UPCOMING EVENTS in 2025
Check back in early 2025 for information about our events and activities. Enjoy the remainder of 2024!
RECAP OF PREVIOUS EVENTS IN 2024
Johanna Herget, L.Ac, MSOM
An Introduction to Chinese Herbs
and the Art of Pao Zhi and Dui Yao
Date and Time: Wednesday, November 13th at 7pm
Check back for a recording of the presentation
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CHEMISTRY and PHYSICS: Inside the Mind of the Fireworker
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Abstract:
Everyone (mostly) enjoys the "art" of fireworks, but understanding how the minds of Fireworkers function offers some insight into fireworks design. A blend of chemistry and physics leads to the design of new fireworks to thrill the audience. Adding music to the background places a third dimension into the displays. Come see some fireworks displays typically not seen by the general public and delve into the mind of the Fireworker.
Everyone (mostly) enjoys the "art" of fireworks, but understanding how the minds of Fireworkers function offers some insight into fireworks design. A blend of chemistry and physics leads to the design of new fireworks to thrill the audience. Adding music to the background places a third dimension into the displays. Come see some fireworks displays typically not seen by the general public and delve into the mind of the Fireworker.
2024 ARMY FOOTBALL GAME & TAILGATE AT WEST POINT
SUMMER FAMILY PICNIC
Date: Saturday, July 27th
Time: 12:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Chadwick Lake Park
1702 Route 300, Newburgh
Time: 12:30 - 4:30 pm
Location: Chadwick Lake Park
1702 Route 300, Newburgh
Photo Credit: Ron Harsch
The Mid-Hudson ACS and SUNY Orange present the following Hybrid Technical Talk
State of Sustainability & Circular Economy in Petrochemicals & Polymers
Speaker: Dr. Ashutosh Sharma
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 27th at 7pm
Location: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Abstract:
An overview of sustainability in petrochemical production and circular economy in polymer industry will be provided. A way forward to sustainability in the petrochemical industry, along with current industry challenges will be described. Leading plastics recycling processes, such as pyrolysis methods to recycle waste polymers to valuable feed stock: viz., ethylene, propylene & butene by using pyrolysis oil will be discussed in great length. In addition to pyrolysis oils for polyolefin production, pyrolysis for upscaling to higher value products & current applications, examples will be provided, specifically utilization of circular economy in PET production, such as PET via hydrolysis, glycolysis and methanolysis and newly developed enzymatic de-polymerization for recycling of PET will be reviewed. Examples will be provided for sustainability in action in industry along with examples of circular economy in action in industry & brand owners targets to fulfil them will be discussed. Finally, advanced recycling current challenges and foregoing conclusions will be provided.
An overview of sustainability in petrochemical production and circular economy in polymer industry will be provided. A way forward to sustainability in the petrochemical industry, along with current industry challenges will be described. Leading plastics recycling processes, such as pyrolysis methods to recycle waste polymers to valuable feed stock: viz., ethylene, propylene & butene by using pyrolysis oil will be discussed in great length. In addition to pyrolysis oils for polyolefin production, pyrolysis for upscaling to higher value products & current applications, examples will be provided, specifically utilization of circular economy in PET production, such as PET via hydrolysis, glycolysis and methanolysis and newly developed enzymatic de-polymerization for recycling of PET will be reviewed. Examples will be provided for sustainability in action in industry along with examples of circular economy in action in industry & brand owners targets to fulfil them will be discussed. Finally, advanced recycling current challenges and foregoing conclusions will be provided.
Molecules to Mozzarella: The Chemistry of Cheese
Speaker: Dr. Michael H. Tunick, Drexel University
Date: Monday, February 26, 2024
Speaker: Dr. Michael H. Tunick, Drexel University
Date: Monday, February 26, 2024
Abstract of Talk:
Around fourteen billion pounds of cheese are produced in the US each year, and chemistry is involved in every step of the manufacturing process. The milk coagulates into a curd when starter culture bacteria digest lactose and rennet enzyme destabilizes casein micelles. Cooking and piling the curd forces out whey and fuses the micelles into a matrix, addition of salt helps control microbial growth, and aging leads to protein and fat breakdown by enzymes added to the milk and produced by microorganisms, generating characteristic textures and flavors. Changes in the physical chemistry of cheese may be monitored by electron microscopy and rheology, and chromatographic techniques allow flavor compounds to be identified. Differences in cheesemaking procedures lead to a wide range of varieties, which chemists study in order to provide products that are more acceptable to consumers.
Around fourteen billion pounds of cheese are produced in the US each year, and chemistry is involved in every step of the manufacturing process. The milk coagulates into a curd when starter culture bacteria digest lactose and rennet enzyme destabilizes casein micelles. Cooking and piling the curd forces out whey and fuses the micelles into a matrix, addition of salt helps control microbial growth, and aging leads to protein and fat breakdown by enzymes added to the milk and produced by microorganisms, generating characteristic textures and flavors. Changes in the physical chemistry of cheese may be monitored by electron microscopy and rheology, and chromatographic techniques allow flavor compounds to be identified. Differences in cheesemaking procedures lead to a wide range of varieties, which chemists study in order to provide products that are more acceptable to consumers.
