Princeton ACS Meeting
Princeton American Chemical Society Section
“Chemists Celebrate Earth Week”
Local Watersheds to Antarctica: Water is the Quintessential Natural Resource
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Princeton Public Library, Community Room Open to Public, Advanced Registration Required
Student Posters and Mixer 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm, with light refreshments and giveaways
Seminar and Discussion 3:30 pm - 5:15 pm
Speakers
Steven Tuorto, PhD, Director of Science & Stewardship, The Watershed Institute, Pennington, NJ, “Using Watershed Science to Understand and Mitigate Human Impacts to Our Natural Resources”.
The Watershed Institute's primary mission is to keep water clean, safe and healthy. Since rain events wash all traces of human activity over the land into waterways, studying water quality informs our understanding of the state and needs of overall watershed health.
His talk will (1) describe basics of watershed science and water quality indicators, (2) explain how water quality monitoring is used to indicate impairments and restoration and 3) summarize the Watershed’s Wargo Pond project including ongoing monitoring to plan mitigation strategies.
Sum Yue (Natalie) Chung, MPhil, PhD Student, School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Advocacy and Storytelling through the Dr. Sylvia Earle Antarctic Climate Expedition.
Antarctica is a microcosm of the world, and a last frontier with little human interference. With experience at the Antarctic Climate Expedition as a climate advocate, Natalie Chung will share her innovative approaches to sustainability education through nature-based solutions and multimedia storytelling.
Bio Sketches
Steven Tuorto, PhD Steve joined The Watershed Institute in 2016 as the Director of the Science and Stewardship Department. His expertise in ecosystem functioning comes from an impressive background which includes over 20 years of research, project implementation and management across a wide range of ecosystems that include open-ocean, coastal/estuarine, freshwater, terrestrial and permafrost environments. Steve manages research, program, and project initiatives that are central to supporting the Institute’s mission to promote better stewardship of our natural resources. Steve received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology and Chemistry from Oswego State University, and his PhD in Biological Oceanography from the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers University.
Sum Yue (Natalie) Chung, MPhil Natalie is a leading climate advocate and social entrepreneur born and raised in Hong Kong, currently pursuing a PhD in Climate Change Adaptation Policy at Princeton University. Inspired by a polar explorer since young, Natalie has devoted her life to climate action. Among her professional activities, Natalie serves as the Deputy Convener for Youth and Capacity Building at the Hong Kong SAR Government Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, member at the Green Tech Fund Assessment Committee and the Country and Marine Parks Board. Natalie holds a MPhil in Environmental Change and Management (Distinction) from Oxford University and a BSSc in Geography and Resource Management (First Class Honors) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Reservations required. The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. REGISTER now with Princeton Public Library EVENTS posted at https://princetonlibrary.libnet.info/events If you have questions, contact Randy Weintraub, raw4chemistry@gmail.com
Parking option: Municipality’s Spring Street Garage adjacent to the library
Announcing Upcoming PACS Science Café
“Engage, Educate, Excite: Defining and Achieving Science Communication Goals for Your Audience”
When: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Where: Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Lab
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Speaker/Panelists:
- William K. Hallman, PhD, Rutgers Dept. of Human Ecology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences
- Barbara Ameer, BCPS, PharmD, MBA, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Senator Andrew P. Zwicker, PhD, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, NJ State Senate
- PACS Science Cafe Coordinator, Randy Weintraub
Councilor Talking Points: Summary of Governance Issues and Actions
The following summary is provided by the ACS Secretary to help Councilors report to their Local Sections and Divisions on key actions of the ACS Council meeting held on March 26, and the Board of Directors meetings held on March 21 -22, 2025.
Election Results:
Candidates for President-Elect, 2026
• The Committee on Nominations and Elections (N&E) presented to the Council the following nominees for selection as candidates for President-Elect, 2026: Christina Bodurow, Dawn Mason, Sheila Murphy, and John Warner. By electronic ballot, the Council selected Christina Bodurow and Dawn Mason as candidates for 2026 President-Elect. These two candidates will join any additional candidates selected via petitions to stand for election in the fall 2025 national election.
Candidates for Directors for Districts II and IV
• The Committee on Nominations and Elections announced the results of the election held prior to the Council meeting to select candidates from the list of nominees for Directors from District II, and District IV to serve on the Board of Directors for the term 2026-2028. By electronic ballot, the Councilors from these Districts selected Kimberly Agnew-Heard and Mary Engelman as District II candidates and Lisa Houston and Milagros (Milly) Delgado as District IV candidates. Ballots will be distributed to members residing in District II and District IV in the fall for election of a Director from each District.
Candidates for Directors-at-Large
• The Committee on Nominations and Elections announced the selection of the following candidates for Director-at-Large for the 2026-2028 term: Anna Cavinato, Donna Friedman, Malika Jeffries-EL, and Will Lynch. The election of two Directors-at-Large from among these four candidates and any selected via petition will be conducted in the fall. Ballots will be distributed to the Council in the fall.
