The Kodak Technicians’ Symposium, "The Technician Element in Innovative Technology at Eastman Kodak", was held February 9, 2007. The event was co-sponsored by the Rochester Technician Affiliate Group (TAG) and Kodak's Office of the Chief Technical Officer. The symposium invited all Kodak technicians to present posters of their work. Dr. Catherine Hunt, 2007 President of the American Chemical Society was the keynote speaker and focused her presentation on the three central themes of her presidency:
* Education: For ourselves, legislators, the media, the general public, and the next generation
* Collaboration: Building a strong, vibrant and vocal technical community
* Innovation: Recreating our companies, our schools, and ourselves
Following Dr. Hunt’s presentation, a poster session was held in Kodak’s research complex. A total of 21 posters were presented by Kodak technicians on a wide array of topics including inkjet printing, thin film transistors, OLED diplays, nanoparticles, polymer synthesis, and many others.
The symposium organizing committee members were Deborah Janes, Tulienne Molaire, Timothy Wilson, Anne Marie Lanzafame, Joan Williams, Mary Jane Witkiewitz and Dick Cobb. The organizing committee would like to express our thanks to Doreen Johnson, John Dyer and Nancy Ferris for their generous support of the symposium.
Tim Wilson and Deb Janes were involved with several educational outreach opportunities during February:
A forensic workshop was presented at CWS STANYS for educators at Nazareth College. This activity was held to help educators to meet new circular mandates.
An educational outreach poster was presented at the Technician Affiliate Group’s 2007 poster session on Feb. 9. This poster was well received and may result in the renewed support to sponsor a science show during “Bring Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day” at Kodak in April.
Six general science demonstrations were held for Otetiana Council’s Bay Water District Winter Fun Day at East Ridge High School Feb. 10. The popularity of the show was apparent as the organization committee asked us to reserve a date for next year at the conclusion of the day.
Tim and Deb were invited to participate in a career day at Spencerport Jr. High School on Feb. 14 to present excite a newly developed presentation entitled: “What do students need to succeed in a science career?” The event was cancelled due to inclement weather and may be rescheduled in the future.
A series of hands-on activities were also presented for National Engineering Week held at the Rochester Museum and Science Center on Feb. 17.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Rochester Technician Award 2007
The Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society is seeking nominations for the 2007 ROCHESTER TECHNICIAN AWARD.
The ACS defines a technician as a person whose training includes successful completion of a two-year post-high school level science curriculum leading to an Associate’s degree, the equivalent course work in a Baccalaureate program, or the equivalent knowledge gained by experience. The primary work of a technician is to conduct experiments, correlate information to help solve problems, and discover new knowledge.
Eligibility: All technicians, as defined by the ACS and with a minimum of five years experience, are eligible for nomination. Membership in the ACS or the Rochester Section's Technician Affiliate Group (TAG) is not required. All technicians working in the areas covered under the 34 divisions of the ACS are eligible for nomination. This includes, but is not limited to, process, environmental, health/safety, quality assurance, medical, analytical and R&D technicians.
Nominations should include a description of the Nominee’s Job Skills, Reliability, Communication Skills, Safety Awareness, Relationships with co-workers, Publications/Presentations and other professional or community related activities.
Please include your Nominee’s work address, e-mail and phone number.
Seconding letters are encouraged and may be submitted by anyone with knowledge
of the nominee, not just ACS or TAG members.
The Award will be presented at the local ACS Award dinner on October 26, 2007.
Nominees from previous years are eligible.
Past winners are eligible to reapply after a minimum of 5 years.
Exclusions include ACS Technician Affiliate Group Executive Board members and Awards Committee members.
DEADLINE: Nominations are due by May 1, 2007.
Please send Nominating Letters to:
Joan K. Williams
Eastman Kodak Company,
Building 82C
Rochester NY 14650-2124
(585) 477-0990.
joan.williams@kodak.com
The ACS defines a technician as a person whose training includes successful completion of a two-year post-high school level science curriculum leading to an Associate’s degree, the equivalent course work in a Baccalaureate program, or the equivalent knowledge gained by experience. The primary work of a technician is to conduct experiments, correlate information to help solve problems, and discover new knowledge.
