Message from 2005 Chair Jackie Erickson

My fellow members of the ACS,

I would like to extend my greetings to all the members of the North Jersey Section of the ACS. I am honored to have this opportunity to serve you as chair of the largest local section of the ACS, with almost 7000 members.

The year ahead is going to be an exciting one for the section, as we are sponsoring the Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting “Chemistry at the Crossroads of Science” at Rutgers University, which will be held May 22-25, 2005. This meeting will be a highlight of our section’s events this year, and is sure to be a success. MARM will feature world class technical programming and symposia tailored to the interests of the Mid Atlantic Region. There will be posters, vendor exhibits, career programs, and special events during the meeting. Also, one day will be devoted to Science Education and Careers, and will feature programming for students, parents and teachers. In addition, some of our committees such as the MetroWomen Chemists Committee and the Younger Chemists Committee will have programming and special events. I hope that many of you will attend or participate in this regional meeting.

In addition to MARM, our many topical groups and committees, including the Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group, the Chromatography Group, the Organic Topical Group, Teacher Affiliates, Younger Chemists, etc. will continue their programming throughout the year. Our Careers In Transition Committee will continue their monthly meetings, in order to help our members with their career needs.We will also continue our public outreach activities such as Project SEED, National Chemistry Week, and the Chemistry Olympiad.

Without the many dedicated volunteers who commit their time and energy, these activities would not occur, and I would like to thank all those who volunteer during the year. However, we need more member support and volunteers for these activities, and I would like to encourage you all to get involved in the section. In addition, as the needs of our members change, along with the changes in local industries, we will need to plan new activities and programs. I hope that you will send me your ideas and suggestions for the section.

I look forward to leading the section in 2005. I wish you all a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2005.

Thanks,
Jacqueline Erickson
2005 Chair – North Jersey Section ACS

✎