Recap of Previous Events in 2023
Engage, Entertain and Enthusiasm (Triple E)
Date: Thursday, August 31st
Location: Saxon Hall and Bar, 1400 Route 300, Newburgh, NY
Schedule of events:
Meet & Greet, Buffet dinner, Talk on “Fermentation” and Axe Throwing Competition
Location: Saxon Hall and Bar, 1400 Route 300, Newburgh, NY
Schedule of events:
Meet & Greet, Buffet dinner, Talk on “Fermentation” and Axe Throwing Competition
Photos from the Mid-Hudson ACS Hudson River Cruise
Saturday, July 22, 2023
Photo Credit: Ron Harsch
Chemistry and Baking
Presenter: STEFANIE MORGADO, Owner/ Pastry Chef of The Baker’s Daughter located on 14 Fair Street, Carmel
Abstract: Learn how leavening agents work on the molecular level, why a pinch of s alt makes a difference, what is the chemistry of gluten, how emulsifiers get the job done, and so much more!
Speaker Background:
Pastry Chef Stefanie Morgado, Owner of The Baker’s Daughter in Carmel, NY is coming upon her one-year anniversary at her storefront on 14 Fair Street.
Photo Credit: Ron Harsch
Abstract: Learn how leavening agents work on the molecular level, why a pinch of s alt makes a difference, what is the chemistry of gluten, how emulsifiers get the job done, and so much more!
Speaker Background:
Pastry Chef Stefanie Morgado, Owner of The Baker’s Daughter in Carmel, NY is coming upon her one-year anniversary at her storefront on 14 Fair Street.
Photo Credit: Ron Harsch
Mines, Beavers, & Ruins: An Earth Day Hike for Geeks and History Fans
On April 22 there was an Earth Day hike at Clarence Fahnestock Park in Putman County where 19 participants trekked across 4 1/2 miles of beautiful terrain. The expedition was led by Butch Dery and friends. The overcast sky was a relief and the cool air kept the black flies from swarming. The group observed Edison’s field laboratories and iron mines and the newly sprung spring flora. Happy Earth Day 2023! Photo Credit: Michelle Rissolo and Ron Harsch
Update (6/2/23): Posting of our event on National CCEW Facebook page.
Update (6/2/23): Posting of our event on National CCEW Facebook page.
PREVIOUS EVENTS IN 2022
The Science of Whiskey-Making
Speaker: Vic Margiotta, VMAR Food Labeling Associates LLC
Date and Time: October 13, 7:30pm
Abstract:
The presentation will open with a brief discussion of the history and evolution of spirits production in the U.S. A description of the technical stages of production, including grain selection, mashing & starch conversion, fermentation, distillation, and aging, the chemistry of each stage, and how each affects the generation of different flavor characteristics. The discussion will include the different compounds produced (known as “congeners”), their organoleptic character and how are they used. Finally, a brief discussion on the role of government, including standards of identity of various spirits products, labeling and taxation.
The presentation will open with a brief discussion of the history and evolution of spirits production in the U.S. A description of the technical stages of production, including grain selection, mashing & starch conversion, fermentation, distillation, and aging, the chemistry of each stage, and how each affects the generation of different flavor characteristics. The discussion will include the different compounds produced (known as “congeners”), their organoleptic character and how are they used. Finally, a brief discussion on the role of government, including standards of identity of various spirits products, labeling and taxation.
Mid-Hudson ACS Earth Day Event
Outdoor Science, history, walking-hiking event.
You may even call it an interactive science experiment
Saturday, April 23rd at 2pm
Rain Date: April 30th
Appalachian Trailhead for Nuclear Lake
Led by Butch Dery; [email protected]
55 Acres of Nuclear Lake located in Pawling New York
Suitable for families and people of various abilities
No dogs please
There are 2wo options:
The event is limited to 25 participants. If you plan on attending, please indicate your intent on the following form.
No dogs please
There are 2wo options:
- Option#1: a short walk (~40 min and <2 mile) on even surfaces
- Option#2: a longer hike of 4.5 miles around the lake
The event is limited to 25 participants. If you plan on attending, please indicate your intent on the following form.
The History of the Lake: Nuclear Lake, a pristine 55-acre lake located in Pawling NY. Unfortunately, this now serene setting has a dark past. It was the former site of United Energies, Nuclear Energy Research Laboratories from 1958-1972. In 1972 there was a laboratory glove box accident which resulted in an explosion which fatally injured the scientist working in the glove box and also released an unknown quantity of radioactive material (maybe Uranium and Plutonium). The US government spent 33 million dollars remediating this area to its natural state and it is now owned by the National Parks Service. and holds a portion of the Appalachian trail.
