The ACS Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society and Orlando Science Center organized a community event for National Chemistry Week to celebrate the importance of chemistry in everyday life!
Category Archives: Announcements
Annual Election: Meet the Candidates for 2023 Executive Committee
We are excited to announce the candidates for 2023 Executive Committee of the Orlando Section. Voting is expected to open on October 24th, 2022, when you will receive a separate email with the instructions on how to cast your votes electronically and will close on November 8th, 2022.
Dr. Nicole Lapeyrouse
Candidate for Chair
Dr. Nicole Lapeyrouse is a lecturer at the University of Central Florida (UCF). She performed her undergraduate studies at Florida International University and graduate work at UCF. At UCF, her research focused on the remediation of chlorinated compounds in aqueous environments and chemistry education. Dr. Lapeyrouse’s current research includes investigating student perception of teaching practices and their experience with unique multimedia, diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM instructional materials, and STEM retention.
Dr. Stephen Smith
Candidate for Chair-Elect
Dr. Stephen Smith is a native of Central Florida and currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology. He completed his PhD in chemistry at the University of Central Florida in 2021. His research interests include synthesis of nanomaterials via industrially viable processes for applications as bactericides.
Dr. Pavithra Pathirathna
Candidate for Secretary
Pavithra Pathirathna is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering and Sciences at the Florida Institute of Technology. She performed her undergraduate studies at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, and her Ph.D. with Parastoo Hashemi in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University, MI, USA. Her postdoctoral work was at the University of Pittsburgh with Shigeru Amemiya. Pavithra’s interdisciplinary and translational research program centers on developing and optimizing electrochemical sensors for analyzing biologically and environmentally impactful metals and neurotransmitters with applications in point of care diagnostics. Some of her prestigious distinctions include Honor Citation for Teaching Service and Esther and Stanley Kirschner General Chemistry Teaching Award. Besides her scholarly and teaching activities, Pavithra has been serving as the secretary of the ACS Orlando section since 2021 and a reviewer and a co-editor of several journals.
Dr. Van Quach
Candidate for Treasurer
Dr. Van Quach has been the treasurer of the Orlando Section since 2019. In addition, he is a professor of chemistry at Seminole State College. He has been teaching there since Aug 2010. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Florida in 1999. After taking some time off for travel, he made his way up to Tallahassee, FL to start graduate school. At Florida State University, his research focused on better understanding of the theoretical and fundamental processes that occur during chemical separation. Specifically, he investigated the temperature dependence of the phase ration in liquid chromatography systems. He received his Ph.D. in 2009 and taught for two years at FSU before returning to the central Florida area to teach at Seminole State College. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, reading, and drinking good wines.
Dr. Darlene Slattery
Candidate for Councilor
Dr. Slattery has been an active member of the Orlando Section since its inception in 1991, serving as Chair in 1992, 2002 and 2008, treasurer in 1996 and has served as Councilor since 2011. She has also served on a number of local section committees, including the Awards Committee, which she has chaired for the majority of her time in the Section.
As Councilor, Dr. Slattery has served on two National Committees, first on the Committee on Chemical Safety and since 2018, she has served on the Membership Affairs Committee (MAC), where she was actively involved in the development of the new membership model that resulted in new categories of membership and more pricing options. As a member of MAC, she is also the lead for the Liaison and Caucus Working Group.
Dr. Slattery is happily retired and looks forward to the opportunity to continue her support of the Orlando Section.
Call for Annual Awards
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
- Outstanding Chemist
- Outstanding Chemistry Professional
- Outstanding Entrepreneur/Employer Award
- Outstanding Volunteer
Descriptions and criteria for each award can be found in our website at https://orlandoacs.org/annual-awards
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 3rd, 2022. Student nominees need not be currently enrolled in chemistry but can be nominated for achievements for the spring 2022 term.
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. Email PDF letters to Dr. Darlene Slattery, Chair of the Orlando Section Awards Committee at dslattery1@cfl.rr.com. To be considered, nominations must be received by Friday November 4th, 2022 November 9th, 2022.
Nominators of awardees are expected to participate in the local Section’s annual banquet to introduce the awardees.
* Point of contact for nominated company must be included in the letter.
2022 NCW Illustrated Poem Contest: Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics
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.
| Contest_Deadline: | Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 11:59 PM Eastern |
| Local Prizes: | One winner will be awarded ($50) for each of the flowing categories: Grades K-2 Grades 3-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 The teacher who guided the winner will receive ($100) funding for classroom supplies. |
| Local Contact: | Duy Le (submission@orlandoacs.org) |
| Submission: | Illustrated poem and submission form must be submitted to https://forms.gle/WXhnVY9WPPZTzVWN7 or email to submission@orlandoacs.org |
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!
