November Issue
November arrives with crisp air and a renewed sense of purpose—a time to celebrate our recent achievements, honor excellence, and gear up for the close of a remarkable year. Our Section continues to shine as a hub of innovation, mentorship, and community engagement.
October was a banner month, brimming with events that empowered the next generation and advanced our shared mission. A standout was the PAGES™ (Philadelphia Area Girls Exploring Science) Fall Mini-Conference, recently rebranded to emphasize discovery and curiosity in STEM. Held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Villanova University under the theme “PAGES™ 2025: Celebrating Chemistry, Curiosity, and Community,” this inspiring outreach initiative engaged sixth-grade girls in hands-on chemistry experiments that sparked excitement and creativity. The event was a resounding success, filled with high-energy labs and empowering interactions that left participants buzzing with inspiration for future years. Hosted by the Philly ACS Women’s Chemists Committee, this year’s conference was led by co-chairs Brisa Hurlocker and Jessica Myers, with Gwenny Go serving as PAGES™ co-director. Their vision brought together an incredible team, including Hannah Parsons for planning and day-of coordination, Ayesha Tayal for social media and on-site support, Evan Schwarzmann for event assistance, and Matthew Budiman for photography. We also extend deep gratitude to our keynote speaker, Corin (Cori) Dorfmeier, seventeen dedicated experiment leaders, and sponsors including Merck, AlphaProTech, Ansell, Thermo Fisher Scientific in addition to our Section. Please check out more photos and information at the LinkedIn repost. On the same day, October 4, we hosted a fun and informative chemistry networking event for undergraduate students at the Science History Museum, where attendees met chemists, gained resume tips, explored career paths, and connected with peers—furthering our commitment to nurturing emerging talent. Big thank you to Prof. James Murray, Jr. and Prof. Michael Castaldi for your dedication on coaching undergraduates regarding their career and professional developments.
The pinnacle of the month was the 2025 Philadelphia Section Award Ceremony honoring Dr. Spiridoula Matsika, Professor of Chemistry at Temple University. Dr. Matsika has transformed our understanding of molecular photochemistry through her pioneering work on conical intersections and DNA photoprotection, revealing how nature safely dissipates energy to prevent damage. With over 150 publications, an NSF CAREER Award, and leadership of Temple’s NIH MARC program for underrepresented students, she exemplifies scientific excellence and mentorship. Her seminar, “Exploring Excited States and Inspiring Students,” reflected her journey as a theoretical chemist and her passion for education, drawing a full house and a mini reunion of people from her group over the years. The reception and seminar were free and open to the public. A heartfelt thank you to Chair-Elect Andrew Devaney, Past Chair Matt Irwin, and Prof. Ann Valentine at Temple University for orchestrating this memorable evening.
Also in October, the Career Consulting Network (CCN) delivered a forward-looking virtual session: “A Consultant’s Guide to Generative AI for Chemistry” by Dr. Fan Li. This timely presentation explored how AI tools are transforming R&D workflows and sparked lively discussion. Dr. Qiong Yuan’s webinar on “Learning from Nature and Collective Wisdom for a Brighter Future” further showcased our leadership in the Natural Polymers Convergent Chemists Community (CCC), highlighting sustainable materials innovation and industry applications.
Mark your calendars for November 19: Our Section is proud to co-sponsor the 2025 Ullyot Public Affairs Lecture and Award at the Science History Institute, honoring Nobel laureate Sir David W.C. MacMillan (Princeton University). Sir David—co-recipient of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for asymmetric organocatalysis and knighted in 2022—will deliver the Liberty Bowl presentation “The Path to Invention and Discovery in Catalysis” (6:00–7:00 PM), followed by a reception (7:00–8:00 PM). This in-person event celebrates the profound societal impact of catalysis and offers a rare glimpse into the life of a Nobel winner. Free, but register soon at science-history.org/ullyot. Co-sponsored by ACS Philadelphia and Delaware Sections, UPenn Chemistry, and others.
December will feature our annual holiday social and volunteer recognition. Stay tuned for details! As we reflect on a year of growth, impact, and connection, let’s carry this momentum into 2026—continuing to innovate, mentor, and celebrate the chemistry that binds us.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
October Issue
October brings a vibrant autumn energy—a season to reflect on our recent successes, deepen collaborations, and propel our strategic initiatives forward. Building on the reenergized spirit from September, our chemical community continues to thrive by creating opportunities to promote talent recognition and development through technical and professional forums and networking events for all members in the Philadelphia area.
