KalChemist News–Highlights
- KACS Named ChemLuminary Award Finalist
- An update for 2021 on Project SEED
- 2021 Great Lakes Regional Meeting Information
- Call for Award Nominations GLRM 2021
- Executive committee greetings
2020 – A Virtual ChemLuminary Awards Celebration
By Lydia E. M. Hines, KACS Councilor and Outreach coordinator
Each year at the Fall ACS meeting a Tuesday night is devoted to a very exuberant gathering of members, associated with the announcement of awards given by 23 committees of the ACS to individuals and groups within the ACS for achievements of many sorts, either during the previous year, or over many years. It is preceded with a spread of hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the ACS and a presentation of posters displaying pictures of recognition-worthy activities done by finalists selected from nominations submitted by local sections (through their Annual Reports), or from individual members who nominate others whose accomplishments are deemed noteworthy (according to rubrics and applications which may be found on the ACS website). Following the review of the posters and enjoyment of the food the celebration moves to a separate decorated hall where finalists are announced – with pictures shown on a big screen of the achievements which earned them that status – and the winner recognized with a plaque (ChemLuminary Award); each awardee is appropriately cheered (clapping and yelling) by the audience.
We were selected as a finalist for an award for outstanding performance for a section of our size.
It had been several years since our Section had won an award for its efforts, and after a couple of years of not nominating ourselves through our Annual Report, we did so for our 2019 activities and were informed that we had been selected as a finalist for an award from the LSAC (Local Section Activities Committee) for outstanding performance for a section of our size (Medium Small: 200-399 members); on the day of the Award Celebration we found out that our competitor sections were the Dayton and the Savannah River Sections.
Since there was no in-person meeting in San Francisco in the fall of 2020, the ACS staff developed a virtual ChemLuminary celebration, which was widely publicized and happened at 4 pm on December 9, 2020; in place of the excited clapping and yelling described above there was a chat box which was full of scrolling congratulatory comments commending finalists and winners. Excitement was high when the three finalists in our category were named, and our activities for 2019 were memorable – (see sample list below) – but when the winner was announced, that section was Dayton – disappointing, yes, yet exciting to have been selected as a finalist!
- March–NHCL dedication and ceremony at KVM – celebration of Steroid Research at The Upjohn Co. 1950-90s
- May–Awards Gathering – recognition of HS students, active members, volunteers, and multi-year ACS members.
- Summer–Project SEED (2 students, mentors Dr. Dwight Williams @ K and Dr. Kelly Teske @ WMU)
- September–Speed-Networking event at K College
- October–NCW – 33rd Chemistry Day at the Museum
- October–IYPT Celebration with Beer events
- November–Recycle-a-Poster Event at Bell’s Back Room
KACS did have a winner mentioned during the ceremony: The second announcement at the program was by the Committee on Public Relations and Communications (CPRC) whose chair named our councilor and many-year Outreach coordinator, Lydia E.M. Hines, as the recipient of the Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach.
Project SEED 2021: Looking Back and Planning Ahead
By Doug Williams, KACS Project SEED Coordinator
In June of 2020 we wrote that ACS canceled in-person research opportunities for Project SEED due to the COVID pandemic and provided an alternative, four- week Virtual Summer Camp experience that included small and large group learning and presentation activities. Many students were supplied with computers and internet connection devices to help them participate. One of two applicants from our section was selected to participate at no cost to our local chapter. It was an impressive adaptation to the challenges at the time and, by all reports, a significant success for ACS. Of the 300 students selected, 291 completed the program. Surveys suggest that students were favorably influenced to pursue additional studies in science. The most popular sessions were a research presentation on vaccines for opioid addiction, a webinar on ethics in science and a panel discussion on the transition from high school to college.
Much pandemic uncertainty remains in 2021. ACS plans to reintroduce in-person research options this year, if possible, and expects to make a go/no go decision on this key element by February 1. If this is approved, I will be reaching out immediately to our recent project host sites for proposals. This will require a quick turn-around, so please think ahead about possibilities and contact me if you are interested in, or just curious about, serving as a mentor in Summer 2021. Secondly, ACS will again offer virtual programming again at no direct cost to local sections and with preference given to applicants who are not able to participate in the in-person programs, if available.
Although we are budgeted locally for up to two in-person Project SEED fellowships this year (about $1500 per student), we are always hopeful to expand. We turned several students away in 2019 and expect at least 5-10 applications again this year. If you feel so inclined, you can donate to our KACS Project SEED Fund by PayPal. All amounts are greatly appreciated and are reserved exclusively for student stipends. Contributions are eligible for tax-deduction.
2021 Great Lakes Regional Meeting Information
By Lydia E. M. Hines, Great Lakes Region Board chair
The Great Lakes Region of the ACS, of which Kalamazoo Section is a part, holds Regional Meetings every other odd-numbered year, as member sections offer to host or co-host a meeting in their geographic area (the last meeting in which our section played a major role was in May of 2015 in Grand Rapids; we and the Western MI section (a member of the Central Region and head-quartered in Grand Rapids were co-hosts). Regional meetings often present symposia, plenary lectures, an exposition, career resources, poster sessions/flash talks, award gatherings etc. in an effort to present a variety of events to our members.
