Message from the Chair - December 2007

A Year in Review

Well everyone – my final month as Chair of the Rochester Section is here. It is amazing how fast the time goes. You can rest assured that I loved every minute of it!

But things do get pretty hectic during the year, and looking back at the past 12 months, it is breathtaking what we have done in the Rochester Section. Like 2006, 2007 took another step towards refocusing the Section from an industrial core to an academic one. A lot was done with the University of Rochester in 2006 when Ben Miller was Chair. In 2007, RIT, and especially NTID, was brought in as a strong contributor to the Section. I am sure that 2008 will continue this trend under the leadership of Rich Hartmann from Nazareth College.

In 2006, I was required to set goals in the Section’s 2006 annual report. Let me lay out those goals to you and describe how we did in 2007.

“Plans for 2007 are heavily based on an excellent survey and a Strategic Planning Workshop conducted in 2006. From these efforts, the Chair for 2007 has come forth with the following plans for 2007:

1. Improved communications. We plan to do this through:

• A new totally electronic newsletter that will be sent monthly.
  (Accomplished. The new electronic newsletter “The Chemunicator” now allows us to offer more up-to-date information to be distributed to membership.)
• A hard copy letter from the Chair to each member to begin the year laying out the planned activities for the year and directing them to the website for updates.
  (Accomplished. To date, 46 “New Member” letters have gone out with the information described in our goal, along with a 10% discount for any one event of their choice as an incentive to get new people involved.)* A mid-year postcard mailing leading towards the 2nd half of the year (Accomplished. This post card with updated information for happenings within the Section went out right after the first of the new year)
• A fully updated and improved website for members to use and rely on as being up-to-date.
  (Accomplished. Jim Reynolds did an excellent job in bringing our website up-to-date, creating a more exciting look and making it more user friendly as well as informational.)
• I will add here that 60 “New Member” letters were sent out by me as Chair, welcoming these members to the Rochester Section and inviting them to “get involved". A calendar of events accompanied these letters, as did an invitation to enjoy 10% off an event of their choice.

2. Improved awareness. We plan to do this by:

• Total communications with all Committee and activity Chairs, reports to the Executive Committee from the leaders of these efforts and articles in the monthly newsletter from the leaders of these activities as to what they are doing and where they need help. (Accomplished. We have worked harder on communications between the Executive Committee, the Chair and activity leaders in 2007. There were some wonderful volunteers out there that were working hard, with little to no contact by the Section. From these new communication efforts, we were able to better support such programs as the High School Chemistry Olympiad, Adopt-a-School, National Chemistry Week and others.)

3. Improved efficiency. We plan to do this through:

• The movement to Executive Committee meetings only every-other month. These meetings will now be working sessions, not reporting sessions.
  (Accomplished. For the first time, we were able to make a more effective use of our volunteers’ time by having Executive Committee meetings every-other month, and then making sure those meetings were used for key decisions and hands-on efforts rather than reporting sessions. Reports were, instead, sent out electronically.)
• Reports will be asked for monthly and sent out as updates.
  (Accomplished. Although we only met every-other month, we did not stop the communications nor the awareness of what was happening within the Section because we still asked for reports to be sent electronically on a monthly basis.)
• Important votes and discussions will be ongoing without the constraints of waiting for a meeting to make a decision.
  (Accomplished. It never made sense to wait for a formal meeting to take a vote on an important matter. It especially did not make sense doing this when the meetings moved to every-other month. Thus, key votes were done electronically for quick decisions and action.)
• We will also begin using a timeline to keep us on track of all events and action items throughout the year.
  (Accomplished. The format of a timeline was used successfully and was well received when we organized NERM 2004. The same concept was used successfully this year to keep the leadership of the Section on top of when key deadlines were near and when events were taking place.)

4. New events. Instead of doing the same thing the same way, we are looking into new programs and events. This includes:

• The plan to have two joint events with "neighboring" Local Sections, one in May with the Western New York Section and one in June with the Corning Section.
  (Accomplished. Two exciting new events were held in cooperation with our neighboring Sections. In May, we had the lunch and tour of the Niagara Falls Power Authority with members of the Western New York (Buffalo) Section and, in June, the exciting day at the Corning museum of Glass and the receptions with members of the Corning Sections. These were great new opportunities to members from a variety of Sections, long talked about but done in 2007.)
• We also plan to begin offering "Chemistry & Coffee" chats on topical issues.
  (Accomplished. With a grant from ACS, we held four (4) successful “Science Cafés” throughout the year. The four subjects covered included All About IP, The Art & Chemistry of Meissen Blue Porcelain, The Chemical Influence of Making Mountains and Mid-Career Transitions.)
• These efforts are on top of some very successful efforts such as the "Monthly Mixers".
  (Accomplished. Due in no small part to the wonderful organization efforts by Henry Gysling, the “Monthly Mixers” continued to be a big hit in 2007 as it was when they began in 2006.)

5. Membership value.

• We plan to layout areas where people can spend a little or a lot of time in helping out. Often, that is one of the best-kept secrets and people are often eager to at least offer a little help.
  (Accomplished. In 2007, we offered more specifics when asking a person to take on a volunteer effort and updated the “Section Handbook” to insure that all key roles are well described. As well, a full description of duties was disclosed in the “Call for Nominations” for the 2007 elections. We also sent out a specific “Talent Search” asking people to let us know what they like to do or what they are good at so we can connect them to a volunteer effort that would match their interest areas.)
• We also plan to have an increase in cost for all activities for non-Members so that Members see that there is, in fact, some value in belonging to the ACS.
  (Accomplished. Beginning in 2007, all major events had two prices – one for members and a higher price fro non-members.)

6. Finally - Awards and Recognition. Too many times we fail to thank those who make it all happen. In 2007, the plan is:

• To have a recognition event in early December to thank the Members of the Executive Committee, Committee and Activity Chairs, etc. at a local brewery with food, drinks, and certificates of appreciation.
  (Accomplished. Scheduled for December 10th is a volunteer reception at Rohrbach’s Brewing Company for those who gave of their time and talent to the Section in 2007 in Section, Committee or activity leadership roles. Early in 2007, at the Annual Dinner, we also brought back many Past Chairs of the Section to give them their long overdue “Past Chair” pins to bring us up-to-date in that area of recognition.)

Now you can see the whole picture of what we have done in the last 12 months - and it is amazing! Sometimes one needs to step back to get a real view of where things are. I am proud of what we have accomplished in 2007. It was President Ronald Reagan who said, on the eve of his departure from office, “We did not come here to mark time; we came here to make a difference.” I have loved every second of my year as Chair for the Rochester Section. I thank the Members of the Rochester Section for giving me the opportunity to serve in that position and I hope I did make a difference.

In February of this year, we were honored to have ACS President Katie Hunt in town to meet with Kodak Management, to visit with the students at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT and to address our Annual Dinner. She came to town with a message of her year as President – “We have ignition – We have Liftoff”. I now hope, that in these last 12 months, you have felt a new ignition of spirit and the liftoff of a new vision for our Rochester Section.

And as 2007 speeds towards a close, please take the time now to consider how you can help out our next Chair, Richard Hartmann in 2008 and join us during this continuing journey of transformation – as we look towards our 100th anniversary in 2012! My thanks to all of you for making this such a successful year for the Rochester Section as I send each of you the most heartfelt of holiday greetings!

D. Richard Cobb
2007 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
Email = d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
Phone = 477-4903

Message from the Chair and Chair-Elect - November 2007

Hello everyone! The end of 2007 is coming towards us at a great pace. At the end of December, there will be a "quiet" transition as Richard Hartmann takes over the position of Chair for the Rochester Section effective January 1st.

In this November report, I thought it would be fitting for Richard to write an article outlining his vision for the Rochester Section in 2008. This is timely as the Executive Committee is slated to finalize the 2008 budget at our meeting this month. This will give you an opportunity to see the path forward and realize that this new spirit, this new excitement within the Rochester Section does not end with one Chair's term. I was happy to follow a great leader such as Ben Miller (2006) and feel confident that we will continue our new vision into 2008. It is with that confidence that I am proud to present Rich's article at this time.
-Dick Cobb

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Hello! Some of you know that I teach chemistry at Nazareth College, which is recognized for its excellent fine arts programs. Over the course of the past seven years here, I have found myself increasingly interested in the work of my colleagues, especially those in the art department. In fact, I have recently started teaching my general chemistry course from the perspective of its relationship to art. I believe making these connections has energized my teaching as well as the interest of my students in a topic that many of them find difficult to grasp.

It is in that same spirit that I have decided to put the theme of Chemistry and Art on my year as chair. High-caliber scientific events such as the Harrison Howe Award and symposia that highlight the research area of the winner as well as emerging technologies in upstate New York will continue. However, I hope to capitalize on the momentum that we have gained recently by reaching out to our members in areas that are not strictly chemical. The joint events with the Corning and Buffalo sections, the monthly mixers at MacGregors, the Science Cafe events like the lecture by Nick Zumbulyadis on the "History of Meissen Blue Porcelain" given at the Memorial Art Gallery, all represent the breadth of who we are as chemists and allow us to interact with one another on a level that is rewarding as well as outgoing. For instance, many of the attendees at Nick's talk were not chemists (or even scientists), and I believe that part of what we do has to include reaching out to the community around us (including friends and family) who may not view chemistry or science in the best of lights.