Eligibility: All technicians, as defined by the ACS and with a minimum of five years experience, are eligible for nomination. Membership in the ACS or the Rochester Section's Technician Affiliate Group (TAG) is not required. All technicians working in the areas covered under the 34 divisions of the ACS are eligible for nomination. This includes, but is not limited to, process, environmental, health/safety, quality assurance, medical, analytical and R&D technicians.
Nominations should include a description of the Nominee’s Job Skills, Reliability, Communication Skills, Safety Awareness, Relationships with co-workers, Publications/Presentations and other professional or community related activities.
Please include your Nominee’s work address, e-mail and phone number.
Seconding letters are encouraged and may be submitted by anyone with knowledge
of the nominee, not just ACS or TAG members.
The Award will be presented at the local ACS Award dinner on October 26, 2007.
Nominees from previous years are eligible.
Past winners are eligible to reapply after a minimum of 5 years.
Exclusions include ACS Technician Affiliate Group Executive Board members and Awards Committee members.
DEADLINE: Nominations are due by May 1, 2007.
Please send Nominating Letters to:
Joan K. Williams
Eastman Kodak Company,
Building 82C
Rochester NY 14650-2124
(585) 477-0990.
joan.williams@kodak.com
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Local Schools Up for Adoption!
Why are University of Rochester graduate students back in fourth grade?
These volunteers are part of Adopt-a-School, a program designed to bring science resources and role models into local fourth grade classrooms. The group was created in 1990 by the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society and is currently chaired by Katherine O’Brien. To make more outreach programs available to young chemists, the Rochester Section's Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) paired up with Adopt-a-School in 2003.
The project has taken off. This year, YCC adopted six fourth grade classrooms at James P. Duffy Elementary School (School 12) in downtown Rochester. Eighteen graduate students participate in the program. The students visit the school for one hour each month and bring topics like classification, magnetism, and chromatography to life for the fourth graders. As one volunteer stated, "Kids see that learning can be more than just reading from a book. It can be measuring water squeezed from a sponge to learn about volume, or sorting items in their own grocery store to learn about classification." The graduate students also meet monthly to discuss previous visits, prepare for the next kit, and brainstorm ways to improve their teaching strategies.
And the schools love it! Rochester YCC Chair Katie Leach says, "What impresses me the most is the way the classroom jumps to life when the kids sees us approaching. Even though we visit only once a month, the students remember our names and everything about us! The teachers appreciate how our lessons reinforce important concepts that they teach in the classroom, especially since we challenge students to think like real scientists."
Why fourth graders? According to the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP), students' achievement at the fourth grade level lays the groundwork for the rest of their science education. There is also the New York State science exam, a standardized test that fourth graders take at the end of the school year. While working with Adopt-a-School's eight science kits, students gain crucial hands-on experience in topics that directly relate to questions posed on the exam and its laboratory components.
Students aren't the only ones who benefit from the program. Because the kits are made from household items, teachers are getting great ideas for do-it-yourself science resources. The program also fosters interaction between graduate students and local chemists, and strengthens ties between the University of Rochester and the community. Best of all, volunteers, teachers, and students have a great time cultivating this creative and lively learning atmosphere.
The YCC in Rochester is continuing to grow, and there are opportunities for local chemists and for students from area colleges and universities to get involved with Adopt-a-School. Volunteers who would like to learn more about the group can contact Lisa Carlson (lcarlso2@mail.rochester.edu).
These volunteers are part of Adopt-a-School, a program designed to bring science resources and role models into local fourth grade classrooms. The group was created in 1990 by the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society and is currently chaired by Katherine O’Brien. To make more outreach programs available to young chemists, the Rochester Section's Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) paired up with Adopt-a-School in 2003.