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The Experiment: I have a personal hypothesis that there still might be measurable levels of background radiation present at the site of the old R&D labs. So let’s take a walk in with a Geiger counter and measure the radiation level along the way.
Photo to the left is the Original R&D labs, before 1973. This is the best photo that could be found of the now-gone R&D labs where the accident happened. |
Brandy, Varnish and Vinegar?
Not your typical Gunpowder Ingredients: Evolution of Medieval Gunpowder Via Thermodynamic and Combustion Analysis
Speakers: Dr. Tessy Ritchie and Dr. Dawn Riegner
United States Military Academy at West Point
Please join us for the virtual seminar via Microsoft Teams meeting on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 7:00 pm
ABSTRACT: Medieval gunpowder recipes of potassium nitrate (KNO3), charcoal (C), and sulfur (S) were investigated by bomb calorimetry to determine their enthalpies of combustion and by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine their pre-ignition and propagative ignition enthalpies. Various sample preparation methods and several additional ingredients were also tested to determine any effects on the thermodynamic values. Gunpowder recipes were prepared and used in a replica cannon that was manufactured and operated according to Medieval records. Post-firing residues were collected from the bomb calorimeter and the cannon in efforts to further characterize recipe energetics using DSC. In general, during the period of 1338-1400 the %KNO3 increased, and heats of combustion decreased, while between 1400-1460 the %KNO3 decreased, and heats of combustion increased. However, since KNO3 was usually found in the post-bomb calorimeter and post-cannon firing residues it was not the limiting reactant. The highest pre-ignition and propagative ignition energies occurred when the KNO3:S ratio was 3:1 as determined by DSC, and the highest enthalpies of combustion were measured for recipes where the KNO3:C ratio was 1:1 as determined by bomb calorimetry.
PREVIOUS EVENTS IN 2021
The Science of Whiskey Making
SPEAKER: Victor V. Margiotta, M.S., President, VMAR Food Labeling Associates, LLC
VENUE: Temple Hill Tavern and Catering (party room)
DATE and TIME: Wednesday, October 20th at 7:30pm
Abstract: A brief discussion of the history and evolution of spirits production in the US. A description of the technical stages of production, including grains, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging, and how each affects the generation of different flavor characteristics. What are the different compounds produced and how are they used? Finally, a discussion on the role of government, including standards of identity of various spirits products, labeling and taxation.
IMPORTANCE OF DNA INTERACTIONS FROM
HYBRIDIZATION TO CONDENSATION
Presenter: Dr. Pamela St. John, Associate Professor of
Chemistry, SUNY at New Paltz
Place: CSB 321 for New Paltz students and faculty only
Date: Thursday, Sep. 16 at 7:00-8:30 pm EST (U.S. and Canada)
HYBRIDIZATION TO CONDENSATION
Presenter: Dr. Pamela St. John, Associate Professor of
Chemistry, SUNY at New Paltz
Place: CSB 321 for New Paltz students and faculty only
Date: Thursday, Sep. 16 at 7:00-8:30 pm EST (U.S. and Canada)
Abstract: While it was once thought that two strands of DNA that base-pair or hybridize do so at a relatively similar speed, we have found that several factors may influence this reaction rate. For example, if one strand can fold back on itself, it is less likely to want to hybridize with a complementary strand. In addition, single strands of DNA that are bound to substrates, such as those used to develop point of care diagnostic assays, can slow the speed of hybridization with complementary strands in solution. Other interactions such as nucleic acid condensation, a key factor in the development of the mRNA vaccine used against SARS-CoV-2, depends on the presence of cationic lipids to help offset the negative charge build-up when the strands of RNA aggregate. Similar behavior is also observed with DNA strands where condensation, followed by nanoparticle formation, can depend on DNA strand length, temperature, and salt concentration. These interactions and more will be presented and discussed.
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What is Medicinal Chemistry?