One of the standout highlights from last month was the resounding success of our YCC Fall Poster Symposium on Friday, September 26 LinkedIn post. Over 93 undergraduates and graduate students attended and 54 showcased their cutting-edge research during a vibrant poster session from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, sparking lively discussions and peer inspiration. The event kicked off from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM with two exceptional speakers: Dr. Wenxuan Li, Senior Scientist at Merck & Co. and recent recipient of the ACS “Outstanding Leadership in Mentoring” recognition, and Mr. Vere O. Archibald, Site Leader at DuPont’s Experimental Station. Their insightful talks on career journeys and professional experiences captivated attendees, providing invaluable guidance for emerging chemists. We were thrilled to recognize three outstanding poster award winners— Kristin Osika, Marie Nikolov and Kimberly Liu. Our heartfelt thanks go to the volunteer mentors who provided one-on-one career consulting, enriching the experience for attendees. The event concluded with a celebration of the award winners and volunteers, underscoring the strength of our community. Special appreciation goes to our YCC co-chairs, Dr. Kunyu Wang and Dr. Andres Vazquez-Kopez, along with our partners from the Philadelphia Chemical Innovation Council (PCIC) and the Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) YCC https://www.cacshq.org/, for orchestrating this dynamic platform. Events like this bridge academia and industry, and the enthusiastic feedback on the networking and mentorship opportunities continues to resonate.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue the legacy of Dr. Kathleen Thrush Shaginaw through the PAGES™ (Philadelphia Area Girls Enjoying Science) Fall Mini-Conference, led by Drs. Jessica Meyers and Gwenny Go. This inspiring event, scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Villanova University, will engage sixth-grade girls in hands-on science activities guided by inspiring role models, furthering Dr. Shaginaw’s mission to empower women and girls in science.
On the same day, October 4, we will host a fun and informative chemistry networking event for undergraduate students at the Science History Museum. This event offers a unique opportunity to meet chemists, gain resume tips, explore career paths, and connect with peers, fostering the next generation of chemical professionals.
On October 23, we will celebrate the 2025 ACS Philadelphia Section Award, honoring Dr. Spiridoula Matsika, Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Temple University’s Science Education and Research Center. Dr. Matsika’s contributions to the chemical sciences are a testament to the excellence within our Section, and we look forward to recognizing her achievements.
As we embrace October’s opportunities, let’s channel our collective passion to innovate, advance chemical sciences and technologies, mentor, and recognize others in our daily work and professional activities. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
September Issue
September marks a fresh start—a time to embrace learning, exploration, and strategic planning for the year ahead. After a rejuvenating summer break, we are reenergized and eager to build on the vibrant momentum of our chemical community.
This past June, we hosted the highly successful CCN Summer Social Event (also see LinkedIn post), a lively gathering that united members from across our Section to network, share ideas, and celebrate our shared passion for chemistry. Attendees enjoyed engaging discussions, delightful refreshments, and an inspiring atmosphere that fostered new connections and strengthened existing ones. This event showcased the collaborative spirit of the Philadelphia Section and set an enthusiastic tone for our summer activities.
A highlight of the evening was our heartfelt celebration of our 50-, 60- and 70-year members (link to more Event Photos). These remarkable individuals have shaped the field of chemistry through decades of dedication, serving as mentors, innovators, and leaders. During the ceremony, we honored their enduring contributions with tributes and presented special awards recognizing their lifelong commitment to advancing the chemical sciences. Their legacy continues to inspire our community, and we were privileged to celebrate their milestones alongside so many colleagues and friends.
We also take this moment to offer our heartfelt appreciation for the life and legacy of Dr. Kathleen Thrush Shaginaw, a cherished member of our community who passed away recently. Kathy was a champion of encouraging women and girls in science for over 30 years, leaving an indelible mark through her establishment of the Expand Your Horizons program in 1994, later renamed PAGES™ (Philadelphia Area Girls Enjoying Science). Her dedication to empowering the next. generation of scientists was matched by her exemplary service to the ACS, both in national governance roles and in various capacities within our section. We are deeply saddened by her loss and are committed to honoring her impactful contributions. We welcome suggestions from our members on how to memorialize Kathy’s legacy in meaningful ways.
