Dear members,
February was an exciting and engaging month for our local section! Kicking off at the end of January, we hosted a webinar on AI in chemistry education with Sharai Mendez. She offered fascinating insights into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we teach, learn, and conduct research in chemistry. Sharai highlighted practical AI tools and their growing applications in academic settings, sparking lively and thoughtful discussion among attendees.
Dear members,
As we reflect on the past year, I would like to begin by thanking Jackie and Max for their outstanding leadership. Their dedication and accomplishments have set a high bar for our committee, and I am grateful for the strong foundation they have built.
My name is Jiyue Chen, and I received my PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry from UC San Diego in 2024. My journey with ACS San Diego began about two years ago, when several Executive Committee members hosted a career panel on the UCSD campus. At the time, I was uncertain about my next steps and signed up seeking guidance. That event introduced me to many wonderful colleagues and mentors, and it marked the beginning of my involvement with ACS. Since then, I have regularly attended EC meetings and steadily increased my engagement.
Dear members,
As we close out another remarkable year, December offers us a moment to reflect on the accomplishments, connections, and growth that have defined 2025 for the ACS San Diego Local Section. This year has been filled with inspiring science, meaningful service, and a strong sense of community—from technical seminars and professional development workshops to outreach events, banquets, and social gatherings that brought our members together.
Dear esteemed members,
November has long been a month of discovery and reflection in the chemical sciences. On November 7, 1867, Marie Skłodowska Curie was born—a pioneer whose groundbreaking research on radioactivity earned her two Nobel Prizes and transformed our understanding of atomic science. Her legacy continues to inspire chemists around the world to push boundaries and pursue innovation with courage and curiosity.
Dear ACS San Diego Members,
October has always been a month of breakthroughs in chemistry. On October 23, 1876, the German chemist Wilhelm Ostwald—later a Nobel Prize winner—was born; his pioneering work in catalysis and chemical equilibria continues to shape our field today. Fittingly, October 23 is now celebrated worldwide as Mole Day, commemorating Avogadro’s number (6.02 × 10²³) and offering chemists a playful way to share our science. On October 9, 1803, English chemist John Dalton formally presented his atomic theory, establishing the foundation of modern chemistry and fundamentally changing how we understand matter. These milestones remind us of chemistry’s enduring impact across generations.
Dear ACS San Diego Members,
As we turn the calendar to September, the fall season brings cooler days, new opportunities, and a chance to reflect on the history of our science. On September 28th, 1928, Alexander Fleming made the serendipitous observation of Penicillium notatum mold inhibiting bacterial growth—an insight that sparked the antibiotic revolution. Discoveries like this remind us how chemistry continually changes lives in profound ways.
Dear ACS San Diego Members,
August marks a transitional moment as summer winds down and we gear up for a new season of events and engagement. It’s also a month with several noteworthy milestones in the history of chemistry. On August 1, 1774, Joseph Priestley famously identified oxygen gas after heating mercuric oxide—an experiment that would later play a critical role in the development of modern chemistry and our understanding of combustion. On August 12, 1865, German chemist Adolf von Baeyer published early research on indigo dye synthesis, laying the foundation for what would become a major advancement in the chemical industry. These moments remind us how far the field has come—and how much innovation still lies ahead.
Dear ACS San Diego Members,
As we enter the heart of summer, July offers us not only sunshine and warmth but also a chance to reflect on some pivotal moments in the history of chemistry. On July 3, 1826, French chemist Antoine-Jérôme Balard announced the discovery of bromine, element 35, to the Académie des Sciences in Paris—marking a significant addition to the halogen family. Additionally, on July 27, 1921, Sir Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles Best successfully isolated insulin at the University of Toronto—an achievement that revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and has saved countless lives.
Hello ACS San Diego Members,
Summer is nearly upon us here in San Diego, and with it comes fresh opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate chemistry together. June is not only a time of transition but also a month rich with historical milestones in our field.
Hello ACS San Diego Members,
Spring is in full swing here in San Diego, and with it comes a new wave of energy and events for our local section. May holds a special place in the history of chemistry. On May 20, 1891, the pioneering chemist Maria Skłodowska-Curie earned her degree in physics from the Sorbonne, beginning a legendary career that would lead to the discovery of polonium and radium. Another key moment came on May 12, 1905, when Albert Einstein submitted his first paper on special relativity, a theoretical framework that would transform our understanding of atomic and subatomic interactions. And on May 26, 1931, Irving Langmuir, known for his work on surface chemistry, was awarded the Perkin Medal, underscoring his influence in both physical chemistry and industrial applications. As we transition into May, I’m excited to share some updates and opportunities to connect, learn, and recharge.