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A replay of the presentation came be found here
Combatting the Cytotoxicity of Misfolded Protein Oligomers in Neurodegenerative Disease
Presenter: Ryan P. Kreiser
Department of Chemistry
and Life Science, United States Military Academy
at West Point
Here is a replay of the talk: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1auK9DhiDuVAcZons9EmJCQx4HYU0GTza/view?usp=sharing
Talk Overview
The onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the aggregation of the 42-residue form of the amyloid-b peptide (Aβ42). Significant evidence indicates that Aβ42 induces cell death through the interaction of its toxic oligomeric species with cell membranes, which disrupts membrane integrity and ion homeostasis within the cell. Due to the transient and heterogeneous nature of these elusive aggregates, the development of therapeutics that can effectively target them has been fraught with challenges. Here, we focus on our efforts to reduce the toxicity of protein misfolded oligomers, including by modulating the populations or lifetimes of oligomers, altering their physicochemical properties, attenuating their interactions with cell membranes, and reducing oligomer toxicity by potentiating the protein homeostasis system. Moreover, we investigated the influence of cell membrane composition on the ability of protein misfolded oligomers and folded toxins to interact with the cellular membrane. Collectively, our results illustrate the importance of cell membrane composition on mediating the cytotoxicity of Aβ42 oligomers and other toxins and suggest possible therapeutic strategies to combat protein misfolded oligomers in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Biography
Cadet Ryan Kreiser is a Junior at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a Chemistry major in the Department of Chemistry and Life Science and a member of Company G2, where he is the Platoon Sergeant of 4th Platoon. He has been doing research in the Department since November 2019 with Dr. Limbocker studying molecular countermeasures against protein misfolding diseases. Ryan’s current research investigates the relationship between the lipid composition of cellular membranes and toxicity, with the aim of ameliorating the toxicity of misfolded protein oligomers and folded toxins. Ryan’s work has been published three times in his undergraduate career thus far, including one first author review publication. Additionally, he won the 2020 ACS Mid-Hudson Undergraduate Research Symposium paper competition and was recently awarded the Stamps Scholarship. In the future, Ryan plans to earn his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and serve in the Army as a logistics officer before transitioning to a role conducting research for the Army at a National Laboratory, hopefully returning to West Point as a military faculty member sometime during his career.
The onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the aggregation of the 42-residue form of the amyloid-b peptide (Aβ42). Significant evidence indicates that Aβ42 induces cell death through the interaction of its toxic oligomeric species with cell membranes, which disrupts membrane integrity and ion homeostasis within the cell. Due to the transient and heterogeneous nature of these elusive aggregates, the development of therapeutics that can effectively target them has been fraught with challenges. Here, we focus on our efforts to reduce the toxicity of protein misfolded oligomers, including by modulating the populations or lifetimes of oligomers, altering their physicochemical properties, attenuating their interactions with cell membranes, and reducing oligomer toxicity by potentiating the protein homeostasis system. Moreover, we investigated the influence of cell membrane composition on the ability of protein misfolded oligomers and folded toxins to interact with the cellular membrane. Collectively, our results illustrate the importance of cell membrane composition on mediating the cytotoxicity of Aβ42 oligomers and other toxins and suggest possible therapeutic strategies to combat protein misfolded oligomers in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Biography
Cadet Ryan Kreiser is a Junior at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is a Chemistry major in the Department of Chemistry and Life Science and a member of Company G2, where he is the Platoon Sergeant of 4th Platoon. He has been doing research in the Department since November 2019 with Dr. Limbocker studying molecular countermeasures against protein misfolding diseases. Ryan’s current research investigates the relationship between the lipid composition of cellular membranes and toxicity, with the aim of ameliorating the toxicity of misfolded protein oligomers and folded toxins. Ryan’s work has been published three times in his undergraduate career thus far, including one first author review publication. Additionally, he won the 2020 ACS Mid-Hudson Undergraduate Research Symposium paper competition and was recently awarded the Stamps Scholarship. In the future, Ryan plans to earn his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and serve in the Army as a logistics officer before transitioning to a role conducting research for the Army at a National Laboratory, hopefully returning to West Point as a military faculty member sometime during his career.
A Cut Above:
Advances in the Nobel Prize-Winning Gene Editing CRISPR Technology
Presenter: Evan Merkhofer, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Biology, Mount Saint Mary College
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 7:00-9:00 pm EST
Advances in the Nobel Prize-Winning Gene Editing CRISPR Technology
Presenter: Evan Merkhofer, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Biology, Mount Saint Mary College
Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 7:00-9:00 pm EST
Abstract: Dr. Merkhofer will discuss the Nobel Prize winning technology that has transformed biology and medicine -CRISPR. This talk will include a short history of the discovery of CRISPR, as well as many different current and future applications of CRISPR in various fields. Some of the potential ethical and societal implications of these applications will be discussed as well.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Evan Merkhofer received a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Dr. Al Baldwin’s lab, studying the role of NF-kappa B in Her2+ breast cancer. He then did post-doctoral research in Dr. Tracy Johnson’s lab at the University of California, San Diego studying the regulation of gene transcription using budding yeast as a model. Dr. Merkhofer is currently an Associate Professor of Biology at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Evan Merkhofer received a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Gettysburg College. He earned his Ph.D. in Genetics and Molecular Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Dr. Al Baldwin’s lab, studying the role of NF-kappa B in Her2+ breast cancer. He then did post-doctoral research in Dr. Tracy Johnson’s lab at the University of California, San Diego studying the regulation of gene transcription using budding yeast as a model. Dr. Merkhofer is currently an Associate Professor of Biology at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY.