In August, many of our members, including myself, attended the ACS Fall National Meeting in Washington, DC, a remarkable week of scientific exchange and collaboration. Our Section was thrilled to be a finalist for two ChemLuminary Awards: “Outstanding Engagement with K-8 Students” and “Outstanding Performance by a Local Section Very Large Size Category.” We are proud to have won the “Outstanding Engagement with K-8 Students” award, with recognition during the ACS Board Open Session and ChemLuminary Award Ceremony on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Additionally, I was honored to present the development progress of the Transformative Natural Polymers Convergent Chemists Community (CCC) at the DAC committee meeting, highlighting the impactful work our Section has been leading through our monthly webinar series. This series has driven robust discussions and established our Section as a leader in innovative polymer research.
Over the summer, our Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) welcomed new co-chairs, Dr. Kunyu Wang and Dr. Andres Vazquez-Kopez, who have taken on leadership with enthusiasm. They have been collaborating with the Philadelphia Chemical Innovation Council (PCIC) and the Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) YCC to organize the YCC Fall Poster Symposium. This exciting event will provide a dynamic platform for attendees to explore careers and cutting-edge chemistry research through invited talks by senior professionals, including Dr. Vere Archibald, adistinguished Site Leader at DuPont’s Experimental Station, and Prof. Shu Yang, the Joseph Bordogna Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Prof. Yang is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, American Physical Society, National Academy of Inventors, and Materials Research Society. Participants will also have opportunities to engage in one-on-one career workshops, network with peers, and connect with industry mentors. We warmly invite both students and young industrial professionals to join us. Please check the flyer in this issue for more details and save the date!
As we dive into this new season, let’s carry forward the energy from our summer events, the national meeting, and the recognition of our award-winning members to learn, collaborate, and shape the future of our section. Looking ahead, please note that the abstract submission deadline for the 2026 ACS Spring National Meeting is March 22-26, 2026. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
June Issue
May was a month of reflection, resilience, and recommitment. The economic uncertainty we continue to face reminds us that career transitions—whether expected or sudden—can be a defining chapter in one’s professional journey. I, too, am navigating a career transition this month. It has deepened my appreciation for the resources and community that ACS provides and heightened my empathy for those who are facing this challenge under more difficult circumstances.
Throughout its history, ACS has been a steadfast partner in professional development and career mobility. It is not only our technical programming and career services that support our members—it is also the strength of our local networks, mentors, and volunteers who offer guidance and encouragement at every turn.
This moment has also prompted broader questions for me: How can a volunteer-based organization evolve to meet the needs of members in an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable professional landscape? I believe we can start by listening better, working smarter across committees, and inviting new voices to shape our initiatives.
One of this year’s core priorities has been to modernize our Section’s by-laws, which serve as the foundation for how we operate and grow. I’d like to extend sincere thanks to Matt Irwin, our past Chair, for leading the by-law update process with diligence and vision. The subcommittee’s progress will help ensure our governance remains aligned with best practices and is flexible for
future innovation.
MARM 2025 was held the last week of May. I hosted the oral symposium, Transformative Natural Polymers for Personal Care Application: Preparation, Characterization, Performance, and Biodegradation on May 30th. Although the attendance was low, it was a great trip to NJ to connect with ACS Natural Polymers CCC team and ACS GCI colleagues, which have been the key collaborators for our monthly webinar series.
Although this issue of the Catalyst comes a bit later than usual, I appreciate your continued support and understanding and ask that you follow our LinkedIn page for timely updates of events. It’s been a busy and meaningful May for the planning of June events.
We were also pleased to host an inspiring ACS-NP-CCC Transformative Natural Polymers Webinar on June 5th, featuring Prof. Eleftheria Roumeli of the University of Washington. Her talk, An Integrated Biopolymer Framework for Sustainable Materials, offered an in-depth look at seaweed-derived adhesives and algal biomatter plastics. Her team’s integrated experimental–computational approach offered not only elegant science but actionable insight for the future of sustainable materials.
The 37th Annual Symposium hosted by the Chinese American Chemical Society East Chapter, was held on June 7th, and explored the theme Embracing a Changing Landscape: AI, Supply Chains, and Regulatory Shifts in Chemistry and Medicine. Many of our local section members, including myself, participated in this very successful event in person.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to our Chemical Consultants Network (CCN) topical group, led by Youwen Zu, for organizing the highly engaging Summer Social: All About Chemical Consulting on June 11. Sponsored by CCN, ACS Philadelphia, ACS Delaware, and CEPA, the event brought together professionals exploring new directions in their careers. Highlights included a primer on consulting fundamentals, an energizing talk by Marc Kramer of the Angel Venture Fair on building a financially empowered consulting practice, and a dynamic panel discussion with questions from both in-person and virtual participants. Attendees also benefited from resume reviews, business info exchange, and personal webpage setup support. I’m especially grateful to our Communications Committee, who amplified this event through a well-timed email campaign that boosted engagement.