How to participate:
Write and illustrate a poem using the CCEW theme, “Fabulous Fibers: The Chemistry of Fabrics.” Your poem must be no more than 40 words and in the following styles to be considered:
HAIKU – LIMERICK – ODE – ABC POEM – FREE VERSE – END RHYME – BLANK VERSE
Possible topics related to the CCEW 2021 theme include:
- Natural fiber
- Synthetic fiber
- Chemical synthesis
- Polymers
- Dyeing fabrics
- Hydrophilic
- Hydrophobic
- Properties of fabrics
Entries will be judged based upon:
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 NCW theme, word choice and imagery, colorful artwork, adherence to poem style, originality and creativity, and overall presentation. · All entries must be original works without aid from others. Poems may be submitted by hand on an unlined sheet of paper not larger than 11” by 14” or scanned and sent via email. 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. · 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; all entries must include an entry form. If the illustration is created using a digital painting or drawing app, the name of the program must be included on the entry form. · Acceptance of prizes constitutes consent to use winners’ first name, and entry for editorial, advertising, and publicity purposes. |
Download this Flyer and submission form
National Chemistry Week’s event: The Chemistry of Fabrics
Join the ACS Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society and Orlando Science Center for a community event for National Chemistry Week and celebrate the importance of chemistry in everyday life! Learn about this year’s theme, The Chemistry of Fabrics, from UCF, FIT, Valencia College faculty and students with 10 exciting activities.
When: Saturday, October 22nd, 2022 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)
Where: Orlando Science Center
Annual Election: Call for 2023 Executive Board Candidates & Voting
We are seeking interested individuals to join the Orlando Section Executive Committee in 2023! We have four positions up for election: Chair, Chair Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Councilor. A description of each position is included below. Please contact Dr. Laura Sessions (lsessions@valenciacollege.edu), Nominating Committee Chair, with any additional questions.
All nominations (including name of nominee, contact information, and nominated position) must be notified to Dr. Laura Sessions (via email at lsessions@valenciacollege.edu) by October 14th, 2022. Voting is expected to open on October 24th, when you will receive a separate email with the instructions on how to cast your votes electronically and will close on November 8th . Please let us know (via email at contact@orlandoacs.org) before October 14th 2022 if you would like to be mailed a paper copy ballot.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Chair (one-year term). The main responsibilities are:
- Two year commitment (one year as chair, one year as immediate Past-Chair)
- Serve as Chair of the Executive Committee
- Appoint members and/or affiliates to all committees
- Oversee the activity of the section
- To vote/participate in exec decisions
Chair Elect (one year term). The main responsibilities are:
- Three year commitment (one year as chair-elect, one year as chair, one year as immediate Past-Chair)
- To vote/participate in exec decisions
- Succeed to office of Chair for the next year
- Serve as chair for meetings which the Chair cannot attend
Treasurer (one-year term). The main responsibilities are:
- Prepare the annual budget/expenditures report for Nationals
- Maintain the Section bank account
- Maintain a budget, disbursements, expenditures, and accounting for the Section activities
- To vote/participate in exec decisions
Secretary (one-year term). The main responsibilities are:
- To take notes at exec meetings
- To set-up and distribute ballots for elections (mostly electronic now)
- Oversee website and social media communications
- To vote/participate in exec decisions
Councilor (three-year term). The main responsibilities are:
- To attend national meeting annually, represent the Section, and report back activities
- Assist in preparing and submitting the annual report to the national office
- To vote/participate in exec decisions
24th Annual ChemLuminary Awards: Outstanding Ongoing CCEW Event
At the 24th ChemLuminary Award ceremony on August 23, 2022, at the ACS National Meeting in Chicago, the Orlando Local Section received the Outstanding Ongoing CCEW Event award sponsored by Committee on Community Activities (CCA). This award recognizes a local section for an outstanding CCEW event that has been conducted for at least three years.
For more than a decade, except for 2020 thanks to the pandemic, each year, our local section participates in Central Florida Earth day to promote the positive role that chemistry plays in the world. Our events often attract hundreds of attendees to our tent for chemistry demonstrations and hands-on activities as well as discussion with volunteers.
This is the first ever ChemLuminary Award received by the Orlando Section.
In addition, our National Chemistry Week event at the Orlando Science Center is in the finalist of the Outstanding Community Involvement in NCW award.
2022 Summer Social Event
The Orlando Section held a summer social on Saturday, June 25 at Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant. The well-attended event included recognition of the 95th anniversary of the ACS Women’s Chemist Committee, an interesting talk by Dr. Christina Drake of Kismet Technologies, and recognition of long-serving members of the ACS.