PREVIOUS EVENTS in 2020
The Chemistry of 3D Printing
Dr. Daniel Freedman
Dean of the School of Science and Engineering
SUNY New Paltz
Abstract: Additive manufacturing (more commonly known as 3D printing) has been used for years for prototyping, but with the increase in the sophistication of 3D printing processes and the incredible range of materials available, 3D printing is being used increasingly for final part production in a very wide variety of fields. This talk will give a brief overview of the different 3D printing processes and materials, describe some of the applications of those processes taken from the projects we have done in the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center and explore some of the more interesting chemical and materials aspects of 3D printing, focusing on polyjet and fused deposition printing.
Speaker Bio: Dan Freedman completed a BA in Chemistry from Macalester College and PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota back when there were considerably fewer elements in the periodic table. After a 20-year career teaching a variety of chemistry lecture and lab courses, he embarked on a second career as Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at SUNY New Paltz in 2012. He helped found the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center in 2014 and is occasionally mistaken for an expert on 3D printing. His research most recently has focused on developing inorganic materials for extreme UV lithography and applications of materials in 3D printing.
Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center: The center provides expert advice on 3D printing process and materials and design for additive manufacturing to the SUNY New Paltz and the Hudson Valley business community. The collection of 3D printers constitute some of the most advanced technology at any academic lab in the country and are available for the campus and wider community to print on. HVAMC is located at the Engineering Innovation Hub, Room 103, SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY
Speaker Bio: Dan Freedman completed a BA in Chemistry from Macalester College and PhD in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Minnesota back when there were considerably fewer elements in the periodic table. After a 20-year career teaching a variety of chemistry lecture and lab courses, he embarked on a second career as Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at SUNY New Paltz in 2012. He helped found the Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center in 2014 and is occasionally mistaken for an expert on 3D printing. His research most recently has focused on developing inorganic materials for extreme UV lithography and applications of materials in 3D printing.
Hudson Valley Additive Manufacturing Center: The center provides expert advice on 3D printing process and materials and design for additive manufacturing to the SUNY New Paltz and the Hudson Valley business community. The collection of 3D printers constitute some of the most advanced technology at any academic lab in the country and are available for the campus and wider community to print on. HVAMC is located at the Engineering Innovation Hub, Room 103, SUNY New Paltz, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY
PREVIOUS EVENTS in 2020
Hemp - the role of cannabinoid analysis in farming, processing, product development, and product monitoring
1H qNMR and HPLC method development
Callan McLoughlin, Process NMR Associates, LLC and Ron Spadafora, Spadafarm, LLC
Photos from the February Talk on Hemp
Charge-Shift Bonding:
Redefining Our Concept of the Chemical Bond
Dr. John Morrison Galbraith
Department of Chemistry Biochemistry, and Physics
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Place: Marist College, Hancock Center, Rm 2023
Date: January 28th
Time: 7 pm – Light Refreshments served from 6:30 pm
Abstract: The foundation of our understanding of the chemical bond dates back to the pioneering work of G. N. Lewis. Lewis’s ideas were then framed in the language of quantum mechanics by Pauling and Slater resulting in the present-day classification of chemical bonds as either covalent/polar covalent or ionic. However, in the early 1990’s a new form of chemical bonding, charge-shift bonding (CSB), began to emerge. Originally CSB was seen as an anomaly of valence bond theory by which it was discovered. However, in recent years CSB has been gaining attention and is being recognized by other forms of theory such as molecular orbital theory, electron density theories, energy decomposition analysis, and energy stress tensors. In this talk I will discuss our work regarding CSB over the past several decades. I will start by describing the valence bond VB methods by which CSB was first recognized and later probed. I will then define CSB and discuss the root causes of this new type of interaction. Lastly, I will show that CSB is not simply an artifact of the VB methodology and describe how it is present in other forms of theory as well. I will then show some experimental manifestations of this unique bonding situation and discuss its potential applications. The chemical bond is at the heart of chemistry and the way we view bonds has remained unchanged for over 100 years. CSB is a real and unique form of chemical bond that has the potential to completely change the way we think about chemistry.
A brief description of this work was featured on the WAMC national production The Academic Minute (https://academicminute.org/about/) in September of 2019. “The Academic Minute features researchers from colleges and universities around the world, keeping listeners abreast of what’s new and exciting in the academy and of all the ways academic research contributes to solving the world’s toughest problems and to serving the public good.” The audio file as well as a written transcript can be found at: https://academicminute.org/2019/09/john-galbraith-marist-college-chemical-bonding/
Biography of presenting author: John Morrison Galbraith received his PhD from the University of Georgia in 1997 working with Professor Henry F. Schaefer III. He then held postdoctoral positions at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where he worked with Sason Shaik and the University of Washington where worked with Weston Thatcher Borden. Since 2001 he has been a faculty member at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY where he teaches and works primarily with undergraduate students. His current research interests involve theoretical descriptions of chemical bonding mostly using valence bond theory. The work discussed in this presentation began during his postdoctoral appointment in Israel and continues to this day.
