Our New Chair Welcomes in the New Year

Dear ACS Friends and Colleagues,

I am so thrilled to be a part of this many-faceted group. We have a vibrant section with so many activities between social networking events, to school outreach, to professional education in the chemical sciences—the St. Louis section offers something for everyone. 2020 will be just the start of a new decade and new things to come.

What a year it has been! We have had to say “goodbye” to former Chair and visionary section member, Dr. Natalie LaFranzo. She showed so many of us – myself, included – about all the good that participation in the ACS and membership in our Society can offer.

The start of a new year and a new decade offers opportunities for reflection: what a great time to think about becoming more active in the chemical sciences community, networking with others from industry, academia, government, consulting. We have common interests and complementary expertise, which sparks new conversations at every event I attend.

Sophia Hayes
2020 Chair, St. Louis Section ACS
Professor of Chemistry, Washington University

Come to a “Coffee / Cocktails with Chemists” event! This is a terrific way to meet a wide range of people in our community, from those students new to chemistry, to experienced practitioners who have retired from the field. Each event is held in different locations around our metropolitan region, and no two gatherings that I’ve attended have been alike.

If you’d like to get more involved but aren’t sure how best to do so, we have monthly dinners that are a combination of social gatherings and Section Board meetings. Quite a few new participants come to learn about activities, to propose new directions, and simply to learn what our section is all about. Importantly, all are welcome (and your first dinner is free).

And to all of you who have made this year as Chair-Elect an adventure, I’d like to say a heartfelt “thank you”. I think we are on a terrific pathway – buoyed by the energy and enthusiasm of the tremendous long-time members of this section, and the new members who bring fresh perspective and innovative directions. I’m excited about all that we’ll see coming in 2020.