Program Chair Vasileios Anagnostopoulos, Grad Fair Chair Nicole Lapeyrouse, and Web Chair Laura Sessions were present at the Chemluminary Awards to accept on behalf of the regions.
As highlighted in C&ENews, the Southeastern/Southwest Joint Regional Meeting received Outstanding Regional Meeting with Greater than 1,000 Attendees. Hosted by the Orlando Local Section, it convened over 1,700 attendees, showcasing large-scale scientific exchange through 49 symposia and extensive poster sessions. Cross-regional collaboration, career-focused programming, and networking events strengthened connections across academia, industry, and government sectors.
The Orlando Section Executive Committee would once again like to express its gratitude to Chris Chouinard for his dedication and service as General Chair and to the organizing committee including Chris Avery (co-chair), Sara Hubbard (SWRM chair), Vasileios Anagnostopoulos (program chair), Michael Johnson (exposition chair), Van Quach (treasurer), Chris Randles (education chair), Darlene Slattery (awards committee chair), Nicole Lapeyrouse (graduate fair chair), Duy Le (website committee), Laura Sessions (website committee), and Brian Mosby (Orlando local section chair).
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, but also to learn from researchers working across many different areas of chemistry. Seeing the current trends and emerging directions in chemistry-related research broadened my perspective and gave me new ideas that I can carry into my future research. I also appreciated the opportunity to discuss my work with other researchers, receive feedback, and make new professional connections. Overall, the conference helped me grow both scientifically and professionally, and I am very grateful for the travel award support that made this experience possible.
Alec DeCecco is a graduate student at UCF in Dr. Denisia Popolan-Vaida’s group. He shared that: A particularly important aspect of my participation was the opportunity to disseminate my own research to the broader scientific community. Presenting my work allowed me to share recent findings, receive constructive feedback from experts in related fields, and engage in discussions that helped refine my scientific perspectives. These interactions not only increased the visibility of my research but also provided valuable insights that will help guide future investigations.
In addition to presenting my work, I benefited greatly from interacting with scientists from diverse disciplines, institutions, and career stages. Exposure to a wide range of research topics and approaches broadened my understanding of current developments across the chemical sciences and encouraged me to consider new ways of addressing challenges within my own research program. The scientific presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities strengthened my ability to communicate my research to both specialists and broader scientific audiences while fostering potential future collaborations.
I am sincerely grateful to the ACS Orlando Section for its financial support, which made it possible for me to participate in this outstanding professional development experience. The opportunity to disseminate my research, engage in scientific exchange, and build new professional connections has been invaluable. The knowledge, feedback, and relationships gained through this experience will continue to contribute to the advancement of my research program and my growth as a scientist, educator, and mentor.
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 participation in the program and support the local examination process.
You can find more information here. Please email the Orlando Section Chair (Toufiq Reza) with your interest.
The Executive Committee extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Mary Roslonowski for her many years of dedicated service in this role and for her significant contributions to the success of our Chemistry Olympiad program.
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:
Eileen Tulley Award for Outstanding High School Student
Outstanding High School Teacher
Outstanding Undergraduate at a Primarily Teaching Institution
Outstanding Undergraduate at a Primarily Research Institution
Outstanding Graduate at a Primarily Research Institution
Outstanding Educator at a Primarily Teaching Institution
Outstanding Educator at a Primarily Research Institution
If you know someone or companies who should be recognized publicly, please nominate them for an ACS Orlando Section award. Each Award consists of a plaque and a monetary award. Awardees will be honored at the local Section’s annual banquet held on December 5th, 2026. Student nominees need not be currently enrolled in chemistry but can be nominated for achievements for the spring 2026 term. Nominees for awards need not be members.
Nomination package includes: (1) A letter of nomination stating why this person/company deserves the award. (2) A letter of support from someone else who knows the nominee.
Each letter should include the name of the award, and the writer’s email address, and daytime phone number. Electronic submissions are required by completing the google doc form (link below) and uploading PDF letters in the appropriate places on the form. Questions can be directed to Dr. Laura Sessions, Chair of the Orlando Section Awards Committee at lsessions@valenciacollege.edu. To be considered, nominations must be received by 5pm FridayOctober 30, 2026.
Complete the form and upload PDF letters to the link here or scan the QR.
Nominators of awardees are expected to participate in the Orlando Section’s annual banquet to introduce the awardees.
Save the date for the Annual Awards Banquet to be held on December 5, 2026.
Celebrating Chemistry magazines displayed at a local library.
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 Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) will distribute Celebrating Chemistry magazines to library systems of 7 counties around central Florida: Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia.
Representative from each county library should submit this request form to request the magazines. We only ship the magazine to one address per county, preferably, to the main branch/office, from which the magazines will be distributed through county library system.
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 at 11:59 PM Eastern
Local Prizes:
One winner* will be awarded $50 and one runner up* will be awarded $25 for each of the flowing categories: Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 *Submissions must be of high quality, aligned with the contest’s theme, and achieve the highest score.
