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!
To encourage student participation in local, regional, and national conferences organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and its affiliates – and to expand opportunities for students to deepen their scientific engagement and professional networks – the Orlando Section of the ACS offers Student Travel Awards. This initiative helps reduce financial barriers to conference participation and supports the development of future scientists in our region.
Victor Johnson, a graduate student at Florida Institute of Technology, presented his research on Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Acalypha wilkesiana at the Fall 2025 ACS Meeting in Washington, DC.Victor Johnson, a graduate student at Florida Institute of Technology, presented his research on Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Acalypha wilkesiana at the Fall 2025 ACS Meeting in Washington, DC.
Students who have an accepted abstract to present at the ACS Fall 2026 National Meeting and Expo in Chicago, IL, are invited to apply for travel support. The meeting will take place in August 2026 and provides an invaluable platform for students to share their research, attend technical sessions, and connect with chemists from across the nation.
These awards are designated as follows:
One $500 award for a graduate student
One $500 award for an undergraduate student
Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Darlene Slattery, retired long‑time Orlando Section Councilor and the 2025 Gordon L. Nelson Award recipient, the Section will also offer one additional $500award for a student attending a non‑research college or university.
Application Instructions: To apply, students must submit an application package as a single PDF file that includes the following components:
A brief introduction of the applicant (e.g., academic status, institution, research area)
Proof of acceptance of the abstract (such as the official ACS acceptance email or screenshot)
A copy of the presentation abstract
A brief explanation of financial need, describing why support from the Orlando Section of the ACS is necessary. This is especially important for applicants whose research groups receive federal, industrial, or private funding.
Advisor contact information, including email and phone number (The Awards Committee will directly request a brief statement from the advisor confirming the student’s financial need for registration, lodging, and/or travel assistance.)
The completed application package should be emailed to the Awards Committee: Dr. Laura Sessions (lsessions@valenciacollege.edu) June 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST)
Selection Criteria The Awards Committee will select recipients primarily on the basis of financial need, with additional preference given to applicants who: possess an active ACS student membership, have not previously received a travel award from the Orlando Section, and contribute to broad representation across the colleges and universities within the Section. Bonus consideration will be given for the novelty and impact of the research project. To be eligible, students must be enrolled at institutions within the geographic boundariesof the Orlando Section.
In 2001, the ACS Orlando Section established the Avogadro Award to be presented to an outstanding senior project at the State Science and Engineering Fair. Other Sections in Florida were encouraged to support the award, and it is presented yearly as a joint effort.
The 2026 award winner is Nicholas R. Stan (pictured right), a student at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts in West Palm Beach. Nicholas’ project was entitled “Enhancing the Oncotoxic Effects of Mitochondrial-targeting D-(KLAKLAK)2 Peptide by Improving Cell Membrane Permeability via Chemical Conjugation with Imidazopyidinium.” The judges in the senior chemistry section unanimously chose this project because of its strong chemistry content and the obvious knowledge of the student.
The Orlando Section extends its gratitude to Darlene Slattery and DK Weerasinghe for judging the fair and awarding the Avogadro Award along with thanks to the Pensacola Section and the South Florida Section of ACS for contributing to the monetary award for the prize.
Abstract
Prior research has indicated that the synthetic peptide D-(KLAKLAK)2 and its analogues (D-KLAKLAK and D-KLAK) exhibit potent cancer toxicity (oncotoxicity) and pro-apoptotic activity when internalized in mammalian cancer cells. The limitations of these peptides as therapeutic agents, however, are cancer specificity and membrane permeability. Research on tumor-homing peptides to attach to these kinds of peptides has had relative success in conferring specificity, but remain inefficient in promoting membrane permeability. Therefore, the only remaining problem is membrane permeability. The study conducted investigates chemical grafting of IP+ (imidazopyridinium) on to D-(KLAKLAK)2 and its analogues, and its effect on cellular permeability. IP+ is a heterocycle designed to facilitate the diffusion of large peptides across the cell membrane, and this study tested if grafting IP+ onto D-(KLAKLAK)2 and its analogues would improve its ability to diffuse across the cell membrane, which could aid in the development of a cancer therapeutic based on this peptide or others. Experimental methods included preparing D-(KLAKLAK)2 and its analogues, and grafting IP+ and a chloroalkane tag onto them. The effects of IP+ grafting were evaluated by running Chloroalkane Penetration Assays (CAQPA) on HEK293 cells in order to assess to what degree the peptides with or without IP+ could access the cytosol of the cells. Results indicated that IP+ significantly enhanced the intracellular localization of D-(KLAKLAK)2 and D-KLAK compared to controls lacking IP+. These results support the hypothesis and suggest that combining D-(KLAKLAK)2, a tumor-targeting peptide, and IP+ may provide a promising approach for developing broad-spectrum cancer therapeutics in the future.
