2024 ChemLuminary Awards celebrate ACS volunteers

The 2024 ChemLuminary Awards ceremony took place at the American Chemical Society Fall 2024 meeting in Denver in August. Each year, the society celebrates members from 185 local sections, 32 divisions, and 26 international chemical sciences chapters, and those involved with at least eight regional meetings. Twenty-two ACS committees presented awards recognizing outstanding volunteer efforts of these local sections, divisions, and chapters, whose members contribute thousands of hours of service each year to ACS. This year’s event theme was “Elevating the Dedication of Our Volunteers.”

“I extend my deepest gratitude to every one of you for your unwavering commitment to the American Chemical Society. Your passion, hard work, and selfless contributions have propelled our society to unparalleled heights of excellence,” says Mary K. Carroll, president of ACS.

The keynote speaker for the event was V. Michael Mautino, who received the 2024 Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society for his outstanding volunteerism and mentorship at all levels of the society. Mautino has played a significant role in raising the profile of chemical technicians within ACS.

“In 1999, the same year I organized my very first National Chemistry Week event at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, Mr. Rogers was inducted into the Television [Academy] Hall of Fame.” said Mautino. During his induction speech, “Mr. Rogers made a request that was important to him. He wanted the audience to think about the people who helped them succeed.”

Following Fred Rogers’s example, Mautino asked the audience at the ChemLuminary Awards to think of those who have “trusted you, guided you, mentored you, or supported you in any way that helped you become the person you are today. Those who, when others said you were not good enough, told you that you were great. Those who, when others said you do not qualify, said you were able. Those who, when others said you did not fit the mold, said you broke the mold.”

Other ChemLuminary Awards presented that night include:

▸ Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals

The Indiana Local Section was given the award for Best Event or Activity Organized by, or Benefiting, the Applied Chemical Technology Professional Community for the program Promote Yourself, which included a career panel of scientists with varying educational backgrounds followed by discussions and networking. Photographers offered professional headshots, and companies set up booths to engage with prospective employees.

▸ Committee on Chemists with Disabilities

The New York Local Section received the Chemists with Disabilities Inclusion Award for organizing a symposium, Teaching Chemistry to Students with Disabilities, which offered comprehensive guidance on accommodating disabled students in chemistry. It covered many topics and strategies, and the presenters reflected diverse chemistry experiences.

▸ Committee on Community Activities

The New York Local Section was given the award for Outstanding Public Outreach Event Organized by a Student Group for organizing the Chemistry of Love event with Pace University science, technology. engineering, and mathematics (STEM) groups. The event included networking and informational talks about chemistry and love in addition to photo booths, love songs, and lunch for attendees.

The Georgia Section and Midland Local Section each received an award for Most Creative and Innovative Use of the Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) Theme. The Georgia Section designed activities related to the topic of algae at five different venues. The Midland Local Section hosted CCEW several events, including a free exposition, food science café, and a summit.

The Virginia Section won the award for Most Creative and Innovative Use of the National Chemistry Week (NCW) Theme for hosting an event during the Science Museum of Virginia’s Spooky Science Night. About 1,200 children attended the event to learn how chemistry affects health. Participants examined animal organs such as hearts and kidneys.

The Northeast Wisconsin Local Section was given the award for Outstanding Community Involvement in CCEW for hosting three in-person events using the topic of algae. Over 200 participants made alginate worms, examined algae under microscopes, and learned about the impact of carbon dioxide on algae.

The Pittsburgh Section received the award for Outstanding Community Involvement in NCW for celebrating NCW in partnership with the Carnegie Science Center. Events included the “Gene-Age Dream” scholars program, SciTech Days, ACS student chapter Mini-ChemFest, and a networking event at a local library.

The Richland Section won the award for Outstanding NCW Event for a Specific Audience for hosting an NCW event at Eastern Oregon University with 40 volunteers. Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students investigated a zombie mystery with activities based on the NCW theme “Healing Power of Chemistry.”

The Central Texas Local Section was given the award for Outstanding Ongoing CCEW Event for hosting an event at the “Splash!” exhibit in partnership with the city of Austin and the Austin Nature and Science Center.

