We are excited to announce the candidates for 2027 Executive Committee of the Orlando Local Section of the American Chemical Society. Voting is expected to open on November 8th, 2026 and will close on November 15th, 2026. You will receive an email with instructions on how to cast your votes electronically.
Candidate for Chair-Elect: Dr. Chauncey Splichal
R. Chauncey Splichal received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015 and PhD from Michigan State University in 2025 both in Chemical Engineering. In between schools he performed independent research with Vajra Instruments in Lincoln, NE developing methods for improved particle suspension in polymer matrices and gold nanoparticle necklace formation to create room temperature micro-transistors. His doctoral research focused on polymer-based RNA encapsulation and delivery, the effects of patient disease and cellular stress states on RNA therapeutics, and therapeutic protein production in industrial mammalian cell culture systems. He served as president of the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association and received several honors, including Graduate Student of the Year and Best Poster Presentation at Engineering Conferences International’s Biochemical and Molecular Engineering XXIII conference in Dublin, Ireland.
Currently, Dr. Splichal is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Florida Institute of Technology where he teaches Chemical Engineering Plant Design, Materials Laboratory, and Introduction to Environmental Engineering. He is committed to building partnerships with regional industry that create opportunities for collaborative research and meaningful senior design experiences for students.
Candidate for Secretary: Dr. Sana Karbalaei
Dr. Sana Karbalaei is a bioinorganic and synthetic chemist who develops responsive MRI contrast agents and antioxidant catalysts to detect and control oxidative stress. Dr. Karbalaei completed an NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital’s Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, where she designed redox-active iron(III) complexes for molecular MR imaging of liver inflammation. She earned her Ph.D. in Inorganic and Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Auburn University under the mentorship of Professor Christian R. Goldsmith, developing quinol functionalized macrocyclic complexes that act as “turn-on” ¹H and ¹⁹F MRI sensors for hydrogen peroxide and as efficient catalase and superoxide dismutase mimics. Her earlier M.S. in Bioanalytical Chemistry at Isfahan University of Technology focused on DNA-based electrochemical biosensors for antioxidant analysis. Her research has been published in leading journals, including Chemical Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Chemistry, and Chemical Communications, and has resulted in a U.S. patent application. She contributed to NSF and NIH grants supporting oxidative stress sensing and molecular MRI of inflammation. Her honors include a Dow Fellowship, an ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry Travel Award, and the Robert S. Newman Graduate Award. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences, was recognized by Auburn University as a “Woman Impacting STEM,” and mentors undergraduate and Ph.D. students in chemistry. An ACS member since 2018, Dr. Karbalaei belongs to the Division of Inorganic Chemistry and its Bioinorganic Subdivision, served as Social Chair of the Auburn ACS Younger Chemists Committee, and was Head Judge for Chemistry at the 2025 East Alabama–West Georgia ACS Local Section meeting. A member of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) since 2019, she served as Social Chair of the Auburn chapter.
Candidate for Secretary: Mr. Josh Knorr
Josh Knorr holds a Bachelor’s degree (2011) and a Master’s degree (2013) in Chemistry from the University of Central Florida (UCF), as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (2025) from Florida State University (FSU). Since 2014, he has worked in the flavor and fragrance industry as an analytical chemist and laboratory manager. He has also served as an adjunct professor at several institutions and currently teaches at Valencia College and Florida Polytechnic University. Additionally, he has experience as a third-party GC-MS Field Applications Engineer contracted with Agilent Technologies. His diverse professional background combines expertise in analytical chemistry, laboratory management, technology, and higher education.
Candidate for Treasurer: Dr. Van Quach
Van Quach has proudly served as Treasurer of the Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society since 2019. He is also a Professor of Chemistry at Seminole State College, where he has been inspiring students since 2010. Dr. Quach earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Florida in 1999. After taking time to travel and explore, he continued his academic journey at Florida State University, where his doctoral research focused on the theoretical and fundamental processes involved in chemical separations—specifically, the temperature dependence of phase ratios in liquid chromatography systems. He completed his Ph.D. in 2009 and spent two years teaching at FSU before returning to Central Florida to join Seminole State College. Outside the classroom, Dr. Quach enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, getting lost in a good book, and savoring a well-crafted glass of wine.
Candidates for Councilor: Dr. Laura Sessions
Dr. Sessions hails from Winter Park, FL, where she spent her formative years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a doctorate degree from Dartmouth College. Over the past sixteen years at Valencia College, she has demonstrated outstanding commitment through her work as an educator and her service in leadership roles, including Department Chair, Faculty Association Council member, and multiple endowed chairs. Outside of Valencia, she currently serves on the OrganicERs Leadership Board and the ACS Two-Year College (2YC) Recognition Program Advisory Board. Notably, Dr. Sessions has been an active volunteer within the ACS Orlando Section since 2015, contributing in a variety of capacities, including Alternate Councilor, Awards Chair, and Section Chair. Her dedication to the organization is further reflected in her appointment to the ACS Committee on Fiscal Affairs (formerly the Budget & Finance Committee) for 2023-2026. Dr. Sessions has been happy to serve as Councilor for the Orlando Section from 2023-2026. Drawing on her leadership experience and longstanding engagement with ACS, Dr. Sessions would be honored to continue representing the Orlando Section as Councilor.