Redefining Our Concept of the Chemical Bond
Dr. John Morrison Galbraith
Department of Chemistry Biochemistry, and Physics
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Place: Marist College, Hancock Center, Rm 2023
Date: January 28th
Time: 7 pm – Light Refreshments served from 6:30 pm
Abstract: The foundation of our understanding of the chemical bond dates back to the pioneering work of G. N. Lewis. Lewis’s ideas were then framed in the language of quantum mechanics by Pauling and Slater resulting in the present-day classification of chemical bonds as either covalent/polar covalent or ionic. However, in the early 1990’s a new form of chemical bonding, charge-shift bonding (CSB), began to emerge. Originally CSB was seen as an anomaly of valence bond theory by which it was discovered. However, in recent years CSB has been gaining attention and is being recognized by other forms of theory such as molecular orbital theory, electron density theories, energy decomposition analysis, and energy stress tensors. In this talk I will discuss our work regarding CSB over the past several decades. I will start by describing the valence bond VB methods by which CSB was first recognized and later probed. I will then define CSB and discuss the root causes of this new type of interaction. Lastly, I will show that CSB is not simply an artifact of the VB methodology and describe how it is present in other forms of theory as well. I will then show some experimental manifestations of this unique bonding situation and discuss its potential applications. The chemical bond is at the heart of chemistry and the way we view bonds has remained unchanged for over 100 years. CSB is a real and unique form of chemical bond that has the potential to completely change the way we think about chemistry.
A brief description of this work was featured on the WAMC national production The Academic Minute (https://academicminute.org/about/) in September of 2019. “The Academic Minute features researchers from colleges and universities around the world, keeping listeners abreast of what’s new and exciting in the academy and of all the ways academic research contributes to solving the world’s toughest problems and to serving the public good.” The audio file as well as a written transcript can be found at: https://academicminute.org/2019/09/john-galbraith-marist-college-chemical-bonding/
Biography of presenting author: John Morrison Galbraith received his PhD from the University of Georgia in 1997 working with Professor Henry F. Schaefer III. He then held postdoctoral positions at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where he worked with Sason Shaik and the University of Washington where worked with Weston Thatcher Borden. Since 2001 he has been a faculty member at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY where he teaches and works primarily with undergraduate students. His current research interests involve theoretical descriptions of chemical bonding mostly using valence bond theory. The work discussed in this presentation began during his postdoctoral appointment in Israel and continues to this day.
Past Events in 2019
The 3rd Annual Mid-Hudson ACS EARTH DAY HIKE
Mines, Beavers and Ruins:
An Earth Day Hike for Geeks and History Fans
Date: Sunday, September 22, 2019
Ecological Puzzles and a Passion for Lakes: Cyanobacteria, Sensors, Citizens, and Scientists
Speaker: Dr. Kathleen Weathers
Date: Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at 7 pm
Photos of Hudson Valley Boat Ride
Saturday, August 17, 2019
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum Tour
June 1, 2019
Photos from Brotherhood Winery Tour
Saturday, May 5, 2019
Saturday, May 5, 2019
The Mid-Hudson Section of the American Chemical Society
& The Marist College American Chemical Society Club presents
Life after College: Chemistry Edition
Dr. Cathy (DeBlase) Mulzer ‘11
Senior Chemist DuPont Electronics and Imaging
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Friday, March 1, 2019
About the talk: What happens when you step off the college campus and into the doors of industry? For many (perhaps most), this transition can be an intimidating and stressful time of your career – but it need not be. Often people will tell you, it doesn’t matter what you study in school, you will be hired to think, but is this true? In this presentation we will discuss transitioning from academia to industry in the context of my transition as a student of organic chemistry to senior chemist at DuPont Electronics and Imaging where I have worked on a variety of projects spanning metallization of printed circuit boards to polymer design for new electronic applications. Often as a student two pictures are painted, go to school to: (1) become a professor (student on steroids) or (2) go to industry (some vague job that offers work/life balance). Are these descriptions true? We will take a closer look together.
About the speaker: Cathy (Class of 2011; BS Chemistry) is a chemist at DuPont Electronics and Imaging in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Currently, she is a member of the Emerging Technologies group where she is part of a technical team that develops polymers for the next generation of electronics. Cathy earned her Ph.D. in chemistry at Cornell University in the Dichtel Research group where she worked on bringing covalent organic frameworks into a new application space, namely, electrochemical energy storage. Outside of the lab, she enjoys participating in scientific outreach, cooking/baking and home improvement.
About the speaker: Cathy (Class of 2011; BS Chemistry) is a chemist at DuPont Electronics and Imaging in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Currently, she is a member of the Emerging Technologies group where she is part of a technical team that develops polymers for the next generation of electronics. Cathy earned her Ph.D. in chemistry at Cornell University in the Dichtel Research group where she worked on bringing covalent organic frameworks into a new application space, namely, electrochemical energy storage. Outside of the lab, she enjoys participating in scientific outreach, cooking/baking and home improvement.