The New York Local Section received the award for Outstanding Ongoing NCW Event for celebrating NCW at the New York Hall of Science. There were 1,000-plus visitors and 32 interactive stations. Event partners included PepsiCo and the New York Hall of Science.

▸ Committee on Divisional Activities

The Division of Chemical Health and Safety (CHAS) won the Recognition of Innovation and Outstanding Service to Members of a Division for developing CHAS peer-led workshops. These workshops for graduate researchers provide practical guidance on risk management using the Recognize, Assess, Minimize, Prepare (RAMP) framework and laboratory safety teams.

The Division of Professional Relations (PROF) was given the Most Unique Project funded by a Division Innovative Project Grant for their ambassadors promoting the division at all 2023 ACS Regional Meetings. PROF ambassadors were provided with T-shirts, swag, and tablets programmed with PROF presentation materials and member sign-up mechanisms.

▸ Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs

The Silicon Valley Section won the Outstanding Local Section Career Program Award for working to create a career panel and networking event that supported community college and transfer students. The panel featured four scientists who started their higher education at a community college.

The Division of Business Development and Management (BGMT) was given the award for Outstanding Divisional Career Program for providing a new course for aspiring chemical entrepreneurs as part of the ACS educational portfolio. The course combines the collective knowledge of the BGMT and the Division of Small Chemical Businesses about the business of chemistry.

▸ Committee on Corporation Associates

The California Local Section won the award for Outstanding Local Section Industry Event for hosting the 2023 Bay Area Chemistry Symposium, which brought together over 125 students, postdoctoral scholars, and professionals from the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to network and learn about themes such as synthesis and design in medicinal, process, biological, and computational chemistry.

▸ Committee on Environment and Sustainability

The Indiana Local Section was given the award for Outstanding Sustainability Activities for organizing a series of events using storytelling and hands-on experiments to introduce elementary school children to the importance of protecting the environment, conservation, and living harmoniously with nature.

▸ Committee on Ethics

The Chemical Society of Washington received the award for Outstanding Local Section Industry Event for hosting a hybrid dinner event on cybersecurity featuring tailored examinations of the chemical enterprise, potential catastrophic impacts to the intellectual property and physical safety of chemical manufacturing, and the risks posed to academic laboratories by data theft and phishing schemes.

▸ Committee on International Activities

The Division of Environmental Chemistry won the Global Engagement Award for supporting 20 students who successfully participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Upon completion of the program, students wrote about their experiences on social media platforms and in other outlets.

The Malaysia International Chemical Sciences Chapter was given the Outstanding Global Partnership Award for organizing 2023’s Southeast Asia Global Innovative Challenge, an annual event that combines competition and education. The 2023 challenge offered a minicourse to foster critical thinking and innovation among students.

▸ Committee on Local Section Activities

The New York Local Section won the award for Best Activity or Program in a Local Section Stimulating Membership Involvement for hosting 14 impactful events honoring Marie Maynard Daly’s legacy, including seminars, symposiums, and landmark celebrations. Over 2,500 participants engaged with Daly’s achievements, promoting diversity and inclusion across the chemical enterprise.

The Indiana Local Section was given the Local Section Partnership Marinda Li Wu Award for conducting a symposium and reception at the ACS Spring 2023 meeting to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the development and commercialization of insulin. Partners for the event included Eli Lilly and Company, the Division of Medicinal Chemistry, and the Division of the History of Chemistry.

The Puerto Rico Section received the award for Most Innovative New Activity or Program for the Chemistry Career Road Tour, which engaged high school, undergraduate, and graduate students by showcasing diverse chemistry careers and breaking cultural barriers. Sessions emphasized inclusivity and community engagement, inspiring enthusiasm for chemistry-related careers among students.

The Binghamton Section won the Outstanding Performance by a Local Section–Small Size Category Award for actively promoting diversity and inclusivity by engaging members through social and professional events funded by Committee on Local Section Activities grants and local funds.

The Midland Local Section was given the Outstanding Performance by a Local Section–Medium Small Size Category Award for hosting 101 events, which affected 20,000 people and required 4,500 volunteer hours. Key events included the Earth Day expo, H₂O Q program, and Project SEED. The collaborations targeted local students and professionals, fostering community engagement and advancing scientific literacy.