To encourage student participation in local, regional, and national conferences organized by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and its affiliates – and to expand opportunities for students to deepen their scientific engagement and professional networks – the Orlando Section of the ACS offers Student Travel Awards.
Victor Johnson, a graduate student at Florida Institute of Technology, presented his research on Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Acalypha wilkesiana at the Fall 2025 ACS Meeting in Washington, DC.Victor Johnson, a graduate student at Florida Institute of Technology, presented his research on Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity of Acalypha wilkesiana at the Fall 2025 ACS Meeting in Washington, DC.
Students who have an accepted abstract to present at the ACS Spring 2026 National Meeting and Expo in Atlanta, GA, are invited to apply for travel support. The meeting will take place in March 2026 and provides an invaluable platform for students to share their research, attend technical sessions, and connect with chemists from across the nation.
Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Darlene Slattery, retired long‑time Orlando Section Councilor and the 2025 Gordon L. Nelson Award recipient, the Section will offer five travel awards of $500 each. These awards are designated as follows:
Two awards for graduate students
Two awards for undergraduate students
One award for a student attending a non‑research college or university
This initiative helps reduce financial barriers to conference participation and supports the development of future scientists in our region.
Application Instructions: To apply, students must submit an application package as a single PDF file that includes the following components:
A brief introduction of the applicant (e.g., academic status, institution, research area)
Proof of acceptance of the abstract (such as the official ACS acceptance email or screenshot)
A copy of the presentation abstract
A brief explanation of financial need, describing why support from the Orlando Section of the ACS is necessary. This is especially important for applicants whose research groups receive federal, industrial, or private funding.
Advisor contact information, including email and phone number (The Awards Committee will directly request a brief statement from the advisor confirming the student’s financial need for registration, lodging, and/or travel assistance.)
The completed application package should be emailed to the Awards Committee: Dr. Laura Sessions (lsessions@valenciacollege.edu) February 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM (EST)
Selection Criteria The Awards Committee will select recipients primarily on the basis of financial need, with additional preference given to applicants who: possess an active ACS student membership, have not previously received a travel award from the Orlando Section, and contribute to broad representation across the colleges and universities within the Section. Bonus consideration will be given for the novelty and impact of the research project. To be eligible, students must be enrolled at institutions within the geographic boundaries of the Orlando Section.
The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society held it’s annual awards banquet on Saturday, December 6th, 2025 at the At Helena Modern Riviera (ICON Park).
The 2025 winners are:
Award
Recipient
Organization
The Eileen Tulley Award for Outstanding High School Student
SAlejandra Jaramillo Marin
Tohopekaliga High School
Outstanding Student at a primarily teaching institution
LeeAnn Andrews
Keiser University
Outstanding Student at a primarily research institution
Elisa Guerrero Supriya Bera
University of Central Florida Florida Institute of Technology
Outstanding Graduate Student
Pritha Sarkar
University of Central Florida
Outstanding High School Teacher
Kennan Wasinger
Lake Brantley High School
Outstanding Educator at a Primarily Research Institution
Alan B. Brown
Florida Institute of Technology
Outstanding Chemist
Rudolf J. Wehmschulte
Florida Institute of Technology
Outstanding Entrepreneur/Employer
University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program (Rafael Caamano)
Join us for a traditional awards banquet as the Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society honors our 2025 award recipients.
Saturday, December 6th, 2025 11:30AM to 2:00PM Location:Helena Modern Riviera 8441 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 (ICON Park)
Lunch Menu Appetizers Beef or Veggie Empanadas Bruschetta Crostini
Iberian Caesar Salad
Entrée choice of Pasta Primavera Seasonal veggies tossed over pasta in an olive oil, garlic white wine sauce Lady and the Tramp Spaghetti with homemade meatballs with our Marinara Sauce Vegetarian Paella Valencia rice, mushrooms, broccolini, asparagus, peas, artichokes, veggie consommé Chicken Pinxhos Chicken skewers and a bed of garlic mashed potatoes
Beverages Fountain drinks Cash bar available
The cost to attend is $25 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. The Section will cover the total bill with a single payment. You may pay in advance via the RSVP link or at the door using cash or check
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 6th, 2025. Student nominees need not be currently enrolled in chemistry but can be nominated for achievements for the spring 2025 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 FridayNovember 7, 2025.
Nominators of awardees are expected to participate in the Orlando Section’s annual banquet to introduce the awardees.
* Point of contact for nominated company must be included in the letter.
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