ACS EL ECTIONS
CANDIDATES’ ELECTION STATEMENTS AND BACKGROUNDS TWO CANDIDATES will vie for the office
of president-elect of the American Chemical Society for 2009 in this fall’s election. They are Joseph S. Francisco, the William E. Moore Distinguished Professor at Purdue University, and Josef Michl, a professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The successful candidate will serve as ACS president in 2010 and as a member of the ACS Board of Directors from 2009 to 2011. Candidates for director of District III are Pat N. Confalone and Alan B. Cooper. District III consists of members assigned to or residing in local sections with headquarters in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (except the Central Pennsylvania, Erie, Lehigh Valley, Penn-York, Pittsburgh, and Susquehanna Valley Sections), Maryland (except the Western Maryland Section), and the District of Columbia.
District VI will also be holding elections for director. Candidates for director are incumbent Bonnie Ann Charpentier and Gary D. Christian. District VI consists of members assigned to or residing in the local sections with headquarters in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and those members with addresses in the states of Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington; in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan; and in the extraprovincial territories of Canada who are not assigned to local sections. William F. Carroll Jr., vice president of Occidental Chemical Corp., in Dallas; Richard L. Deming, professor at California State University, Fullerton; Thomas R. Gilbert, associate professor at Northeast-
FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT JOSEPH S. FRANCISCO Purdue Section. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. Born: 1955 Academic record: University of Texas, Austin, B.S. in chemistry (honors), 1977; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ph.D., 1983 Honors: Purdue University Herbert Newby McCoy Award, 2007; Alexander von Humboldt Research Award for Senior U.S. Scientist, 2001; American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), fellow, 2001; American Physical Society, fellow, 1998; Sigma Xi National Lecturer, 1995–97; National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) Percy L. Julian Award for Pure & Applied Research, 1995; AAAS Mentor Award, 1994; Guggenheim Fellow, 1993; Sloan Research Fellow, 1990–92; Camille & Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, 1990–95; National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator, 1988–93; provost postdoc fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1985; research fellow, Cambridge University, 1983–85 Professional positions (for past 10 years): Purdue University, William E. Moore Distinguished Professor, 2006 to date, professor, 1995–2006; Universita di Bologna, Italy, Institute of Advanced
Studies, visiting senior fellow, 2003; Williams College, Sterling A. Brown Visiting Professor, 1998 Service in ACS national offices: Committee on Professional Training, 2003–08; ACS Award Selection Panel, 2006 to date; Task Force on Minority Faculty in the Chemical Academic Community, vice chair, 2001–02; Presidential Task Force on Enhancing Innovation & Competitiveness, 2007; Committee on National Historic Chemical Landmarks, consultant, 2008 to date; ACS Board Oversight Group on Leadership Development, 2004 to date; editorial advisory board, Journal of Physical Chemistry, 2008–10 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1991 Member: AAAS; American Physical Society; Sigma Xi; NOBCChE. ACS Division: Physical Chemistry Related activities: NOBCChE, president, 2005– 07, Board of Directors, 2003–05; National Research Council, U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry, vice chair, 2007 to date; National Science Foundation, Geosciences Advisory Committee, 2007 to date, Committee of Visitors for Chemistry Division, 2007; Council for Chemical Research, organizing committee, 2007–08; National Science Foundation, Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science & Engineering, 2006 to date; Department of Energy, Committee of Visitors for Chemical Sciences, Geosciences & Biosciences, 2004–05; WWW.C E N- ONLI NE .ORG
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ern University, in Boston; and incumbent Marinda Li Wu, founder and president of Science is Fun!, in Orinda, Calif., are running for director-at-large. The successful candidates for the two positions will serve three-year terms from 2009 to 2011. The two positions will be filled by vote of councilors this fall. All eligible members of ACS will receive ballots enabling them to vote for presidentelect and the Ratification of Amendment to the ACS Constitution approved by council on April 9. Only members with mailing addresses in Districts III and VI will receive ballots to vote for director from those districts. Only voting councilors will receive ballots for the director-at-large elections. All ballots will be mailed on Sept. 29. The deadline for return of marked ballots to the ACS executive director is close of business on Nov. 7. The ACS Committee on Nominations & Elections did not provide candidates with specific questions to frame their statements. Information about ACS policies for elections and campaigning can be found in Bulletin V, Bylaw 5, Section 13 and in “Guidelines for Campaigning & Communication.” Candidates’ views have also been posted online at acs.org/elections.
National Research Council, Chemical Sciences Roundtable, 2001–03; Department of Army, Army Research Science Board, 1997–99; Department of Navy, Senior Science Advisory Committee (NRAC), 1994–96; California Institute of Technology, research associate, 1991; Journal of Molecular Structure-Theochem, editorial advisory board, 2004–10; Spectrochimica Acta Part A, editorial advisory board, 1990 to date; Pure & Applied Geophysics, Atmospheric & Ocean Science Editor, 1998–2001; published more than 400 journal articles, nine book chapters, and coauthored the textbook “Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics”
FRANCISCO’S STATEMENT
Π´αντα ρ ` ε˜ı κα`ı ο´υδ`εν μ´ενει Everything flows, nothing stands still.
—Heraclitus (c. 535–475 B.C.) Societal and financial drivers are pushing U.S. chemical enterprises to go global. But what does globalization mean for the domestic employee in terms of job security and early retirement? The solution to a number of global issues—such as clean water, global climate change, and sustainable energy—requires skilled scientists working
together. Do we have that new workforce that is capable of working with and across different cultures to tackle these global societal challenges? The U.S. has been a leader in the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering because of its commitment to and strength in research and innovation. However, declining funds for basic research are compromising our leadership in discovery and innovation. To adapt, we need to: ■ Prepare our students to thrive in the global economy. ■ Attract a broader pool of students into our profession. ■ Promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the chemical sciences. EDUCATION. The skill sets
sought by companies are also changing as a result of increased competition in the global marketplace. Recruits who have experiences that allow them to work across different cultures and who have international Francisco experience have a distinct advantage. The bottom line is: Global skills are important in getting the job, keeping the job, and getting ahead in the job. ACS must take a strong leadership role in the education system that prepares our future chemists and chemical engineers to compete globally. In addition, our talent pool is decreasing. Fewer international students trained in the U.S. are remaining in this country, and fewer domestic students are entering into the chemical profession.
rience by Americans would increase our awareness of advancements being made in other countries. We need a mechanism to support U.S. talent to go abroad to learn about innovations in the chemical enterprise and transfer that knowledge into the U.S. marketplace. We need a mechanism to maintain the influx of new innovations and ideas.
in our everyday jobs and have ideas on how we can address them. These ideas need to be championed by universities, government, and industry. The ACS Board and past-presidents have started the process of building trust and nurturing relationships with our stakeholders to support the society’s mission. As your president, I will listen to you and
As your president, I will initiate the cre-
ation of an international center with the objective of generating an international network of cooperation to generate and share new ideas in the chemical field. A goal is to sponsor U.S. talent to work abroad and to sponsor topflight international talent to come to the U.S. This center will advocate collaboration with other international chemical societies. The center will bring industry, government, and academia to work together to direct our talent pool in emerging science areas relating to world and national economic challenges. This moves ACS into a leadership role for fostering both national and international collaborations. PROMOTING NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. New chemical technolo-
gies create products and drive economic growth. An American core competency has traditionally been entrepreneurship. Small companies provide employment opportunities and generate new ideas and technologies.
As your president, I will start a dialogue
with the community, educators, and members to address the question of what can we do to better prepare our students for a chemical enterprise that requires global skills. Engaging recruiters and leaders of global chemical businesses in this dialogue is central to developing strategies and policies to guide our educational institutions. As your president, I will work to support those programs in ACS, such as Project SEED and ACS Scholars, which strive to broaden the pool of domestic students into our profession.
As your president, I will promote innova-
PROMOTING INNOVATION. Today, more than ever, research is international. A program to encourage international expe-
PARTNERSHIPS. The chemical world is evolving, and we need to take action. You know many of the challenges that we face
tion and entrepreneurship by: ■ Creation and implementation of new
workshops for fresh academic graduates on how to start a company. ■ Creation of a network of our experienced and retired chemical industrial leaders as advisers for new entrepreneurs. ■ Promotion of entrepreneurial contests that require student teams to develop innovative products and create successful business plans for production and marketing.
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be a powerful voice for ACS and its members before Congress, private industry, federal funding agencies, and international assemblies. Remember, YOUR PRESIDENT SERVES YOU. Please visit: http://web.ics.purdue. edu/~francisc.