In order to kick off 2008 with a bang, the speaker at the annual dinner on February 15, 2008, will be Nobel Prize winning chemist Roald Hoffmann. His talk, "Indigo, a Story of Science, Religion, and Culture, of the Natural and the Unnatural" promises to be an exciting entrance into the connections that we all make between chemistry and other areas of interest. As a change in venue from the customary restaurant location, the evening will take place on the campus of Nazareth College where you can come and enjoy dinner, his talk, and a dessert reception all in the relaxed atmosphere of one of the prettiest settings in town.

We are also planning to continue the Science Cafe events on an alternate month schedule on a variety of topics that are sure to pique your interests. I have also enjoyed Dick Cobb's monthly reports and will do my best to carry on in this fine precedent.

I am happy to hear from any of you about your thought, ideas, or concerns in relation to anything pertaining to the local section. I am excited about the year of events that are in store for you, and I look forward to meeting you personally at one of these events and hope that you will join me in making 2008 a productive and rewarding year for the section.

Rich Hartmann
2008 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
rhartma0@naz.edu

Message from the Chair - October 2007

Near the end of this month, Friday, October 26th to be exact, we will be hosting our annual Rochester Section Recognition Dinner (formerly known as the Awards Banquet). It is a night where we can salute special members within our Section who have reached milestones in their membership or chemical professionals are being recognized as the best in their area of expertise. There is probably no finer or prouder moment for a Chair of this Section than to be part of this acknowledgement. Thus, I am hoping you will join me at this event to salute these special people.

Membership milestones are very important. The ACS is taking great strides to acknowledge those who have maintained their membership in the Society for multiple years. We get the chance to salute them on the local level when they reach the 50-year membership level and, new for 2007, the 60-year level. In this article, I want to personally acknowledge their names in recognition of their special anniversaries.

2007 50-YEAR MEMBERS
Dr. Charles J. Battaglia
Dr. John B. Bourke
Mr. Dugald A. Brooks
The Late Mr. John F. Carroll
Dr. Robert E. Heeks
Mr. Lewis L. Lincoln
Mr. Joseph Mammino
Dr. Richard B. McGriff
Dr. Robert J. Tuite

2007 60-YEAR MEMBERS
Mr. David G. Bush
Dr. Donald P. Harnish
Dr. James Y. Oldshue
Mr. John A. Wenrich

As they do every year, members of the Retired Chemists Committee have written biographies of the new 50-Year Members. The individual biographies can be viewed by clicking on their names, above. Alternatively, all of the 50-year ACS Member biographies can be viewed together on this page.

It is also an honor to salute those who have been selected as winners of our local section awards in 2007. This is the 2nd year for our new "Rochester Section Award for Volunteer Service" (replacing the old "Rochester Section" award). I am pleased to announce that Steve Locke has been selected as this year's winner! I cannot even begin to count the endless hours Steve has put in building up our successful High School Chemistry Awards program. Steve, you deserve this recognition. Congratulations!

Two awards are given to people who may or may not be members of the ACS. These awards are the "Rochester Section Award for Excellence in High School Teaching" and the "Rochester Chemical Technician Award". I am proud to be part of the event honoring Janice Mantell of LeRoy High School as the High School Teacher award winner and Terrence O'Connell from the University of Rochester as the Chemical Technician winner. Congratulations to both of you!

At our dinner in October, we will also be saluting five students from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT. Earlier this year, these students received awards from the ACS Committee on Technician Affairs (CTA) for outstanding upper-level chemical technology students who demonstrate a high level of performance in the laboratory and the classroom, excellent oral and written communication skills, integrity and reliability. I spent one of my best days as Chair of this Section joining ACS President Katie Hunt on her visit to NTID/RIT in February. It is amazing what these students can do! For this, I join Katie Hunt in saluting the following students:

Kerri Bailey
Christina Cogswell
Quinn Cruise
Kyle Edenzon
Grace Kennedy

The Recognition Dinner this year is timed to fall during National Chemistry Week as we expand our efforts around this special week of the year for chemical professionals. I hope each of you will make an effort to join us in celebrating National Chemistry Week and the accomplishments of these individuals on Friday, October 26th (and be part of an exciting chocolate tasting as well!). Please refer to the dinner flyer in this month's newsletter for reservations, or go directly to our web site at
http://www.rochesteracs.org

D. Richard Cobb
2007 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
(585) 727-4903

2007 Candidate for Chair-Elect: Ken Schlecht

Ken Schlecht was born (4/4/44) and raised in the Syracuse, NY area. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry from LeMoyne College in 1966 and his Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Iowa (Iowa City) under Clyde W. Frank in January of 1971. He joined the faculty at SUNY Brockport in September of 1970 and retired during the summer of 2007.

He became active in the Rochester Section in early 1980; first attending a workshop on Chemical Demonstrations at the University of Wisconsin – Madison (run by Prof. Bassam Shakhashiri), then offering similar workshops to high school teachers in the Rochester area. He has also run several workshops on Hands-On Chemical Activities for members who wish to volunteer in primary and middle schools. He has served the Rochester Section as a Member-At-Large (twice), Alternate Councilor, and as Chair of the Section (in 1992). He has performed his “Excitement of Chemistry” show for the Section’s High School Recognition Night since 1987. Throughout his career he has exposed a total of approximately 60,000 people to various aspects of chemistry and science with his various shows. He received the Rochester Section Award in 1999, and served as editor of CHEMunications (the Rochester Section newsletter) from the summer of 1998 until the end of 2006. At the national level, he is currently a member of the ACS Admissions Committee.

In retirement he plans to 1) remain active professionally within the ACS and the Rochester Section, as well as continue to do Chemistry programs (shows) for various audiences – but mostly for pre-college students, 2) see his grandchildren, and 3) travel more.

Statement: I look forward to serving the Rochester Section again as Chair. Much has changed since I last did this: the Section is smaller, I am older (more experienced), and probably slower. But I can also devote a larger percentage of my time to the Section. I hope to increase the involvement of our members in Section activities, which of course means we will need to determine what is most important to our members. I hope I can do as much as recent officers have done. I look forward to your support and participation.

2007 Candidate for Treasurer: Mark P. Heitz

Mark P. Heitz is Associate Professor of Chemistry at SUNY Brockport. Mark teaches a variety of courses, with a primary emphasis on Analytical Chemistry. A native of Rochester, Mark began his training at The King’s College, Briarcliff Manor, NY, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. He also studied at Rochester Institute of Technology with Professors G. Takacs and V. Vukanovic working on surface modifications of polyimides. In 1990, he earned a Master Degree from the University of Rochester. Following this Mark taught high-school chemistry for three years prior to attending SUNY Buffalo, where in 1995 he earned his Ph.D. under the tutelage of Professor Frank Bright. Mark’s research at UB was focused on studying solute dynamics in reverse micelles formed in liquids and supercritical fluids. Mark accepted a post-doctoral position at The Pennsylvania State University with Professor Mark Maroncelli continuing to study solute-solvent interactions in supercritical fluids.

Mark has become an active contributor to local section activities by serving on the NERM organizing committee as the Public Relations chair and Exhibition co-chair and as a member-at-large for the past two years.

Statement: Local section treasurer is position of significant responsibility. Having been involved in the local section now for nearly four years, I am interested in 1) continuing to serve the needs of the section and 2) expanding my involvement the Rochester Section’s activities by working with the leadership to support, promote and enhance the Section’s programs. It is easy to simply say ‘I’m too busy…’ but the benefits that are enjoyed by the membership are a direct result of those who take time to serve. I have benefited from the numerous people who have generously donated time to the ACS local section and I want to return ‘in-kind’ by contributing where I am able. Serving as treasurer is but one additional way that I can give back to the Society.

2007 Candidate for Councilor: D. Richard Cobb

As we move closer and closer to the 100th anniversary of the Rochester Section, I am honored to look back at the many positions and duties I have filled. These include Secretary, Treasurer, Alternate Councilor, Councilor, Chair-Elect and Chair of the Section as well as Chair of the 2004 Northeast Regional Meeting. On the National level, I have also served in many positions, including Chair-Elect, Chair, Past Chair and Councilor for the Division of Chemical Technicians (TECH), Chair of two National Committees and a member of multiple Presidential Taskforces. I presently serve as Vice Chair of the Northeast Region and in 2008, I begin a new role as Chair of the ACS Membership Affairs Committee (MAC). In each and every position held, the foundation of my service was based on seeking membership value and working hard to represent the needs of those who elected me. I also am a believer in innovative ideas and knowing when to challenge the status quo when the status quo stops making sense.

I strongly feel that one cannot grasp their role on the national level if they do not have a handle on local needs. If I am to represent our members, it is vital that I “walk in their shoes”. In the many positions I have held, I feel I have done so.

