My commitment to fostering excellence, equity and inclusion is central to my work as an educator, mentor, and community member. I believe in creating spaces that empower students and colleagues, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities for growth and success. Through intentional mentorship, accessible programs, and innovative community engagement, I aim to reduce barriers and foster belonging in every space I contribute to.
At Illinois College (IC):
Co-PI, AERO-STEM Scholarship Program (NSF S-STEM), 2018-2025
Access to Early Research Opportunities in STEM (AERO-STEM)
Provided early research opportunities and mentorship to low-income, high-achieving STEM scholars, supporting retention, persistence, and on-time graduation.
Faculty Leader, TRIO STEM Study and Science Institute, 2023-present
Mentoring sessions for first-generation and low-income students, focusing on strategies for studying in STEM gateway courses, achieving academic success, and preparing for STEM careers.
Coordinator, Illinois College Volunteers for the Illinois State Fair ACS Science Tent, 2021-2024
Led chemistry demonstrations to make STEM more accessible and engaging.
2024 Wabash Fellow, Illinois College, Fall 2024 Institute for Anti-racist and Inclusive Pedagogy, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning.
Assistant Director, Illinois College Honors Program, Fall 2021 – Spring 2023
Supported over 130 high-achieving students by providing mentorship, fostering leadership, and promoting belonging in a rigorous academic environment.
Research Advisor and Mentor, Undergraduate Research, 2017-present
Mentored projects addressing real-world challenges, such as catalysis and environmental chemistry, earning recognition at regional and national conferences.
Coordinator and Advisor, IC Medical School Preparation Program (MSPP), 2020-2022, 2023-2024
2023 Bright Blue Future Award – This award recognizes connections between departments that help students towards success at IC. This peer-nominated award honors the STEM Faculty who initiated the TRIO Science Institute, which worked with the TRIO students throughout the year for the retention and success of IC TRIO students in STEM courses.
2023 Dean Carole Ann Ryan Faculty Award – This award recognizes intercultural enthusiasm and dedication to self-improvement through professional development.
Beyond Illinois College:
Distinguished Service Award, American Chemical Society (ACS) Illinois Heartland Section, 2025
Secretary, American Chemical Society (ACS) Illinois Heartland Section, 2025-2026
Mentor, Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), 2024
Chair, ACS Illinois Heartland Section, 2022-2023
Directed strategic planning and governance for a section of 250 professionals.
Led initiatives that earned four ChemLuminary Award nominations, recognizing outstanding local section achievements.
Mentor and Judge at National Diversity in STEM Conferences (SACNAS), 2023
Chair-elect, ACS Illinois Heartland Section, 2021-2022
Coordinator, Outreach Programs like Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) and National Chemistry Week (NCW), 2022-present
Brought chemistry-themed science activities to K-12 schools and broader communities.
Invited Judge and Interviewer, 2022-2025 Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School (NDCRHS) Honors Chemistry and AP Chemistry Science Fair.
Designed Girls in Science Programs, 2022
Inspired young girls to explore STEM through hands-on learning experiences.
Volunteer, SACNAS Conferences, 2021-2023
Supported students from underrepresented groups by providing feedback and career advice.
Early Chemist Award, American Chemical Society (ACS) Illinois Heartland Section, 2021
Selected Professional Presentations:
Lanorio, J.P. Fostering Inclusivity and Engagement through Student-Centered Assessments in Organic Chemistry II. 2024 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE), University of Kentucky, KY, July 30, 2024.
Lanorio, J.P.; Arnold, B.; Karban, M.; Moore, A. Inclusive Excellence in STEM: Illinois College AERO-STEM’s Collaborative Path to Success (Inclusive Practices for Unrepresented Groups in STEM). 2024 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE), University of Kentucky, KY, July 30, 2024.
Lanorio, J. P. Homogeneous catalysis using metal complexes as undergraduate research topics, 2023 American Chemical Society Joint Midwest and Great Lakes Regional Meeting (ACS MWGLRM), October 18-21, 2023, St. Charles Convention Center, MO.
Lanorio, J. P. Metal-catalyzed reactions as undergraduate research topics, 2023 American Chemical Society Central Regional Meeting and Exposition (ACS CERM), June 23, 2023, Dearborn, MI. (invited talk)
Invited Keynote Talk, 2022 Illinois State Academy of Science, Virtual Conference, COVID: Carrying Over Valuable Instructional Developments – Virtual Instruction and Research for Undergraduate Students in Chemistry, April 9, 2022.
Lanorio, J.P. Improving student learning and course appreciation in General and Organic Chemistry, 27th National Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE 2022), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, August 3, 2022.
Lanorio, J.P. Access to Early Research Opportunities in Inorganic Chemistry, 27th National Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE 2022), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, August 1, 2022.
Lanorio, J.P.; Lanorio, J. G. Innovative Ways to Affordable Laboratory Manual and Course Texts. American Chemical Society: 2018 Biennial Conference on Chemical Education (BCCE), Notre Dame, IN, July 29 – August 2, 2018.