Wednesday, July 25, 2007

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.

Friday, July 13, 2007

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


Monday, July 2, 2007

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

Sunday, July 1, 2007

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