A D V A N C E N O T I C E
JUNE MEETING Thursday, June 20, 2019
Luncheon Honoring 50-, 60-, and 70-Year Members
William Penn Inn, Gwynedd, PA
See the JUNE issue of the Catalyst for details,
call the Section Office at (215) 382-1589 or email [email protected].
Excellence in Teaching Awards Dr. Michelle Francl
Department of Chemistry Bryn Mawr College
the Catalyst
Official publication of the Philadelphia Section, ACS
http://philadelphia.sites.acs.org
May 2019
Volume 104, No. 5
HIGHLIGHTS
Comments From
the Chair 71
News Atoms 72
Speaker’s Abstract
and Biography 74
CHEMAGINATION
Contest Results 75
Calendar of
Activities 83
May 2019 Page 70
Published monthly except July, August and December by the Philadelphia Section of the American
Chemical Society. All views expressed are those of the editors and contributors and do not necessari-
ly represent the official position of the Philadelphia Section of the American Chemical Society. Edi-
torial matters should be sent to the attention of the Editor-in-Chief c/o the Philadelphia Section ACS,
Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, 231 South 34th Street, Philadelphia, PA
19104-6323 or [email protected].
Advertising: Victor Tortorelli, [email protected]
ACS Philadelphia Section
Founded April 15, 1899
Proof Editors: Georgia Arbuckle-Keil Kendra Luther Marge Matthews Alan Warren
ADVERTISING MANAGER Vince Gale
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Chair: Marge Matthews Anthony W. Addison Georgia Arbuckle-Keil Robin S. Davis Vince Gale Robert Gates Corrie Kuniyoshi Kendra Luther Judy Summers-Gates Victor Tortorelli Alan Warren
CONTENTS June Advance Notice ................................................. 69
Comments From the Chair ......................................... 71
News Atoms ............................................................... 72
ACS Career Consultants ............................................ 72
May Meeting .............................................................. 73
Speaker’s Abstract and Biography ............................. 74
Imagining the Future .................................................. 75
Volunteers Needed for Spring 2020 ACS National Meeting in Philadelphia .............................................. 77
Essential Workplace Skills for Stem Industry Professionals ............................................................. 79
CCN/Chempharma Joint Meeting .............................. 80
MARM Meeting .......................................................... 81
Directory of Services .................................................. 82
2019 Calendar of Activities ........................................ 83
STAFF
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robin S. Davis
EDITORS
News Atoms: Alan Warren Proof Editors: Anthony Addison Georgia Arbuckle-Keil Kendra Luther Corrie Kuniyoshi Marge Matthews Alan Warren
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Victor Tortorelli
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Chair: Anthony W. Addison Georgia Arbuckle-Keil Matthew Bodek Robin S. Davis Alan Heldon Corrie Kuniyoshi Kendra Luther Marge Matthews Liliana Suárez Victor Tortorelli Alan Warren
the Catalyst
May 2019 Page 71
the Catalyst
Jim Murray
The Philadelphia Section recently conducted its April meeting at
Widener University. Latham Hall was an excellent venue for the
purpose of this month’s event. At this event, we recognized our
scholastic achievement award winners. Having served over 10 years
as a department head, I had the pleasure of nominating several
students for this award. Now, as Chair of the Section, I was pleased
to greet all the winners, shake their hands, and present them with
their certificates. It was reassuring to hear that many of these young people are going to
continue their journey in chemistry, whether it be in graduate school or industry. As a Section,
we should encourage and support them to demonstrate the great benefits that careers in
chemistry can provide and to consider membership and volunteering with ACS, both at the
local and national levels. Again, my sincere thanks to Joe Martino and the Program Planning
Committee. I would like to give special recognition to Mike Vogel, a proud Widener alum,
whose tireless efforts made the evening very memorable for all in attendance.
The next meeting, to be held May 22, 2019 at the McCall Golf and Country Club in Upper
Darby, will recognize the recipients of our awards for excellence in teaching at the high school
and college levels. Having been a recipient of one of these awards I know how much this event
means to those being recognized. Professor Michelle Francl of Bryn Mawr College will give the
address, highlighting 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table (IYPT). Again, I
encourage you, and your friends and colleagues, to join us for this event and make the evening
special for our award winners.