We are witnessing times that are different for the ACS and challenging to every member of the Society. There is pressure in the area of membership expansion to reflect more closely the practice of science in today’s world. Throughout ACS history, we have gradually expanded our definition of the subject matter of chemical science to include chemical engineering and multi-disciplinary scientific approaches to chemistry. Now, there is more pressure than ever to expand our vision of membership to more multi-disciplinary areas while we walk a fine line between that expansion and the effort to maintain the intent of the Society. I am proud to have been appointed as a member of the ACS Governance Review Taskforce and the Membership Affairs Committee examining this potential new expansion. As Chair of the ACS Admissions Committee, I have been at the forefront of all of these efforts and, as Chair of MAC, I will serve our Rochester members, and the whole Society, in a way that expands our inclusion without dilution.

Things within the ACS are changing, and change does not come without a need for stamina. I offer that stamina as I have worked on Local Section and Division Bylaws for years and know what it takes to fight bureaucracy in order to make things happen. The Rochester Section needs to successfully blend the experience and knowledge of its massive retired chemist population with the youth and energy of younger chemists and students. We are, in fact, a Local Section in transition from an industrial-focused Section to an academic-focused one. Due to my efforts on the national level, Local Sections will hopefully soon be able to acquire complete information on active Student Affiliates in their geographic area; information that was easy to acquire before due to “different record keeping procedures”. The involvement of these students will help in this transition.

In this run for Councilor in 2007, I am offering my knowledge and experience on the national ACS scene to benefit our Section members and future members. If I were successful in this race, I know that I would have to resign my final leadership position of Immediate Past Chair. There are two roles assigned to this position:
1. That of being a source of guidance for the new leaders of the Section. As
Councilor, I can still fulfill that role.
2. Our Section Handbook gives the Immediate Past Chair the role of Membership Recruitment and Retention. As our Councilor are now required in the Bylaws to take on an active role within the Section, I will take on those specific duties so they are not forgotten due to a lack of an Immediate Past Chair.

I hope, that as Chair of this Section in 2007, you have felt a new level of energy and ideas. That is what I wanted to do as your Chair this year, and what I pledge to continue doing as your Councilor. I am proud to join ACS President Katie Hunt in the effort to build a new energy amongst our membership, so we all feel that we have “Ignition – we have liftoff”!

Biographical Information
Name:D. Richard Cobb
Address: 15-C Greenleaf Meadows, Rochester, NY 14612

Employment: 38 years of employment with the Eastman Kodak Company
Presently, a Senior Research Technician in the Materials & Media Design
Division, FPG and Division HSE Coordinator

National ACS Involvement:
* Councilor for the Division of Chemical Technicians (2007)
* Chair of the ACS Committee on Membership Affairs (MAC) (Beginning in 2008)
* Associate Member of the ACS Committee on Membership Affairs (MAC)
(2007)
* Member of the National ACS Governance Review Taskforce (2005 - 2007)
* Member of the National ACS Board Oversight Group on Leadership
Development (2005 - present)
* Vice Chair of the Northeast Region, ACS Board of Directors (2005 - present)
* Member of the Regional Activities Coordination Team (ReACT) (2004 –
2007)
* Chair of the ACS Committee on Admissions (2003 - 2005)
* Chair of the ACS Committee on Technician Activities (CTA) (2000-2002)
* Co-Chair of the National Visiting Committee for the NSF Grant to support
Chemistry-based Technician Education (2000 - 2004)
* Member of a Presidential Task Force on AIChE / ACS Joint Membership
(2004)
* Chair of the Canvassing Committee for the ACS Award for Volunteer Service
(2003)
* Member of a Presidential Task Force on Local Section/ Division Allotments
(2002)
* Member of CTPAS (Sub-Committee D) for the Society Committee on
Education (SOCED) (1999-2002)
* Member of the ACS Presidential Task Force on the Electronic Membership
Survey (2001)
* Chair-Elect, Chair and Immediate Past Chair (1996-1998) of the Division of
Chemical Technicians (TECH)
* Member of a task force for the Committee on Meetings and Expositions
(1995-1996)

Local ACS involvement:
* Chair, Rochester Section (2007)
* Chair-Elect, Rochester Section (2006)
* Bylaws Committee Chair (1998 – present)
* Secretary, Rochester Section (2005)
* General Chair, NERM 2004 (1999 – 2005)
* Councilor, Rochester Section ACS (1999 – 2003)
* Alternate Councilor, Rochester Section ACS (1998 –1999)
* Treasurer, Rochester Section, ACS) (1995 – 1997)
* Member-at-Large, Treasurer, Chair-Elect, Chair, Past Chair, and Technician Symposium Chair for the Rochester Technician Affiliate Group (TAG)

Awards:
* Northeast Region, ACS Volunteerism Award (2006)
* TECH “Special Recognition” Award (2002, 2005)
* Salutes to Excellence” Award recipient (2004)
* “Rochester Section” Award recipient (2001, 2005)
* Rochester Section, A.C.S. “Special Recognition” Award recipient (1997)

2007 Candidate for Alternate Councilor: Henry Gysling

As a professional organization the American Chemical Society faces several challenges, especially at the Local Section level, to maintain its relevance and vitality. At the local level, where my interests center as a member of the Executive Committee, I believe our primary responsibility is to provide programs and services to our ca. 1000 Section members that promote their professional development. This is especially critical in the current economic situation, with downsizing a way of life, as well as in the technology arena, where R&D is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary. Section initiatives such as the monthly Networking Mixers, which the Section began last year, and similar programs that can provide an opportunity for Section members to meet in informal venues and make technical and social contacts are, I believe, critical for the vitality of our Section. Technical programs such as the Harrison Howe Award and its associated Symposium, as well as the Fall Symposium, are also programs that I believe should be strongly supported by the Executive Committee. In addition to these professional development programs, I strongly support the education outreach programs of our Section. The Annual High School Recognition Nights, the Adopt-a-School. Programs, the Adventures in Chemistry and Physics demonstrations program, the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium are all examples of the excellent efforts in this area offered by the Section and many dedicated members. During my years of involvement in the Rochester Section I have been actively involved in all of these programs and would continue to strongly support and strengthen them.

2007 Candidate for Alternate Councilor: Bob Murray

Education: B.S., Universuty of Nebraska – Lincoln (1969); Ph.D. in organic chemistry, University of Nebraska – Lincoln (1973).
Professional Experience: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Department of Medicinal Chemistry University of Kansas (1973-1974); Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Sidney Farber Cancer Institute (1975); Senior Scientist / Group Leader, Pennwalt Corp (1976 – 1985): Section-head Medicinal Chemistry, Fisons Corp (1985 – 1996); Associate Director Chemistry, Astra (1997- 2000); Director for Chemistry, Serono Research Institute (2001 – 2004); pharmaceutical consultant (2005 – present).
ACS Service: member since 1972.
Rochester Section ACS Service: Finance Committee, 1985-1987 (chairman, 1986-1987); Nominations and Elections Committee, 1986, 1990 and 1991 (chairman 1991); Rochester Section Award Committee, 1987, 1990 and 1995 (chairman 1995); NERM-17, treasurer (1987); Alternate Councilor, 1988; Chair-Elect, 1989; Chair, 1990; Treasurer, 1992; Adopt-a-School Program volunteer (Cobbles School), 1992 – 1996.
Honors: Rochester Section Award (1994).
Statement: I am honored to run for the position of Alternate Councilor for the Rochester section. Although I have not been active in the Rochester section for a number of years due to a job relocation now that I have returned to the area I am eager to re-establish connections with the Rochester chemical community and to serve once again the needs of the section as deemed appropriate. If elected, as a member of the Executive Committee of the Rochester Section, I willl work to ensure that the vision for local sections as expressed recently by the chair of the Local Section Activity Commmittee at national -- to provide community building opportunities, mentoring and leadership opportunities, professional development opportunies, continuing education; and to become advocates for chemistry -- are adopted locally so that we continue to “connect chemistry with the community”. At the national level I would represent the interests of the Rochester Section and its members in council as required. I welcome your support.

2007 Candidate for Member-at-Large: Lew Allen

Biography: Lewis E. Allen took early retirement in 1992 from Eastman Kodak where he was director of the Environmental Analytical Services Laboratory. He then served on the adjunct faculty at Monroe Community College, Brockport and Geneseo and as a mentor at SUNY Empire State College before retiring again in 1999. Before joining Kodak he was associate professor of chemistry at Florida A&M University from 1963 to 1970. He received his B.S. in chemistry from Queens College and his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from Syracuse University. He has served the Rochester Section as Alternate Councilor in 1982-83 and Treasurer in 1984-85. He served as Chair-elect in 1986 and as Chair during the Section’s 75th Anniversary year of 1987 when the section hosted the 17th Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM). As past chair in 1988 he served as chair of the nominating committee and on the audit committee 1988-92. He has also served the section as photographer and on the local Project SEED committee. He was an associate member of the (national) Council Committee on Project SEED from 1990-92 and as a member of the committee 1993-2001. He also served on the national committee on Minority Affairs and served one year as associate member of the Committee on Environmental Improvement. He then served six years as a member of the Council Committee on Meetings and Expositions where he served on three subcommittees. He is also coordinator of the local section’s Project SEED program and chair of its Retired Chemists Committee. Lew was honored with the Rochester Section Award in 1993.