The project has taken off. This year, YCC adopted six fourth grade classrooms at James P. Duffy Elementary School (School 12) in downtown Rochester. Eighteen graduate students participate in the program. The students visit the school for one hour each month and bring topics like classification, magnetism, and chromatography to life for the fourth graders. As one volunteer stated, "Kids see that learning can be more than just reading from a book. It can be measuring water squeezed from a sponge to learn about volume, or sorting items in their own grocery store to learn about classification." The graduate students also meet monthly to discuss previous visits, prepare for the next kit, and brainstorm ways to improve their teaching strategies.
And the schools love it! Rochester YCC Chair Katie Leach says, "What impresses me the most is the way the classroom jumps to life when the kids sees us approaching. Even though we visit only once a month, the students remember our names and everything about us! The teachers appreciate how our lessons reinforce important concepts that they teach in the classroom, especially since we challenge students to think like real scientists."
Why fourth graders? According to the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP), students' achievement at the fourth grade level lays the groundwork for the rest of their science education. There is also the New York State science exam, a standardized test that fourth graders take at the end of the school year. While working with Adopt-a-School's eight science kits, students gain crucial hands-on experience in topics that directly relate to questions posed on the exam and its laboratory components.
Students aren't the only ones who benefit from the program. Because the kits are made from household items, teachers are getting great ideas for do-it-yourself science resources. The program also fosters interaction between graduate students and local chemists, and strengthens ties between the University of Rochester and the community. Best of all, volunteers, teachers, and students have a great time cultivating this creative and lively learning atmosphere.
The YCC in Rochester is continuing to grow, and there are opportunities for local chemists and for students from area colleges and universities to get involved with Adopt-a-School. Volunteers who would like to learn more about the group can contact Lisa Carlson (lcarlso2@mail.rochester.edu).
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Message from the Chair - February 2007
As we enter the month of February, I want to send a final reminder about the Annual Dinner Meeting that is taking place Friday, February 9th at Rick’s Prime Rib House. It is indeed a special event when we can have the ACS President come to Rochester to meet with us, and Katie Hunt will be offering a wonderful presentation that evening. Let’s have a great turnout for this event!
So, we are off and running! I hope that you found the letter from me with information for the year ahead useful. We have also received many compliments about our new electronic newsletter. “The CHEMunicator” allows us to place timely and up-to-date information in your hands (or at least on your computer screen) on a monthly basis.
In 2007 we are offering two joint events with neighboring local sections that I would like to highlight.
On Saturday May 12, we are planning a joint event with the Western New York Section. The program is still being finalized, but will likely be a bus trip for our members to an event in Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Please stay tuned for more information.
On Saturday, June 23, we are offering a bus trip to Corning that will give us the opportunity to meet up with members of the Corning Section for a day at the Corning Museum of Glass. Please plan on joining us for a day of touring, shopping at the museum, some presentations and a dinner. The cost of this event is $20.00 each for ACS members and one guest, and includes bus transportation to Corning, entrance fees to the Corning Museum of Glass, and a Chinese dinner with members of the Corning Section. There is alimit of 50 people for this trip. Please contact me directly for more information or to reserve your spot (585-477-4903, d.richard.cobb@kodak.com).
Please watch for opportunities to become involved in the Rochester Section, both as a volunteer and socially. There are many areas in which we can use some volunteer help for a few hours or on a small project, and we would be glad to match up your interest with the right opportunity.
This is an exciting time for us and I am sure you will not want to miss anything! I also ask that you send your thoughts, ideas and volunteer interests on to me – As Chair, I am here to serve you – the Members of the Rochester Section. This is YOUR Section!
D. Richard Cobb
2007 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
Email = d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
Phone = 585-477-4903
So, we are off and running! I hope that you found the letter from me with information for the year ahead useful. We have also received many compliments about our new electronic newsletter. “The CHEMunicator” allows us to place timely and up-to-date information in your hands (or at least on your computer screen) on a monthly basis.
In 2007 we are offering two joint events with neighboring local sections that I would like to highlight.
On Saturday May 12, we are planning a joint event with the Western New York Section. The program is still being finalized, but will likely be a bus trip for our members to an event in Buffalo/Niagara Falls. Please stay tuned for more information.
