April Issue
Spring is in the air, and with it comes a wonderful reminder of just how much our Section accomplishes when our community comes together. I am proud to share a few recent highlights and to look ahead at what promises to be an exciting season of programming.
Our 2nd Saturday Speaker Series continued to deliver engaging programming this past month, welcoming Ashley Carter, a Histologist at Roche, as our featured speaker. Ashley offered a fascinating look at the intersection of histology and the chemical sciences in an industrial research setting. Events like these reflect our commitment to connecting members across career stages and professional environments — we are grateful to Ashley for sharing her expertise and time with our community.
One of the most energizing recent events was the Career Catalyst Event, co-hosted by Women in Bio-Philadelphia Metro (WIB) and sponsored by the Philadelphia ACS Section and our Women Chemists Committee. The event was a tremendous success as attendees received personalized resume feedback from ACS Career Consultants, took advantage of professional headshots, and enjoyed the kind of organic, genuine networking that is so valuable and yet so hard to find. Events like this embody what our Section is at its best: purposeful, supportive, and focused on the professional growth of our members. A sincere thank you to everyone who organized, sponsored, and attended.
Our Section showed up strong at the ACS National Meeting in Atlanta, GA. It was wonderful to see so many Philadelphia Section members engaged in the national conversation, representing our Section with distinction. These national gatherings remind us of the broader community we are part of, and our members continue to be among its most active contributors.
As we move into spring, I am excited to share two events you will not want to miss.
Each year, this event is among the most meaningful on our calendar. We will be honoring outstanding students and educators who represent the very best of chemistry in our region. Stay tuned for details on date, location, and how to register. If you know a deserving student or educator, I encourage you to consider putting forward a nomination.
We are proud to support the 89th Intercollegiate Student Chemists Convention (ISCC), hosted this year at Ursinus University. Dedicated to the recognition of undergraduate research in the chemical sciences, the ISCC gives students the opportunity to present their work through judged oral presentations, a meaningful milestone in any young chemist’s career. We look forward to celebrating the next generation of scientists. Please share this opportunity with the undergraduate students and faculty in your networks.
As always, I am grateful for the energy and dedication of our members, volunteers, and committee chairs who make everything we do possible. Our Section thrives because of you.
March Issue
The American Chemical Society Philadelphia Section continues to
strengthen connections across the scientific community through
collaboration, professional programming, and member engagement.
Recent activities highlight growing partnerships, successful events, and strong participation from academic and industry professionals alike.
Chair-Elect Greglynn Gibbs and I met with David Cole, Science History Institute CEO, to explore opportunities for future collaboration. Discussions focused on ways to engage ACS members in the Institute’s free public programming, which takes place regularly throughout each month. Both organizations expressed enthusiasm about connecting audiences and expanding participation in educational and networking events.
In addition, I held a productive conversation with the Chemical Consultants Network centered on strengthening ties between organizations and better serving members working in industry. The discussion emphasized identifying shared goals, fostering community, and developing programming aligned with the interests and needs of industry chemists.
The Section’s First Saturday Speaker Series recently featured Rebecca Aversa, who delivered an engaging talk about her professional journey and experiences in industry. Drawing from her role as Associate Director of Laboratory Operations at Roche, she provided valuable insights into career pathways, leadership, and opportunities for chemists beyond academia. The event was well attended and generated thoughtful discussion among participants at various career stages.
The Lunar New Year celebration was warmly received by attendees and demonstrated the strong sense of community within the local chemical enterprise. The event, co-sponsored by the Delaware Local Section, Chinese American Chemical Society (CACS) East Chapter (e-CACS), and Chinese American Chromatography Association (CACA), welcomed numerous industry professionals, including participants from Dow and DuPont, creating a lively atmosphere of networking, cultural appreciation, and professional connection.
Through partnerships, career-focused programming, and inclusive community events, the ACS Philadelphia Section remains committed to supporting chemists across disciplines and career sectors. These recent successes reflect the Section’s continued momentum in fostering collaboration, engagement, and professional growth throughout the region.
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