Statement: I have been active in local section activities since 1981 working in a variety of areas in an effort to contribute to the excellent record of the Rochester Section. After fifteen years I have decided to retire from the ACS Council but would like to continue to be a member of the local section executive committee. I will continue my work with Project SEED and the Retired Chemists. I hope you will vote for me as a member at large.

2007 Candidate for Member-at-Large: Valerie Grason

I have been employed at the University of Rochester since 2002. I am currently with the Radiation Safety department as a Radiation Safety Technician. We support the University’s research labs, Strong Memorial Hospital and various offsite facilities that use radioactivity. Before the University of Rochester, I prepared and reviewed MSDS sheets for Eastman Kodak Company. I received a BS in Chemistry from St John Fisher College in 1995.

I have enjoyed participating in several different section activities and would like to become more involved in the section. In 2004, I was the poster chair for the 32nd Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM 2004). This gave me an introduction to having a more active role within the section. I have a lot of ideas that would benefit the section. Being a Member at Large is a great position in which to implement these ideas.

I would like to further joint activities with neighboring sections. This is a great way to interact with others in the chemical profession in a nonformal environment. It is also a great networking opportunity. I also encourage the local section to become more involved with local schools supporting National Chemistry Week and other activities that will expose students to science in general and chemistry in particular at a young age showing them how interesting it can be. I would like to see the local section continue to be involved assisting those who have just graduated finding a career in chemistry as well as those who have just lost their job and are looking to pursue other opportunities in chemistry through activities such as the Networking Mixer as well as Career workshops with information on careers in chemistry, resume review etc with resources currently available being publicized through the newsletter so that members are aware of what is out there. I look forward to working towards these goals as a Member at Large.

2007 Candidate for Member-at-Large: Deborah L. Janes

I have been employed at the Eastman Kodak Company for 31 years, working in Analytical Services at the Kodak Apparatus Division and for the last eight years as an analytical chemist in the Ion Analysis Laboratory of the Foundation Science and Technology Center. I support research and development for imaging chemicals and provide support for Research and the Synthetic Chemicals Division. I received a BS in Chemistry in 1990 and an MS in Material Science and Engineering in 1993 from RIT.

I am involved with local section activities as a Member-at-Large and on the executive board of the Technician Affiliate Group (TAG). I currently serve as the TAG’s chair and co-chair the Education Committee of the TAG along with Tim Wilson. Together we present the chemical education outreach program, Adventures in Chemistry and Physics (ACAP). I am also working with Calvin Uzelmeier and Tim Wilson planning the section’s National Chemistry Week celebration. I was a member of the organizing committee for the 32nd Northeast Regional Meeting (NERM 2004), and was also the co-chair of the Secondary School Teacher and Student Event at NERM 2004.

I am interested in promoting more interaction between the local section and chemical education outreach activities in the community. There is a great need for chemists and technicians to share their interests in science with students and I believe members of the section have many talents to offer. I am interested in establishing activities such as Chemagination, Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, National Chemistry Week, and National Mole Day as yearly events sponsored by the local section. This will require not only monetary funding but also commitment by local section members to volunteer their time to make this program a success. I consider it a privilege to serve the local section as a member-at-large and thank you for your consideration.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Charles J. Battaglia

Growing up in Schenectady as a son and grandson of barbers, Chuck Battaglia instead chose a career in science and went to Colgate University on a basketball scholarship. His interest in flying led to AFROTC training and a chance to fly out of Griffiss AFB in a B-29 to the Arctic Circle to test Canadian air defense measures. On advice of his professors, he opted out of active AF duty, and went on to earn a PhD in physical chemistry at Brown University under Prof. J. O. Edwards. His studies of peroxy acids and nucleophilic oxidations of halide ions on a Kodak fellowship resulted in an interview with Jack Thirtle and his joining the Kodak Research Labs in 1962.

His KRL work included electrochemical studies of silver complexes, development kinetics, the role of sulfite and thiosulfate ions on the “red spot” problem in microfilm, and clinical blood electrolytes. Chuck was a contributor to several patents, including several on the use of ion-selective electrode technology to measure blood electrolytes. In 1976 he was invited by Chuck Bard to join the Phototechnology Division as a group leader and later as lab head in new photoprocessing development. He retired in 1991 as a Unit Director in the Quality Services Organization. Chuck had served the Rochester Section ACS as representative to the Rochester Council of Scientific Societies and also was a long-term member of SPSE.

One of the retirement benefits was a retraining program, which Chuck used to take a course on repairing electric trains. He joined the Train Collectors Association and has been active ever since buying, repairing, restoring, and selling toy trains and equipment. He describes this as a “Lazarus complex” – the yen to restore dead stuff to useful life. A 1997 heart attack slowed him down a little, but he still manages to sell his trains at eight shows a year. He has worked out regularly on YMCA exercise machines for the last 30 years and has enjoyed playing rhythm guitar in the New Horizons Dance Band.

In 1958 Chuck married Ann, his high school sweetheart, and they have three grown children, David, Michael, and Lisa, as well as six grandchildren. Mike shares Chuck’s interest in trains. Well endowed with a friendly sense of humor, Chuck would like to adopt the motto of a friend he met at a toy show – “Be a kid again for there’s no future in growing old!”

J. Dolf Bass

50-Year ACS Member (2007): John Bourke

John Bourke is a Rochester Section member from one of the outlying counties in the Section. His whole career was as Professor of Chemistry at the Cornell Experiment Station in Geneva, rising through the ranks with the years.

He spent his high school years in Albany where his father was a physician associated with the NY State Health Dept. John’s high school career began at Albany Academy but was permanently interrupted by a long bout with polio. Although he didn’t actually get a high school diploma, he was accepted into Colgate University, where he graduated in 1957. He went on to Oregon State University, where he received an M.S. and Ph.D. the latter in 1963 He then embarked on a two year Post Doc at Cornell, where he surmised it might be a good place to get a job. It turned out that way and led to his career in Geneva.

The Experiment station is part of the New York State land grant college of agriculture at Cornell. It is unusual in academia in that there are no undergraduates. But there are always many graduate students from many different disciplines and from all over the world. John ran the analytical laboratory, employing about 40 people, all of whom are supported by grants, the writing of which was one of his principal occupations. He was teacher, researcher, and eventually administrator. He taught chemistry to all manner of botanists, entomologists, environmentalists, and the like, some of whom from foreign countries were also guests in his home. In his last few years he was director of a new program in viticulture and enology. John retired officially in 1990, but continued part time, assisting with grant applications until 2000.

John liked to hike and hunt, often with a colleague from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Dr. Carl Aten. This activity evolved into a study of acid rain in NY.

John and his wife Virginia live on a 140-acre farm between Newark and Phelps. They have three children, whom, he says, he kept busy in their teen years on the farm. John, Michael and Kathleen all went on to graduate degrees in chemical engineering, molecular genetics, and horticulture, respectively. There are four grandchildren. John and Virginia are now only residents on the farm, the land being rented out. Although in recent years John has been increasingly weakened muscularly by the post polio syndrome, he and Virginia keep busy with hobbies (philately being one), sailing, church, volunteer work and keeping up the homestead.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Dugald A. Brooks

Dugald A. Brooks was born in Scottsville, New York, in 1928; after graduating from West High School, he entered the Co-op program at RIT and worked at Eastman Kodak Research Laboratories Analytical Division at first as a glassware washer. In the early years, he did get to meet C.E.K. Mees once or twice. In 1946, he joined the Emulsion Research Division where he partnered with Jerry Carges in making nuclear plates, and later worked with Bert Carrol, John Spence and Elmore Jones, who encouraged him to finish his education. He graduated from RIT in 1949 and then went to Michigan State and obtained a Masters in Physical Chemistry. He continued his career in Emulsion Research working on various projects such as cubic grains, SWR film, magnetic tape, and ONR astronomical plates, which were essentially gelatin free. He later joined Information Services where he helped develop a registry system of Accession Numbers. Later, he joined the finance office, where the work was becoming less and enjoyable with unrealistic deadlines and never-ending reorganizations. Dugald describes his 35 years at Kodak as enjoyable as a whole with a few bumps in road.

Dugald served in the US Army Chemical Corp Edgewood Arsenal and was eventually involved in the Army Health and Safety Department developing analytical tools to assess toxicity. He was in the company of other Kodak people such as Al Sieg and Norman Kalenda.

In 1954 he married Helen Short. Together they have two sons, both grown and professional, and four grandchildren. Helen’s active involvement in Sweet Adeline’s soon got Dugald involved in singing and he is a member of the Chorus of the Genesee with whom he travels to perform.