Other Council Actions:
Highlights from Committee Reports and Key Actions
• On the recommendation of the Committee on Committees (ConC), Council voted [Yes 405 (99.26%) / No 3 (0.74%)] to continue the Committee on Chemical Technical Professionals and, subject to the concurrence of the ACS Board of Directors, the Committees on Budget & Finance, Education, International Activities, and Patents and Related Matters.
• On the recommendation of ConC, and with the concurrence of the Council Policy Committee (CPC), Council voted [Yes 403 (99.26%) / No 3 (0.74%)] to amend the duties of the Committee on Patents and Related Matters (CPRM) and change its name to the Committee on Intellectual Property (CIP), subject to the concurrence of the ACS Board of Directors. This change reflects the committee’s mission and vision statements, which refer to “intellectual property” generally rather than elevating patents above other forms of intellectual property.
• ConC announced the opening of the committee preference form to all ACS members began on March 3 and will run through July 3. Councilors interested in serving on an ACS Committee in 2026 should go to CMTE.acs.org to complete their preferences.
• On the recommendation of the Committee on Nominations and Elections (N&E), and with the concurrence of the CPC, Council voted [Yes 374 (95.90%) / No 16 (4.10%)] in favor of increasing the number of Councilors on N&E to 19, subject to the concurrence of the ACS Board of Directors. These additional committee members will support the increased workload from the addition of six Zone Councilor slates to N&E’s duties.
• On the recommendation of the Committee on International Activities (IAC), Council voted to approve the creation of new International Chemical Sciences Chapters in Ghana [Yes 383 (96.96%) / No 12 (3.04%)], Ecuador [Yes 389 (97.98%) / No 8 (2.02%)], and Northeast China [Yes 357 (89.70%) / No 41 (10.30%)], subject to the concurrence of the ACS Board of Directors.
• On the recommendation of the Committee on Local Section Activities (LSAC), Council voted [Yes 372 (97.13%) / No 11 (2.87%)] to dissolve the Penn/Ohio Border Local Section. This takes effect on January 1, 2026, and members are being contacted about joining neighboring sections.
• On the recommendation of the Committee on Membership Affairs (MAC), Council voted [Yes 359 (95.48%) / No 17 (4.52%)] to approve the 2026 Schedule of Dues and Benefits, subject to the concurrence of the ACS Board of Directors.
• The Committee on Constitution and Bylaws (C&B) reported the certification of 21 unit bylaws since the fall 2024 meeting. They include 14 Local Sections: Akron, California, Connecticut Valley, East Alabama/West Georgia, Joliet, Kalamazoo, Lehigh Valley, Mississippi, Ole Miss, Orlando, San Gorgonio, San Joaquin Valley, Sierra Nevada and South Carolina; three Divisions: Cellulose and Renewable Materials (CELL), Chemistry and the Law (CHAL), and Medicinal Chemistry (MEDI); and four International Chemical Sciences Chapters: Australia, Bangladesh, East and Northeast India, and West India.
• The Committee on Economic and Professional Affairs (CEPA) reported on the state of the evolving employment landscape for the chemistry enterprise. ACS Careers programs have seen continued growth and remain a valuable resource for members experiencing career transitions. The updated Professional Employment Guidelines will be up for action at the fall Council meeting. Councilors are encouraged to reach out to CEPA@acs.org for more information on the draft guidelines.
• The Committee on Education (SOCED) reported on their continued efforts to advance chemistry education for all. The ACS Policy Statement on Science Education is currently under revision and the revised ACS Guidelines and Recommendations for Teaching Middle and High School Chemistry will be available soon for the upcoming academic year.
Resolutions
The Council passed several resolutions:
- In memory of deceased Past President Attila Pavlath
- In memory of deceased Councilors
- In sincere appreciation of the San Diego Section, host Local Section for the ACS Spring 2025 meeting, as well as the Divisional program chairs, symposium organizers, and ACS staff for the planning and execution of the meeting.
The ACS Spring 2025 meeting was held from March 23-27. As of March 26, there were 15,332 registrations (14,251 in-person and 1,081 online). The ACS Fall 2025 meeting will be held in Washington, DC, from August 17-21, 2025.
Actions of the Board of Directors - Executive Session
The ACS Board of Directors met in Executive Session on March 21-22, 2025, in San Diego, CA. The Board considered several key strategic issues and responded with numerous actions. The meeting opened with a reflection on Inclusion and Belonging.
Board Actions:
• Upon the recommendation of the Editor Search Committee, the Board voted to approve the appointment of an Editor-in-Chief of the journal ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. The appointment will be announced after the individual has been notified and appropriate arrangements for their service have been made.
• Upon recommendation of the Society Committee on Publications, the Board voted to approve the reappointment of several ACS journal editors. The reappointments will be announced after the individuals have been notified and appropriate arrangements for their continued service have been made.
• Upon recommendation of the Board Committee on Professional and Member Relations, the Board voted to approve a screened list of nominees for the 2026 Award for Volunteer Service to the ACS.