On June 20th we will be recognizing our 50-, 60-, and 70-year members! The event will be held
at the William Penn Inn in Gwynedd, PA. If you know of anyone who would be in these
anniversary years of membership, please let me know and we will be sure that they are invited
to join us.
As we approach the Memorial Day holiday, and the unofficial start of the summer vacation
season, know that the members of the Section will still be working to assure that we have the
highest quality programming come September. (I will tell you that something unique is planned
for the September event!) If during your down time over the summer months you have any
ideas, suggestions, questions, or concerns regarding the Section please bring them to my
attention. It is only through the spirit, dedication, and creativity of our membership that new
ideas come forward and become reality.
My best wishes for a safe and relaxing summer season!
Comments
From
the
Chair
May 2019 Page 72
the Catalyst
NEWS ATOMS—Alan Warren Daeyeon Lee, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Penn-
sylvania, was named to the Penn Fellows Program of leadership development.
Jessica Anna, assistant professor of chemistry at Penn, is recipient of a Sloan Research Fellow-
ship, recognizing early-career researchers and scholars in North America.
DEATHS
Thyagaraja Parsaran. No further details available.
Michael John Smith, research chemist, December 13, 2018 at age 81. Born in England he
worked in the dye chemical industry for Williams Chemical. Williams was acquired by Morton
Chemical and Smith emigrated in 1972 to the United States to work for Morton for 29 years. He
then co-founded United Color where he served as chief chemist for 30 years.
Ellsworth Elias Faust, research chemist, January 27, 2019 at 86.
Gerard Gantert, chemist, February 21st at 95. He worked for Rohm and Haas and obtained pa-
tents in the field of cyanoketones.
Richard W. “Dick” King, research chemist, March 20th at 93. He joined Sunoco’s R&D de-
partment and was eventually named manager of research services, retiring in 1983. He contin-
ued as a consultant on environmental, toxicological, and regulatory issues.
Note: News Atoms seeks to report on new hires, significant promotions, honors and awards,
and those who have recently passed away from the field of chemistry in the greater Philadelphia
area. If you have a news item for this column, send it by email to [email protected] or by
mail to the Philadelphia Section.
ACS CAREER CONSULTANTS
Would you like to speak to a local ACS Career Consultant? The Philadelphia Section career consultants can provide one-on-one career advice, resume reviews, or mock interviews. Please send an email request to [email protected] to set up an appointment.
May 2019 Page 73
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MAY MEETING
THE PHILADELPHIA SECTION, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
presents
Excellence in Teaching Awards
and
Michelle Francl
Chair and Frank B. Mallory Professor of Chemistry, Bryn Mawr College
Isotopic Tales: Exploring the Depths of the Periodic Table
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
6:00 – 9:00 PM
McCall Golf and Country Club
201 N Lynn Blvd
Upper Darby, PA 19082
Register at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/high-school-and-pre-college-teaching-awards2019-international-
year-of-the-periodic-table-tickets-59345345526
Or by contacting the Section Office [email protected] or (215)-382-1589
Board of Directors Meeting
Ballroom of the McCall Golf and Country Club
4:00 – 6:00 PM
May 2019 Page 74
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SPEAKER’S ABSTRACT AND BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Michelle Francl
Chair and Frank B. Mallory Professor of Chemistry, Bryn Mawr College
Isotopic Tales: Exploring the Depths of the Periodic Table
Abstract: In the eyes of chemists, to say nothing of geologists, astrochemists and biologists, the
two-dimensional periodic table found on the wall of labs and offices holds beguiling depths and
heights. Subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the chemical and physical behaviors of
isotopes of the elements provide keys to the past and expose the fundamental details of
chemical reactions, on scales that range from the cellular to the galactic. But this dimension of
the periodic table remains hidden to the cursory reader. A few periodic tables have been
designed to call attention to specific information about isotopes. What do these designs look
like, what other arrangements are possible? I will consider how might we best represent these
often-unappreciated depths of the iconic table.
For those interested in seeing the world through a technicolor lens, Dr. Francl’s guides to
aspects of the molecular world can be found via the following link:
http://cultureofchemistry.fieldofscience.com/.