Helen and Dugald still live in the same house in Irondequoit that they bought in 1960. In retirement they still enjoy their singing as well as visiting their grandchildren.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): John F. Carroll, Jr.

The Rochester ACS Section wishes to extend its sympathy to Mrs. Shirley Carroll and her family on the loss of Jack on May 6 of this year, at the age of 78.

Jack Carroll was born in Lyons, NY, in 1928 where he received his early schooling. In 1950, he received his B.S. in chemistry from Clarkson University, followed in 1952 by an M.S. from Purdue in organic chemistry. He moved to Rochester to take up a position with Eastman Kodak in the Manufacturing Experiments Division. He married Shirley Nagell in May of 1955. His work there was largely centered on polymer research and development. He retired in 1991 but was retained by the company for an additional year, making 40 years of service.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Robert E. Heeks

Robert E. Heeks is a native of Rochester, NY. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 1948 and from the University of Rochester in 1952 with a BA in Chemistry. At that time he was also a Naval Reservist. In 1954 Bob received an MS in Chemical Engineering, also at the U of R studying under Prof G. Broughton. His thesis was "A Study of the Chain Length Distribution of Some Chemical Celluloses". Under the guidance of Dr. G.J.Su and a fellowship from the Ferro Corp. Bob received his PhD in Chemical Engineering in 1957. The title of his thesis was "A Study of Dilatancy in Frit-Water Suspensions. Bob was the first recipient of a Ph. D. degree from the Department of Chemical Engineering at the UofR and was also elected to Sigma Xi. Bob met Shirley Stam at the Uof R coed and they were married in 1955.

After graduation Bob joined the Haloid Co. in Rochester as manager of a group investigating silver halide emulsions and their application to form photosensitive coatings. After Halide became Xerox he transferred to the Webster manufacturing operations in the early 70's. Bob assumed responsibility for manufacturing engineering of all aspects of photoreceptor production, including the alloy raw materials, drum and belt substrates, coating of photosensitive material, and reclaim of alloys and substrates. Bob was responsible for taking these innovations from the product development departments and making them manufacturable. By the early 1980's selenium alloy photoreceptors began to be replaced by organic belt photoreceptors. Bob then assumed a leading role in setting up belt coating operations for the complex layered organic material at a plant in Oklahoma City. Today one of the most lucrative profit centers for Xerox is the sale of "supplies", an area to which Bob contributed during most of his professional career.

Following early retirement he returned to Xerox to supervise chemical cleanup activities in Webster, and after 40 years of service, 7 patents and numerous publications, Bob finally retired to his and Shirley's home on Canandaigua Lake.

On the lake Bob raced Star boats, a Holiday Sloop, and a Catalina while serving two terms on the Canandaigua Yacht Club Board of Governors. Also, during several terms as Membership chairman. membership in the club flourished. Bob and Shirley raised five children; Leslie, Bob(Kathy), Kathy(Kevin), Mark, and Liz(Jim) and they are currently the proud grandparents of eight grangchildren.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Lewis Lincoln

Lewis Lincoln, who among his peers has always been called “Abe”, worked his way from lab assistant to chemist at Kodak while going nights, working toward his chemistry degree from the University of Rochester.

Abe was born on a farm in Naples, NY, the oldest of eight children. After the death of his mother when he was 15, the family moved to Rochester, where he graduated from Jefferson High School in 1944. He then joined the Air Force and was part of the Troop Carrier Command in Germany for 29 months.

In 1947 Abe was employed at Kodak in the Synthetic Chemistry area as a lab assistant and began to attend the University of Rochester nights. Eventually he transferred to the Sensitizing Dye Lab in the Kodak Research Labs as a lab assistant and later as technician. He joined the ACS in 1957 and soon achieved the rank of Chemist. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from the U of R in 1966. Abe worked on various projects synthesizing sensitizing dyes and related organic compounds under the direction of Leslie Brooker and Donald Heseltine until 1976, when he became a major scale-up chemist in the lab until his retirement in 1986.

For the last 20 years since retirement from Kodak, Abe has made a second career of selling real estate, having become a broker. He is just now in the process of retiring from that. He and his wife Mary live on a beautiful, large wooded lot in northern part of Irondequoit, the rear part of which goes down the slope toward the Lake Ontario shore level. The care of that consumes much of his extra time.

Mary and Abe had five children, all of whom had college educations; the two oldest boys having careers at Xerox and Kodak. A daughter lives in Pennsylvania. Well after the first three they had boy and girl twins. Altogether they have eight grandchildren, most of whom live in the area.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Joseph Mammino

Joe Mammino was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1932. He graduated from Boys High School. From 1952-1954, Joe served in the U.S. Army in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in a dental unit, where he learned the art of making upper and lower dentures. Joe finished his Army career as a Sergeant. He then entered the College of Pharmacy of Long Island University. Since part-time jobs in 'mom-and-pop' drug stores were rare at that time, he switched to The City College of New York and graduated in 1958 with a B.S. in Chemistry. The most notable graduate in the Class of 1958 at City College was General Colin Powell, later U.S. Secretary of State.

Joe Mammino's first technical job (1957) was during his senior year in college where he started as a lab assistant with Mergenthaler Linotype (Brooklyn) which specialized in the graphic arts and lithography. After graduation, Joe continued working for Mergenthaler as a junior project engineer until 1960. Interestingly, in spite of the more prestigious title, he had to take a pay cut as a college graduate!

From 1960-1962, Joe relocated to the Southern Tier and worked for the Ozalid Division of GAF (General Aniline & Film) in graphic arts, lithography, etc. The work led to 2 U.S. Patents. Joe Mammino then moved to Rochester for a highly-successful 36-year career (1962-1998) in research, development and manufacturing with Xerox in a broad spectrum of applications (color inks, photoconductive materials, toners, imaging processes, etc.). Joe was an Individual Contributor/Principal Scientist when he retired.

His technical accomplishments during his Xerox career are noteworthy: 145 U.S. Patents were credited to him ! In 1987, he was recognized as Distinguished Inventor of the Year by the Rochester Patent Law Association (now called the Rochester Intellectual Property Law Association). Other honors include the 1992 Fellowship for Outstanding Achievement by The Society for Imaging Science & Technology.

His post-Xerox career included a brief period as a consultant. His hobbies include
gardening and fishing. Joe and his wife, Constance ('Connie') were married in 1957. They live in Penfield, NY. The Mammino family consists of four children (3 daughters, plus a son) who
live in the Rochester area. All are college graduates with both bachelor's and
master's degrees. Their occupations include: computer sciences; accountant; and,
public administration. One of their children switched from the latter field and now
operates Bauman's Farm Market in Webster, along with her husband. Joe and Connie have been blessed with 9 grandchildren.

Max M. Boudakian

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Richard B. McGriff

Rick McGriff was born in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1935. There, he attended elementary and high school. He graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU) in 1955 with a BS in Chemistry. His next move was to Pasadena, where he enrolled in the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Rick joined the ACS while he was a full time graduate student at Caltech. His work was the subject of two publications and he was awarded a M.S. in Chemistry in 1959.

Rick’s first industrial job was at Riker Laboratories in Northridge, California. His interest was identifying compounds which control high blood pressure (hypertension).

Jerome Berson was a consultant at Riker Laboratories. When Berson moved his research team to Wisconsin, Rick accompanied him, and in 1967 earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in physical organic chemistry. His thesis described the synthesis of strained bicyclic hydrocarbons.

Rick joined Hercules in Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked on a variety of resins and polymers used in inks and adhesives.
In 1973, he began work at Xerox, and he retired from Xerox in 2001. He is a co-inventor on two patents. He worked on a variety of special elastomers and provided chemical analyses to support the development of new copier products. He investigated rheology of polymers, and consulted internally on reprographic materials problems.

Rick began in the Special Materials Area in 147 compounding rubber for fuser, bias transfer, and paper handling rolls.

Rick recalls several times when he took the early flight to LaGuaurdia Airport, drove to New Jersey, and worked all day in a vendor’s plant. Then he drove to the airport for an evening flight to Rochester and carried the prototype rolls to a project meeting in Henrietta the next morning.

That was his introduction to Product Engineering on the 9200 duplicator program.

In 1978, Rick transferred to the Materials Analysis Area in 139, where he remained throughout a reorganization and name change to the Chemical Analysis Area. He worked with Connie Murphy on the specifications for “Third Generation” or AMAT based products. This work was part of the photoreceptor technology used today in high speed copiers and duplicators.

Rick counts his participation in the 5090 Toner Product delivery Team in 1988 as one of the high points of his career. He was able to pursue in great breadth and depth the characterization of all the toner materials using thermal techniques. As often happen in complex material problems, the particular applications only served to exclude tantalizing leads. The problem solving team did resolve the problems.

Another highlight of Rick’s career was his first computer course in 1977. This was the start of activity in computer aided chemistry. “At one time,” he remembers, “we built our own interface boards.”

Rick ended his career in the Rheological Characterization Group.
This work crossed boundaries of new product platforms and old established products. Testing, problem solving, and writing specifications involved international partners in addition to Product Development and Delivery Teams.