• Upon recommendation of the Board Committee on Professional and Member Relations, the Board voted to approve a screened list of nominees for the 2026 Priestley Medal.
• The Board received an extensive briefing and approved several recommendations from the Committee on Executive Compensation. The compensation of the Society's executive staff continues to be reviewed regularly by the Board.
• The Board approved minutes from the Board Executive Session on December 6-7, 2024, and ratified interim Board actions to approve member appointments for the Board Committee on Executive Compensation for the 2025-2027 term.
Board Discussions:
• The Board Chair, Wayne Jones, facilitated a discussion about opportunities to increase efficiency and agility and modernize Board operations while ensuring the Society's long-term strategic success. The discussion focused on an ongoing review of the Board's standing committee structure. He also provided an opportunity for the Board to discuss themes emerging from feedback Board members have received from the ACS member community.
• The CEO, Albert Horvath, facilitated a strategic discussion with the Board on a new approach to increase ACS impact through philanthropy.
Reports:
The CEO, Albert Horvath, and his staff, reported on organizational updates, financials and audit result, the 150th anniversary of ACS, rebranding efforts, talent management and other ACS activities. He shared the strong performance of ACS in 2024 and growth across many areas. He highlighted:
• Strengthening and deepening engagement with our global community
• Holding virtual annual member gathering, allowing our global members from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America to connect and learn about ACS activities, member benefits, region specific programs, and career-related sessions
• Increasing the global reach of our ACS journals across all key regions by 24 percent as compared the prior year• Publishing through our more than 90 journals, over 74,000 peer reviewed articles, a 15 percent increase from 2023
• Delivering 346 million article downloads, up 13 percent over 2023.
• Releasing the CAS BioFinder platform, marking an expansion of CAS products into the life sciences sector
The presidential succession shared updates with the Board on their significant activities and initiatives on behalf of the Society and its members
.• The Committee on Budget and Finance Chair, Natalie LaFranzo, reported on the strong financial position of the organization.
• The Committee on Public Affairs and Public Relations Chair, Carolyn Ribes, provided an update on plans for the Board to visit with legislators in June to advocate for science.
• The Committee on Strategic Planning Chair, Will Lynch, assembled a working group of directors to shape the June Board meeting strategic discussion topic.
• The Committee on Professional and Member Relations Chair, Katherine Lee, brought recommendations forward to the Board.
• The Governing Board for Publishing provided updates from the Presidents of ACS Publications and CAS, including the full launch of BioFinder in 2025.
• Initiative Fund, General Counsel, Human Resources, Treasurer, and the Committees on Chemical Safety, Education, International Activities, Minority Affairs, Publications, Senior Chemists,
CHEMICAL CONSULTANTS NETWORK MEETING
MAY 14, 2025
STEREOCHEMICAL DISCRIMINATION OF A COVALENT, IRREVERSIBLE WERNER HELICASE INHIBITOR SERIES
Dennis Murphy PhD, Principal Investigator at GSK
DATE & TIME: Wednesday May 14, 2025, 6:30 PM
Click https://chemconsultants.org/event-5971113 to register
Location: Online via Zoom! (Registration required, see below)
Abstract: The presentation will cover a drug discovery project, illustrating the utility of in-depth analysis of the structure and corresponding behavior of molecules that are early in the optimization phase. The Werner helicase is a synthetic lethality target for MicroSatellite Instability-High/Mis-Match Repair Deficient (MSI-H/dMMR) cancers, identified through genome-wide screening of genetic dependencies and CRISPR rescue. Its primary function is resolving a wide variety of DNA lesions. In-house screening identified three covalent inhibitors that alkylated cysteine-727. One compound containing a tricyclic core was optimized with a cyclic vinylsulfone warhead, yielding four compounds differing only in the configuration of the two stereogenic centers. Kinetic results were fit to a two-step, irreversible inhibition model. The bimolecular inactivation rate showed a nearly 500-
fold potency range for the four compounds. The x-ray structure of the most potent analog was solved and showed a binding pocket for the tricycle and a covalent bond between cys-727 and the warhead. Modeling of the three weaker stereoisomers showed that a hydrogen bond with a nearby arginine and the proximity of the electronegative sulfone likely contributed to the variation in potency.
While there were significant differences in the absolute binding and inactivation rates of the four analogs against the apo-enzyme versus the actively unwinding helicase, the rank order of the compounds remained the same
Biography: Dennis Murphy is currently a Principal Investigator at GSK in Discovery Biology. His work is focused on early drug discovery, primarily against enzyme targets. He utilizes enzymology and biophysics to dissect the mechanism of inhibition for lead-optimization. Dennis’s undergraduate degree is from Bucknell University with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of Wisconsin and was a post-doctoral fellow at Penn State University. He has spent the majority of his career in pharmaceutical research, but also worked in biocatalysis and enzyme evolution, bioinformatics, nanomaterials, and adjunct teaching, all in the Philadelphia area.
Click https://chemconsultants.org/event-5971113
to register to attend the event. This session is FREE.