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!
The ACS Orlando Section is partially sponsoring the 2025-2026 A.H. Blatt Distinguished Lecture by Professor John L. Wood, Robert A. Welch Distinguished Professor and Department Chair, Baylor University. The title of this lecture is “Recent Efforts in the Synthesis of Complex Natural Products”. This hybrid event is scheduled for March 12, 2026, from 5 p.m. in Bioengineering and Sciences Building (BES), Room 141 at Florida Institute of Technology. Please follow the link below to attend the lecture on zoom: https://fit.zoom.us/j/91608351838. The members of ACS Orlando Section are cordially invited to attend the lecture. A reception to follow in the lobby of BES immediately after lecture.
The Orlando Section announces a series of casual gatherings for members to connect at locations with a little scientific flair. We plan to meet at a different venue each month now through the summer. Most will be free, drop-in, and family friendly.
Embark on an unforgettable luncheon with your fellow Orlando Section members aboard the rivership, the Barbara Lee, departing from Historic Sanford, FL. Choose from seven different entrees, showcasing culinary excellence with options to suit every taste. Tickets include food, entertainment, and cruise. Coffee, tea, and water are provided. Soda and alcoholic beverages as well as gratuities are not included.
As you savor your meal, live entertainment will serenade you with music, creating a festive atmosphere as you cruise along the scenic waters of the St. Johns River. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy watching the local wildlife, which includes birds, manatees and alligators at various times throughout the year. During the lunch tours, our cruise guide will point out wildlife, areas of interest and share the history of steamships that sailed the St. Johns River.
The Orlando Section announces a series of casual gatherings for members to connect at locations with a little scientific flair. We plan to meet at a different venue each month now through the summer. Most will be free, drop-in, and family friendly.
Pictures from the last ACS event at the Orlando Wetlands in 2018. From Jen Archer and Emily Heider.
Drop by and chat with some of your fellow Orlando Section members, take a self-guided walking tour, or drop in for the 10am or 11am tram tour. Stay as long as you wish. Look for us in the pavilion to the right of the welcome trailer.
The Orlando Wetlands offers public tram tours to highlight the creation, operation, management, and wildlife of the facility. The volunteer program runs tram cart tours for groups of less than 10 people on Saturdays, lasting 45 – 60 minutes. Since reservations are not taken, we recommend getting there 15 minutes before the hour to reserve a seat. Bring your picnic lunch too. In Christmas, FL.
Tentative next event will be March 16 on St. Johns Rivership Co. for a Lunch Cruise. More information and a full spring schedule coming soon!
The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society is pleased to honor our 50-, 60-, and 70-year ACS members and present the Salutes to Excellence award to our partner, the Orlando Science Center. Additionally, Patrick Walsh and Chris Spence from Covanta will give a short talk on a Sustainable Systems Solution for Solid Waste.
Saturday July 8th, 2023 11:30AM to 2:00PM Macaroni Grill (12148 S Apopka Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836)
MENU Appetizers Bruschetta Calamari, Caesar Salad Entrée choice of Fettuccine Alfredo w/Chicken, Spaghetti w/Meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, Pasta Milano, or Truffle Mac & Cheese Dessert Vanilla Ice Cream Beverages Soda, Iced Tea, Lemonade 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—unfortunately, we cannot accept credit cards. Reservation can be made by July 6, 2023 – online at https://forms.gle/THwRVyRT9gTaBnV7A.
Sustainable Systems Solution for Solid Waste Patrick Walsh, Area Asset Manager, and Chris Spence, Facility Manager Covanta Waste-to-energy (WTE) is the conversion of non-recyclable waste to electricity. It has been touted as both good and bad for the environment – good for decreasing waste levels and bad for the creation of pollutants in the incineration process. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, WTE has grown from one plant in 1982 to 11 facilities in 2022, giving Florida one of the highest levels of WTE processing nationwide. Last year, Florida Senate Bill 1764 was passed to encourage more.
Come learn more about WTE from the experts at Covanta and enjoy a luncheon with fellow chemists. We look forward to seeing you all there!
We hope you have had a healthy and productive year so far and are ready for the official start of summer. In this bulletin we would like to bring to your attention an exciting summer social events that our section is organizing. To honor our 50th, 60th and 70th year ACS members and celebrate the 95th anniversary of The ACS Women Chemists Committee, the ACS Orlando Local Section is organizing a Summer Social Event
on Saturday, June 25th, 2022 (stating at 11:30 AM) at the Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant 529 N Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32828
Apart from socializing, the award ceremony to recognize our senior members, we are very pleased to announce that Dr. Christina Drake of Kismet Technologies will give a short talk about the bacterial and viral transmissions in hospitals, a topic that is so important in the current COVID era.
Also, this time the ACS Orlando section will subsidize part of the meal cost, so our members will have to pay only $25 out-of-pocket for a three-course meal. The location can accommodate only 42 people, so early registration is highly encouraged. Please follow the link below to register for the event. The registration deadline is June 15th.
Please don’t forget to subscribe to our community page, follow our facebook page, and check out our website for updated news, and activities of our local section.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Best wishes,| Dr. Denisia Popolan-Vaida Chair of ACS Orlando Section On behalf of the ACS Orlando Local Section executive committee
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