The Program for Rochester Students interested in Science and Math (PRISSM) seeks to encourage minority youth to pursue careers in Engineering and Science. He volunteers with the PRISSM Science and Math competitions among the Rochester High Schools. The U.S. Department of Energy sponsors the National Science Bowl competition. The National Organization of Black Chemists and Engineers supports the Regional Science Bowl competition in Northwestern New York. He volunteers with the local competition

Rick and his wife Brenda are the parents of two daughters. They enjoy reading, traveling, attending cultural events, and gardening.

50-Year ACS Member (2007): Robert J. Tuite

Robert J. Tuite, Sr. is a native Rochesterian. He attended Aquinas Institute and earned a B. S. degree in Chemistry from St. John Fisher College. He received his Ph. D. in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois in 1960. He also graduated from the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School in 1981.

Bob joined the Kodak Research Laboratories (KRL) in 1959 as a synthetic organic chemist with the Color Photography Division. After several years in various synthetic and product development assignments, he served in a series of progressive management positions with KRL, including Head of the Color Photographic Chemistry and Color Reversal Photography Laboratories; Assistant Director, Color Photography Division; Director, Color Photography Division; Director, Instant Photography Division; and from 1981-84, Assistant to the Director of Research.

In 1984, Bob was named Director, New Opportunity Development, with responsibility for finding new business opportunities for Kodak's technological assets. In this role, which he found to be the most challenging and enjoyable of his professional career, Bob was the principle architect of Kodak's worldwide innovation and new venture program, which was subsequently moved to Kodak Office, reporting to the corporate Venture Board and Eastman Technology, Inc. In 1989, Bob moved to High Technology of Rochester as Kodak loaned executive to help start a community business incubation facility for high technology startups.

In 1991, Bob took early retirement and immediately co-founded the Innovation Strategy Group, Inc. (ISG) as Managing Partner. ISG is a management consulting firm specializing in business value growth through innovation management excellence. In recent years, he has really started to retire and now estimates that he spends only about 10% of his time on ISG business.

Bob has three sons by his wife of 45 years, Ruth, who passed away in 2003. They are: Dr. Robert, Jr., a practicing pediatrician in Penfield, NY; Dr. Michael, a professor of Radiology at the University of Wisconsin Medical School; and Christopher, an Assistant US Attorney in Tampa, FL. Bob has five grandchildren, the oldest of which is an eighth grader who participates with the Pittsford Mendon High School girls cross country and outdoor track teams. Last Fall, she won the Section V cross country title for Class A (middle sized high schools) and was named to the 1st Team All State Cross Country Team and New York State 8th Grade Runner of the Year by Tully Runners. Bob remarried in 2006, and his new wife Sandra brought to the marriage three sons and five grandchildren of her own!

In Bob's early years at Kodak, he participated in a variety of sports and was a softball pitcher on various teams at Kodak and the Rochester area. Now he enjoys boating at their summer home on Canandaigua Lake and playing golf at every opportunity!
David G. Bush

Message from the Chair - September 2007

Looking Towards National Chemistry Week

October 21st - 27th, 2007

“The Many Faces of Chemistry”

For many years, the Rochester ACS Section has celebrated National Chemistry Week (NCW). This year marks the 20th anniversary of NCW, which will be celebrated from October 21-27. The 2007 NCW theme is "The Many Faces of Chemistry". The theme's goal is to create awareness of the wide diversity of career opportunities involving chemistry and to recognize and celebrate the many people whose dedication to a chemistry-related occupation improves the quality of life for those around them.

This year, the Rochester Section's NCW team of Calvin Uzelmeier, Deb Janes, and Tim Wilson are beginning an expansion of our NCW efforts with the goal of filling an entire week of activities. Current plans are to have programs at the Rochester Museum & Science Center on both weekends bookending NCW. The first weekend will tie directly into the "Faces of Chemistry" theme, while the second weekend will dovetail with the RMSC's spooky-science program. The hope is to reach a larger audience by diversifying the program.

For this year’s theme, the focus will be on highlighting not only what chemists, professors, technicians and teachers do, but also how chemistry can be combined with almost any other interest to find a career path. Efforts are underway to involve local industries, colleges & universities, patent lawyers, publishers & book editors, conservators from the Memorial Art Gallery, and representatives from the Monroe County Crime Lab. The Rochester Section has also received a grant that will allow us to unite students from RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) with younger students from the Rochester School for the Deaf and begin a mentorship program between the two schools.

We have also purposely scheduled our Annual Recognition Dinner on the last Friday of NCW at Hawthorne's Restaurant on October 26. Please look for the info for this dinner in this issue of "The CHEMunicator” or on our web page. Plan on joining us as we honor our 50- and 60-year members, the “Rochester Chemical Technician Award” winner, the “Rochester Chemical High School Teacher Award” winner, and the winner of the annual “Rochester Section Volunteerism Award”. This year, we will also be recognizing five students from NTID who recently won National ACS awards. The speaker for the event will be the President of Encore Chocolates, so you won’t want to miss a wonderful chocolate tasting!

You can see the theme in the plans being made – bringing together “The Many Faces of Chemistry”. In 2008, there will be an extra effort to partner with local schools, and the 2008 NCW theme, “Chemistry and Sports”, should provide many opportunities for activities!

Sound like fun? It is! Feelers have gone out to members of the section who have been active in NCW in the past to solicit additional ideas. We can use your thoughts, ideas and energy to be a part of our new, exciting NCW efforts. Whatever time and energy or ideas you can offer, please contact:

Calvin Uzelmeier at: uzelmeier@yahoo.com

Deb Janes at: deborah.janes@kodak.com

Tim Wilson at: timothy.e.wilson@kodak.com

For further information about ACS's National Chemistry Week, visit the official NCW web site.

Please take the time to consider these volunteer opportunities and join us during this special week honoring Chemistry!

Message from the Chair - August 2007

Since 2005, I have had the honor of being part of the ACS Governance Review Taskforce. This taskforce, jointly appointed by the ACS Board of Directors and the ACS Council Policy Committee (CPC), had the task of reviewing how the ACS operated and how it might evolve for renewed growth and relevance in the 21st century.

From the beginning, we have had many concepts floated - some drastic and some mild. Some are moving on, some have been tabled or outright discarded. One concept coming forth could reshape ACS membership more than in any other time in its history. The concept was laid out in a white paper prepared by the ACS Membership Affairs Committee (MAC), of which I am an Associate Member. This white paper examined the categories and levels of membership within the Society, as well as ACS membership requirements. From this review, MAC proposed a far-reaching expansion of potential membership while clarifying terms that have been questionable or confusing in the past.

This proposal will be presented to the ACS Council for consideration at this month's National Meeting in Boston. One or more of the proposal's recommendations could then come up for a vote at the spring meeting in New Orleans. I thought it would be of value to our local membership to be aware of these recommendations so that you can see how these changes might affect our Society - affect it, in my opinion, for the better.

Here are the key proposals coming forth from MAC:

*If approved, these changes would make anyone with a Bachelor's or higher degree in a natural science, engineering, or science education eligible for membership. In addition, any individual with an Associate's degree in chemical science or chemical technology would also be eligible, as would any qualified pre-college chemistry teacher not able to meet the above requirements. Currently, depending on the degree acquired, an applicant with a BS degree could be required to have 3 years of work experience before being eligible for full membership. Likewise, all applicants with an AS or equivalent degree could be required to have 5 years of work experience before being eligible for full membership. The proposal would also retain a provision allowing the Admissions Committee to approve for membership those whose chemical knowledge and training is attained in the course of work experience.

*If approved, these changes would enable all who currently qualify for Associate Membership to become full Members, making retention of the membership category "Associate Member" unnecessary.

*There is currently considerable confusion regarding Student Affiliates, many of whom think they are ACS "members". There is a consensus that they should be accorded member status. MAC's proposal is that a STUDENT MEMBER category be created, granting them all the rights of membership except those of holding national office. The provisions governing this membership category would be patterned after the current ASSOCIATE MEMBER, and Divisions and Local Sections would have the option of allowing, but would not be required to allow, them to serve as officers in the Division or Local Section. (Because the current ASSOCIATE MEMBER category would be rendered unnecessary, it is proposed that a straightforward way of effecting these changes in the Society's documents will be to replace the term "ASSOCIATE MEMBER" with "STUDENT MEMBER" in almost every place that it occurs.)

So what does this mean to you, a member of the Rochester Section? This means that the ACS will be opening up its membership to a more multi-disciplinary workforce in the future. It means that those who may have had a non-chemistry degree, but who worked heavily in the chemistry arena, can now become members without having to meet a level of work experience. It means that students, who did not feel a full part of the Society, can do so now as "Student Members" and we, a Local Section identity, can now have a record of what students in the area are members so we can draw on them for involvement within the Section. In the past, those records were kept separate from the ACS membership records and were almost impossible to acquire. We realized that when trying to locate Student Affiliates in organizing NERM 2004. Also, we have the power to allow the new "Student Members" to run for local office, allowing us more of a pool to draw from when looking for candidates. This is a situation that is getting harder and harder each year. This will allow us new blood, fresh ideas and a new energy locally. Should this pass, I would urge that we, the Rochester Section, immediately review our Bylaws and allow for Student Members to run for local office.