Winners of the Orlando Section’s Illustrated Poem Contest will advance to the National Illustrated Poem Contest for a chance to be featured on the ACS website and to win prizes!
Neatness – free of spelling and grammatical errors
Contest rules:
• All poems must be no more than 40 words, and in one of the following styles to be considered: Haiku, Limerick, Ode, ABC poem, Free verse, End rhyme, and Blank verse. • Entries are judged based upon relevance to and incorporation of the yearly topic (the 2026 theme is Chemistry Under Construction), the word choice and the imagery, colorful artwork, adherence to poem style, originality and creativity, and overall presentation. • All entries must be original works without aid from others. Physical drawings may be scanned or captured via camera and submitted digitally. Illustrations may be created using crayons, watercolors, other types of paint, colored pencils, or markers. • The illustration may also be electronically created by using a digital painting and drawing app on a computer, tablet, or mobile device. If the illustration is created using a digital painting or drawing app, the name of the program must be included on the entry form. • Use of AI in any form (i.e. written or pictorial) is strictly prohibited. • The text of the poem should be easy to read and may be typed before the hand-drawn or digital illustration is added, or the poem may be written on lined paper, which is cut out and pasted onto the unlined paper with the illustration. • No clipart or unoriginal images can be used. • Only one entry per student will be accepted (without assistance from others). • Students must be sponsored by a school or another sponsoring community group (e.g., Homeschool Association, Boys and Girls Club, Scout Troop, 4-H, etc.). • Acceptance of prizes constitutes consent to use winners’ names, likenesses, and entries for editorial, advertising, and publicity purposes. • Students must have parental/guardian permission and signature to enter the contest. • No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Sponsored by the American Chemical Society. All rights reserved. All information provided herein pertains to the Illustrated Poem Content. This information may be updated or changed for future contests. • Parent/Guardian Signature is not required for local contest. We will request parent/guardian signature only for the Poems that go to the national contest. • Teachers of the winners of local contest will present awards to the winners on behalf of the Orlando Local Section.
Call for Planning Committee Members: Chemistry Connections – Industry, Innovation, and Careers Dear ACS Colleagues and Friends, We’re seeking volunteers to help plan a new Central Florida ACS initiative: Chemistry Connections: Industry, Innovation, and Careers Our vision is to create an engaging annual event that connects students, industry professionals, and ACS members.
Goals
Build meaningful industry and entrepreneurial partnerships
Expand student engagement and career opportunities
Strengthen ACS member involvement
Develop a sustainable local networking and workforce-development program
First Planning Committee Meeting Date: Monday, August 18 tentative Purpose: Develop the vision, goals, and structure for the event. We welcome participation from our local chemists in industry, government, entrepreneurship, and also academia and retirement. Diverse perspectives will help us create an event that benefits students, employers, ACS members, and the broader chemistry community.
Interested in helping? Please email lsessions@valenciacollege.edu to join the Planning Committee. Your ideas and expertise can help shape what may become a signature event for our local section. We hope you’ll join us in strengthening the chemistry community and workforce pipeline in Central Florida.
Summer Social 2026 Wrap-up More than 30 ACS Orlando Section members and guests gathered for a highly successful Summer Social 2026, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the American Chemical Society while enjoying a fascinating presentation on explosive chemistry by former section member Dr. Tyler Maxwell of Applied Research Associates at Tyndall Air Force Base. The event also honored three outstanding long-time ACS members—Dr. Rea (60 years), Dr. Lauterbach (60 years), and Dr. Hampton (50 years)—whose careers exemplify excellence in research, education, leadership, and service to the chemical sciences and the Society. Read the full event report, including highlights from Dr. Maxwell’s presentation, biographies of our honored members, and event photos, on our website.
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 Air Force Base, where he studies explosives and supports research related to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) applications.
In the picture: Dr. Rea, Dr. Lauterbach, Dr. Hampton receiving certificates from Orlando section’s Chair-Elect Dr. Pathirathna (Top row); Dr. Sessions, Dr. Pathirathna, and Dr. Maxwell (bottom row)
The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society was also honored to recognize three of our senior members for their longstanding contributions to the chemical sciences and to the Society. Their brief biographies follow.
Dr. Rea 60-Year Member
Dr. Rea earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University, where his doctoral research focused on the helical flow of viscoelastic fluids. He went on to enjoy a distinguished 34-year career with DuPont, serving in research, manufacturing, and business leadership roles across a wide range of plastics, chemicals, and fiber products.
One of the first projects of his career involved preparing fluoropolymer membrane materials for fuel cells used in satellites, reflecting a career that combined innovation, engineering excellence, and real-world impact. During his time with DuPont, Dr. Rea worked at five locations across the United States and contributed to the success of one of the world’s leading science and engineering companies.