JOSEF MICHL Colorado Section. University of Colorado, Boulder Born: 1939 Academic record: Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia, M.S., 1961; Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Ph.D., 1965, scientist, 1967–68; University of Houston, 1965–66, University of Texas, Austin, 1966–67, Aarhus University, Denmark, 1968–69, University of Utah, 1969–70, postdoc Honors: Fulbright Fellowship, 2006; University of Colorado Faculty Fellowship, 2006; Patria Award, Government of the Czech Republic, 2005; honorary doctorate, Masaryk University, Czech Republic, 2004; Marinus Smith Award, 2003; Porter Medal, 2002; Chemical Reviews, Best Journal Issue Award, 2002; Association for Laboratory Automation Achievement Award, 2002; Otto Wichterle Award, 2001; James Flack Norris Award, 2001; G. M. Kosolapoff Award, 2000; Japan Society for Promotion of Science Award, 1998; honorary doctorate, University of Pardubice, Czech Republic, 1996; Charles University Gold Medal, 1995; J. Heyrovský Gold Medal, 1994; Inter-American Photochemical Society (IAPS) Award, 1994; Schrödinger Medal, 1993; Arthur C. Cope Senior Scholar Award, 1993; honorary doctorate, Georgetown University, 1990; ACS Utah Section Award, 1986; John Simon Guggenheim Fellow, 1984–85; Alexander von Humboldt Senior U.S. Scientist Award, 1980; Distinguished Research Award, University of Utah, 1978–79; Alfred P. Sloan Fellow, 1971 Professional positions (for past 10 years): University of Colorado, professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1991 to date; Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Organic Chemistry & Biochemistry, Prague, Czech Republic, scientist, 2006 to date; University of Utah, adjunct professor, 1986 to date; Humboldt University, Berlin, visiting professor, 2005; Heyrovský Institute, Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic, visiting professor, 2003; University of Valencia, Spain, visiting professor, 2002; University of Florida, visiting professor, 2001; University of Seville, Spain, visiting professor, 2001; Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France, visiting professor, 1999; University of Utah, visiting professor, 1999; Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan, visiting professor, 1998
ACS EL ECTIONS
Service in ACS national offices: Executive Director’s 2010 Committee, 2004; Chemical Reviews, editor, 1984 to date; editorial advisory boards of Journal of the American Chemical Society, 1978–83, Accounts of Chemical Research, 1984 to date, Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2005 to date, Journal of Physical & Chemical Reference Data, 1985–87 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1970. Division of Fluorine Chemistry: Executive Committee, 2005 to date. Division of Physical Chemistry: Executive Committee, 1982–86; ACS Editor Search Committees, 2003, 2004 Member: U.S. National Academy of Sciences, 1986; American Academy of Arts & Sciences, fellow, 1999; Czech Learned Society, honorary member, 1995; International Academy of Quantum Molecular Science, 1988; World Association of Theoretical Organic Chemists (WATOC), fellow, 1996; Royal Society of Chemistry; Inter-American Photochemistry Society; European Photochemical Association; the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi; advisory board, WATOC. ACS Divisions: Fluorine Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry Related activities: Associate editor, Theoretica Chimica Acta, 1985–96; International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), Commission on Photochemistry, associate member, 1977–82, titular member, 1982–89, chair, 1985–89; U.S. National Committee for IUPAC, 1991–95; National Research Council, Advisory Panel for Central Europe, 1992–94, COBASE Review Panel, 1992–94; National Academy of Sciences TNG for Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, 2001–06, TNG for Class I, chair, 2007 to date; Discipline Advisory Committee, Fulbright Scholar Awards in Chemistry, 1995–98; Swedish Research Council, Natural Sciences Grant Panels, 2006, 2008; editorial advisory boards of Collection of Czechoslovak Chemical Communications, 1993 to date, Bulletin of the Chemical Society of Japan, 1994 to date, Chemistry—A European Journal, 1994–2000, International Journal of Quantum Chemistry, 1997–2001. Author of 570 papers and five books; gave approximately 200 conference lectures, 400 invited lectures, and 50 lecture series and named lectureships; had about 20 visiting academic appointments; organized 14 conferences
MICHL’S STATEMENT
I am deeply honored to run for presidentelect of the American Chemical Society and welcome this opportunity to contribute to advancing the chemistry profession. A president is effective when acting in concert with predecessors and successors, supporting the society’s strategic plan, and encouraging enthusiastic participation by the membership. We are witnessing the beginning of an exciting transformation from dependence on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This change is inevitable, and it makes sense to go into high gear now while we still have what will soon be remembered as cheap oil. Chemists will be at the heart of this enterprise. Only chemists and chemical engineers can create the new
catalysts and other new materials that will be required. The world expects America to lead in an effort in which we cannot afford to fail. See WHEN IF NOT NOW? WHO IF NOT WE? on my Web page. ACS has a central role in this increasingly urgent endeavor, the objectives of which are not new but deserve greater emphasis. I am eager to participate. I would emphasize the following:
tion Network. I would work with industrialists, go to congressional hearings, and support chemistry advocacy groups at the state level. Only a small part of important chemistry is known. As Vannevar Bush’s report stated over half a century ago, the possibilities are endless. Let us convince the people whom we have elected to hold the purse strings that funding curiositydriven science is important.
■ Education of an abundant supply of fresh minds for the profession to flourish, starting with K–12 and on through undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral years and beyond to continuing education. At all of these levels, ACS is already very active. We can try harder to attract more of our own talented youth, especially from underrepresented groups, as the number of gifted immigrant scientists and engineers declines. I would support efforts to fully implement the K–12 fundMichl ing and teacher training aspects of the America Competes Act, to use the expertise of retired industrial ACS members, and to facilitate visa issuance for study and work.
■ Education of ourselves about the international nature of science. Today’s global markets enhance the value of contacts and collaboration abroad and tie them to pressures on domestic employment. The new frontier of science is in Asia. The ACS president must work with chemical societies abroad. I have been privileged to give invited scientific lectures in 35 countries in six languages. I have given public lectures in schools, on radio, and on television. I have sent nearly all of my graduate and some undergraduate students, as well as many students from other universities, for research stays abroad. I have organized workshops and conferences in Europe and South America in which numerous U.S. students participated.
■ Education of the general public and the media to improve the image of chemistry. We can help them appreciate how much the health and comfort of the country depend on chemists and recognize that it is only through further advances in our academic institutions, national laboratories, and industry that our civilization will progress and, indeed, survive. Being an ambassador for chemistry is one of the chief attractions of ACS membership. ■ Education of our politicians to ensure that chemistry is adequately funded. Both practical applications and, more importantly, fundamental science need funding; without fundamental science there will be no new practical applications after awhile. It is easy to catch a lawmaker’s attention with magnetic resonance imaging of brain tumors. It is harder to excite a politician about fundamental matters without earning a Golden Fleece Award. Yet basic advances have to come first. I would urge ACS members to join the Legislative Ac-
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MY WIFE of nearly 40 years jokes that I have
only one virtue, and she cannot remember what it is. Perhaps it is my enthusiasm for chemistry, both in teaching and research. I am proud of all of the listings in my vita but especially of the international aspects of my work and of my quarter-century service to ACS as an editor of Chemical Reviews, the highest impact-factor journal in chemistry. ACS publications are the society’s crown jewel and open access to them needs to be ensured in a fiscally responsible way. ACS has done well in the past and will do well in the future if we adapt efficiently to the changing world. The president must listen to and support the membership as we actively address the challenges of our time, in cost-effective programs, both member related and outward directed. Maintaining healthy local sections is particularly important. I welcome your support and ask for your vote. Please visit http://michlforacspresident.colorado.edu.