For some time now, I have said that the ACS is changing and this is a good example of it. If you have any thoughts about these changes, I suggest you contact one of our two Councilors or myself who can make sure that your thoughts are passed on during discussions at the Boston meeting August 19th - 23rd.

Councilor Lew Allen = lallen10@rochester.rr.com
Councilor James Reynolds = james.reynolds@kodak.com


D. Richard Cobb
2007 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
(585) 727-4903

2007 Project SEED Students

The American Chemical Society’s Project SEED Summer I program provides a $2,500 fellowship to economically disadvantaged students to participate in summer research at an academic, government or industrial laboratory. An important feature of the Project SEED program is its emphasis on career development and its motivation of students to pursue higher education in the natural sciences.

Sharese King, a student at the School of the Arts and Ashley Vacchetto a student at the Bioscience and Health Careers Academy at Franklin High School, both entering the 12th grade in the fall, have been selected to do chemical research this summer at the Rochester Institute of Technology and Nazareth College, respectively. King will work under the direction of Professor Thomas Smith who is investigating the potential of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/imidazole polymer composites in proton exchange fuel cell membranes. Vacchetto will be directed by Professor Timm Knoerzer on the design and synthesis of peptidomimetic transcription factors.

Professor Smith has served as a Project SEED mentor for the past three years and Professor Knoerzer for two years. Although ACS provides no monetary compensation for the researchers, Smith and Knoerzer feel the program is worth the extra effort. Smith says, “for those of us who have had the privilege of spending a lifetime exploring the molecular basis of all that is around us, there is perhaps no greater joy than to have the opportunity to enable promising young students to experience, first hand, the joy and excitement of discovery, invention and visualization of molecules.”

Knoerzer adds, “I enjoy working with the Project SEED students because they are enthusiastic learners with a passion for science. By working alongside our Nazareth College undergraduates, SEED students experience firsthand the process of scientific discovery and gain confidence in doing research. The SEED experience is unique because students simply learn things the average high school student does not and they have the opportunity to advance considerably in their knowledge of chemistry in a very short period of time. As a result, Project SEED allows us to tap into a valuable resource right here in Rochester and to inspire the next generation of scientists.” King was nominated to do research by Margarette Douyon, chemistry teacher at the School of the Arts. Vacchetto was nominated by Dorothy Java, chemistry teacher at the Bioscience and Health Careers Academy.

Dalton LaBarge, a 12th grade student at Wilson Magnet High School has been selected to continue his research at the University of Rochester. As a member of the 2006 Project SEED program, LaBarge was invited to participate in the Project SEED Summer II program. He will work with Professor Hong Yang to synthesize novel multifunctional nanoparticles for polishing media applications.

The Project SEED II program provides a second summer of scientific research experience to former Project SEED students who continue to meet the financial guidelines of the program as well as a $3,000 fellowship. These students may continue their research with their mentor from the summer I experience or to begin a new research project with a different mentor. Additionally, Summer II students are eligible to receive a $100 grant for travel to an ACS or other scientific meeting to present their research findings, contingent on the availability of funds from ACS.

Hong Yang has served as a mentor for Project SEED students for the past four years. Although ACS provides no monetary compensation for the researchers who work with SEED students, Hong Yang feels the program is worth the extra effort. He stated “it is a very rewarding experience to see Project SEED students going through the lab and continuing to pursue promising careers in their life. Last year Aaron Frazier, who worked with Prof. Yang for two summers, went to Harvard University with a full scholarship.” LaBarge was nominated to do research for a second summer by Dr. Yang.

Job Opening - Facilities Engineer

Lew Allen forwarded the following job opening description. For further info, please contact Anderson Resources (contact info below). - Jim

Job Opening
*Sr. Facilities Engineer*
(Rochester, NY)
Provides Rochester Operations engineering support of facilities
services required for use in a GMP medical device manufacturing
operation including but not limited to purified water, compressed
air, HVAC, nitrogen, IPA, buildings & layouts and other services as
required. Both independently and in conjunction with support
departments uses data analysis tools to identify, analyze, recommend
and support the implementation of continuous improvements to improve
facility services, performance, operating costs, customer service,
business processes, and reaction time to interruptions of
manufacturing processes related to but not limited to these
services. Manages and/or executes the completion of major projects
and validation activities in accordance with all QSR and ISO
regulations. Maintains timely compliance to GMP, ISO, EH&S, and all
other functional related regulations required of medical device
manufacturing per global and plant SOP?s. Required to manage capital
expenditure projects to completion that will involve initial
financial analysis, project estimating, CER development and CER
spend control. Provides technical direction in a supervisory
leadership role as needed for levels of maintenance and engineering
activities and resources assigned to a continuously operational
medical device manufacturing process on a 7x24 basis.

Specific knowledge REQUIRED in purified water systems that produce
certified USP grade water for medical device manufacturing.
Responsible for managing all applicable compliance systems related
to the purified water system including but not limited to:
maintenance, change control, testing, data analysis and trending,
unexpected events, end user point compliance, documentation, SOP?s
and compliance with FDA-GMP regulations. Have the skills and
abilities to monitor and adjust the purified water treatment
processes to ensure the water supply complies with the user?s
requirements. REQUIRED to manage the installation and validation of
a new purified water system and managing the redesign of
manufacturing loops and end use points for compliance.

*_Qualifications:
_*Four year technical degree REQUIRED in field such as, but not
limited to, electrical or mechanical engineering or chemical
engineering.
A certification in purified water generation and distribution
systems is desired.
Training in cGMP along with a minimum four years of medical device
manufacturing experience REQUIRED, demonstrating a progression of
skills in facility services and principles and practices of
engineering project management.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum two years of responsible
experience in principles and practices of engineering as applied to
purified water systems, conducting purified water quality and
environmental studies, data analysis, operations management,
validations and experience with understanding local codes and
regulations required of such systems.
Detailed understanding of electrical, mechanical, and architectural
schematics required. Validation experience REQUIRED.
Experience must include executing to a validation strategy including
protocol generation, test execution, and final report generation.
Green belt or black belt certifications in Six Sigma applications
and LEAN tools preferred. Principles and practices of leadership and
supervision of technical resources.
Computer programs, languages and their engineering applications.
*_Must Have:_*
USP water systems experience
Pharmaceutical or electronics manufacturing experience
Facilities engineering experience.
Experience supporting a 7x24 operation in a controlled environment
Send resume to:
Anderson Resources
andersonresources@yahoo.com <mailto:andersonresources@yahoo.com>
585-381-7738

Laboratory Science Technology Program at NTID

The new Laboratory Science Technology (LST) program at RIT's National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) prepares deaf and hard-of-hearing students for employment as laboratory technicians. The program was developed primarily from an industry perspective, with course sequences in Chemistry (Fundamental, Analytical, & Organic), Biology, Microbiology, Instrumental Analysis, Laboratory Mathematics, and a unique six-part Laboratory Applications series. Program flagships are a required Co-op experience and a state-of-the-art instrumentation laboratory.

The LST program awards Associate in Occupational Studies (A.O.S.) and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees, and allows qualified students to transition to related Baccalaureate programs. LST graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in a broad range of fields including chemistry, biology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, forensics, inductrial chemistry, and food science. The LST program has experienced successful growth and implementation, and is currently promoting partnerships with industry.

Student experience:

LST students are well-trained to function in laboratory employment settings. Their program has focused on application and many hands-on experiences. The students have had practice with instrumental, volumetric, gravimetric, and biological techniques, as well as demonstrated proficiencies in general “bench skills”. Additional instructional emphasis has been placed on laboratory organization, storage, record keeping, maintenance, and functioning as a member of a team.

Working with deaf and hard-of-hearing students:

For the past 30 years, RIT/NTID students and graduates have successfully worked in a variety of workplace settings. Communication needs will be explained and strategies suggested to minimize obstacles, as an inclusive system is sought for all. There are a variety of aides and alternatives available to enhance communication. We are committed to working together to make Co-op experiences positive for both student and employer.

Our students in the program are very knowledgeable in practical information, have excellent bench skills, and are often able to enter a new laboratory facility and contribute from the start. The employers that have worked with our students on cooperative work experiences in the past have given high recommendations. Some of the organizations with which we have placed the Laboratory Science Technology students in the past include: Paradigm Environmental Services, Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, RJ Lee Group, FDA, Kodak, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Land-of-Lakes, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Stanford University, and NOAA. In fact, Dr. J. Beno, of the Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office, Forensic Toxicology Lab- was quoted in a local publication saying the following about her experience with one of our students (Lori) "I've never had an intern from any college as qualified as Lori. She came into our lab wonderfully prepared. Her (skills) lead me to recommend NTID's LST students to any lab in the country".

