartre inagurated by Yale University and Howard University. The Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan has held a chapter since 2008.

Learn more about the Bouchet Society through this Q&A with one of its 2025 inductees: Andrea Valenzuela, a Ph.D. candidate in the Program in Chemical Biology U-M and the Henderson House Resident Director, Michigan Housing.

How has the Bouchet Honor Society fueled your research and/or professional practice?
The Bouchet Honor Society has fueled my research by providing the opportunity to present at the Yale conference, which strengthened my scientific communication and helped me identify new questions and directions in my work.

What do you value most about being a member of the Bouchet Honor Society?
What I value most about being a member of the Bouchet Honor Society is the supportive community of purpose-driven scholars, along with access to professional development, research funding, and workshops that have enriched my academic journey.

What advice might you give to Bouchet Society applicants? 
I would advise Bouchet Society applicants to take time to reflect on all their diverse experiences and thoughtfully connect them to the Bouchet pillars. Don’t be afraid to share the unique aspects of your journey as those distinctions are what make your application stand out. 

Learn more about the Bouchet Society at U-M.