About KACS
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is one of the world’s largest scientific organizations with more than 155,000 members in 130+ countries. The Kalamazoo section of the ACS has over 250 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. Dibyendu Mondal
2024 KACS Chair
Post COVID, the Executive Committee of the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society (KACS) devoted much of their time to exploring opportunities for in-person meetings. While we have been somewhat successful in this regard in 2023 with the June member meeting/outdoor picnic and the October poster session at Bell’s Brewery, we are still behind the pre-COVID times.
Our aim for 2024 will be focused on re-engagement with the community, particularly the high school teachers and students: We will continue to work with the teachers to fund acquisition of necessary equipment for classroom loan, and I am strongly committed to working with my colleagues to re-instate our successful annual chemistry competitive exam for high school students, which was a highlight of our section but has been on hiatus for the last several years. We also have plans 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 speakers, and offer networking opportunities.
Finally, we have formed a planning committee to pursue our intent to take part in the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad in 2025.