The Lehigh Valley Section received the Outstanding Performance by a Local Section–Medium Size Category Award for delivering diverse programming aligned with the 2022–27 ACS Strategic Plan in 2023. This included industrial talks and inaugural events like the Ned Heindel Memorial Lecture. The section engaged members and the community, fostered student initiatives, and supported educational partnerships.

The Saint Louis Section won the Outstanding Performance by a Local Section–Medium Large Size Category Award for launching a Coffee and Cocktails with Chemists networking series in 2023. Over 250 people participated in seven networking events. These new events fostered networking, camaraderie, and inclusion, as the section welcomed all chemistry enthusiasts by alternating between local coffee shops and cocktail venues.

The Indiana Local Section was given the Outstanding Performance by a Local Section–Large Size Category Award for accomplishing strategic initiatives, including hosting a record 29 events with 10,000 participants.

The California Local Section received Outstanding Performance by a Local Section–Very Large Size Category Award for demonstrating dynamic engagement, expanded outreach, and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and scientific excellence. Examples of this include events like Earth Day activities, cohosting the national ACS meeting, and initiating new traditions like the Juneteenth-Pride picnic.

▸ Committee on Meetings and Expositions

The 2022 Southeastern Regional Meeting (SERMACS) received an award for Outstanding Regional Meeting. The Puerto Rico Section hosted SERMACS in 2022 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center in San Juan. The meeting coincided with the section’s 75th anniversary celebration. A total of 1,683 participants attended offerings that included oral and poster technical sessions focusing on topics from across the discipline and aligned with the theme “Chemistry Transcending Boundaries for a Sustainable Future.”

The 2023 Southwest Regional Meeting (SWRM) won Outstanding Regional Meeting for its 2023 event, hosted by the Oklahoma Local Section at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. More than 1,000 attendees registered for the in-person meeting. The SWRM theme was “Chemistry Energized.” The organizing team created a program that would capture the interest of chemists, chemistry educators, and practitioners in chemistry and chemistry-adjacent fields from across the Southwestern US region.

▸ Committee on Membership Affairs

The Division of Organic Chemistry won the MAC Industry Engagement and Outreach Award for adding seminar talks called “Industry Sessions” to the 48th National Organic Chemistry Symposium. The new programming featured representatives from local chemistry industries who presented on the mission, goals, focus, and potential careers at their respective companies.

▸ Committee on Minority Affairs

The Midland Local Section and New York Local Section received awards for Best Overall Local Section Minority Affairs Committee. The Midland Local Section hosted eight events, totaling over 377 volunteer hours and involving nearly 3,000 members. Highlights included the HerStory event, member spotlights, virtual seminars, and establishment of a new award in honor of Bettye Washington Greene. The New York Local Section dedicated over 450 volunteer hours to projects celebrating Marie Maynard Daly, including a documentary showcased at Columbia University. These efforts supported four ACS strategy goals and raised awareness of Daly’s contributions to chemistry.

▸ Committee on Project SEED

The Midland Local Section received the Outstanding Efforts by a Local Section to Organize a Project SEED Program–Small Site Award for partnering with three colleges. The section hosted eight SEED students in person and two virtually in 2023. The 10 SEED students participated in industrial tours, monthly virtual meetings, community outreach, and public presentations of their research.

The New York Local Section won the Outstanding Efforts by a Local Section to Organize a Project SEED Program–Large Site Award for hosting 41 SEED students who participated in a regional science fair and competed in STEM competitions, including the STEM Showcase, where SEED students were awarded five gold, eight silver, and 13 bronze medals.

▸ Committee on Public Relations and Communications

Tom Kuntzleman, a professor at Wayne State University, received the Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach for sharing his passion for science through science camps, public lectures at schools and community gatherings, and popular YouTube and TikTok videos.

The Indiana Local Section won the award for Best New Public Relations or Communications Program of a Local Section for securing a National Historic Chemical Landmark designation for the 100th anniversary of insulin development and commercialization. The Indiana Section worked with Eli Lilly and Company insulin scientists and leadership and hosted an insulin-themed symposium and celebration.

The Midland Local Section was given the Outstanding Continuing Public Relations or Communications Program of a Local Section Award for helping Central Michigan University provide teachers with training, resources, and supplies to engage more than 4,000 students in environmental efforts related to water quality testing. The Midland Local Section, along with the US Environmental Protection Agency, helped make this happen through grant giving to Central Michigan University.