FOR DISTRICT III DIRECTOR on the following priorities if elected to the board of directors:
PAT N. CONFALONE Delaware Section. DuPont, Wilmington Born: 1945 Academic record: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S., 1967; Harvard University, M.S., 1968; Ph.D. (R. B. Woodward), 1970; postdoc (R. B. Woodward), 1971 Honors: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 2001; Harvard Graduate Society Prize, 1968; Alpha Chi Sigma Award, 1967; Robert A. Welch Foundation Lecturer, 1988–89; Esther Humphrey Lecturer, 1990; Samuel M. McElvain Industrial Speaker, 1982 Professional positions (for past 10 years): DuPont, vice president, Global Research & Development, Ag & Nutrition, 2003 to date; Adaptive Therapeutics, vice president, R&D, 2003; DuPont Pharmaceuticals, senior vice president, Chemical Process R&D, 1995–2001; DuPont-Merck, executive director, Medicinal Chemistry, 1988–95; Bristol-Myers Squibb, senior director, Process Research & Development, 2001–02; Drew University, adjunct professor, 1990–97 Service in ACS national offices: Committee on Chemistry & Public Affairs, 1995–2004, chair, 1997–98, consultant, 2005–08, committee associate, 1994. Advisory board, Journal of Organic Chemistry; Task Force on National Institutes of Health, 1992–93 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1970. Division of Organic Chemistry: chair, 1988–89; chair-elect, 1987–88; Executive Committee, 1985–90, chair, 1988; ACS Workshop on Chemistry, 1977 Member: Alpha Chi Sigma; Phi Lambda Upsilon; Sigma Xi; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Educational Council; New York Academy of Sciences; International Society of Heterocyclic Chemists; Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association; Drug Information Association; International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry; Harvard Association of Chemists; AAAS. ACS Divisions: Medicinal Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Related activities: Scientific advisory board, consultant for development stage biopharmaceutical companies; editorial advisory boards of Drugs, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, Synlett, Journal of Organic Chemistry, Progress in Heterocyclic Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry Research, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, Current Opinion on Drug Discovery & Development, Drug Design & Discovery; FACS-4 International Conference, chairman, 1992–94; councilor, International Society of Chemical Ecology, 1990; cofounder of the French-American Chemical Society, 1989; Gordon Research Conference, Natural Products, chair, 1983, 1982; ACS Workshop invitee, 1977; Rutgers University, adjunct professor, 1977–79; visiting professor, University of Colorado, 1976
American Competitiveness and Innovation. The new millennium began as the sec-
ond “American Century.” I am concerned that it will not end that way. Action must be taken now to ensure that the innovative, entrepreneurial drivers of science and technology continue to flourish in the face of global challenges. The chemical enterprise is a critical component of innovation and competitiveness, offering ACS a central leadership role in deployment of these resources. The science gap of the Sputnik era has been replaced by a “quiet crisis” of education, workforce, and, yes, ambition shortfalls. The century clock is ticking and progress is unacceptably slow. Industrial Membership Issues. ACS must be more responsive to the turmoil that continues to engulf the industrial sector, impacting the majority of our membership. A host of mergers and acquisitions, downsizings, reorganizations, outsourcing, offshoring, and other realities have made job security the number one issue. The contract of lifetime employment has been forever broken; we need to ensure that it is replaced by lifetime employability. ACS must take the lead in providing solutions for retraining, networking, outplacement services, continuing education, portable pensions, and Confalone other services designed for total career management for all members.
CONFALONE’S STATEMENT
The mission of the American Chemical Society is “to advance the profession of chemistry and the careers of its practitioners.” With this charter in mind, I plan to focus
Science and Math Education. The U.S. ranks very low among comparator countries in science and math competencies. Our educational system has long ignored the critical importance of science curricula in favor of less demanding alternatives. The economic superpowers of the future will boast an ambitious, energetic, and highly skilled technical workforce and populace. ACS must continue to play a leadership role in all aspects of science education, from K–12 through undergradu-
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ate and graduate programs. Competitive innovation can only arise from a foundation of knowledge. Open Innovation: Academic/Industrial Collaborations. Although highly beneficial
to all, these potentially rewarding activities usually fail to be implemented. ACS needs to take an enhanced leadership role with key members of academia and industry to ensure that such collaborations are enabled. Barriers such as ownership of patents and publications must be overcome and new models developed to reward successful collaborators. Federal R&D Funding. The government
funding of R&D is critical, and the fiveyear doubling of the National Institutes of Health budget is an excellent example of a significant impact upon basic research in the health sciences. We must ensure that this level of support flows into the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and other agencies where basic research in the chemical and physical sciences creates advances beyond medicinal applications. My many interactions with academic faculty over the years have deepened my understanding of the critical importance of R&D funding and the disastrous effects of budget cuts. Our efforts in government affairs, sponsorship of ACS fellows, and frequent congressional visits will continue to establish this as a top priority in the face of increasing budget pressures and misaligned agendas. Science and Government Policy. Unfortunately,
scientific expertise in Congress and the executive branch is woefully inadequate. As the largest professional society, unallied with any trade groups, ACS has substantial credibility in bringing perspective to science-based policy issues. ACS must be perceived and used by government officials as a major resource regarding complex scientific issues to ensure no policy is enacted based on bad science. Environmental Stewardship. Building
upon the green chemistry initiative, ACS must encourage R&D focused on protection and remediation of the environment.
ACS EL ECTIONS
The chemical sciences need to demonstrate effective leadership in this arena to counter the negative perception of chemistry’s environmental impacts and to bring the full capability of our science to bear on these critical 21st-century challenges.
Chemistry Olympics, judge (New Jersey Institute of Technology and North Jersey Section), 1999–2007; poster session judge at New York Academy of Sciences/ACS New York Section Annual Chemistry Graduate Poster Session, 1997; 42 publications and presentations and 48 patents and patent applications
Throughout my career, I have accepted academic invitations to chemistry departments, giving seminars and meeting with faculty and students. I have consulted for and worked with start-up companies and appreciate the entrepreneurial challenges they face. I have chaired the Organic Division Executive Committee and the Committee on Chemistry & Public Affairs. I believe that my 36 years of experience leading large R&D groups in industry, enjoying adjunct professorships, and contributing to many ACS activities have provided the management and leadership skills that are critical to meeting the challenges outlined above. Thank you.
COOPER’S STATEMENT
ALAN B. COOPER North Jersey Section. Schering-Plough Research Institute, Kenilworth, N.J. Born: 1951 Academic record: Rutgers University, B.S., 1973; M.S., 1977; Ph.D., 1984 Honors: Schering-Plough Research Institute, President's Award for Outstanding Scientific & Technical Achievement, 1988 Professional positions (for past 10 years): Schering-Plough Research Institute, research fellow, 2003 to date; senior principal scientist, 1998–2003 Service in ACS national office: Committee on Local Section Activities, 2003–08, committee associate, 2002; Committee on Divisional Activities, 1996–2001; Task Force on Local Section/Division Interactions, 2002–04 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1974. North Jersey Section: councilor 1995–2008; chair, 1998; chair-elect, 1997; Professional Relations Committee, chair, 2006; Finance Committee, 1999–2006; Executive Committee, 1997–2008; Program Planning Committee, chair, 1999–2008; national ACS Award for Team Innovation, 2001–02; Lifetime Achievement Award Subcommittee, 1998; Website Committee, chair, 2000–08; Nominating Committee, member, 2000–05, chair, 2000; Indicator Committee, 1999–2003; Planning Committee, 1998–2008; Baekeland Award Jury, foreman, 1997; “From Bench to Pilot Plant Symposium,” Organizing Committee, 2000, 1998, 1997; Topical Group Planning Committee, chair, 1996–2008; Organic Topical Group, chair, 1995. Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting: general cochair, 2005; alternate delegate, 2005–08; program chair, 1999 Member: American Association for the Advancement of Science; New York Academy of Sciences. ACS Divisions: Medicinal Chemistry and Organic Chemistry Related activities: LSAC-DAC Joint Subcommittee, 2004–08, cochair, 2006–08; Montclair State University Visiting Committee, chair, 1999;
I feel very fortunate to have been an active ACS volunteer at the local, regional, and national levels for the past 15 years, as well as serving as a councilor representing the North Jersey Section for the past 11 years. From cochairing the very successful 2005 Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM), chairing the North Jersey Section and the section’s Organic Topical Group to serving nationally on both Divisional Activities (DAC) and Local Section Activities (LSAC) Committees, I have come to realize that ACS can make a difference. As the largest professional society in the world, ACS has a responsibility to serve the society at large, our local communities, our members, our nation, and our profesCooper sion. I am now asking for your vote so that I may continue my service by representing you as District III director. If elected, I will focus on several aspects:
chemists have made and are making to improve their lives. As a volunteer in National Chemistry Week efforts for 15 years, I know that ACS can make a difference. I will work hard to expand ACS efforts to educate the public and our legislators on the importance of chemistry, chemists, and the need for supporting science education. Multidisciplinarity. Chemistry is, indeed, at the “crossroads of science.” This was the theme of the very successful Middle Atlantic Regional meeting that I cochaired in 2005. At the national level, ACS has already taken steps to incorporate multidisciplinarity in its programming. We must make sure that ACS provides accessible and competitive multidisciplinary programming not only at the national level but also at regional and local meetings. For individuals who cannot attend meetings, efforts should be made to have the programs accessible electronically. We must also expand access to multidisciplinary interactive meetings and online courses. Graduate students need encouragement to become involved in research efforts involving individuals from multiple disciplines. Globalization. Globalization of the chemi-
Employment. Although we can be proud
of the services that ACS provides to its members, the current global employment environment for chemists requires more diligence in addressing members’ needs. We must provide more career management workshops at all meeting levels and make them available on the Internet. We must reach out to undergraduate and graduate students to provide them with the tools they will need as they enter an everchanging workforce. More members and students need to know that ACS meetings at the national, regional, and local level are excellent venues for networking and learning about job opportunities. Public Image of Chemistry. The public
image of chemistry needs improvement. To the lay public, the word “chemistry” often conjures up negative images. Average people do not understand or appreciate the role chemistry plays in their daily lives and the tremendous contributions that WWW.C E N- ONLI NE .ORG
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cal enterprise has changed the way we work in industry and has affected employment in the U.S. It is the wave of the future. To address the challenges of globalization, ACS must provide data, information on job openings in other countries, and advice to its members so that they can make informed career choices. ACS must find ways to take advantage of globalization and encourage our members to do the same. ACS should also be open to working with other professional societies, both in the U.S. and worldwide, to provide programming and opportunities for its members. Education. The chemical profession is de-
pendent upon a continuous influx of highly educated students to fill the ever-increasing demand for chemistry professionals. ACS must continue to improve its programs to attract students to chemistry and the sciences at an early age. I will work to support the K–12 teachers who must have the necessary educational tools to encour-
Section was awarded the ChemLuminary Outstanding Performance Award for the year that I chaired the section, and more than 2,000 people attended the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting that I cochaired in 2005. I offer my candidacy to you as a dedicated, energetic, and diversely experienced member who will continue to work hard to ensure that ACS functions at the highest level and serves its members well.