Biography: Dr. Michelle Francl has been molding the minds of students at Bryn Mawr College
since 1986 where she recently earned the prestigious distinction of being the inaugural Frank B.
Mallory Professor of Chemistry. During her time at Bryn Mawr, she has earned numerous
awards and distinctions including being nominated as an ACS Fellow (2009); the McPherson
Award for excellence in teaching, research, and service (2003); ISI List of Top 1000 most cited
chemists (1981-1997); Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award (1994); Rosalyn R. Schwartz
Lectureship (1987-1991) and an Adjunct Scholar of the Vatican Observatory. These awards and
distinctions coincide with Michelle’s commitment to the community as she serves as a
columnist for Nature Chemistry, and as a member of the Board of Examiners (Chemistry GRE),
the OXIDE (Open Chemistry Collaborative in Diversity Equity) Advisory Board, and the C&E
News Editorial Advisory Board.
Through columns in Nature Chemistry and in research at Bryn Mawr, Michelle continues to
probe questions of chemical structure and reactivity. She has been described as “the guide the
world needs, as with her help, we may find the mystery in the quantum structure of a burning
atom, the human meaning of dirty dishes, or the poetic history of dust on a desk.” For those
interested in seeing the world through a technicolor lens, Dr. Francl has incensed us with guides
in doing so which can be found via the following link:
http://cultureofchemistry.fieldofscience.com/.
May 2019 Page 75
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IMAGINING THE FUTURE—By Bill Smith
The Section has completed its annual CHEMAGINATION contest for 2019. High school
students from across the Section territory were asked to write a notional article for
ChemMatters, an ACS high school magazine. The articles were set in the year 2044 and
reported on the outcome of an important discovery in 2019. There were four categories for the
articles. Each member of each team received a certificate. Additionally, the First Place winners
each received a special award along with a check for $50.
This year, we received and judged 41 entries. A total of 107 students from 5 schools
participated! This project is growing in popularity and our participation rate is more than five
times the number from just a few years ago!
Section winners will proceed to MARM level competition at the University of Maryland on
June 1st.
Section Winners and Article Covers:
Alternative Energy Sources - Tiffany Lim, Monica
Madya, Zora Nelson
“Powering Life Through Life”
John W. Hallahan High School, Philadelphia, PA
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Environment - Nicole DeOrzio, Tatyanna Lozada
“The Lean Green Olivine Machine”
Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, PA
Medicine/Healthcare -Mya McBurnie, Casandra
Nguyen, Amelia Teti
“Futura Nerve Repair”
Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, PA
May 2019 Page 77
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New Materials - Summer Dib, Giovanna McKinley,
Indreal Morris
“Live-Life Lenses”
John W. Hallahan High School, Philadelphia, PA
Thank you to the following Education and Outreach Committee volunteers: Christine Cocozza,
Katherine Davis, Lindsay Davis, Steve Fleming, Kathy Thrush Shaginaw, Robert Stanley, and
Deborah Walsh.
Volunteers Needed: 259th ACS National Meeting in Philadelphia,
Spring 2020
Philadelphia will be the site of the 259th ACS National Meeting in Spring 2020 (March 22 –
26, 2020). The theme of the 2020 Spring meeting is “Macromolecular Chemistry: the Second
Century.” This is the Section’s first call for volunteers to help plan: (a) items for display and
give-away at the Host Section booth; and, (b) connect with technical program organizers seek-
ing local professionals for session proposals and organizing.
We are seeking a group of volunteers with differing interests and time availability: (a) individ-
uals who can staff the host booth at the Convention Center for 1 to 2 hours; (b) individuals who
are creative and devise ideas for giveaways to attendees. We are seeking memorable giveaways
that will connect with the macromolecules theme and/or Philadelphia. Some technical divisions
are seeking local scientists willing to assist in generating session programs.
We expect to hold the first meeting on Thursday May 23, 2019. Call-in teleconference will be
available for those unable to attend the meeting in person. Please contact Sharon L. Haynie,
PhD ([email protected]) to volunteer or for more information.