Meanwhile, the 2025 ACS Philadelphia Luncheon Honoring 50- 60- and 70- year members event has been planned for June 17th, recognizing our dedicated senior members. Prof. Ray Leary will tell a short story connecting his travels and his position at the Montgomery County Community College. Prof. David R. Dalton will talk about The Chemistry of Wine. We welcome all members
join us to enjoy and show our appreciation of our senior members.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our programming into July. On Thursday, July 10 at 2:00 PM ET, the ACS-NP-CCC Webinar Series will feature Dr. Raj Krishnaswamy, Vice President of Polymers R&D and New Business Development at CJ Biomaterials. His talk, The Value Proposition of PHA-based Products to Manage Plastics Debris in Our Ecosystems, will explore the role of biodegradable PHB copolymers in reducing marine plastic pollution and advancing circular materials. With case studies and lifecycle insights, this session will highlight how natural polymers can help close the loop on plastic waste.
We also look forward to a summer event to be hosted by our Younger Chemists Committee (YCC), designed to foster networking and career development for early-career professionals. Stay tuned to our LinkedIn page and email updates for details as they’re finalized.
Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our successes, and tackle challenges with unity. I encourage you to lend your voice, get involved, and help strengthen the fabric of our chemical community.
May Issue
April was a vibrant month for our Section, filled with events that celebrated excellence, fostered inclusivity, and advanced scientific discourse. Our strength lies in our ability to support one another through both achievements and challenges, driving the field forward together. As we navigate challenges facing our chemical community, I’m excited to share highlights and our efforts to support our members.
Our Teaching and Scholastic Achievement Awards 2025 ceremony was a highlight, recognizing outstanding contributions to chemical education and scholarship. The Scholastic Achievement Award, presented annually to top-ranking seniors majoring in chemistry or chemical engineering at ACS-approved departments or Student Affiliate Chapters in our region, honored exceptional students for their academic excellence. The Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in Chemical Science celebrated an educator who inspires and innovates in undergraduate education. This year’s winner is Dr. Jeff Ashley of Thomas Jefferson University, recognized for his dedication to fostering scientific curiosity and advancing chemistry education.
Additionally, two K-12 teaching awards recognized outstanding educators for their dedication to inspiring young learners:
- Chantelle Smith, Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School (K-8)
- Amy S. Alvarez, Conestoga High School (9-12)
Their commitment to excellence in science education is shaping the next generation of chemists, and we applaud their remarkable contributions.
A special highlight of the evening was Tyraine D. Ragsdale of Grand Hank, who shared his journey from being a research chemist at Johnson & Johnson to becoming a STEM educator and advocate. He spoke passionately about the Grand Hank STEM Center for Inner City Youth, located near La Salle University, and his mission to expand access to science education through initiatives like the Grand Hank STEM Road Show Tour. His message reinforced the importance of representation, perseverance, and mentorship in shaping the future of STEM. Congratulations to our 2025 recipients for their remarkable achievements!
The ACS Natural Polymer Convergent Chemist Community (ACS-NP-CCC) Webinar Series continues to provide a platform for cutting-edge scientific discussions. In the April ACS-NP-CCC meeting, more than 20 members joined the session featuring Kinjal Joshi, Research Scientist, Product Development, Personal Care R&D at The Dow Chemical Company. Her presentation on natural hair fixatives as an alternative to PVP replacement showcased the groundbreaking MaizeCare™ Clarity Polymer, a biodegradable hair fixative recognized with R&D 100 and BIG Sustainability Awards. The webinar sparked an engaging conversation, including a dynamic Q&A session, where attendees explored formulation design, sustainability challenges, and commercialization strategies for greener solutions in personal care.
Looking ahead, our NP-CCC May Webinar featured Prof. Eleftheria Roumeli from the University of Washington. Her talk, An Integrated Biopolymer Framework for Sustainable Materials: From Seaweed-Derived Adhesives to Algal Biomatter Plastics, highlighted groundbreaking approaches to sustainable materials, reinforcing our commitment to green chemistry and sustainability.