age students to enter the field of chemistry and the sciences. So why should you vote for me? I am pas-
sionate about ACS as well as the chemical industry and chemistry education. I have been a dedicated ACS volunteer at the local, regional, and national level for 15 years and have a proven track record in leadership positions within ACS. The North Jersey
FOR DISTRICT VI DIRECTOR BONNIE ANN CHARPENTIER Santa Clara Valley Section. Metabolex Inc., Hayward, Calif. Born: 1952 Academic record: University of Houston, B.A., 1974; Ph.D., 1981 Honors: A. Ottenberg Service Award, ACS Santa Clara Valley Section, 1998; Platinum Award, ACS Division of Agricultural & Food Chemistry, 1998; Syntex Corp. Recognition Award: Individual, 1994, Team, 1992; University of Houston Departmental Teaching Award, 1980; National Merit Scholar, 1970–74; Iota Sigma Pi Professional positions (for past 10 years): Metabolex Inc., vice president, regulatory and quality, 2007 to date; Genitope Corp., vice president, regulatory, 2001–06; Roche Global Development, vice president, 1999–2001, director, regulatory affairs, 1996–99 Service in ACS national offices: Board of Directors, director, District VI, 2006–08; councilor ex officio, 2006–08; Budget & Finance, 2007–08, vice chair, 2008; Board Executive Committee, 2007–08; Committee on Public Affairs & Public Relations, 2006–08, chair, 2007–08; Committee on Planning, 2007–08; Board Goals Committee, 2006–08, chair, 2007; Council Policy Committee (voting), 2001–05, vice chair, 2005; Committee on Nominations & Elections, 1995–2000, secretary, 1999–2000, vice chair, 1997; Committee on Grants & Awards, 2006; Committee on Local Section Activities, 1994–95, committee associate, 1993; Board Oversight Committee for Communications Strategic Plan, 2007–08, chair, 2007–08; Joint Board-Council Task Force on Governance Review, 2005–07; Board Task Force on Program Review, 2005; Local Section Summit 2006, 2007; Regional Meeting Summit, 2007; Committee Structure Summit, 2007; Task Force on Enhancing Communications at Council, 2004; Task Force on Petition for Local Section & Division Support, 2002–03; Task Force on Committee Review, 2002 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1982. Santa Clara Valley Section: councilor, 1993–2005; Public Relations, chair, 2004–05; chair, 1997; chair-elect, 1996; Long-Range Planning Committee, 2001–03; National Chemistry Week Committee, 1996–2005, chair, 1998; Kids & Chemistry, chair, 1996; Volunteers in Public Outreach, coordinator, 1995; KidVention Committee, 1992–2000. Cincinnati Section: chair, 1988–89; chair-elect and Program Committee chair, 1987–88; vice chair, 1986–87; treasurer, 1985–86; CINTACS, editor, 1984–85; Nominating
Committee, chair, 1989–90; Long-Range Planning Committee, chair, 1987–88; trustee, 1989–90. Division of Agricultural & Food Chemistry: Flavor Subdivision, chair, 1990; chair-elect, 1989; vice chair, 1988; secretary, 1987 Member: American Women in Science, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, BioScience Forum, Drug Information Association, Bay Area Compliance Discussion Group, Bay Area Clinical/Regulatory Roundtable. ACS Divisions: Agricultural & Food Chemistry, Biochemical Technology, Business Development & Management, Chemistry & the Law, Small Chemical Businesses, History of Chemistry, and Medicinal Chemistry Related activities: Syntex Research, regulatory program, director, 1993–95, senior manager, 1992–93, manager, 1991–92; symposium organizer for ACS national meetings; ACS Younger Chemists Committee Chemical Career Insights Program (Roadshow) Speaker, 1985–86; Procter & Gamble Co., group leader, 1981–90; Analytical Symposium Committee, chair, 1984; presenter at national meeting symposia (Division of Chemistry & the Law and Career Services) on careers for chemists outside the laboratory; trainer for Kids & Chemistry volunteers; mentor for Mentium 100 Program; coeditor of two books: “Polymeric Delivery Systems,” ACS Symposium Series 520, 1993, and “Supercritical Fluid Extraction & Chromatography,” ACS Symposium Series 366, 1988
CHARPENTIER’S STATEMENT
Why am I running? Three years ago, I asked for your vote for director of District VI. In my statement, I outlined areas where I believed positive change was needed. To be accountable to you, this statement addresses the same areas and provides a brief update of what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done. I have greatly appreciated the opportunities I’ve had on the board, especially the chance to meet and work
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with so many amazing volunteers. Work is still needed in many areas, and I have the energy and passion to continue. Transparency. The board must play a fun-
damental role in continuing to push for openness, ensure that decisions include appropriate input, and respond to member needs. As a board member, I have reported to and sought input at all Western District Councilor Caucuses and at all regional meetings in the district. Your input is a valuable voice in directing the society, and I am grateful to members who have posed questions, given critiques, or offered suggestions. I believe the board should be accessible and open in communications. Financial responsibility. This is always a primary function of the board but is particularly critical in difficult economic times. There is not space here to discuss all of the financial challenges currently facing ACS, but please know that in my service on the Committee on Budget & Finance (currently as vice chair), I work to put members’ needs first, ensure the financial well-being of the society, and seek to cut needless expenses. To that end, I pledge to question expenses incurred for consultants to ensure they are necessary and appropriate. Efficiency/Quickness. Thanks to diligent efforts by many members on the Governance Review Task Force and in a committee structure summit, substantive recommendations have been made for clarifying responsibilities, simplifying governing documents, and addressing redundancies. I am pleased that the board is simplifying its own committee structure. We still have a way to go to remove bureaucratic frustrations for our volunteers; I would welcome the opportunity to continue this work. Communication. I have met
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with members at national meetings and at all of the regional meetings held in our district during my term, and I participated in leadership conferences and local section, regional meeting, and committee structure summits. As chair of the Board Committee on Public Affairs & Public Relations (PA&PR), I have worked to
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increase communication with other committees with responsibilities in similar areas through committee breakfasts, shared meetings, and other communications I have also chaired the Board Oversight Committee for the communications strategic plan. It is critical that we improve our communications, particularly our use of electronic communications. Outreach/Education. I have particular passion for these areas—chemistry advocacy in public policy, support for education, and outreach to the public. My responsibilities with PA&PR have given me the chance to contribute, for example, by establishing and prioritizing ACS policy statements (C&EN, Dec. 10, 2007, page 38) and working with the Office of Legislative & Government Affairs to support our legislative outreach. I am excited that we have established a pilot program to expand our advocacy programs at the state level, focusing on science education support. I have continued working in public outreach and education, including participation in National Chemistry Week events, continuing support of a chemistry workshop for teachers (now in its 12th year), and teaching student interview workshops at several universities. I took particular delight in coorganizing “Chemists in the Community,” a project at the ACS national meeting in San Francisco in which board members joined with other member volunteers in service projects, providing not only a positive image to the public but also giving us a chance to interact and get to know each other while working for a worthy cause. Summary. I consider it a great honor to be director of District VI and thank you for the opportunity to serve this extraordinary district. I’ve worked hard on the board, and in doing so have called on all of my previous experience, both academic and industrial, and in particular my experience in organizing projects and managing budgets. The best part of this job is interacting with members to hear their concerns and ideas and being able to take action in response. I continue to marvel at the energy and dedication of our volunteers in local sections, divisions, and governance. I would welcome the opportunity to continue working with you to improve our society and to bring to every decision the perspective that ACS is the members. I ask for your vote to continue my efforts.