1H qNMR of Alcoholic Beverages – Detailed Chemical Component Fingerprints for Product and Process Analysis
John C. Edwards Ph.D., Principle, Process NMR Associates,
Date and Time: Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7pm
Location: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY: BLS 217
John C. Edwards Ph.D., Principle, Process NMR Associates,
Date and Time: Monday, February 11, 2019 at 7pm
Location: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY: BLS 217
About the Talk: In recent years quantitative NMR (qNMR) has become a premier tool for purity analysis of drugs and pharmaceuticals and the long-term link of NMR with metabolomics has also driven the application of qNMR to complex mixtures. 1H NMR is ideal for rapid analysis of complex mixture samples with minimal sample preparation by the addition of a known quantity of internal standard (typically a small molecule such as maleic acid with a single peak in a non-overlapping area of the spectrum) which then allows direct molar ratios to be established between the standard and dozens of chemical components in a mixture such as beer, wine, cider, kombucha, sake. The NMR analysis is essentially a molar balance that allows all components to be observed directly in a 5-10 minute experiment allowing the quantification of alcohols (ethanol, methanol, fusel alcohols, glycerol), organic acids (acetic, lactic, malic, succinic formic, tartaric), carbohydrates (sucrose, glucose, lactose, fructose, maltose, residual branched dextrins), amino acids, and yeast and bacterial metabolites of fermentation (2,3-butandiol, 1-3-propandiol), esters, chemistry from additions (caffeine from coffee, quinic acid from cranberries, etc.). The chemistry components be added together to provide a calorie value as well as nutritional label information. The chemistry of the beverages can also be observed at any point in the fermentation process from starting brewers mash or fruit juice to different points in the fermentation and then at various stages of ageing. We have used the technique to define finished products and the reproducibility of a fermentation process. To spot additional fermentation processes such as glycerol fermentation in “dry” fermentations such as Barrel-Aged Spanish cider or Barrel-Aged sour beers. The one-shot window into the complex chemistry of these products allows targeted and un-targeted approaches to identify batch to batch differences that explain off-flavors, exploding cans and bottles, unexpected attenuation problems, product haze, non-conformity to ethanol concentrations (high and low). The technique is applicable to non-alcoholic beverages such as aloe vera drinks, fruit juices, tea and coffee along with delicious side-products such as vinegars, distilled spirits, honey, maple syrup …. The list goes on.
About the Speaker: John Edwards was born and raised in the cotton town of Farnworth near Bolton, Lancashire UK and has been a lifelong follower of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. He received a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Durham University in the UK in 1986 and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 1990 specializing in solid-state NMR in the group of Prof. Paul Ellis. He spent his first 7 years in industry managing the NMR laboratory at the Texaco Research Center in Beacon, New York. He formed Process NMR Associates in 1997 which initially supported the chemometric applications of permanent magnet high resolution NMR systems operating at 60 MHz and used for process control in chemical plants and refineries. He has spent over 25 years working with benchtop NMR systems and is one of the worlds experts in the application of this technology in industry. Over the past 20 years he has also developed an analytical NMR service business which supports the quality control and research needs of over 200 companies spanning all industry sectors. He operates a lab comprising of two 300 MHz NMR systems and a 200 MHz NMR for solid-state NMR studies. From petroleum, polysaccharides, food, nutritional supplements, polymers, coal, fuels, dairy, beverages, cosmetics, additives, fungal extracts, petrochemicals, edible oils, toothpaste, heterogeneous catalysts, he’s seen it all. He is actively involved in the development of qNMR as an ISO method and strives to apply NMR as a routine testing tool for small molecule purity and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures. He lives in Poughkeepsie NY with his wife Cristi and has almost created an empty nest.
About the Speaker: John Edwards was born and raised in the cotton town of Farnworth near Bolton, Lancashire UK and has been a lifelong follower of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. He received a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Durham University in the UK in 1986 and a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 1990 specializing in solid-state NMR in the group of Prof. Paul Ellis. He spent his first 7 years in industry managing the NMR laboratory at the Texaco Research Center in Beacon, New York. He formed Process NMR Associates in 1997 which initially supported the chemometric applications of permanent magnet high resolution NMR systems operating at 60 MHz and used for process control in chemical plants and refineries. He has spent over 25 years working with benchtop NMR systems and is one of the worlds experts in the application of this technology in industry. Over the past 20 years he has also developed an analytical NMR service business which supports the quality control and research needs of over 200 companies spanning all industry sectors. He operates a lab comprising of two 300 MHz NMR systems and a 200 MHz NMR for solid-state NMR studies. From petroleum, polysaccharides, food, nutritional supplements, polymers, coal, fuels, dairy, beverages, cosmetics, additives, fungal extracts, petrochemicals, edible oils, toothpaste, heterogeneous catalysts, he’s seen it all. He is actively involved in the development of qNMR as an ISO method and strives to apply NMR as a routine testing tool for small molecule purity and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures. He lives in Poughkeepsie NY with his wife Cristi and has almost created an empty nest.