The Minority Committee’s “Meet and Eat” event, chaired by Greglynn Walton-Gibbs, provided a valuable forum for career discussions and resume reviews, helping members navigate transitions in the field. A particularly meaningful conversation emerged around developing non-profit organizations to support homeless communities, with Louis Taylor leading a brainstorming session to explore impactful solutions. This exchange highlighted the importance of leveraging chemistry and community engagement to create lasting change.
To further support career development, we are collaborating with the Chemical Consultants Network (CCN) to provide guidance and networking opportunities for chemists seeking new directions in their careers. CCN, supported by the ACS and AIChE, connects professionals with consulting resources, career development support, and technical expertise. Our partnerships with CCN, our Section’s Career Services Committee, and the ACS Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs (CEPA) will deliver a networking event in June to empower chemists in a dynamic job market.
Meanwhile, the 50-, 60- and 70-year Appreciation event to recognize our senior members will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Members are also invited to attend the 37th Annual Symposium-2025 by the Chinese American Chemical Society East Chapter on June 7th focusing on the theme Embracing a Changing Landscape: AI, Supply Chains, and Regulatory Shifts in Chemistry and Medicine.
Additionally, we look forward to MARM 2025, taking place in May, where ACS members from across the region will gather to exchange ideas, present research, and explore innovations in chemistry. This meeting remains a cornerstone event for collaboration and scientific advancement in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our successes, and tackle challenges with unity. I encourage you to engage with our efforts, share your insights, and collaborate with us in building a stronger, more connected chemical community.
Thank you for your engagement with the Philadelphia ACS. Please share your ideas or concerns—I’m here to serve our community.
April Issue
Dear Members of the Philadelphia Local Section of the American Chemical Society, spring is a season of renewal and growth, and our community continues to flourish with exciting developments and outstanding achievements!
To begin, I am thrilled to announce the new co-leads of our Women Chemists Committee (WCC), Brisa Hurlocker and Jessica Myers, both from Villanova University. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly propel our initiatives forward. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Kathleen A. Thrush Shaginaw for her remarkable dedication and long-standing service to the WCC. Thank you, Kathy, for your invaluable contributions over the years.
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the March Chemical Consultants Network meeting, where Jeff Lince delivered an engaging presentation on Lubrication in Space. The talk explored the challenges of lubricating bearings and gears in the vacuum of space, where conventional oils and greases fail due to evaporation and contamination risks. Jeff highlighted innovative solutions, including liquid lubricants designed for extreme conditions and solid lubricants formulated into composites and coatings. The lessons learned from spacecraft lubrication were not only fascinating, but also provided valuable insights for vacuum systems with their own unique challenges.
We are also excited to kick off the ACS Convergent Chemistry Community (CCC) on Transformative Natural Polymers (ACS-NP-CCC) Webinar Series. The inaugural talk featured Dr. Jun Wang, Director of Global Packaging Innovation at Colgate-Palmolive and Co-founder and Co-chair of the Natural Polymer Consortium (NPC). Dr. Wang shared an industrial perspective on the plastic waste pollution problem, discussing current solutions and their limitations, as well as misconceptions in the field. He introduced natural polymers as a complementary approach to address plastic waste challenges. More information is available at ACS-NP-CCC.org, where the recording will also be uploaded for member review.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled for the next webinar in the series, taking place on April 3, featuring Dr. Edmond Lam, Assistant Director of the Green Chemistry Institute at the American Chemical Society. Dr. Lam will present on Carboxylated Nanopolysaccharides for Sustainable Material Design and Application. This event offers an excellent opportunity to explore sustainable material design and interact with the speaker. It will be presented online via Zoom, click here to register.
March has also been a busy month for recognizing the exceptional achievements of our members. We submitted two nomination packages for the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting Awards, showcasing the exceptional talent within our Section. Additionally, we look forward to the upcoming Awards Ceremony, where we will honor excellence in Student Scholastic Achievement, Pre-College Teaching, and Undergraduate Teaching.
Finally, I hope many of you had the opportunity to attend the ACS Spring Meeting, where our members once again showcased their expertise and engaged in stimulating discussions that advance the frontiers of chemistry.
Thank you for your continued commitment to our vibrant community. Together, we inspire and
support each other to achieve new heights in our shared passion for chemistry.
March Issue
As we step into March, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the events and initiatives we have planned. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of our journey so far and to those who continue to support our mission.
