Welcome to the Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society

The Orlando Section received the ChemLuminary Award for Outstanding Community Involvement in National Chemistry Week at the ACS Fall 2023 Meeting in San Francisco.

The Orlando Section of the ACS sponsored two students with Student Travel Awards to the Fall Meeting in Chicago. FNU Joshua, graduate student at UCF in Dr. Lei Zhai’s group, shared that: attending the ACS Fall 2026 meeting was a very meaningful experience for me. It gave me the opportunity not only to present my research,… Read more: Orlando Section students traveled to the Fall Meeting

This report captures key actions and decisions from the ACS Council meeting on August 26, 2026 and the Board of Directors meetings held August 21 – 23, 2026, offering an overview of developments impacting the Orlando Section. Prepared by Laura Sessions and Nicole Lapeyrouse, Orlando Section Councilors. Election Dates Fall Elections for ACS President-Elect and… Read more: Councilor Talking Points: Summary of Governance Issues and Actions Fall 2026

The Section is seeking a volunteer to serve as our Chemistry Olympiad Coordinator, helping to promote and administer the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO), a multi-tiered competition that challenges and recognizes outstanding high school chemistry students and provides a pathway to national and international competition. The coordinator works with local schools and students to facilitate… Read more: Call for Chemistry Olympiad Coordinator

Since 1991, the Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society has recognized individuals who live, work, or study in the seven-county region of the Orlando Section and excel in chemistry. Continuing this tradition, this year, the Orlando Section will give the following awards: Descriptions and criteria for each award can be found in our website… Read more: Call for Annual Awards Nominations

The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society is on a mission to spark a love for chemistry among children in Central Florida. For the past few years, we have distributed Celebrating Chemistry magazines to local library systems, providing resources that make chemistry accessible and exciting for young learners. For 2026 National Chemistry Week (NCW), the Orlando… Read more: 2026 NCW:  Distribution of Celebrating Chemistry magazines

The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is hosting an illustrated poem contest for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Entries must be sponsored by a local school or community group for verification purposes. For local contest, submission form is needed but parent/Guardian signature is not required. Contest Deadline: Tuesday, October 20, 2026… Read more: 2026 NCW Illustrated Poem Contest: Chemistry Under Construction

Call for Planning Committee Members: Chemistry Connections – Industry, Innovation, and CareersDear ACS Colleagues and Friends,We’re seeking volunteers to help plan a new Central Florida ACS initiative:Chemistry Connections: Industry, Innovation, and CareersOur vision is to create an engaging annual event that connects students, industry professionals, and ACS members. Goals First Planning Committee Meeting Date: Monday,… Read more: Call for Industry Event Planning + Summer Social Wrap-up

The Summer Social 2026 was a smash hit, with more than 30 members and guests gathering to socialize, celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American Chemical Society, and enjoy an exciting presentation on explosive chemistry. The featured speaker was former section member Dr. Tyler Maxwell, who now works for Applied Research Associates (ARA) at Tyndall… Read more: Summer Social 2026

Dear ACS Orlando Section Members and Friends, Join us on Saturday, June 20 (11:30 AM–2:00 PM at Brewlando) for our Summer Social—a special afternoon honoring our 50-, 60-, and 70-year members and connecting with fellow chemists. Enjoy a taco bar, appetizers, and a 150th anniversary ACS dessert, plus a fascinating talk from Dr. Tyler Maxwell… Read more: 🌞 RSVP by June 14 – ACS Summer Social!