A pdf file of the current 2010
Detroit Chemist is available
here.
April Section Meeting
Joseph S. Francisco completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Texas at Austin with honors, and he received his Ph.D. in Chemical Physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1983. Francisco spent 1983-1985 as a Research Fellow at Cambridge University in England, and following that he returned to MIT as a Provost Postdoctoral Fellow. In 1986 he was appointed Assistant Professor at Wayne State University. In 1991 he was a Visiting Associate in Planetary Science at California Institute of Technology. He accepted an appointment as Professor of Chemistry and Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at Purdue University in January, 1995, and in 2006 was appointed as the William E. Moore Distinguished Professor of Earth and Atmospheric Science and Chemistry at Purdue University. He served as President for the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) from 2005-2007. In 2008 he was elected to the Presidential succession of the American Chemical Society. He is serving as President-Elect in 2009, President in 2010, and Immediate Past He has published over 400 peer-reviewed publications in the fields of atmospheric chemistry, chemical kinetics, quantum chemistry, laser photochemistry and spectroscopy. He was appointed by the Secretary of the Navy to be member of the Naval Research Advisory Committee for the Department of Navy (1994-1996). He has served as a member of the Editorial Advisory Boards of Spectrochimica Acta (Part A); Advances in Environmental Research; Journal of Molecular Structure Theochem; and the Journal of Physical Chemistry. He is a co-author of the textbook Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics, published by Prentice-Hall. Professor Francisco has received numerous national and international honors for his academic accomplishments. He was recently awarded an Alexander von Humboldt U.S. Senior Scientist Award by the German government, as well as being appointed a Senior Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Bologna, Italy. He has been appointed to and served on committees for the National Research Council, National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
ACS HONORS 875 50-YEAR MEMBERS IN 2010 In 2010, 875 members will be honored as they celebrate 50 years of membership. In grateful appreciation of the many years of service they have given to the Society, a special ruby pin and a 50-year membership card, which entitles them to free attendance at all ACS meetings, were sent to them in late February. Also, they will be recognized at local section award ceremonies, where they will each be presented with a handsome 50-year membership certificate to mark the occasion. Members who join the ranks of this elite group in 2010 will be listed in an issue of Chemical & Engineering News. For more information about the program, please contact Shinett Boggan at s_boggan@acs.org or 202-776-8291.
BREWING CHEMISTRY And they are also upcoming topics at the monthly Brewing Chemistry lectures series. Short descriptions of each can be found below. These informal talks are designed to make science fun and accessible for all. The lectures take place at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month at: Traffic Jam & Snug,511 West Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201
Located on the corner of Second Avenue just south of Wayne State
University.www.trafficjamdetroit.com
Learn about the science of roasting and brewing coffee. James Cadariu has trained in Italy at Lavazza, Europe's largest coffee roaster, doing espresso cuppings and analyses of coffee sourcing, blending and roasting. With Cimbali, the Italian espresso machine manufacturer, he has trained extensively on the latest superautomatic technology. Having traveled extensively in Europe and the US and being an amateur cook, he has an extensive background in the art and science of making coffee. The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Co. is a Detroit-area artisan roaster focusing on Fair Trade Organic coffees. Samples will be available!!
Mead - often called honey wine - is the world's oldest fermented beverage. It's place in history is well documented in song, myth and legend, but what gives each mead an individual quality has gone largely unstudied. Phillips and her fellow mead makers in the International Mead Association (IMA) have set out to change all that. Phillips is part of the Research Committee of the IMA, working on understanding how the variables integral to making mead affect the outcome of the mead produced. Dr. Philips' mead tastes good too - her habanero pepper mead was judged best of show from among more than 4,700 wines at a competition conducted by WineMaker magazine in Manchester Center, Vt. Join us to learn about the chemistry of mead and sample all that it has to offer.
The Detroit Section of the ACS is turning 100 years old in 2012 and we need your help. We need old pictures and stories about chemistry over the last 100 years. Everybody loves to look at pictures of old glassware and speculate what it was designed to do. If you have or can get historical material pertaining to chemistry in southeastern Michigan, please share it with us. And don't stop there, we also need help to organize and document this information. The Detroit Section will be hosting the Central Regional ACS meeting in 2012 and hope to present a comprehensive history of chemistry in Southeastern Michigan. We invite you to be a part of the event. If you have information to share or would like to join us in our quest to document our chemical history, please contact either Steven Scribner, sscribner@marygrove.eduor Kevin Perry, kevin.l.perry@gm.com.