Proposed Laboratory Renovations:

The LST program has experienced tremendous success and growth. The program expansion and need to maintain state-of-the art instructional facilities, calls for the renovation of antiquated laboratory space. Newly designed laboratories will include an additional 700 sq.ft. of space, divided between a classroom/meeting room and a larger area to accommodate the state-of-the art instrumentation laboratory (which will house the program’s GC-MS, HPLC, Capillary Electrophoresis, IR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, and Atomic Absorption instrumentation). One of the two redesigned laboratory spaces provides a combined instrumentation laboratory and classroom while the second will meet the needs of the biotechnology curriculum. Hood access will be increased from four to twenty-four linear feet, providing vented workspace for up to twelve students simultaneously and includes ventilated chemical storage cabinets. Additional counter space and storage areas, and most importantly, increased access to work areas, safety stations, and materials are incorporated into the new design.

The proposed laboratory renovations are aimed to accommodate program growth and vastly improve the student work environment. The renovations will also provide the deaf and hard-of-hearing students with improved visual access to the learning environment. The current facilities are not adequate for classroom instruction of these students, as the visual field to the instructor and other students is obstructed. The proposed renovations will conform with the current standards in design of learning environments for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

For more information, please contact:

Todd Pagano
Assistant Professor, Department of Science & Mathematics
Director, Laboratory Science Technology program
Rochester Institute of Technology/ National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester, NY 14623

585-475-4539
tepnts@rit.edu

If you would like to make a donation to the Laboratory Science Technology program or to the renovation lab project, please make checks payable to:

NTID Foundation

Checks can be mailed to:

National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Office of Development
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
LBJ Building 60 - Room 3799
Rochester, NY 14623-5604

Message from the Chair - July 2007

The Council of the American Chemical Society formally approved a “Chemical Professional’s Code of Conduct” at the spring meeting in Chicago. This is quite a document, and I thought it was worth passing on to all of our members in the Rochester Section as my July report to you.

The American Chemical Society expects its members to adhere to the highest ethical standards. Indeed, the Federal Charter of the Society (1937) explicitly lists among its objectives "the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of chemists through high standards of professional ethics, education and attainments...” The chemical professional has obligations to the public, to colleagues, and to science.

The ACS Council approved “The Chemist’s Creed,” in 1965. The principles of The Chemist’s Code of Conduct were prepared by the Council Committee on Professional Relations, approved by the Council (March 16, 1994), and replaced "The Chemist's Creed". They were adopted by the Board of Directors (June 3, 1994) for the guidance of Society members in various professional dealings, especially those involving conflicts of interest. The Chemist’s Code of Conduct was updated and replaced by “The Chemical Professional’s Code of Conduct” to better reflect the changing times and current trends of the Society.

Chemical Professionals Acknowledge Their Responsibilities To:

The Public
Chemical professionals have a responsibility to serve the public interest and safety and to further advance the knowledge of science. They should actively be concerned with the health and safety of co-workers, consumers and the community. Public comments on scientific matters should be made with care and accuracy, without unsubstantiated, exaggerated, or premature statements.

The Science of Chemistry
Chemical professionals should seek to advance chemical science, understand the limitations of their knowledge, and respect the truth. They should ensure that their scientific contributions, and those of their collaborators, are thorough, accurate, and unbiased in design, implementation, and presentation.

The Profession
Chemical professionals should strive to remain current with developments in their field, share ideas and information, keep accurate and complete laboratory records, maintain integrity in all conduct and publications, and give due credit to the contributions of others. Conflicts of interest and scientific misconduct, such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism, are incompatible with this Code.

Their Employer
Chemical professionals should promote and protect the legitimate interests of their employers, perform work honestly and competently, fulfill obligations, and safeguard proprietary and confidential business information.

Their Employees
Chemical professionals, as employers, should treat subordinates with respect for their professionalism and concern for their well-being, without bias. Employers should provide them with a safe, congenial working environment, fair compensation, opportunities for advancement, and proper acknowledgment of their scientific contributions.

Students
Chemical professionals should regard the tutelage of students as a trust conferred by society for the promotion of the students’ learning and professional development. Each student should be treated fairly, respectfully, and without exploitation.

Associates
Chemical professionals should treat associates with respect, regardless of the level of their formal education, encourage them, learn with them, share ideas honestly, and give credit for their contributions.

Their Clients
Chemical professionals should serve clients faithfully and incorruptibly, respect confidentiality, advise honestly, and charge fairly.

The Environment
Chemical professionals should strive to understand and anticipate the environmental consequences of their work. They have a responsibility to minimize pollution and to protect the environment.

I wish all of my fellow Chemical Professionals an enjoyable summer!

D. Richard Cobb
2007 Chair
Rochester Section, ACS
d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
585-477-4903

Message from the Chair - June 2007

As hard as it is to believe, we are nearing the mid-point of 2007 already. We have just come through some very busy times for the Local Section and now everyone begins planning summer activities.

As we reach this mid-point, I would like to use this newsletter's message to urge you to join me in looking ahead; not just to the end of this year, but down the road for the Rochester Section.

In my last message to the Rochester membership, I talked about membership value and opportunities. In this issue, I would like to talk about membership involvement.

First, we are now in the process of looking for candidates for office in this year's elections. In 2007, we will be electing a Chair-Elect (who would serve as Rochester Section Chair in 2009), Treasurer (2-year term), Councilor (3-year term), Alternate Councilor (3-year term) and Members-at-Large (2-year terms). This is your chance to step up to the plate and help make a difference in the Rochester Section. If there are things you wish to change, or new programs and/or activities you want to see us undertake, now is your chance to make a difference. Please go to the Section's website and review the duties of each of these offices up for election and consider stepping forth to help move us into the future. Don't wait to be nominated - just let us know of your interest!

The Rochester Section is in the process of a transformation, as is the local chemical industry. We are moving towards a more academic Local Section as well as a Section relying more on smaller and newer chemical companies for support. Now, more than ever, volunteers can help to mold what that future Rochester Section will look like.

As we look towards the future, there is a big year coming - 2012! The Rochester Section will celebrate its 100th Anniversary in 2012, and we are now beginning to put together a Centennial Committee to prepare special events and activities around that anniversary. If you are interested in serving on that Committee, please let me know. I know that it may sound as if 2012 is a long time off, but I remember agreeing to Chair the Northeast Regional Meeting in Rochester in 1999; five years before NERM 2004! Let me state that five years can go by very quickly.

2012 is also the year when we would hopefully host another Northeast Regional Meeting locally. More than any other NERM, this would be a very special NERM as it would be tied in with our 100th anniversary celebration. Here again, we are looking for Members to step forth and help organize NERM 2012.

Please take the time to consider these volunteer opportunities and join us during this time of transformation, looking towards a new horizon in 2012!

D. Richard Cobb
d.richard.cobb@kodak.com
(585) 727-4903

Undergraduate Trip Report - Josh Thomson

I would like to thank the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society for a travel grant, which I was able to use in my trip to the 2007 meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Washington D.C (April 27th – May 2nd). I truly cannot express how great of an experience this was. As a freshman, biochemistry major, I had only a limited view of what existed within the realm of biochemistry, which I primarily obtained through working with Dr. Suzanne O’Handley, my research mentor. However, by attending this national meeting, I was introduced to a world of possibilities of which I was previously unaware. Biochemistry spans such a vast array of subjects that it seemed nearly impossible for someone to decide upon one area of interest. So many fields of study are available, each offering exciting new frontiers and promises of reward. Through the guidance of my research mentor, I was able to get a feel for the various aspects of biochemistry, as well as clarity upon subjects that were foreign to me. Although much of the information that I was exposed to may have been over my head, I still was able to leave the meeting with a wealth of new knowledge.

Another exciting aspect of the meeting was the opportunity to present my research to fellow scientists. I participated in the undergraduate poster presentation and the general poster session that occurred on two of the days that we were in Washington. Simply to have an understanding about my research is one thing, however, to be capable of explaining the research to other individuals to whom the work is foreign, requires an even greater understanding. By taking part in these events, I have been able to develop such an understanding for my research. Therefore, these poster sessions serve not only to educate others, but also to further reinforce the presenter’s comprehension of his work. By bringing a large number of researchers together, several acquaintances and friendships could be made. These acquaintances and friends may even one day become my colleagues and collaborators of the future.

Besides creating new friendships, the ties within our own research lab grew stronger through this group experience. Throughout the academic year, each lab member’s busy schedule often results in only one or two people working in the lab at any given time. The opportunities to gather every member of the lab together to spend time collectively and discuss research or just life in general are rare. By attending this meeting, our lab was able to attain that quality time and to strengthen the bonds between each member. Such opportunities can only lead to improved cooperation and communication within the lab, and thus result in more efficient and effective research.

Overall, the week was an immense success. This was definitely an experience that I would recommend for any undergraduate student, whether a freshman or senior. I want to thank you again for aiding me in making this possibility a reality, and I look forward to attending future meetings; including the national meeting for the American Chemical Society this August in Boston.

- Josh Thomson