About KACS
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is one of the world’s largest scientific organizations with more than 100,000 members in 130+ countries. The Kalamazoo section of the ACS has over 200 members. Our mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of people in Allegan, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties. Our vision is to improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry. Being part of such a large organization we have many resources locally and nationally.
On the national stage, the organization promotes public policies that advance chemistry enterprise and its practitioners. In the U.S., the ACS works in four policy areas: Innovation through Research and Technology; Science Education and Workforce; Sustainability and the Environment; and Science in Public Policy.
Locally, we empower members to advance chemistry at work and in our communities. The leadership skills members learn by serving on committees may help to elevate their career potential. Regular meetings and activities serve as a means to expand members’ networks and provide an enjoyable social experience for all. For those interested in education and future generations, there are many opportunities to volunteer. The local section provides a home to find your place of comfort with other chemists.
The benefits of membership in ACS include:
• Help finding jobs
• Career Fair for job seekers
• Networking opportunities
• Training opportunities
• Leading publisher of authoritative scientific information
• Cutting edge chemistry meetings
• Discounts to attend national meetings
• Chemical and Engineering News
• 50 free SciFinder searches per year
• 50 free journal articles per year
Message from the KACS Chair
Dr. Nicole Burke
2025 KACS Chair
I am excited and honored to serve as the 2025 Chair of the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society (KACS). In 2024, the Executive Committee of KACS focused on re-engagement with the community, particularly with regards to STEM teachers and students. These efforts culminated in many successful initiatives, including the re-instatement of the annual chemistry competitive exam for high school students as well as the continuation of long-standing activities like Project SEED, the annual awards ceremony, and the Fall poster session at Bell’s Brewery.
These efforts will continue into 2025 with plans to take part in the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad. Additionally, in 2025 we aim to boost engagement with the broader Kalamazoo community through the integration of KACS events with long-standing community events. This will enable us to communicate the positive impact of chemistry on society and the local community in direct support of both national and local ACS goals. We also fully intend to continue hosting our annual awards ceremony which recognizes long-term ACS members and exemplary students and teachers, support Project SEED engagement, participate in outreach activities during National Chemistry Week and Chemists Celebrate Earth Week, host engaging and relevant speakers, and offer networking opportunities.