Those members celebrating 50 years were:
- Dr. Susan Allen
- Dr. James Bellows
- Dr. Nancy Leissing
- Mr. John Windsor Jr.
60-Year members included:
- Dr. Charles Beck
- Mr. George Cheryan
- Dr. Michael Farona
- Ms. Margaret Oglesby
- Dr. William Steele
And recognized as a 70-Year Member was:
- Mr. Robert Dunmire
We congratulate all and thank each for their many years of service to ACS.
An award was also presented to Dr. Chris Chouinard for his service to the Section. Chris, a past Chair of the Orlando Section and the overall Chair for SERMACS 2025, will be leaving Florida to assume a new faculty position in South Carolina. While we will miss in-person interactions with Chris, he will continue to oversee the planning for 2025 meeting.
American Chemical Society chief executive officer announces his retirement
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2022 — The American Chemical Society (ACS) today announced that Thomas Connelly, Ph.D., will retire from his position as ACS chief executive officer at the end of the year after more than seven years of serving in this role. In addition to effectively navigating the organization through the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic, he has led the organization as it strengthened its core values, transformed its membership and launched new initiatives.
Credit: Peter Cutts Photography
“Tom has provided strong leadership for ACS throughout his tenure, especially over the past two years as we experienced a once in a lifetime challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With his guidance, ACS has weathered the pandemic and is now stronger than it’s ever been,” says Paul W. Jagodzinski, Ph.D., chair of the ACS Board of Directors. “We look forward to Tom’s continued leadership through the rest of 2022 and wish him all the best as he enters the next chapter of his life in 2023.”
Connelly joined ACS in 2015. He has overseen the refinement and expansion of ACS core values, which define the principles that guide the organization. During his tenure, the core value of professionalism was expanded to include safety and ethics. Additionally, the core value of diversity, inclusion and respect added equity as a key principle. He also guided a transformation of membership by increasing the focus on growing ACS’ international efforts as well as supporting the development of a new membership model, which launched this year. Most recently, Connelly led the effort to establish four strategic initiatives designed to have a transformational impact on the chemistry enterprise. The more than $50 million, multiyear effort embodies ACS’ commitment to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people.
“It has been an honor to serve as ACS CEO for more than seven years,” Connelly says. “ACS continues to advance its Vision and Mission through the efforts of our dedicated staff and wonderful volunteers. I look forward to continuing my service to ACS from within its membership ranks.”
Prior to joining ACS, Connelly had a 37-year distinguished career at DuPont Company, where he held the roles of chief science and technology officer and chief innovation officer during his tenure. Connelly holds chemical engineering and economics degrees from Princeton University. As a Winston Churchill Scholar, he received his doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Cambridge. In 2016, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. He has served in advisory roles to the U.S. Government and the Republic of Singapore.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News. ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.
To automatically receive press releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.
Download the Press Release: Download
CONTACTS:
ACS Newsroom Emily Abbott
2022 CCEW Illustrated Poem Contest: Results
To promote the positive role that chemistry plays in the world, the American Chemical Society (ACS) established the Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) public awareness campaign. Among many other activities, the Orlando Section of the ACS hosted 2022 CCEW Illustrated Poem Contest for K-12 students in Central Florida. The theme of the contest is “The Buzz About Bugs: Insect Chemistry.”
The contest received many entries from multiple schools. Thanks to the teachers who brought the contest to students’ attention.
Results of local contest:
Grade K-2 Category
Winner: Ranvitha Vivek from Heathrow Elementary School, guided by Amber Mash
Grade 3-5 Category*
Winner: Lakshitha Bhandari from Goldsboro Elementary Magnet School, guided by Mary Lynn Hess
Runner-up: Aadhav Kumar from Wilson Elementary School, guided by Nicole Chavez
Runner-up: Mackenzie Gordon from English Estates Elementary, guided by Kelly Atterbury
Grade 6-8 Category
No winner
Grade 9-12 Category
Winner: Eric Segrest from Lake Highland Preparatory School, guided by Steve Math
The winner of each category will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $50. The runners-up of Grade 3-5 category will receive a certificate and a monetary award of $25. The teacher who guided the winner of each category and the runners-up of Grade 3-5 category will receive a school supply funding of $100 and $50, respectively.
The winner of each category also advances to the national 2022 CCEW Illustrated Poem Contest. The full results of national contest can be found at ACS Website.
If you have any comments or questions regarding the local contest, please contact the local section’s CCEW coordinator (Dr. Duy Le, duy.le@ucf.edu).
* Because Grade 3-5 category received a large number of high-quality entries, the executive committee of the local section voted to give two tied runner-up awards for this category.