On Saturday, June 23, we are offering a bus trip to Corning that will give us the opportunity to meet up with members of the Corning Section for a day at the Corning Museum of Glass. Please plan on joining us for a day of touring, shopping at the museum, some presentations and a dinner. The cost of this event is $20.00 each for ACS members and one guest, and includes bus transportation to Corning, entrance fees to the Corning Museum of Glass, and a Chinese dinner with members of the Corning Section. There is alimit of 50 people for this trip. Please contact me directly for more information or to reserve your spot (585-477-4903, d.richard.cobb@kodak.com).
Please watch for opportunities to become involved in the Rochester Section, both as a volunteer and socially. There are many areas in which we can use some volunteer help for a few hours or on a small project, and we would be glad to match up your interest with the right opportunity.
This is an exciting time for us and I am sure you will not want to miss anything! I also ask that you send your thoughts, ideas and volunteer interests on to me – As Chair, I am here to serve you – the Members of the Rochester Section. This is YOUR Section!
D. Richard Cobb
2007 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
Email = d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
Phone = 585-477-4903
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Project SEED Mentors Needed
If you conduct laboratory research in chemistry or a chemically related science, your organization is invited to apply to participate in Project SEED, the American Chemical Society's social action program. This program places economically disadvantaged high school students in academic, industrial, and governmental laboratories for eight weeks during the summer. The program was established in 1968 to help high school students expand their career outlook and to provide opportunities for students who historically lack exposure to scientific careers.
First time participants would be students who have finished their sophomore or junior year and have had a year of chemistry. They would receive a fellowship award of $2,500. Each student does a research project in chemistry or a related field under the direct supervision of a scientist/mentor. The students must be economically disadvantaged and must be enrolled in high school and be recommended by a high school teacher.
Although the researchers/mentors receive no financial remuneration from the ACS, chemists and their departments are willing to participate in the Project SEED experience. Their willingness is derived from SEED's positive aspects in terms of developing an understanding in young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, the enthusiasm a young student brings to the research group, and the opportunity to serve the community in which their institution is located.
If you would like to participate, an application needs to be submitted to the national ACS by February 5, 2007. Lew Allen coordinates the program for the Rochester Section and would be happy to answer any questions and provide assistance in completing the brief application. You may contact him at (585) 586-9983 or by e-mail at lallen10@rochester.rr.com.
First time participants would be students who have finished their sophomore or junior year and have had a year of chemistry. They would receive a fellowship award of $2,500. Each student does a research project in chemistry or a related field under the direct supervision of a scientist/mentor. The students must be economically disadvantaged and must be enrolled in high school and be recommended by a high school teacher.
Although the researchers/mentors receive no financial remuneration from the ACS, chemists and their departments are willing to participate in the Project SEED experience. Their willingness is derived from SEED's positive aspects in terms of developing an understanding in young people from diverse cultural backgrounds, the enthusiasm a young student brings to the research group, and the opportunity to serve the community in which their institution is located.
If you would like to participate, an application needs to be submitted to the national ACS by February 5, 2007. Lew Allen coordinates the program for the Rochester Section and would be happy to answer any questions and provide assistance in completing the brief application. You may contact him at (585) 586-9983 or by e-mail at lallen10@rochester.rr.com.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Executive Committee Meeting Minutes - January 2007
MINUTES OF THE ROCHESTER LOCAL SECTION MEETING
January 22, 2007
Attendees: Anne Marie Lanzafame, Dick Cobb, Tim Wilson, Deb Janes, Mark Heitz, Mary Ann Mendel, Jim Reynolds, Lew Allen, Joan Williams, Richard Hartman, Steve Locke
Meeting minutes taken by Anne Marie Lanzafame
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Dick Cobb at Kodak Bld 28, CR151-C
1. Introductions taken around the room
Note: We will meet every other month, rather than monthly.
2. Review of 2007 Activities List (attached)
· We have several vacant committee chair positions which need to be filled. Please contact Dick Cobb if you have an interest in chairing a committee. Some of the vacancies include: Harrison Howe, Social Events, Public Relations
· Earth Day: Would anyone be willing to work on this? Tim & Deb are currently investigating it, but help would be appreciated.