The Detroit Section of the ACS will award the 2009 Midgley Award to Stanford Ovshinsky, a prolific inventor with over 400 patents, "for his pioneering accomplishments in the development and commercialization of rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles." The awardee will describe his work at the reception in his talk on: "How the Nickel Metal Battery Enabled the Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Industry" One of the transformative changes for making vehicles realistic and safe was the use of batteries eliminating the crank with its history of broken arms. It also started an electrical evolution which became a revolution birthing the new era of electric and hybrid vehicles. Automobiles now combine the twin pillars of our global economy, energy and information. The speaker will describe the invention of the nickel metal hydride battery that enabled the electric and hybrid vehicle industry and will discuss his approach, based on quantum mechanics, utilizing physical chemistry in creating the batteries that propel well over a million automobiles and millions more on the way. These batteries have the potential to eliminate huge amounts of CO2 as an important part of the answer to the terrible problems of climate change, wars over oil, and the de-industrialization of the United States.
Chemists :Thinking about a career change? Looking for a way to make use of all that chemistry? Interested in a rewarding career in an applied science? Consider a new career in occupational and environmental health. A large portion of our graduates came from a chemistry background and have found a rewarding new career in environment, health and safety. The Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences (OEHS) program at WSU offers a Master of Science degree in OEHS, with a specialization in Industrial Hygiene or Industrial Toxicology and graduate certificates in Occupational Safety and in Environmental Health. A post-masters certificate in Industrial Toxicology is also available. Industrial Hygiene is the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental factors that may affect the health, comfort or productivity of the worker or residents. The environmental factors include chemical, physical and biological stressors. Industrial Hygienists work for the government (OSHA, EPA, etc.), industry, unions, insurance companies, institutions (universities, hospitals) and consulting firms. Toxicology is the science that studies the harmful effects of drugs, environmental contaminants, and naturally occurring substances found in food, water, air and soil. Industrial Toxicology is an application of toxicology which protects workers, residents and the environment. Industrial Toxicologists work for the government (OSHA, EPA, FDA, etc.), industry, unions, consulting firms, etc. Classes are offered in late afternoons and evenings to allow for full or part-time studies. Some scholarships are available. To find out more about these personally and financially rewarding occupations and the opportunity to pursue them at WSU, go to http://www.cphs.wayne.edu/oehs/ or (313)577-1551 or call Dr. Ed Kerfoot at (313) 577-1210.
SUMMARY OF GOVERNANCE ACTIONS/REPORTS Nominations and Elections presented to the Council the following nominees for selection as candidates for President-Elect, 2011: Luis A. Echegoyen, John P. Fackler, Jr., and Bassam Z. Shakhashiri. A fourth candidate withdrew on February 3 for personal reasons. At that time, the Committee on Nominations and Elections voted to continue the search for a replacement nominee based on the ranking previously developed by the Committee. Committee action specified that if no replacement nominee was found by March 12, 2010, then the original nominee list and biographical data, without the nominee who withdrew, would be sent to the Council. As no nominee was identified, three nominees were presented. By electronic ballot, the Council selected Luis A. Echegoyen and Bassam Z. Shakhashiri as candidates for 2011 President-Elect. These two candidates, along with any candidates selected via petitions, will stand for election in the Fall National Election. The Committee on Nominations and Elections announced the results of the election to select candidates from the list of nominees to represent District II on the Board of Directors for the term 2011-2013. By mail ballot, the Councilors from these districts selected George M. Bodner and Joseph R. Peterson as District II candidates. Ballots will be mailed on or before October 10 to all members in District II for election of a Director from our District. Candidates for Directors-at-Large The Committee on Nominations and Elections announced the selection of the following candidates for Directors-at-Large for a 2011-2013 term: Janan M. Hayes, Robert L. Lichter, Kathleen M. Schulz, and Kent J. Voorhees. The election of two Directors-at-Large will be conducted in the fall. Ballots will be mailed to the Council on or before October 10.
