Dear members,
This July, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, we reflect on a proud national legacy of scientific discovery. In San Diego, that collaborative spirit thrives across our academic, biotech, and pharma communities. The ACS San Diego Section remains dedicated to fostering these vital connections and supporting the next generation of chemical scientists.
Dear members,
June is a busy month in San Diego’s biotech and chemistry community, driven by the BIO International Convention (June 22–25, 2026), the T-Cell Engager Therapeutics Summit, and numerous satellite networking events and industry meetings. Together, these gatherings bring thousands of researchers, biotech and pharmaceutical professionals, and investors to the region. With strong focus areas in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutic development, San Diego continues to serve as a major hub for life sciences innovation.
Dear members,
May is Asian / Pacific American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the profound impact Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have made on our shared history.
In San Diego, Asian Americans have driven incredible advancements in STEM. This includes pioneering scientists like Dr. Shu Chien, Dr. Chi-Huey Wong, and UC San Diego's Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Roger Y. Tsien, who revolutionized imaging chemistry with fluorescent proteins. Today, a new generation of Asian American chemists continues to lead the way in education and research. From medicinal chemistry breakthroughs to nanomaterial innovations, they are shaping the future of science and expanding representation in STEM fields.
Dear members,
March is recognized as Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women to American history, society, and culture. The American Chemical Society extends its appreciation to the many women, both visible and behind the scenes, who have contributed to the advancement of the chemical sciences.
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.