All this to inform you that yes, there will be a Great Lakes Regional Meeting in 2021, June 6-9; it will be held virtually and hosted by the Minnesota Section. The website is https://www.glrm2021.org; visiting that site regularly will give you updated information regarding the full program, abstract submission dates and registration details.
The organizing committee is hard at work making every effort to provide a positive experience for all attendees. VIRTUAL meetings provide excellent opportunities to present your work, hone your speaking skills and network with a large variety of colleagues – occasionally even internationally! (see below for information regarding 4 awards which may be presented at GLRM2021).
As long-time representative of our Local Section to the Great Lakes Region Board, and its current chair, I would like to encourage you to submit an abstract, present your research, and participate as fully as your schedule allows. Abstracts of presented papers are included in the same CAS database as abstracts submitted to National Meetings!
Call for Award Nominations GLRM 2021
By Susan Shih, Great Lakes Region Awards Chair
Four awards will be considered for the 2021 GLRM. A description of each and a link to its application are below. Members are encouraged to nominate worthy individuals for these awards. Please let our KACS chair know of your suggestion regarding a nominee and your willingness to complete a nomination for that person. The deadline for the Stan Israel Diversity award is March 1, 2021; any nominations for that award should be submitted to the National ACS as indicated in the nomination information.
All other nominations should be submitted no later than April 1 to James Wollack, jwwollack@stkate.edu, Awards Chair for the GLRM2021.
Stanley C. Israel Regional Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences
The Stanley C. Israel Regional Award recognizes individuals and/or institutions who have advanced diversity in the chemical sciences and significantly stimulated or fostered activities that promote inclusiveness within the region.
The award consists of a medal and a $1,000 grant to support and further the activities for which the award was made. The award also will include funding to cover the recipient’s travel expenses to the ACS regional meeting at which the award will be presented.
Nominees may come from academia, industry, government, or independent entities, and may also be organizations, including ACS Local Sections and Divisions. The nominee must have created and fostered ongoing programs or activities that result in increased numbers of persons from diverse and underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, or women who participate in the chemical enterprise. The deadline is March 1, 2021.
Further information and a link to the online application can be found here.
Division of Chemical Education Region Awards for Excellence in High School Teaching
In 2006, The Division of Chemical Education established an endowment to underwrite an Awards Program designed to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the ten Regions of the American Chemical Society.
Nominees must be actively engaged in the teaching of chemistry or a chemical science in a high school (grades 9-12) on at least a half-time basis.
The Region Award consists of a $1,000.00 cash award and an engraved plaque. Travel expenses to the meeting at which the Award will be presented will be reimbursed.
Additional information and the application details can be found at the following link. Only complete application portfolios will be considered. Deadline for receipt of the applications is April 1, 2021.
https://www.divched.org/award/divched-region-awards-excellence-high-school-teaching
E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society
Purpose:To recognize the volunteer efforts of individuals who have served the American Chemical Society, contributing significantly to the goals and objectives of the Society through their regional activities.Eligibility:A nominee must be a member of the American Chemical Society residing in a local section within the region, and will have made significant contributions to their region of the American Chemical Society. The volunteerism to be recognized may include a variety of activities, including but not limited to the initiation or sponsorship of a singular endeavor or exemplary leadership in the region. Past and present members of the ACS Board of Directors and staff are ineligible for this award. The awards committee of the region, or its equivalent, will select the recipient. The deadline is April 1, 2021.Establishment & Support:This award was instituted in 2006 by ACS Past President E. Ann Nalley as part of her presidential initiative to recognize ACS volunteerism. It is Dr. Nalley’s wish that the award continue in perpetuity at each regional meeting.
Partners for Progress and Prosperity Award
Purpose: To encourage and recognize successful and exemplary partnerships, a Partners for Progress and Prosperity (P3) Award was established as an award to be given by Local ACS Sections, ACS International Chapters, and ACS Regional Meetings.
These partnerships can be between industry, academia, government, small business and/or other organizations, including ACS local sections, ACS divisions, ACS international chapters, other societies or various entities domestic or overseas resulting in impactful outcomes in one or more of the following categories:
- Improving the public perception and appreciation for chemistry
- Promoting career advancement opportunities and/or supporting entrepreneurship in the chemistry enterprise
- Advancing advocacy efforts with government and other thought leaders
- Supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and/or research.
The award will consist of a Partners for Progress and Prosperity medallion plus a framed certificate of recognition.
Eligibility: A nominee may represent academia, industry, government, small business or other organizations such as a Local Section. Partnerships can include international ACS chapters, ACS divisions, or other entities domestic or overseas. The awards committee of the ACS Regional Meeting Board or the local section or international chapter will select the P3 Award winners. The International Activities Committee will select the winners of the Global P3 Award. The deadline is April 1, 2021.
The nomination package should include:
- A letter of nomination describing the partnership, its activities, outcomes and impact
- At least one, but no more than three, supporting letters
- Mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for nominee and supporters must be provided
Executive Committee Greetings
Our KACS Executive Committee wishes you a Healthy, Happy and Productive 2021. We hope to have this Newsletter in your inbox monthly, so please be on the lookout for it!
Do you have questions, comments, or a desire to contribute to the newsletter? Send an e-mail to chair@kalamazooacs.org.