May 2019 Page 78
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DELAWARE VALLEY ENZYMOLOGY CLUB /
DE & Phila. ACS ENZYMOLOGY TOPICAL GROUP
Dear Colleagues, the next meeting of the Delaware Valley Enzymology Club will be on Thursday, May 9th, at Chennai Corner in King of Prussia, PA. Our speaker will be Dr. Sriram Krishnaswamy from Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PA. The title of his presentation is:
Structural Correlates of Procofactor and Cofactor Function: A Final Frontier in Blood Coagulation Biochemistry
Abstract: Factor V and its close cousin Factor VIII circulate in plasma as procofactors. Their im-portance in blood coagulation is illustrated by the bleeding diseases associated with deficiencies in either of the procofactors. They are inactive precursors that require proteolytic activation to yield the corresponding cofactors Va and VIIIa. In the case of factor V, activation results from the proteolytic release of an 835-residue central B domain to yield heterodimeric factor Va which can bind the pro-teinase, factor Xa, on membranes exposing phosphatidylserine to assemble prothrombinase. The in-corporation of factor Xa into prothrombinase yields a profound increase in the rate at which its cog-nate substrate, prothrombin, is converted to thrombin. Factor V cannot bind Xa and function as a co-factor. In contrast to the extensive literature on the subject, it is not cleavage per se that activates the procofactor, but rather the disruption of a tripartite inhibitory structure constituted by a basic region (BR) centrally located in the B domain and two acidic regions AR1 and AR2 flanking the B domain. Structural work with Xa reveals that AR1, retained in Va, contributes in a major way to the proteinase-cofactor interaction. BR and AR2 in uncleaved factor V constrain AR1 in such a way as to prevent Xa binding. A new structure of a truncated form of human factor V reveals that AR1 and AR2 are posi-tioned adjacent to each other, despite being separated by 835 residues, to form a putative extended surface for BR binding. This idea is consistent with FRET studies and confirmed by HDX. Functional studies reveal that it is the single cleavage after AR2 that disrupts the inhibitory structure and expos-es AR1 and other surfaces for high affinity Xa binding and the assembly of prothrombinase. This combination of structural and functional approaches unexpectedly provides new insights into long-standing and poorly understood aspects of coagulation biochemistry. It also reveals novel strategies to down-regulate cofactor function or up-regulate procofactor function for therapeutic gain.
• Agenda: Social Hour 6:00-7:00 pm / Dinner 7:00-8:15 pm / Seminar 8:15-9:30 pm
• Cost for the dinner is $30, student $20. The seminar is of course free.
• The meeting will be at Chennai Corner Restaurant (King of Prussia, PA) For reservations or further information, contact Yixuan Qiu preferably by e-mail at [email protected]. Dinner reservations must be made by Friday May 3rd. Reservations not canceled by Monday, May 6th will be billed. Address: 145 S Gulph Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406
May 2019 Page 79
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Join the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia on Tuesday, June 18 to develop critical workplace skills for STEM industry professionals. This workshop is ideal for chemists, chemical engineers, physi-cists, engineers, and other STEM professionals looking to advance in the first 10 years of their careers. During the workshop, you will learn how to:
• Present your data more effectively to management • Organize and run effective meetings • Work more readily and successfully across age groups • Manage projects more quickly and effectively
Workshop Details: • Where: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown | 1201 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107 (map) • When: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | 9 am - 4 pm • Cost: $149 for ACS members | $329 for non-members
Your registration includes on-site lunch, as well as morning and afternoon networking breaks.
Register Now
May 2019 Page 80
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JOINT MEETING - CHEMPHARMA AND CHEMICAL CONSULTANTS
NETWORK
MAY 15, 2019
PATENT LAW FOR TECHNICAL & BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS:
BEYOND THE BASICS
Peter D. Mlynek, PhD, MBA, JD
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, May 15th at The Smokehouse Tavern, Lansdale PA
Networking, 5:30 PM; Talk and Business Session, 6:30 PM
Click here to register
Abstract: Professionals with extensive education and experience in technical fields and private busi-
nesses, often find it difficult to work with patent attorneys to achieve satisfactory business goals. This
presentation will serve to help scientists, engineers, and business professionals understand how to
formulate a patent strategy, hire patent attorneys and work with them, integrate patent attorneys into
product development, project cash flow for funding of patent prosecution and litigation in the US and
internationally, and decide on in-licensing and out-licensing of technology. Beyond the basics of pa-
tent law, we will discuss new laws, regulations, and court holdings, and their impact on your career
and business.
