Message from 2026 Chair Mohammed R. Elshaer

Welcome to the North Jersey Section of ACS!

Before turning to the year ahead, I want to recognize the outstanding leadership of Dr. Robert Menger, whose vision and tireless work helped make 2025 a landmark year for NJACS. From the celebration of our 100^th anniversary to the inspiring MARM conference, his commitment to collaboration and inclusion was evident in every initiative. I also extend my gratitude to the Executive and MARM Committees, our topical groups and communities, and the many volunteers who dedicate their time to sustaining our section’s energy, relevance, and reputation.

Our Focus for 2026

This year marks the first full year of implementing the 2025-2029 NJACS Strategic Plan, developed collaboratively during our strategic planning retreat at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Our new vision, Enriching and empowering our community through the transformative power of science, guides everything we do, alongside our core values of Passion for Science, Lifelong Learning, Inclusion & Belonging, and Sustainability.

In 2026, our focus will center on three overarching goals:

• Increasing Membership Engagement: Expanding opportunities for participation through enhanced programming, interdisciplinary events, and new partnerships with neighboring local sections.
• Strengthening Community Outreach: Deepening our connection with students, educators, and the broader public by promoting curiosity and appreciation for science through visible, accessible, and inspiring initiatives.
• Advancing Leadership Development and Governance: Reviewing and modernizing our governance structure and bylaws to ensure that NJACS remains a strong, inclusive, and sustainable organization for decades to come.

Continuing Our Legacy

The North Jersey Section has long been recognized for its vibrant topical groups and committees, including the Mass Spectrometry, NMR, Drug Metabolism, Organic, and Chromatography Groups, as well as the Women Chemists and Younger Chemists Committees. Each represents the heart of what makes our section thrive – a community of volunteers united by curiosity, service, and scientific excellence.

For me, that community has always been the most meaningful part of NJACS. Whether standing beside a student presenting their first poster, connecting an early-career professional with a mentor, or seeing industry leaders collaborate to spark new ideas, I’m reminded why this work matters. It’s not just about advancing science, it’s about connection, mentorship, and creating opportunities for professionals at every career stage to learn, share, and grow together.

In the coming year, we’ll keep that spirit alive by fostering stronger collaboration across topical groups, amplifying communication, and celebrating the people behind every event and achievement – the students discovering their potential, the professionals building networks and careers, and the volunteers who make NJACS what it is.

An Invitation to Get Involved

Our section’s strength lies in the enthusiasm and creativity of our volunteers. Whether you’re a student, educator, industry professional, or long-time ACS member, your participation can shape the future of chemistry and science in North Jersey. I invite you to explore our events calendar, connect with a topical group, and consider volunteering in a way that reflects your interests and expertise.

Together, we can continue advancing our mission to serve and strengthen our scientific community through resources, programs, and outreach.

Wishing everyone a year of discovery, connection, and continued growth.

Mohammed R. Elshaer, Ph.D.

2026 Chair, North Jersey Section of the American Chemical Society

P.S. Not a member of the North Jersey section of ACS? Please join us by signing up here

Current & Past Chairs North Jersey Section, ACS

• 2025 Robert Menger
• 2024 Sandra Keyser
• 2023 Justyna Sikorska
• 2022 Qi Gao
• 2021 Mirlinda Biba
• 2020 Cecilia Marzabadi
• 2019 Amjad Ali
• 2018 Miriam Gulotta
• 2017 Landon Greene
• 2016 Luciano Mueller
• 2015 Ron Kong
• 2014 Monica Sekharan
• 2013 Jefferson Tilley
• 2012 Amber Flynn Charlebois
• 2011 Jiwen Chen
• 2010 Ambarish Singh
• 2009 Joseph Potenza
• 2008 Michael Miller
• 2007 Diane Krone
• 2006 Stephen Waller
• 2005 Jacqueline Erickson
• 2004 Anne Kelly
• 2003 Ratna Shekhar
• 2002 John Penna
• 2001 Bill Suits
• 2000 Les McQuire
• 1999 Susan Fahrenholtz
• 1998 Alan Cooper
• 1997 Anita J. Brandolini
• 1996 Michael P. Ferro
• 1995 Joe Stoner
• 1994 Malcolm Sturchio
• 1993 Ann Grant Geoetz
• 1992 Valerie J. Kuck
• 1991 George E. Heinze
• 1990 Jeannette E. Brown
• 1989 Dorothy S. Lehmkuhl
• 1988 Richard W.J. Carney
• 1987 Raymond Baylouny
• 1986 Maureen G. Chan
• 1985 Dorit L. Noether
• 1984 Stan S. Hall
• 1983 George Luther III
• 1982 Sister Marian José Smith
• 1981 Arthur D. Dawson
• 1980 Shalaby W. Shalaby
• 1979 Roland F. Hirsch
• 1978 Frederick W. Bollinger
• 1977 Heinz D. Roth
• 1976 Benjamin J. Luberoff
• 1975 Galen W. Ewing
• 1974 Arnold D. Lewis
• 1973 Richard W.J. Carney
• 1972 Gerald Smolinsky
• 1971 George E. Heinze
• 1970 Howard H. Heller
• 1969 Neil M. Mackenzie
• 1968 Julian J. Leavitt
• 1967 Samuel M. Gerber
• 1966 W. Lincoln Hawkins
• 1965 Paul V. Smith
• 1964 John L. Lundberg
• 1963 Albert W. Meyer
• 1962 Lawrence T. Eby
• 1961 E.T. Theimer
• 1960 William Rieman, III
• 1959 H.Herbert Fox
• 1958 Ellis V. Brown
• 1957 Oskar P. Wintersteiner
• 1956 V.N. Morris
• 1955 Karl A. Folkers
• 1954 Cecil L. Brown
• 1953 John Lee
• 1951-52 Burnard S. Biggs & John Lee
• 1950-51 George L. Royer
• 1949-50 F.R. Mayo
• 1948-49 H.F. Wakefield
• 1947-48 I.D. Gerard
• 1946-47 W.J. Sparks
• 1945-46 R.E. Waterman
• 1944-45 H.E. Riley
• 1943-44 E.R. Allen
• 1942-43 C.S. Fuller
• 1941-42 D.L. Cottle
• 1940-41 R.T. Major
• 1939-40 R.J. Moore
• 1939 R.H. Gerke
• 1938 M.L. Crossley & R.H. Gerke
• 1937 M.L. Crossley
• 1936-37 R.B. Sosman
• 1936 W.T. Read
• 1934-35 P.K. Frolich & W.T. Read
• 1933-34 J.H. Schmidt
• 1932 G.M. Maverick & A.F. Odell
• 1931 G.M. Maverick
• 1930-31 L.V. Redman