Dear Members of the American Chemical Society,
January was a very busy month, especially with the ACS Leadership Conference happening in Houston, Texas. Jiyue and I traveled there to deepen our knowledge of the ACS and make connections with other ACS leaders. It was a great experience, which I recommend to anyone else who is interested in taking on a higher role within the ACS. It was also a great chance to meet some of the chairs from other nearby areas, such as Riverside and Orange County. Everyone left excited to return to our respective sections and put our new knowledge to use. There is also a lot of excitement looking towards next year and the celebration of the ACS 150th anniversary.
As we step into the second month of 2025, I’m filled with excitement and optimism about the opportunities ahead for our community. February is a time of renewal, growth, and reflection, and it serves as a great moment to reconnect with the core values that make ACS such a vibrant and essential part of the global scientific community.
A Time for Engagement and Reflection
This month, we’re gearing up for several important initiatives, events, and opportunities to deepen our involvement in the broader scientific landscape. As we continue to face new challenges and breakthroughs in chemistry, your contributions remain central to our shared mission of advancing chemistry, improving lives, and shaping a sustainable future.
On Tuesday, February 25th, we invite you all to join us for an in person talk with Dr. Kromer entitled, “Wildfire Effects on Soil and Air & Relevance to Firefighting and Society”. My heart goes out to everyone that has been impacted by recent events in southern California, and this talk is intended to highlight the environmental effects as well from the lens of chemistry. We will have a lite dinner and social hour before the talk, where I hope to see everyone. Make sure to RSVP soon as space is limited.
Recognizing Excellence
In February, we also celebrate the outstanding achievements within our community through various awards and recognitions. Whether through nominations for ACS Fellows or highlighting the impactful work of our members through the Local Sections, it is vital to acknowledge the excellence that continues to emerge from our ranks. I encourage you to nominate deserving colleagues for these prestigious honors. Together, we can celebrate the diversity of talent and the groundbreaking work that keeps chemistry at the forefront of innovation.
pcoming Events
One of the highlights of March is the Spring 2025 ACS National Meeting & Expo in San Diego. This is a great opportunity to come together, collaborate, and showcase the latest advancements in chemistry. From technical symposia to networking events, there’s something for every member, whether you're just beginning your career or are an established expert in your field. Please make sure to register early and take full advantage of the resources and programs available. We are also hosting a Kids Zone as part of the ACS meeting and are looking for volunteers who would like to teach our youth about glaciers and help with general activities at this side event. Look for more information on our social media if you would like to be a part of this!
Speaking of our youth, March also brings back SuperSTEM Saturday at CSU San Marcos. Super STEM Saturday is a one-day festival that engages kids of all ages and their families to the diverse and exciting fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as the STEM disciplines. Held in partnership with the College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at CSUSM and The Classical Academies, Super STEM Saturday has brought science to life for more than 50,000 people in North San Diego County.
Looking Ahead
Finally, as we continue to navigate through an ever-changing global landscape, I am reminded of the incredible resilience and adaptability of our community. I look forward to seeing how we will collectively shape the future of chemistry, education, and scientific discovery in 2025 and beyond. Please remain engaged, share your thoughts, and continue to make the ACS a beacon of excellence, inclusivity, and progress.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication and contributions to ACS. Together, we will continue to make a difference in the world of chemistry and beyond.
Best regards,
Max Mahler
Jackie Trischman