Biography: Peter D. Mlynek is an attorney with 20 years of experience in addressing the legal and
patent needs of business clients in the chemical, pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The focus of
his practice is obtaining patents in the US and worldwide, helping solve business problems through
the strategic use of patents, and performing intellectual property due diligence for M&A. Before enter-
ing the patent practice, Peter worked as a development scientist in the polyurethane industry. He has
a PhD in Chemistry from University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MBA in Finance, Investment and Bank-
ing from UW-Madison, and a JD from Rutgers
Location: Smokehouse Tavern, 155 Pennbrook Pkwy., Lansdale, PA 19446. MAP
Reservation: Click here to register to attend the event. Fee, including appetizers and non-
alcoholic beverages, is $15 by reservation/cancellation deadline: Monday, May 13th, 2019. Cash bar
will be available to attendees.
May 2019 Page 81
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May 2019 Page 82
DIRECTORY OF SERVICES
ADVERTISING INDEX
ACS 82
Delaware Valley Enzymology 78
Micron Inc. 82
Robertson Microlit Labs 82
Tyger Scientific, Inc. 82
Advertising: [email protected]
Contact the Section Office at [email protected] or
(215) 382-1589
Put “Volunteer” in the subject line or leave a message including
contact information.
May 2019 Page 83
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PHILADELPHIA SECTION, ACS
CURRENT CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES
Date and Time Event Location/Information Wednesday, May 8th
10:30 AM – 8 PM
Heritage Day 2019: A Celebration of
Science and Technology that Shapes Ma-
terial Culture and Innovation
Science History Institute
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/heritage-day-2019-tickets-
54987372712
Saturday, May 11th
10 AM – 4 PM
The 7th Philadelphia Inorganic Colloqui-
um
The Science and Education Research Center
Temple University
1925 N. 12th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
https://sites.temple.edu/picsite/
Tuesday, May 14th
8 AM – 5 PM
Catalysis Club of Philadelphia
Spring Symposium
Crowne Plaza Wilmington North
630 Naamans Road
Claymont, DE 19703
http://catalysisclubphilly.org/symposium/
Wednesday, May 15th
5:30 – 8 PM
Chemical Consultants Network Joint
Meeting with ChemPharma: Patent Law
for Technical & Business Professionals;
Beyond the Basics by Peter D. Mlynek,
Patent Attorney
Smokehouse Tavern
155 Pennbrook Parkway
Lansdale, PA 19446
http://chemconsultants.org/
Wednesday, May 22nd
6 – 9 PM
Philadelphia ACS Section Meeting
Excellence in Teaching Awards: Isotop-
ic Tales: Exploring the Depths of the
Periodic Table by Michelle Francl
(Bryn Mawr College)
McCall Golf and Country Club
201 N Lynn Blvd
Upper Darby, PA 19082
http://bit.ly/2UkJRpc
Thursday, May 23rd
6:30 PM Social Hour
7:30 PM Seminar
Philadelphia Organic Chemists Club:
Controlling Catalysis with Visible Light
by Tomislav Rovis (Columbia University)
Chemistry Department - University of Pennsylvania
Carolyn Hoff Lynch Lecture Hall
34th and Spruce Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19104
http://www.pocclub.org/
May 30th – June 1st MARM 2019
Seeking Solutions Through Chemistry
Hosted by the Maryland Section of the ACS
UMBC
Baltimore, Maryland
www.MARM2019.org
Tuesday, June 18th
9 AM – 4 PM
Essential Workplace Skills for STEM
Industry Professionals
See this issue of the Catalyst for details
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown
1201 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Thursday, June 20th
Time TBD
Philadelphia Local Section Meeting
Luncheon Honoring our 50-, 60- and
70-Year Members
William Penn Inn
Gwynedd, PA 19454
Please check the individual websites for additional updated information
All content submissions are due on the 15th day of the month prior to publication