GARY D. CHRISTIAN Puget Sound Section. University of Washington, Seattle Born: 1937 Academic record: University of Oregon, B.S., 1959; University of Maryland, Ph.D., 1964 Honors: ACS Fisher Award in Analytical Chemistry, 1996; ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1988; Circle of Discovery, University of Maryland, 2007; honorary member, Japanese Society for Analytical Chemistry, 2006; honorary doctorate degree, Chiang Mai University, 2005; Geoff Wilson Medal, Deakin University, 2003; Charles University Commemorative Medal, 1999; Talanta Gold Medal, 1995; Fulbright-Hays Scholar, Belgium, 1978; Medal of Honor, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1978 Professional positions (for past 10 years): University of Washington, professor emeritus, 2006; professor, 1972–2006; divisional dean of sciences, 1993–2001 Service in ACS national offices: ACS ad hoc Task Force To Monitor Analytical Chemistry, chair, 1983–84 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1961. Puget Sound Section: councilor, 2006–08; alternate councilor, 2005; chair, 1982–83; chair-elect, 1981–82; (section hosted 185th ACS national meeting, 1983). Division of Analytical Chemistry: chair, 1990; chair-elect, 1989; Nominating Committee, chair, 1990–91; Canvassing Awards Committee, 1993–95. Lexington Kentucky Section: vice chair, 1968–69; councilor, 1971–72 Member: Society for Applied Spectroscopy, Pacific Northwest Section, secretary-treasurer, 1979–80, chair, 1989–90; Spectroscopy Society of Canada; Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry, Board of Directors, 1993–98; Society of Western Analytical Professors; lifetime member, Chemical Society of Thailand; Kentucky Academy of Science (chemistry), secretary, 1969–70, chair, 1970–71 Related activities: ACS Tour Speaker, 2008; joint editor-in-chief, Talanta, 1989 to date; Dr. Werdelman Foundation Annual Lecture, Chiang Mai University, 2005; National Institutes of Health SBIR Study Sections, 1987–2004; Robert A. Welch Foundation Lecturer, 2003; Scientific Board for the 1992 International Chemistry Olympiad, U.S. host country; National Science Foundation delegate to Czechoslovakia, 1991; Examinations Task Force for the ACS International Chemistry Olympiad, 1985; Committee of Examiners Graduate Record Examination Chemistry Test, 1984–90; NIH Biometallic & Bioanalytical Study Section, 1982–87; Subcommittee on ACS Analytical Chemistry Examination, 1977–87, chair, 1981–87; author of more than 300 papers, and books on atomic absorption spectroscopy, trace analysis, analytical chemistry (six editions), instrumental analysis (two editions), problem solving in analytical chemistry, and quantitative calculations in pharmaceutical practice and research; ACS Audio Short Course on Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, 1980; serve or served on editorial boards of 18 journals
CHRISTIAN’S STATEMENT
I am honored to be selected to run for District VI director. I believe my varied experiences in American Chemical Society WWW.C E N- ONLI NE .ORG
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activities and offices, in education, and in administration qualify me to participate in this important governance of our society, should you choose me as your director. We chemists all know the centrality of chemistry to the lives of this country’s citizens, its businesses, and its economy. We understand chemistry’s importance in improving lives worldwide—by creating new materials and products that enhance our lives and by tackling and solving global problems of energy, food, safe water, health, and myriad other issues. And it is important that the general populace be aware of the importance of chemistry in their lives. ACS, representing over 160,000 members, has many excellent programs, committees, and task forces to educate and influence decisionmakers in the wise use of our national resources to ensure the continued leadership of the U.S. in science and technology. ACS President Bruce Bursten has wisely identified communication and education as priorities of his presidency in order to convey our message of the importance of chemistry and to make sure we have the future scientific talent to keep the U.S. strong. I applaud President Bursten’s emphasis and would welcome the opportunity to apply my experience to these goals. What else can we emphasize? How do we strengthen the already good ACS programs and benefit the ACS membership? One of my interests is in strengthening international ties. For example, I recently arranged a workshop of U.S. and Thai analytical scientists to help establish collaborations and student and faculty exchanges in broad areas of biosciences, neurosciences, bioinformatics, and nanoscience (Anal. Chem. 2007, 79, 794). Given the global nature of the issues facing us, we can do more to take advantage of worldwide expertise, to give our students exposure to other cultures, and to establish academic and industrial ties with international colleagues in advancing chemistry for the good of all. Utilizing my experience in this area, I would engage our district members in a dialogue on how to strengthen such beneficial ties and on how to identify additional ACS issues judged most important to the district members. ACS can play an increased role in encouraging K–12 students to become engaged in chemistry, to understand its role in their daily lives, and to consider chemistry as a career. Local sections can have
a tremendous impact by interacting with and supporting their local schoolteachers, and this should be a priority for ACS. I will focus on developing improved methods for implementing these goals to draw more students into chemistry. Advances in basic and applied research that will provide answers to the world’s challenging problems are dependent on the creativity of individuals. Christian Although it is important to have interdisciplinary, collaborative, and focused areas of funded research in which
chemists play a key role, we must also encourage and not forget the entrepreneurship of the individual investigator. I believe ACS should advocate apportioning sufficient funds from agency budgets to creative individual investigators to ensure that basic chemistry as a discipline remains central and strong. The ACS Vision Statement is, “Improving people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.” We can, with continued effort by ACS and its members, ensure a bright future, a strengthened economy, international cooperation, and a better life.