Despite the challenging weather conditions of snow and freezing rain, our Lunar New Year event with the East Chapter of the Chinese American Chemical Society (e-CACS) in February was a resounding success, with about 100 chemists attending the celebration. The Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) is a non-political and non-profit professional organization. The purpose of CACS is to encourage the advancement of chemistry and chemical engineering sciences and technologies in all branches, to improve career and professional opportunities of its members, to facilitate networking contacts, and to promote mutually beneficial interactions with other scientific communities. CACS is the only Chinese American professional organization that is officially recognized by both the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). CACS fulfills its mission through major events in conjunction with ACS and AIChE national meetings organized by the National CACS, and through a wide range of activities that are organized by the local chapters. The February Lunar New Year event highlighted the strong partnership between CACS and ACS. I had the honor of introducing the ACS Philadelphia Section during the event. The e-CACS leaders summarized the 2024 CACS East Chapter events and recognized the national awards and student award winners. The celebration was followed by performances from local chemists and their family members, making it a memorable occasion for all.
The Edgar Fahs Smith lecture has a long history as a joint event of the ACS Philadelphia Section and with University of Pennsylvania in March. However, the event was moved to September last year. Instead of the traditional Edgar Fahs Smith Lecture event for March, we get an opportunity to start a new initiative.
Starting this March, we have planned an exciting new webinar series with ACS’s newly supported Convenient Chemist Community (CCC) on Transformative Natural Polymers for the 21st Century Materials (more information about this and other CCC events can be found at its website at https://acs-np-ccc.org/). This ACS CCC is a platform designed to unite ACS Divisions and members, fostering collaboration to drive innovations on natural polymers to develop new materials for the 21st century, which are functional, sustainable, environment-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable. Dr. Jun Wang, a member of our Local Section and Director of Global Packaging, Packaging Innovation at Colgate Palmolive Company, will share his insights on the perspective of natural polymers as an alternative measure to address plastic pollution. This promises to be an enlightening session, and I encourage all of you to join us online through our March 6th Eventbrite event at https://PhillyACS2025March.eventbrite.com
Together, we are fostering a vibrant community of chemists, educators, students, and enthusiasts united by a passion for the power of chemistry. Thank you for your continued support and participation. As always, please reach out with any suggestions, ideas for programming, or questions about getting involved in our work. I look forward to seeing you at our events.
February Issue
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our previous chairs, committee chairs, members, and Board directors for their dedication and the rich activities they have arranged for our section.
January 2025 has been an eventful month both in the US and globally. The American Chemical Society (ACS) announced its new Strategic Plan 2025-2029 on January 1st. This plan captures the dynamic nature of the organization by focusing on supporting a global community. Approved by the ACS Board of Directors in December 2024, the new strategic plan is guided by a commitment to improve lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Its vision of a world built on science, and its mission to advance scientific knowledge, empower a global community, champion scientific integrity, and further define the path forward for the organization. The four core values of ACS are Passion for Science, Inclusion and Belonging, Lifelong Learning, and Sustainability. The four strategic goals are to Elevate the Reputation of Science, Empower Scientists, Enhance Community Engagement, and Deliver Innovative Solutions.
Our Section kicked off 2025 with the “Meet our Committees” event at the Workhorse Brewery in King of Prussia with 30 people attending, despite the cold weather following a winter storm. It was a pleasure to meet committee chairs, especially those meeting in person for the first time. Many great ideas were shared on how to better serve our members and plan new events. Additionally, we welcomed new volunteers to our committees to support the ACS Philly Section.
Another highlight in January was the Retirement Workshop led by former ACS President Bill Carroll. Organized by our Career Service Committee, this workshop was designed for those planning the next phase of their lives. The workshop emphasized reflecting on our core values and strengths and planning to pursue our dreams, whether it be a dream retirement or a dream career through a strategic plan approach.
January 29th marked the Lunar New Year. As a Chinese American, I extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate it. I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and prosperous year ahead. We invite everyone to join our New Year Party on February 8th co-hosted with the East Chapter of the Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS), which has an official partnership with ACS. Details can be found in the January issue of the Catalyst.
Looking ahead to February, we have several calls for award nominations. Please help us recognize our outstanding teachers and volunteers by nominating them for the corresponding ACS Philly and/or Middle Atlantic Region Meeting awards. Putting together a nomination package takes time and effort, and I want to thank our nominators in advance.
