February Issue
The Section recently hosted its “Meet Our Committees” event, bringing together members from across the region for an engaging and
welcoming evening. The event saw a strong turnout, with representation from students, early-career chemists, and long-standing members alike.
The discussion was lively and productive, giving attendees the opportunity to learn more about the Section’s committees, ongoing initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. Committee leaders shared insights into their missions and goals for the year, while participants asked thoughtful questions and exchanged ideas on how to further strengthen engagement across the Section. We were especially pleased to welcome new faces, many of whom expressed interest in becoming more involved with committee activities in the coming months.
Events like this highlight the collaborative spirit of the Philadelphia Section and reinforce our commitment to building an inclusive, connected, and active chemical community.
As we move forward, there are several upcoming events that members can look forward to. One of the Philadelphia Section’s most distinguished traditions, the Edgar Fahs Smith Lecture will once again feature an outstanding speaker whose work has made a significant impact on the chemical sciences.
The local Chemistry Olympiad exams are an exciting opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of chemists. The Education and Outreach Committee plays a critical role in making this program a success, and we look forward to another strong year of student participation and achievement.
The ACS Philadelphia Section remains committed to fostering scientific engagement, professional growth, and community involvement. We thank all who participated in the Meet Our Committees event and look forward to continued momentum through these upcoming programs.
January Issue
Happy New Year! I am pleased to begin this year and to build upon the momentum and successes achieved in 2025. Last year, our committees were led with renewed energy and leadership. The Women Chemists Committee has reinvigorated the Philadelphia Area Girls Exploring Science (PAGES™) program under the leadership of Dr. Brisa Hurlocker, Dr. Jessica Myers, and Ms. Gwenny Go. In parallel, the Younger Chemists Committee embarked on an exciting new chapter under the leadership of Drs. Andres Vazquez-Lopez and Kunyu Wang, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to support early-career chemists.
I am grateful to work alongside the Executive Committee of Dr. Matt Irwin, Dr. Wei Gao, Mrs. Ivona Macor, and Ms. Greglynn Gibbs as we continue to strengthen our committees and advance the mission of the Section. Together, we aim to sustain our signature events while also introducing new initiatives.
As we move forward, we also pause to remember members we have lost, including Marge Matthews, a devoted member and a cornerstone of the Communications Committee. While we mourn her passing, we honor her legacy by continuing the work of the Section with the same dedication, care, and commitment she exemplified.
Looking ahead to 2026, my goal is to further strengthen member engagement by empowering our committees, listening closely to the interests and needs of our membership, and expanding outreach efforts that positively impact the scientific community throughout Philadelphia.
Sincerely,
Andrew Devany
Chair, Philadelphia Local Section
American Chemical Society
