The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to participate in our upcoming National Chemistry Week (NCW) Outreach Event at the Orlando Science Center on Saturday, October 17!
Join us for a fun and engaging day of hands-on science activities as we bring chemistry to life and inspire curiosity and excitement about science in our community.
Volunteers are needed to:
Lead or assist with hands-on chemistry activities and demonstrations
Help participants explore the chemistry and science of construction
Explain scientific concepts in a fun, engaging, and accessible way
Assist with event setup and cleanup
Welcome and interact with visitors throughout the event
Important: All adult volunteers must complete the ACS-required background check prior to participating in the event, in accordance with the ACS Youth Protection Policy.
For questions or additional information, please contact the event coordinator, Dr. Denisia Popolan-Vaida, at denisia.popolan-vaida@ucf.edu.
We greatly appreciate your willingness to volunteer and help make this National Chemistry Week event a success. We look forward to seeing you at the Orlando Science Center!
The Young Chemists Committee (YCC) of the ACS Orlando Section is being revamped and returning to the Orlando area. Our goal is to bring together young chemists from universities and organizations throughout the greater Orlando area and create opportunities to connect, learn, and build community.
Our vision is twofold: first, to develop outreach events that introduce young students to the excitement and power of chemistry; and second, to organize events that connect undergraduate students, graduate students, and industry professionals.
Julian Vlad, a third-year PhD candidate at the Florida Institute of Technology, serves as Chair of the YCC. If you have questions, are interested in getting involved, or would like to collaborate with the committee, please reach out to Julian at his email.
The Orlando Section of the ACS is seeking individuals interested in joining our 2027 Executive Board. We have four positions up for election: Chair Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Councilor. A description of each position is included below. Please contact the nomination committee chair, Pavithra Pathirathna (ppathirathna@fit.edu), with any additional questions.
To make a nomination, complete the nomination form or email nomination information (name of nominee, contact information, and nominated position) to Pavithra Pathirathna (ppathirathna@fit.edu). All nominations must be submitted by November 1st, 2026. Voting will open on November 8th, instructions for voting by electronic ballot will be sent before the voting period opens.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Chair Elect (one-year term; three-year term total). The main responsibilities are:
To vote/participate in executive board decisions
Serve as chair for meetings which the Chair cannot attend
Succeed to office of Chair for the next year
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 executive board 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 executive board 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
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.
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!
April Event:Central Florida Earth Day at Lake Eola Park, Orlando, FL
The Orlando Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) will be participating in the 21st annual Central Florida Earth Day event at Lake Eola Park (east side), 512 E. Washington Street Orlando, FL on Saturday April 25th, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The ACS-Orlando booth has been assigned Site #4 in the vendor area located on the international bridge. Please refer to the map below for guidance:
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