FOR DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE WILLIAM F. CARROLL JR. Dallas/Fort Worth Section. Occidental Chemical Corp., Dallas Born: 1952 Academic record: DePauw University, B.A., 1973; Tulane University, M.S., 1975; Indiana University, Ph.D., 1978 Honors: ACS Division of Chemical Technicians K. Michael Shea Special Recognition Award, 2007; Vinyl Institute Roy T. Gottesman Leadership Award, 2000 Professional positions (for past 10 years): Occidental Chemical Corp., vice president, 1996 to date; Indiana University, Bloomington, adjunct industrial professor of chemistry, 1998 to date Service in ACS national offices: Board of Directors, 2004–06, immediate past-president, 2006, president, 2005, president-elect, 2004, councilor ex officio, 2004–08; Council Policy Committee (voting), 2004–06, chair, 2005; Committee on Executive Compensation, 2004–09, chair, 2005– 08; Committee on Budget & Finance, 2001–09, vice chair, 2006; Committee on Professional Affairs & Public Relations, 2005–06; Committee on Committees, 2004; Board Executive Committee, 2004–06; Committee on Planning, 2004–06; Committee on Professional & Member Relations, 2004–05; Board Presidential Task Force, Governance Review, 2005–06, cochair, 2005; Board International Task Force, cochair, 2007–08, Committee on International Activities, 2001–03, chair, 2001–03; Presidential Board Task Force, ACS/ American Chemistry Council, 2002–03; Committee on Committees Review Task Force, 2001–02; ACS tour speaker, 2002–08 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1974 Member: Royal Society of Chemistry, fellow; Society of Plastics Engineers; American Association for the Advancement of Science; National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE); National Fire Protection Association. ACS Divisions: Chemical Technicians, Organic Chemistry,
Polymer Chemistry, and Professional Relations Related activities: International Union of Pure & Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), U.S. National Committee, 2002–08; United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Stockholm Convention, International Negotiating Conference/Conference of the Parties, Non-Government Organization Representative, 1998–2007, Scientific & Technical Evaluation Workshop on Persistent Manufactured Chemicals, 1999, Expert Group on Best Available Techniques & Best Environmental Practices, 2003–07, Dioxin Toolkit Task Force, 2006–08; National Research Council, Chemical Sciences Roundtable, 2006–08, Committee on Research at the Interface of the Physical & Life Sciences, 2008–09; Council of Scientific Society Presidents, 2004–08, board, 2007–08, secretary, 2007, chair-elect 2008; State of California, Green Chemistry Science Advisory Panel, 2008; DePauw University Science Advisory Board, 2004–08, chair, 2006; Colorado School of Mines Department of Chemistry & Geochemistry, visiting committee, 2005–08; State of Oregon, Department of Environmental Quality Rigid Packaging Implementation Task Force, 1993–95; State of Florida, Packaging Council, 1993–94; Carroll Vinyl Institute, Technical Committee, 1983–89, chair, 1986–89, Group on Recycling, 1989–94, chair, 1992–94, Operating Committee, 1993–2008, chair, 1998–2003, 2007; American Plastics Council, Energy Recovery Task Force, 1992–93, chair, 1994, National Issues Task Force, 1998–99, NonDurables Committee, 2000–03, Health Committee, 1999–2001, chair, 2000; American Chemistry Council, Public Health Team, 1998–2003, Sustainable Development Work Group, 2000–01, Science Policy Team, 2002–03, Health, Product & Science Policy Committee, 2003–08, Chlorine Chemistry Division Operating Committee, 2006–08; Chlorine WWW.C E N- ONLI NE .ORG
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Chemistry Council, Strategic Implementation Leadership Committee, 1996–2006, Operating Committee, 2006–08; Dioxin/PBT Issue Team, 1994–2006, chair, 1996–98, Science & Health Issue Team, chair, 1996–98, Health Effects Issue Team, chair, 2000–01, Sustainable Development Work Group, chair, 1997–2003; Society of the Plastics Industry, Coordinating Committee on Fire Safety, 1986–87, chair, 1987–88; International Society of Fire Service Instructors, Training Course: Company Officer Development I, instructor, 1986– 89; National Fire Protection Association Research Foundation, Flammable Liquids Packaging Research, chair, 1986–89; Plastics Recycling Foundation, 1987–89, Board of Directors, 1990–93; World Chlorine Council, 1995–2008; Global Vinyl Council Management Group, 1999–2003; Texas Institute for the Advancement of Chemical Technology, Educating Texans for Jobs with the Chemical Industry in the 21st Century, Steering Committee, 1997; 40 publications and two patents
CARROLL’S STATEMENT
The future of the American Chemical Society depends upon innovation and leadership related to science, the people of science, and advocacy for both. I hope to use my enthusiasm and continuing commitment to ACS to advance these three areas during a term as director-at-large. SCIENCE. Our founders knew—and sur-
veyed members still report—that chemists value the society first as a source of scientific information. They know and appreciate that ACS produces the highest quality journals, the best tools for searching the literature, and robust regional and national meetings. The way scientific information is gathered, published, indexed, distributed, and paid for is changing, and more challenges are ahead. ACS is a huge source of scientific content that, in the future, can and will be delivered in new ways beyond traditional journals and meetings. As a board member, I will have no higher priority than to maintain our commitment to excellence in organizing and communicating science by all these means. If we manage the enterprise well, we can innovate and thrive no matter what new models become the standard. PEOPLE. ACS was founded not just to
archive written information but also to provide a forum for scientists to share their work person-to-person. In the next decade,
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members will come to rely on the society’s strength as an expanding network, connecting scientists in the U.S. and in other countries. We will help each other make discoveries and advance careers. We will meet, value, and have dialogue with diverse, interesting peers, as we always have. And through technology we will do it differently, more broadly, and better. By extending each chemist’s personal reach, connectivity has the potential to become the value proposition for tomorrow’s professional society, whether ACS or any other. As a board member, I will foster and promote the new Member Network and the development of other tools and initiatives that help us identify, meet, and collaborate more closely with those who share our passion for chemistry here and around the world. Awards honor the greatest among us. Society membership and the opportunities afforded by our network help us develop the greatness in each of us.
have met and corresponded with thousands of ACS members, government officials, and members of the general public. My fondest memories are of the dialogue and the people. Leadership as one voice on a 16-member board is quite different from leadership as an officer with a title. It requires the skill to listen, to formulate proposals, to find consensus, and to commit to moving the organization beyond one’s own ideas. I believe my experience on panels of diverse stakeholders for the United Nations, various states, and even ACS has taught me the importance of diplomacy, respect, and collaboration, which I will bring to the board. Governance is a team sport. And to that end, I ask for your support. In return, I promise you the energy, the care, the vision, and the good humor you have come to expect. Thank you for your consideration.
ADVOCACY. Each ACS member—on the board or otherwise—has a most important duty: to advocate for the future of chemists, chemistry, and science. We most often think of advocacy in terms of speaking to legislators about important issues, especially through the ACS Legislative Action Network. However, there are more common and equally important opportunities for each of us. Consider the times when we excite middle school students about the benefits of science and careers that bring those benefits to society, or when we clarify complex technical policy issues for our neighbors who vote, or when we stand as candidates for public office (and we do this far too seldom). In each of these cases, we advocate for science; more importantly, we enable a better tomorrow. Each of us can elevate the visibility and perception of chemistry and in so doing, elevate the visibility and perception of chemists, as well. And if not us, who? As a board member, I will continue to advocate for science and scientists, and I will enable and encourage others to do so, as well.
RICHARD L. DEMING
LEADERSHIP. People say, and I agree: You can tell what people value not by what they say but by how they invest their time. I value science, people, and advocacy. Over the past seven years, I have participated at ACS events in more than 100 local sections. I have spoken to nearly as many high school classes and student affiliate chapters. I
Orange County Section. California State University, Fullerton Born: 1945 Academic record: Carleton College, B.A., 1968; Northwestern University, M.S., 1972; Ph.D., 1975 Honors: Sigma Xi Professional positions (for past 10 years): California State University, professor, 1987 to date Service in ACS national offices: Committee on Nominations & Elections, 2001–06; Council Policy Committee, ex officio (nonvoting), 2000; Committee on Committees, 1995–2000, chair, 2000; Committee on Publications, 1988–94, committee associate, 1987–88; advisory board, ACS Software, 1988–91; Chemical & Engineering News, Publishing Board, 1990–93; advisory board, Today’s Chemist at Work, 1992– 2004; advisory board, Graduate School Finder, 1990–93; ad hoc Board Task Force on Needs of B.S. Chemists, 1989–91 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1972. Orange County Section: councilor, 1986– 2006, chair, 2002–03, 1995, chair-elect and program chair, 1994; Education Committee, 1979–85, chair, 1983–85. Western Regional Meeting: general chair, 2006, 1991, program chair, 1987. Division of Computers in Chemistry: Subdivision of Laboratory Automation, chair, 1987 Member: ACS Division: Analytical Chemistry Related activities: Society for Deming Applied Spectroscopy, chair, Southern California Section, 1984–86; editorial board, Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry, 1992–98; California State University Molecular Design Laboratory, director, 1986–92; associate director, Center for Excellence in Science & Mathematics Education (CSUF), 1998–99; consultant for DuPont, Gemini Industries, Digital Equipment Corp., Chevron Oil
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Field Research Co., and Arco Solar; University of Massachusetts, visiting professor, 1984; Chevron Oil Field Research Co., visiting professor, 1985; Chiang Mai University, Thailand, visiting professor, Faculty of Science, 1997; NIH-MIRT/MHIRT research mentor, Faculty of Medicine, 2000, 2003–07; visiting scholar, Escuela Superior Politecnica de Chimborazo, Riobamba, Ecuador, 2000; published 26 journal articles and one book chapter
DEMING’S STATEMENT
It is a great honor to be able to stand for election to the American Chemical Society Board of Directors as director-at-large. The rather unique role of the director-at-large comes about because only councilors vote to select two individuals each year to serve on the board for three-year terms. Those elected must not only represent the voting constituency of councilors, but they must also represent the “membership at large” in their decision-making and leadership because of the broad implications of the board’s actions for all segments of the society. I feel that my governance and professional experience, as well as my deep commitment to the goals and vision of ACS, qualify me to serve with vigor and imagination to help the society meet the challenges of managing such a complex organization. My experience includes 21 years as a councilor from Orange County, Calif.; two terms each on three committees—Publications, Committee on Committees (one year as chair), and Nominations & Elections—regional meeting chair (twice); local section chair; and participation in local, regional, and national activities. I have been active in research and education, including international programs at the university level, and I have worked in the chemical industry as a consultant for many years. As an active member working on ACS programs and issues over the years, I have developed an appreciation of the society’s great value to its members and to society in general. I am ready to contribute even more to the society by being a director-at-large so I can bring new ideas, along with my experience, to work on the challenges and opportunities that face ACS in a rapidly changing world. Of high priority to me are maintaining the continued financial health of the society; ensuring member participation and in-
volvement at national, regional, and local levels; supporting educational efforts and outreach programs to enhance scientific achievement; providing strong careerenhancing experiences for our members; encouraging more support for research programs in industry and academia; maintaining preeminence in the field of scientific information and publications; and recognizing the importance of international collaborations in a global economy. Not having served on the board before, I do not propose an agenda of specific actions, but I will work hard to research issues by evaluating information from many sources and utilizing my experience and judgment to do what I feel is best for ACS and its membership. Thank you for taking time to read this statement, and I hope that you will support me for director-at-large.