▸ Joint DAC and LSAC Award

The Committee on Divisional Activities and the Committee on Local Section Activities together awarded the Division of Energy and Fuels and the South Texas Local Section the Outstanding Local Section–Division Collaboration Award for their event Celebration of Happy Halogens, which fused music and chemistry. The more than 200 attendees included students, and community leaders. The event showcased a blend of art and science, enhancing emotional intelligence and learning outcomes through its edutainment approach.

▸ Joint IAC and SOCED Award

The Committee on International Activities and the Society Committee on Education jointly gave the Malaysia International Chemical Sciences Chapter the Fostering Interactions between International Chapters and International Student Chapters Award for organizing the Southeast Asia Global Innovative Challenge 2023. The project aligned with IAC’s strategic goals of supporting chemistry-related education and promoting collaboration on a national and international scale.

▸ Joint SOCED and AACT Governing Board Award

The Society Committee on Education and the American Assoication of Chemistry Teachers jointly awarded the Orange County Section the award for Outstanding AACT Support for organizing a successful recognition program and corresponding event honoring chemistry teachers.

▸ Senior Chemists Committee

The Midland Local Section won the award for Best Continuing Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section for continuing its prior year’s exhibit “A Century of Science and Service.” It drew 700 people and was successful in communicating chemistry values, supporting excellence in education, and advancing inclusion in chemistry.

The North Carolina Local Section was given the award for Best New Senior Chemists Activity within a Local Section for organizing tours of the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics and the Biotechnology Education Center on North Carolina State University’s campus, which it invited senior chemists along with current graduate students at the university to attend. Participants learned about state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and how industry and academia are collaborating to enhance the future.

▸ Society Committee on Education

The Western Michigan Local Section won the award for Fostering Interactions Between Local Sections and Student Chapters for bringing together chemists and college students to discuss career opportunities. The event, Chemistry at the Mall, gave students a chance to share their love for chemistry and their knowledge the general public, helping students with public speaking and science communication skills.

The California Local Section was given the award for Outstanding US National Chemistry Olympiad for their 2023 record-making event, during which 375 students from 24 high schools sat for the local exam. In addition, students attended tutoring sessions, high-performing students were awarded cash, and participating teachers received gifts and appreciation letters.

The Detroit Section received the award for Outstanding Engagement with K–8 Students for facilitating Neinas Chemistry Day at Wayne State University. They hosted 120 middle school students and their teachers from Neinas Dual Language Learning Academy to learn about chemistry, college, and careers.

▸ Strategic Planning Committee

The Division of Professional Relations (PROF) received the award for Best Activity or Program Highlighting ACS Change Driver(s) or Strategic Planning for the commencement of the PROF Pride Merck Graduate Research Excellence Award, a joint graduate research award, with Merck, for LGBTQ+ scientists.

▸ Women Chemists Committee

The Detroit Section was given the award for Best Local Section Women Chemists Committee (WCC) Event or Activity for hosting the fifth annual Skills Beyond the Bench event, which brings together students and industry professionals. This year’s theme was “Owning Your Seat at the Bench: A Conversation about Imposter Syndrome.”

The Chicago Section received the award for Most Outstanding Local Section WCC for holding several events, including a global women’s breakfast with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, a What to Expect When Expecting in the Laboratory webinar, and a WCC career event to help younger chemists explore different chemistry-related job opportunities.

▸ Younger Chemists Committee

The North Jersey Section received the award for Outstanding Local Section Younger Chemists Committee for organizing a seminar series centered around career path selection and progression from academia to industry.

The Georgia Section won the award for Outstanding or Creative Local Section Younger Chemists Committee Event for the event Science of Spin Art: Exploring the intersection of Science, Art, and Engineering. This event added a modern twist to traditional painting techniques.

The Hampton Roads Local Section was given the award for Outstanding New Local Section Younger Chemists Committee for hosting two networking events that allowed members to meet local chemists in various stages of their careers.

More about the winners and ChemLuminary Awards can be found at www.acs.org/funding/awards/chemluminary/2024-chemluminary-award-winners.html.