In March, we will have our first new technical seminars/webinars jointly with the ACS Convergent Chemistry Community (CCC) on Transformative Natural Polymers for the 21st century materials. This platform will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and community building. The CCC was established in Q4 2024 through a collaboration of five ACS technical divisions (POLY, PMSE, AGFD, ENVR, and CARB) and the ACS Green Chemistry Institute (GCI). On March 6th, we will introduce the CCC, and Dr. Jun Wang, the Co-chair of the CCC and the ACS GCI Natural Polymers Consortium, will present the Perspective of Natural Polymers as An Alternative Measure to Address Plastic Pollution.
The ACS Spring National Meeting will be held from March 23-27 in San Diego this year. Some of us will attend the National Meeting in person or virtually, and registration is now open. The abstract submission for the Fall National Meeting (Washington, DC) has been open since January 8th and closes on March 31st A Natural Polymer CCC-related symposium, “Innovations in Natural Polymer Science for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security,” can be found under POLY and AGFD’s programs.
Lastly, we are eager to hear from you. Please reach out to us through email or LinkedIn with your suggestions and questions.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our section. I look forward to a successful and inspiring year ahead.
January Issue
Happy New Year! As I step into the role of Chair for the Philadelphia Local Section of the American Chemical Society in 2025, I want to express my gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity to serve this distinguished community. It is with a deep appreciation for the exemplary leaders, board members, and officers who have come before me that I undertake this responsibility. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Matt Irwin, Graham Dobereiner, Ivona Sasimovich Macor, and Christie McInnis, whose contributions as past chairs have been a source of inspiration to me.
Reflecting on the past year, our Section has navigated several challenging years with resilience and dedication. The event programming in 2024 saw significant growth, building on the successes of 2023. Our calendar was filled with both historically established key events and new initiatives. We hosted the Teaching and Student Scholastic Achievement Awards event at the beautiful Grey Tower Castle of Acadia University and the Edgar Fahs Smith Lecture with University of Penn. The Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) Poster Session, the 50-, 60- and 70-year Appreciation event to recognize our senior members, the highly valued Philadelphia Section award honoring Professor Ron M. Levy, and the Ullyot award event with the Science History Institute were all highlights of the year.
In addition to these traditional events, we introduced several new initiatives that enriched our community. The “Meet our Committees and Topical Groups” event at the beginning of the year provided a platform for members to engage with various committees and groups. The “Lunar New Year Banquet” joint event with CACS East Chapter, the “Quaker Houghton Site Tour” by YCC, and the “Science History Institute Museum Tour for Undergraduate Students” events followed by career discussions with our ACS career consultants were all well-received. Our special “125th Anniversary Gala” was a memorable celebration of our Section’s longstanding history and achievements.
Looking ahead to 2025, my goal as chair is to continue creating opportunities to promote talent recognition and development through technical and professional forums and networking events for all members in the Philadelphia area. I believe that fostering a vibrant and engaged community is essential for our collective success.
I would like to extend a personal invitation to each of you to participate in our local events. Your participation in future events will help us contribute to our Section’s mission. I am confident that by working together, we can make significant strides in fostering a dynamic and progressive community. Whether you attend events, volunteer, or share ideas, every contribution shapes our Section’s future.
In 2025, we plan to enhance our programming with a variety of innovative events. We will expand our career development activities. We are also shaping up new technical seminars/webinars jointly with ACS Convergent Chemistry Community (CCC) on Transformative Natural Polymers for the 21st century materials, which will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and community building. Additionally, we will introduce more social events to strengthen the bonds within our community and with our brother professional societies and organizations in the local area to create a supportive network for all members. A joint Lunar New Year celebration event has been scheduled with East Chapter of Chinese American Chemical Society.
As we embark on this exciting journey, I encourage you to share your suggestions, event ideas, or questions about getting involved. Your input is invaluable in shaping the direction of our Section. I eagerly anticipate meeting many of you at our upcoming events and collaborating towards a fruitful 2025. Please check out our website often and follow our LinkedIn posts for details about our coming events.
In conclusion, I want to reiterate my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Philadelphia Local Section of the American Chemical Society. I am deeply committed to advancing our mission and supporting our members. Together, we can achieve great things and make a lasting impact on the field of chemistry.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our Section. I look forward to a successful and inspiring year ahead.
Sincerely,
Wei Gao
Chair, Philadelphia Local Section
American Chemical Society
PhillyACS 