1977–81; International Symposia on High-Performance Capillary Electrophoresis, Organizing Committees, vice chair, 1998–99, 1993–96; published 45 journal articles, one general chemistry textbook (in 2nd edition), and three patents
GILBERT’S STATEMENT
I welcome this opportunity to present my administrative credentials and to describe what I would try to accomplish if elected director-at-large. Past service. Standard American Chemi-
THOMAS R. GILBERT Northeastern Section. Northeastern University, Boston Born: 1946 Academic record: Clarkson College of Technology, B.S., 1968; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Ph.D., 1971 Honors: Outstanding Teacher of First-Year Students Award, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, 2002; Excellence in Teaching Award, Northeastern University, 1999; Sigma Xi; Gamma Sigma Epsilon Professional positions (for past 10 years): Northeastern University, associate professor, 1985 to date; associate director for academic affairs, School of Education, 1999–2004, acting director, 2004–07, director, 2007 to date; executive officer, Barnett Institute of Chemical Analysis & Materials Science, 1987–98 Service in ACS national offices: Council Policy Committee (voting), 2007–09, vice chair, 2008; Long-Range Planning Subcommittee, chair, 2008, (nonvoting), 2000; Committee on Nominations & Elections, 2001–06, vice chair, 2004–06; Committee on Meetings & Expositions, 1995–2000, chair, 2000, committee associate, 1994; ACS Board of Directors International Strategy Implementation Task Force, 2008; ACS Fellows Presidential Task Force, 2008; Award Review Committee of the Board Committee on Grants & Awards, 2008; Task Force on Election Procedures, chair, 2003–05 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1968. Northeastern Section: councilor, 1990– 2008; alternate councilor, 1987–89; chair, 1988; chair-elect, 1987; Nominations Committee, chair, 1989; Long-Range Planning Committee, 1989; Analytical Group, chair, 1983–86; Centennial Celebration Program, chair, 1998; Northeast Regional Meeting, general chair, 1993. Division of Analytical Chemistry: 46th Annual Summer Symposium on Analytical Chemistry, Organizing Committee, cochair, 1993 Member: ACS Divisions: Analytical Chemistry and Chemical Education Related activities: ACS Division of Education, Examinations Institute, 2000; Analytical Chemistry Examination Committee, 1998–2000; New England Aquarium, Research, associate director,
cal Society biographical sketches indicate what we were elected to do; they usually don’t describe what we have accomplished. Let me add a few details to mine. As chair of the Council Committee on Meetings & Expositions, I led the effort to eliminate the chronic operating deficits of national meetings. Through cost controls and revenuegenerating measures approved by council, the finances for national meetings and expositions are now on an even keel. During my time on the Committee on Nominations & Elections, I chaired the Task Force on Election Procedures and presented to council constitution and bylaw changes that give ACS members the option of casting their ballots electronically in national, divisional, and local section elections. I’m pleased that those changes were adopted and that the national balloting process has run smoothly ever since. Now most of the Gilbert votes in national elections are cast electronically. As the vice chair of the Council Policy Committee (CPC) and the chair of its Long-Range Planning Subcommittee, I have led the effort to engage more councilors and ACS members in implementing the 2008 Strategic Plan. The table at the Philadelphia council meeting with the “Think Strategically” banner illustrates CPC’s effort to tap the experience and wisdom of fellow councilors in moving our strategic agenda forward and making ACS more responsive to our members’ needs and more valuable to all chemical scientists. Membership services. Members of council and the board of directors know about the spectrum of services available to all ACS
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members. Most members do not. If elected, I would expand the membership network that went live Aug. 1 of this year to include communications from sections, divisions, and national ACS based on members’ individual professional profiles. These messages might update members on recent publications in their research areas that have just been published in ACS journals; notify them of presentations of interest at upcoming national, divisional, or regional meetings; warn them of pending abstract submission deadlines for their divisions; or gently remind them they have not yet voted in a current election. I’m sure that many other ideas will evolve from the members themselves as their participation in the new network grows. Education and public outreach. As the
world’s largest professional scientific society, ACS is well positioned to reach out to the American public about the importance of chemistry to their lives. Indeed, ACS already has many successful outreach programs, such as National Chemistry Week. Still, these efforts will have only limited impact as long as a majority of the public knows so little about science that they, for example, cannot distinguish between astronomy and astrology. ACS should join with AAAS and sister scientific societies in a vigorous frontal assault on science illiteracy in America. Only when the general public understands the process of science and appreciates its transformational power can they understand the central role that chemistry plays in remarkable advances in the biological and physical sciences. Education and the workforce. If the American chemical enterprise is to grow and prosper, more bright American students need to be turned on to science and chemistry. ACS should play a key role in making that happen. An important way of accomplishing this is to help teachers present the wonders of scientific discovery to their students, and to give them the tools to teach science by doing science. Bright students need to experience the dynamism of science and so gain an appreciation of how we scientists know what we know, not just what we know. ACS used this approach to
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learning when it developed several excellent textbooks for high school and general chemistry. Now ACS should be the catalyst for implementing guided-inquiry learning in upper level elementary and middle school science courses and rigorous college-prep high school chemistry courses. These courses would be content rich while sharing the sense of discovery and investigation that scientists find so rewarding.
MARINDA LI WU California Section. Science is Fun!, Orinda, Calif. Born: 1950 Academic record: Ohio State University, B.S., cum laude with distinction in chemistry, 1971; University of Illinois, Ph.D., 1976 Honors: Walter Petersen Award for Outstanding Service, ACS California Section, 2005; ACS Legislative Action Network Honor Roll, 2003; ACS President’s Award for Outstanding Work To Promote the Public Image of Chemistry, 2002; ACS President’s Award for Outstanding Local Section Government Affairs, 2001; ACS President’s Award for Leadership of the California Section as its Centennial Chair, 2001; ACS California Section, Women Chemists Committee, Outstanding Service Award, 2001; Award for Contributions to Excellence in Education, Orinda Union School District, 2003; Special Recognition Award, Dow Chemical Central Research, 1989; Chemistry Department Outstanding Teaching Assistant, University of Illinois, 1975; National Defense Education Act Predoctoral Fellow, 1971–74; National Science Foundation, undergraduate research fellow, 1970– 71; Ohio State University, undergraduate research fellow, 1969–70; Mirrors Honorary Society, Ohio State University; Iota Sigma Pi (vice president, 1970–71); Phi Lambda Upsilon (vice president, 1970–71); Kappa Kappa Gamma, Outstanding Senior Award, 1971; Senior Most Dedicated to Her Field Award, 1971; Phi Beta Kappa, 1971 Professional positions (for past 10 years): Science is Fun!, founder and president, 1993 to date; Atometrix Co., cofounder and president, 1999–2000; March Instruments Inc., Research and Development/Marketing, 1997–99 Service in ACS national offices: Board of Directors, director-at-large, 2007–08; councilor ex officio, 2007–08; Board Committee on Grants & Awards, 2007–08; Awards Review Committee, chair, 2008; Board Committee on Professional & Member Relations, 2007–08; Council Policy Committee (nonvoting), 2003–05; Committee on Chemistry & Public Affairs, committee associate, 2006–08; Committee on Economic & Professional Affairs, 2001–05, chair, 2003–05, committee associate, 1997–98, consultant, 1999; Committee on Public Relations, 1998–99, committee associate, 1997–98; Committee on Local Section Activities, committee associate, 1999–2000; Committee on Economic & Professional Affairs, Employment Services Advisory Board, 1997–99; Committee on Local Section Activities, Task Force on New Awards, chair, 1999–2000; Committee on Economic & Professional Affairs, Task Force on Globalization Issues, 2004–05; Chemistry Enterprise 2015 Governance Advisory Team, 2005 Service in ACS offices: Member of ACS since 1971. California Section: councilor, 1996–2006; chair, 2001; chair-elect and program chair, 2000; board of directors, director, 2000 to date; Executive Committee, 1994 to date; Government Affairs