After retirement, he continued to pursue his many interests and remained engaged with the scientific community. His six decades of ACS membership reflect a lifelong commitment to chemistry, engineering, and professional excellence.
Dr. Lauterbach 60-Year Member
Dr. Lauterbach earned his B.S. in Chemistry, with Distinction, from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from The Ohio State University. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has established himself as an internationally recognized expert in analytical chemistry, toxicology, tobacco science, and regulatory science.
His professional career has included leadership positions in industry, consulting, and government advisory service. He served as a Principal Scientist and Director within Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation, later founding Lauterbach & Associates, where he has continued to provide expertise in chemistry, toxicology, and regulatory affairs. His scientific contributions include four U.S. patents, 72 publications, nearly 200 professional presentations, and extensive service as a reviewer, advisor, and expert witness.
Dr. Lauterbach has also demonstrated remarkable dedication to ACS. He has served as Chair of both the Louisville and Middle Georgia Sections, Councilor, Program Chair for the Division of Small Chemical Businesses, and Consultant to the ACS Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs. His commitment to professional service has helped strengthen the chemical enterprise and support fellow chemists throughout his career.
Dr. Hampton 50-Year Member
Dr. Hampton earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Florida and his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Texas Tech University. For more than four decades at the University of Central Florida, he has distinguished himself as an outstanding educator, researcher, mentor, and leader. His dedication to teaching has been recognized through numerous honors, including the ACS Outstanding 4-Year College Teacher Award, and he has secured more than $400,000 in teaching related grants. He has mentored countless students (BS, MSc and PhD) who have gone on to successful careers in science and engineering.
His research accomplishments are equally impressive. Dr. Hampton has secured more than $2.5 million in funding from organizations including NASA, the Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health and the department of education. His work in hydrogen storage materials, environmental remediation, and analytical instrumentation has resulted in more than 50 publications and over 100 scientific presentations. Through his collaborations with NASA and service at Kennedy Space Center (as a mechanical engineer), he has contributed to advances in materials science and energy technologies of national importance. Dr. Hampton has also provided an exceptional administrative leadership at UCF as the director of interdisciplinary studies and chair of chemistry.
For many of us in the Orlando Section, however, Dr. Hampton is perhaps best known for his extraordinary service to ACS. Over the years, he has served as Orlando Section Chair, National Councilor, Chair of the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad Selection Committee, Chair of the Southeast Regional Steering Committee, and Chair of the National Chemistry Olympiad Mentor Selection Committee for more than three decades. His dedication has helped shape and inspire generations of young chemists while strengthening ACS at the local, regional, and national levels.
Dr. Hampton’s career exemplifies the very best of our profession through excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, and service.
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 on the chemistry behind homemade explosives and detection technologies. More details here: https://orlandoacs.org/summer-social/
Cost: $25 (pay at the door—cash, check, or PayPal)
Come enjoy great food, stimulating conversation, and a chance to connect with fellow chemists in your community. It’s shaping up to be a memorable afternoon—we hope to see you there! We’d love to see you there!
The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society warmly invites you to a special celebration honoring our esteemed 50-, 60-, and 70-year ACS members—trailblazers whose decades of dedication have shaped the field of chemistry. The lunch event will also feature an engaging presentation by Dr. Tyler Maxwell, who will share insights from his work on homemade explosives—a fascinating look at the chemistry behind the TSA.
Join us for an afternoon of recognition, discovery, and connection with fellow chemists in your community!
Saturday June 20th, 2026 11:30AM to 2:00PM Brewlando (6820 Hoffner Ave, Orlando, FL 32822)
MENU appetizers, taco bar, and 150-anniversary ACS dessert Cash bar is available.
The cost will be $25/person. Since the Orlando Section covers part of the meal, tax, and gratuity, the Section will pay the bill with a single check. Please be prepared to pay at the door by check or cash or PayPal—unfortunately we cannot accept credit cards.
The Synthesis and Characterization of Homemade Explosives to Support Test and Evaluation Tyler Maxwell, Ph.D. Lead Chemist Tyndall Reactive Materials Group Applied Research Associates Inc. 430 West 5th Street, Suite 700 Panama City, FL 32401 The protection of transportation systems and freedom of movement for people and commerce is essential for a nation to function. The United States government is committed to preventing future terrorist attacks such as those that occurred on September 11th 2001. To support this mission, basic and applied research on homemade explosives (HME) is critical for the safety of the traveling public as HMEs have been used in attacks against the US and abroad. The Tyndall Reactive Materials Group (TRMG) has been working on behalf of the US government to synthesize, analyze, and produce large quantities of HME for testing and evaluation since 2005. The process for safely manufacturing and characterizing HMEs at TRMG is described as well as some of the working principles behind contraband detection technologies currently deployed and in development. Blast characterization methods are also described for evaluating the detonability and terminal performance of HMEs.
Come learn some interesting chemistry and socialize with your fellow chemists. We look forward to seeing you all there!
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