· Steve Locke will be taking over the Teacher’s Award. The award winner can be nominated for the regional award, so we should follow their guidelines.
· Financial Audit: Jim Reynolds chaired the audit committee. The audit is complete and a report will be ready for the annual meeting on February 9th.
· Would anyone like to look into putting together a NERM organizing committee for 2012? Please contact Dick Cobb if you are interested.
3. A review of the Executive Committee for 2007 and their responsibilities.
4. Review/approval for the updated Local Section Handbook.
· There was 1 change made, under Harrison Howe: from “the LS Chair will serve on the committee” to “a member of the executive committee will serve on the committee”. Otherwise, the handbook is similar to last year.
· Note: The YCC needs to be added to the handbook.
· Unanimous vote to approve the handbook.
5. Review of 2007 Section Activities.
Points of interest:
· The annual dinner meeting is Friday, Feb. 9th at Rick’s Prime Rib. Dr. Catherine Hunt will be the keynote speaker. She will also be the keynote speaker for the Kodak Technician’s Symposium on the same day. She will have a short breakfast meeting with Kodak managers and some TAG board members that morning, give the keynote address for the symposium, then meet with Todd Pegano at RIT.
· Steve Locke is having trouble pinning down some locations for the HS Awards Nights. A letter from the LS chair to Canandaigua High School might help.
6. Review of 2007 Timeline
· Please change the deadline for newsletter articles to the 25th of each month. Jim Reynolds is the contact for the newsletter.
· Please keep reviewing the timeline and be sure to add dates, where appropriate.
7. Budget Review
· A request that committees please stick to their prospective budgets. Expenses in excess of a committee’s budget must be approved by the Executive Committee.
8. Misc items:
· Steve Locke gave an overview of his progress to date in planning the 2007 High School Awards Nights. Volunteers are needed. The awards event has taken place for ~20 years. Steve gave a 40 min presentation at the STANYS conference in Ellenville, NY and many of the downstate teachers present gave positive feedback regarding the program.
· Jim Reynolds sent out the 1st electronic newsletter on Jan 1st. He will try to feature small, local companies. Please sent suggestions/information to Jim.
· Richard Hartman is thinking about hosting a future Coffee & Chemistry session on biofuels.
· We should focus more on membership: Who is leaving & Why? Welcome new people. Jim will send the membership Excel files to Ben Miller (membership chair).
· Mary Ann Mendel will look into the requirements for PR Chair.
_________________________________________________________
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10pm. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 13th at 5:00pm in Kodak Bld 28.
Votes taken:
· Dec meeting minutes were approved by unanimous vote.
· Unanimous vote to approve the Section Handbook (attached).
· Unanimous vote to accept the treasurer’s report (attached).
January 22, 2007
Attendees: Anne Marie Lanzafame, Dick Cobb, Tim Wilson, Deb Janes, Mark Heitz, Mary Ann Mendel, Jim Reynolds, Lew Allen, Joan Williams, Richard Hartman, Steve Locke
Meeting minutes taken by Anne Marie Lanzafame
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by Dick Cobb at Kodak Bld 28, CR151-C
1. Introductions taken around the room
Note: We will meet every other month, rather than monthly.
2. Review of 2007 Activities List (attached)
· We have several vacant committee chair positions which need to be filled. Please contact Dick Cobb if you have an interest in chairing a committee. Some of the vacancies include: Harrison Howe, Social Events, Public Relations
· Earth Day: Would anyone be willing to work on this? Tim & Deb are currently investigating it, but help would be appreciated.
· Steve Locke will be taking over the Teacher’s Award. The award winner can be nominated for the regional award, so we should follow their guidelines.
· Financial Audit: Jim Reynolds chaired the audit committee. The audit is complete and a report will be ready for the annual meeting on February 9th.
· Would anyone like to look into putting together a NERM organizing committee for 2012? Please contact Dick Cobb if you are interested.
3. A review of the Executive Committee for 2007 and their responsibilities.
4. Review/approval for the updated Local Section Handbook.
· There was 1 change made, under Harrison Howe: from “the LS Chair will serve on the committee” to “a member of the executive committee will serve on the committee”. Otherwise, the handbook is similar to last year.