Petitions
to Amend the Constitution and Bylaws (for
action) The Council VOTED to approve the Petition on Admissions Committee. This petition removes the Admission Committee from the Bylaws and transfers its functions to the Council Committee on Membership Affairs. After considerable debate, a motion to approve the Petition on Candidate Selection by Member Petition FAILED. The Petition on Candidate Selection by Member Petition would have amended the Constitution to emphasize that candidates selected by a petition process from members will have no further screening. The Council also thoroughly debated the merits of the Petition on Election Timelines 2009. The motion to approve this petition FAILED. The Petition on Election Timelines 2009 would have shortened certain national election timelines.
The Board of Directors will vote within 90 days on whether to ratify the
Petition on Admissions Committee.
The Council received three petitions for consideration: The Petition on International Chemical Sciences Chapters, Petition on President-Elect Eligibility, and Petition on Recorded Votes. The Petition on International Chemical Sciences Chapters provides for travel funds for either the Chair or Chair-Elect of International Chemical Sciences Chapters to attend governance meetings at twice the amount allotted for a Councilor. The Petition on President-Elect Eligibility requires that nominees or candidates for President-Elect come from an academic background every other election, and that only those from non-academic backgrounds would be eligible in the alternate years. The Petition on Recorded Votes provides for additional voting methods, e.g., clickers that have been recently used at Council meetings, when conducting recorded votes. Action is expected on these petitions at the fall Council meeting. The Society's Finances The Council and Board of Directors learned that the Society's total 2009 revenue ($460 million) was up +1% from 2008, but fell short of the 2009 approved budget by $19.5 million or 4.1%. Fortunately, the revenue shortfall was fully anticipated in early 2009. Therefore, contingency planning actions and cost containment initiatives were implemented across the Society, resulting in expense savings totaling $22.5 million. Significant reductions were realized in salaries and fringe benefits, and in discretionary accounts such as travel, training, and professional services. As a result, the Society's Net Return from Operations was $13.7 million, or $3.0 million greater than anticipated in the 2009 Approved Budget. Unrestricted Net Assets rebounded in 2009 to approximately $124 million, from a previous $60 million at the end of 2008. The significant increase can be attributed to the favorable operating results, investment gains, and a net reduction in the Society's post-retirement benefit plan liabilities. The Society ended the year in compliance with four of the five Board-established financial guidelines. The Fund Balance Ratio Guideline, which measures the adequacy of the Society's unrestricted net assets, was not met. The financial outlook for 2010 is better, and ACS management expects the Society to meet the 2010 approved budget. 2011 Member Dues The Council VOTED to set the member dues for 2011 at the fully escalated rate of $146. This rate is established pursuant to an inflation-adjustment formula in the ACS Constitution and Bylaws. Local Section Allotment Calculator The Council VOTED to continue for three years the current formula for determining allotments to local sections. Member Statistics At the close of 2009, Society membership totaled 161,783 compared to 154,024 for year-end 2008. The number of new membership applications received last year was the highest ever. The 2009 number also reflects the transition of 6,658 former Student Affiliates to the new student member category in June 2009 and the recruitment of 6,341 new student member undergraduates. Attendance Report As of March 24, 2010, the ACS spring national meeting had attracted 18,076 registrants as follows: Regular attendees, 9,715; Students, 5,705; Exhibitors, 1,219; Exposition only, 923; and Guests, 514.
ACTIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board received reports from its Executive Committee, Committee on Grants and Awards (G&A), and Committee on Planning. The Executive Committee closely examined its role and that of the Planning Committee, and concluded that both committees add value and are important to the overall work of the Board of Directors. The Committee on Grants and Awards presented the Board with a screened list of nominees for the 2011 Priestley Medal, the Volunteer Service Award, and the Parsons Award. The Board agreed to review the screened list and announce the winners of these three awards after its June meeting. The Board's Committee on Planning met with the Board in executive session. At that point, the Board Chair announced that the Board of Directors had VOTED to grant full voting rights on the Planning Committee to the chairs of the Committees on Local Section Activities and Divisional Activities. (CPC & B&F already vote.) The committee and the Board then discussed the results of an external environmental scan and offered suggestions that could be used to refine the Society's Strategic Plan for 2011 and Beyond. The committee and the Board also reviewed the committee's role and considered some modifications to its charge and to its frequency of meetings. Presidential Task Force on Diversity Reports The Board received a report from the President's Task Force on Diversity Reports. The task force was charged with assessing the recommendations from the diversity workshop reports in the context of current efforts and committees of the Society, and developing a road map for the implementation of the recommendations. The task force also urged that the ACS move into a leadership role in promoting the education, professional development, and inclusion and equity of present and future generations of chemical professionals that reflect the diversity of America. The Presidential succession and the full Board VOTED to refer the task force report to the Board Standing Committee on Professional and Member Relations for prioritization, assignment of accountability, and development of implementation timelines, and discharged the task force with sincere thanks for its excellent work. The Executive Director/CEO Report The Executive Director/CEO, along with several of her direct reports, updated the Board on the activities of Chemical Abstracts Service, the Publications Division, and the Society's General Counsel. As a follow-up, the Board VOTED to approve a new appointment and three reappointments of journal editors. On the recommendation of the ACS Governing Board for Publishing, the Board VOTED to accept a recommendation to authorize an additional member position on the Governing Board whenever additional expertise or perspective would help it execute its duties. Compensation of Society Staff On the recommendation of the Committee on Executive Compensation, the Board VOTED to approve several actions relative to compensation for the Society's Executive staff. The compensation of the Society's executive staff receives regular review from the Board. Other Society Issues The Board was briefed by its working group monitoring 2010 Board Logistical Training. This plan, which currently includes four broad topic areas, is designed to enhance overall Board effectiveness. The Board also received reports from several international guests representing the following scientific societies: Brazilian Chemical Society, the Chemical Society for Canada, the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS), the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Repectfully submitted by Councilors Mark Benvenuto, Jim Landis and Walter Siegl
ACS observes Earth Day with the Chemists Celebrate Earth Day (CCED) program. The events bring together members, chemical educators, students and chemistry enthusiasts to illustrate the positive role that chemistry plays in the world. The Detroit Section will hold an event at the Detroit Science Center. The Earth Day event at the Detroit Science Center will include hands-on experiments and live demonstrations on Saturday, April 17 from noon to 4 PM. If you are interested in participating, please contact Denise Grimsley at denise.grimsley@basf.com.
May 6, 2010 From a Beaker to a Bottle: Overview of the Drug Discovery and Development Process for Small Molecule Therapeutics. Ever wondered what it takes for a molecule in a laboratory to become an approved drug on the market? It has been estimated that it costs over $1Billion to bring a drug into the market. The drug discovery and development process is a high risk but exciting endeavor akin to finding a diamond in a coal mine. Join us as Ann Newman, of Seventh Street Development Group, shares her decades of experience and provides you with an overview of the process. Learn how chemistry is making a valuable impact in the drug discovery industry. May 13, 2010 Chemistry and Communications - a Closer Look ay Scientific Careers in Publishing. Ever wanted a deeper insight into the world of scientific publishing? ACS Publications are widely acknowledged as leading publications in chemistry and related disciplines. According to International Association of Scientific, Technical & Medical Publishers, there were about 25,400 active scholarly peer-reviewed journals in early 2009, collectively publishing about 1.5 million articles a year. Join us with Darla Henderson, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Editorial Development at the American Chemical Society, to learn about the ways in which chemists can innovate in the world of scientific publishing. May 20, 2010 Green Chemistry: Innovation and Application for the New Decade. We all hear about the need to be green and sustainable, but what does it really mean for chemical professionals? Green chemistry is here to stay and the industry is expected to grow rapidly in the next decade. Join us as Anne Wallin, Director of Sustainable Chemistry at Dow Chemical, provides us an insight into how green chemistry is applied in the chemical industry. Learn about the desired green innovations and how green chemistry is driving investment decisions for the next decade. May 27, 2010 Knowing Your Worth: Strategies to Negotiate for Salary or Pay for Chemical Professionals. Do you know how your pay and compensation compare to your peers? Would you like to learn how to negotiate for a better package in your current or new job? Regardless of the directions of the economy, knowing your worth is one of the most important ingredients to advancing your career. Our speaker, Meredith Dow with PROVEN Inc., will share strategies and elements that scientific professionals can use. Join us to learn how you can command a better compensation for your skills and be competitive in the market.
CALENDAR
Brewing Chemistry
April 15
April 17
April 22
June 9
June 16-19
August 22-26
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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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