Committee, chair, 2006 to date; Science Café Program, cochair, 2007 to date; Awards Committee, chair, 2006; Long-Range Planning Committee, 2001–06, chair, 2002; Centennial Celebration Committee, chair, 2001; National Historic Chemical Landmark Committee, 2001–02; Nominations & Elections Committee, chair, 2002; Local Section Career Program, coordinator, 2000 to date; Career Assistance & Transition Group, founder and cochair, 2000 to date; Public Relations cochair, 1996–2004; National Chemistry Week, coordinator, 1996–99; Employment Committee, 1994 to date; Women Chemists Committee, 1993 to date, chair, 1994, cochair, 1999, 1997. Western Regional Meeting: Women Chemists Committee Symposium, chair, 2006 Member: Association for Women in Science; Chinese-American Chemical Society; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Friends of Science. ACS Divisions: Business Development & Management and Professional Relations Related activities: ACS Ambassador to the Chinese-American Chemical Society, 2007–08; Chinese-American Chemical Society Communications, advisory board, 2007 to date; ACS Communications Plan Advisory Group, 2008; ACS Career Workshop, presenter, 2000 to date; Local Section Activities Committee, liaison to National Chemistry Week Task Force, contributor to NCW Handbook “Guaranteed to Succeed,” 1999–2000; ACS Legislative Action Network, 1999 to date; Dow Chemical, Dow Plastics, Walnut Creek Lab, central research, 1976–92; Central Research New England Lab, 1978–80; seven U.S. patents, numerous publications, and polymer textbook chapters
WU’S STATEMENT CATALYST FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
I am honored to run for re-election as director-at-large. After serving on the ACS Board for two years, my passion is stronger than ever to continue to do my best to serve our members and profession. Global competition, underemployment, eroding science and engineering enrollment, multidisciplinarity issues, and public misperceptions continue as challenges. ACS certainly cannot overcome these challenges alone. Together, as a society and as individual members, with strategic partners, we must tackle such challenges with fresh ideas. I have the courage and commitment to serve as a much needed catalyst for positive change. MY BACKGROUND Diversity. For over 30 years,
I have forged partnerships between industry, education, government, and the community. I gained technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial experience working at a large chemical company, a small company, and at start-ups. Coming WWW.C E N- ONLI NE .ORG
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from a family of professors, I appreciate the concerns of academia. I understand, respect, and value diversity of all kinds. My multicultural background, diverse experiences, and extensive world travels equip me well to help ACS value the benefits of diversity. Change Agent. I have always had a desire to be a catalyst for positive change. I founded Science is Fun! to engage young children in the excitement of science. I actively work in public outreach to increase public awareness and improve science education for K–12 and beyond. My ACS Comment (C&EN, June 7, 2004, page 40) on “How Should ACS Treat Global Outsourcing?” highlights the need for ACS to adapt. As ACS councilor and chair at local and national levels, I have always advocated collaboration between local sections, divisions, and other organizations. Extensive ACS Experience. An ACS mem-
ber for 38 years, I have made it a priority to contribute at local, regional, and national levels. I am “Proud to be a Chemist.” For details, visit http://marindawu.googlepages. com. MY PRIORITIES Support Lifelong Career and Professional Development. Audiences for the ACS Ca-
reer Workshops I have presented for years at national, regional, and local meetings are increasingly gray-haired. Downsizings and layoffs continue. Our members must be prepared because there is little job security today. I advocate developing innovative ways to better equip members for today’s global work environment. Members are living longer and continuing to work in the same or different careers. I believe in lifelong learning and development. Whether for recent graduates or retirees, ACS must continually support our members’ professional growth. Improve Science Literacy and Education. To im-
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prove public perception of chemistry and maintain competitiveness in innovation, I work tirelessly to increase awareness among legislators and the general public of the importance of science literacy and STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. I support increased public outreach, such as science cafés, to connect the general public with scientists. Our local section science cafés attract positive interest from both the public and the media. This spring, I visited Capitol Hill twice: First I traveled with ACS teams, joining sister societies in SETWG (ScienceEngineering-Technology Work Group) to advocate funding science and later with the ACS Board for the Legislative Summit. As local Government Affairs Committee chair, I collaborate with other GACs in our state government affairs advocacy pilot. I recently met Congressman George Miller, chair of the House Committee on Education & Labor, and led a team of scientists to discuss STEM education and related
LETTERS
continued from page 6 and disruption of the Earth’s climate” (C&EN, June 23, page 3). They circulated a petition to thousands of people and got “more than 31,000” to sign it. Since when is science decided by popular vote? William Copulsky Raleigh, N.C. MICHAEL COVINGTON’S praise for skeptics in science forgets that there is a time and a place for skepticism (C&EN, July 28, page 9). If I am studying a phenomenon, then I should be skeptical; if I am using that phenomenon in my daily life, I should be careful. For example, if I am climbing a mountain, I should not be skeptical about gravity. If I am building an analytical instrument, I should not be skeptical about basic electronics or optics. This is the reason that skeptics about climate change often seem to be so careless or even dangerous. Our daily lives and habits are using Earth, its atmosphere, and its abilities to respond to extra CO2 and extra warming. We know that our habits are having disastrous effects and that they may trigger even more harmful feedback loops within a few years. We already know enough to see that this path will end our civilization and harm millions of people now and in the future. We also know that no single “solution” about which we could debate endlessly—or taking no action—will be enough to
issues with his district director. Visit www. act4chemistry.org/ca. I encourage more members to join LAN (Legislative Action Network) and local section GACs. Our collective effort to increase funding for research and education is critical to driving our economy and maintaining global competitiveness. Collaborate on Global Challenges. My
ACS Comment this year (C&EN, Feb. 18, page 41) on “Global Collaboration and Challenges” describes successful first steps toward collaboration with major universities in China. I was privileged to represent ACS when a Chinese delegation visited the University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford University as part of their U.S. tour. As the first Asian-American elected to the ACS Board, I have worked to make connections
save civilization. So, with respect to climate change as it affects our daily lives, we must take all effective solutions; we must create “both, and” projects to emit less CO2, to sequester CO2, to develop catalysts to reduce CO2 to useful chemical forms, to become more efficient, and to develop renewable sources of energy. By all means, let us continue to be skeptical when we are studying the climate, or when we are trying to refine our models or determine the exact costs and effects of one of our portfolio of solutions. But skepticism in the face of the evidence while we are planning and living our lives, and while we are using our finite shared Earth, is careless at best and probably much worse. David V. Bowen Canterbury, England PENICILLIN PRODUCTION “PFIZER’S PENICILLIN Landmark,” gives the impression that the development of penicillin took a giant leap from its discovery by Alexander Fleming in 1928 to its mass production by Pfizer beginning in 1944, without mention of any of the crucial intermediate steps (C&EN, July 14, page 46). In 1939, Howard Florey, Ernst Chain, and others at Oxford University began their groundbreaking work on how to improve the production of penicillin, with advice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They also were the first to demonstrate its in vivo antimicrobial activity. Florey and WWW.C E N- ONLI NE .ORG
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and hope to help ACS in its international endeavors. Exciting possibilities lie ahead for collaborations to address global challenges. Enhance Effectiveness of Board and Council. Directors-at-large serve as vital
links between council and the board. Communication and collaboration are essential. I welcome input and will do my best to represent diverse member interests. Fiscal responsibility, increased efficiency, and prudent actions are my goals. MY PLEDGE TO YOU
I have the experience, capability, and determination to help ACS achieve our vision for the future. If re-elected, I pledge to work with you, continue to speak up for our members’ interests, and act as a catalyst for positive change.
Chain shared with Fleming the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945. Beginning in 1942, Merck & Co. was first in producing sufficient penicillin to treat patients. Anthony B. Mauger Kensington, Md. THEORY OF MIND I AM AMUSED to note that letter writers have responded according to their preconceptions about Stuart Kauffman’s book “Reinventing the Sacred: A New View of Science, Reason, and Religion,” based on Ivan Amato’s editorial, yet none of them claims to have read the book (C&EN, June 2, page 5). I can report that Amato did motivate me to purchase and read the book, and it is wonderful. I admit my own preconceptions are congruent with Kauffman’s thesis that complex systems including the biosphere, life, and mind are not reducible to physics. My belief is intuitive, but Kauffman offers physical and mathematical models to support the existence of nonreducible emergent processes. Ultimately, these are testable. Kauffman offers a theory of mind that even he admits is more likely wrong than right, but at least it has some basis in scientific principles. This is all a joy to read. It is in the spirit of our exploratory and inquisitive profession. I join Amato in recommending it highly. Arthur J. Cooper Mentor, Ohio