· Note: The YCC needs to be added to the handbook.
· Unanimous vote to approve the handbook.
5. Review of 2007 Section Activities.
Points of interest:
· The annual dinner meeting is Friday, Feb. 9th at Rick’s Prime Rib. Dr. Catherine Hunt will be the keynote speaker. She will also be the keynote speaker for the Kodak Technician’s Symposium on the same day. She will have a short breakfast meeting with Kodak managers and some TAG board members that morning, give the keynote address for the symposium, then meet with Todd Pegano at RIT.
· Steve Locke is having trouble pinning down some locations for the HS Awards Nights. A letter from the LS chair to Canandaigua High School might help.
6. Review of 2007 Timeline
· Please change the deadline for newsletter articles to the 25th of each month. Jim Reynolds is the contact for the newsletter.
· Please keep reviewing the timeline and be sure to add dates, where appropriate.
7. Budget Review
· A request that committees please stick to their prospective budgets. Expenses in excess of a committee’s budget must be approved by the Executive Committee.
8. Misc items:
· Steve Locke gave an overview of his progress to date in planning the 2007 High School Awards Nights. Volunteers are needed. The awards event has taken place for ~20 years. Steve gave a 40 min presentation at the STANYS conference in Ellenville, NY and many of the downstate teachers present gave positive feedback regarding the program.
· Jim Reynolds sent out the 1st electronic newsletter on Jan 1st. He will try to feature small, local companies. Please sent suggestions/information to Jim.
· Richard Hartman is thinking about hosting a future Coffee & Chemistry session on biofuels.
· We should focus more on membership: Who is leaving & Why? Welcome new people. Jim will send the membership Excel files to Ben Miller (membership chair).
· Mary Ann Mendel will look into the requirements for PR Chair.
_________________________________________________________
The meeting was adjourned at 6:10pm. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 13th at 5:00pm in Kodak Bld 28.
Votes taken:
· Dec meeting minutes were approved by unanimous vote.
· Unanimous vote to approve the Section Handbook (attached).
· Unanimous vote to accept the treasurer’s report (attached).
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
National Chemistry Olympiad

Dear Fellow Chemical Educator:
As Chemistry Olympiad Coordinator for the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society, I am pleased to announce that we will be participating in the 2007 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO). The primary goals of this program are to stimulate all young people to achieve excellence in chemistry and to recognize outstanding chemistry students, teachers and schools.
Students competing in the USNCO are eligible to be selected as members of the United States team for the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO). As in past years the U.S. will send a team of four students to compete against other nations at the IChO. This final team of four is chosen after an intensive two-week training camp (June 3-17) at the U.S. Air Force Academy attended by the top 20 U.S. students taking the exam. The team members participate in both theoretical (written) and laboratory examinations over several days. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the highest achievers. In addition, the IChO provides students the opportunity to interact with their peers from other countries. The 2007 IChO will be held July 15-24 in Moscow, Russia.
We would like to encourage your school to participate in this program. The identification of the four-member U.S. team begins at the local level. It is the responsibility of the Rochester section to nominate students from this area to take the USNCO examination on Saturday, 28 April 2007, at McQuaid Jesuit High School from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 2:00 p.m. To identify these students we will conduct a preliminary screening of students through teacher recommendations. In a one-page recommendation on school letterhead, please explain why (based upon grades, effort, attitude, class rank, SAT scores) you feel the student should be chosen to participate in this rigorous 4¾ hour exam. Students must be U.S. citizens who will graduate no earlier than the spring of 2007 and have a date of birth after 31 July 1987. If selected, the student must attend all sessions at the U.S. Air Force Academy. You may recommend up to two students per high school. Please send recommendations to Brad Bovenzi, McQuaid Jesuit High School, 1800 South Clinton Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618, by 16 March 2006. All students who participate will be recognized at one of the three ACS Student Awards Nights in May.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for helping the ACS to promote chemical education.
Sincerely,
Brad Bovenzi
McQuaid Jesuit High School
bbovenzi@mcquaid.org
585.473.1130 x129
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