Past Events in 2018
The Planetarium Today
Date: Friday November 16, 2018
Location: John R. Kirk Planetarium, SUNY New Paltz, Coykendall Building
Show Starts : 7pm, Light snack before in lobby at 6:30
The John R. Kirk Planetarium is an indoor domed theater that seats 44. The Planetarium's projection system was upgraded in 2013 with the installation of a fish-eye lens projector that can display digital simulations of the sky and mimic celestial motions. It allows the audience to see and zoom in on images of stars, constellations, planets, galaxies and other deep sky objects. It also allows the audience to view the sky as seen from different planets and moons, and has many other features. The original Spitz Space Systems A3P projector is still in use and can display the stars and planets of any season, as seen from any latitude, either in their current positions or those of the deep past or far future.
History of the Planetarium
John R. Kirk was a faculty member in our Philosophy Department in the 1960s and 70s. He was the first director of the New Paltz Planetarium. The Planetarium became his special interest and the focal point of his vision and his efforts. In addition to college students and local citizens, thousands of schoolchildren in the Mid-Hudson Valley were the beneficiaries of his energies. Aware of the Planetarium's potential, Kirk created a library of outstanding programs, which brought together his knowledge and sensitivity in a unique blend of astronomy, history and classical music. Soon after he died in 1979, the College Faculty petitioned the College Council to name the Planetarium after him. Planetarium shows are appropriate for ages 7 and up. Typically a show features the night sky for that day; we point out stars, constellations, planets, galaxies and other objects that may be visible and the mythology behind some of their names, and usually a current-event topic.
History of the Planetarium
John R. Kirk was a faculty member in our Philosophy Department in the 1960s and 70s. He was the first director of the New Paltz Planetarium. The Planetarium became his special interest and the focal point of his vision and his efforts. In addition to college students and local citizens, thousands of schoolchildren in the Mid-Hudson Valley were the beneficiaries of his energies. Aware of the Planetarium's potential, Kirk created a library of outstanding programs, which brought together his knowledge and sensitivity in a unique blend of astronomy, history and classical music. Soon after he died in 1979, the College Faculty petitioned the College Council to name the Planetarium after him. Planetarium shows are appropriate for ages 7 and up. Typically a show features the night sky for that day; we point out stars, constellations, planets, galaxies and other objects that may be visible and the mythology behind some of their names, and usually a current-event topic.
Craft Cider Production Talk
Speaker: Tim Dressel
Speaker Date/Time: Tuesday September 25, 2018 at 7pm
(Light refreshments at 6:30pm)
Speaker Location: Marist College, Donnelly Hall,
Lecture Room 225
Speaker: Tim Dressel
Speaker Date/Time: Tuesday September 25, 2018 at 7pm
(Light refreshments at 6:30pm)
Speaker Location: Marist College, Donnelly Hall,
Lecture Room 225
The Science Behind Operating, Maintaining and Protecting America’s Largest Waterworks
Speaker: Adam Bosch
Speaker Date/Time: Wednesday June 13, 2018 at 7pm (Light refreshments at 6:30)
Speaker Location: SUNY New Paltz, Coykendall Science Building – CSB-110
About the talk: The New York City Department of Environmental Protection operates the largest drinking water supply in the United States. Its network of reservoirs, dams and aqueducts that deliver water to 9.6 million people every day is considered a marvel of modern engineering. About 1,200 people work to operate, protect and maintain this vast water system, which is also the largest unfiltered water supply in America. Adam Bosch will share information about its work, including a robust program of water quality monitoring and the science-based watershed programs that protect the quality of the water at its source in the Catskill Mountains. Adam Bosch will also provide information on the Delaware Aqueduct Bypass Tunnel, the largest repair in the 176-year history of the system, which includes building a new tunnel under the Hudson River in Newburgh.
About the speaker: Adam Bosch is the director of public affairs for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. He manages DEP’s efforts to educate the public about the largest municipal water supply in the United States through community outreach, education programs, an regular communication with local elected officials and the news media. Before he began working for New York City, Bosch was a journalist in New York for more than a decade. His reporting was published in the Times Herald-Record, The New York Times, Scientific American Magazine and other publications. His work in journalism earned six awards from the Associated Press. Bosch was also vice president of research at Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. Bosch earned his bachelor's degree from SUNY New Paltz, where he continues to teach as an adjunct professor for the past 10 years, and he earned his master's degree in journalism from Columbia University in the City of New York.
About the speaker: Adam Bosch is the director of public affairs for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. He manages DEP’s efforts to educate the public about the largest municipal water supply in the United States through community outreach, education programs, an regular communication with local elected officials and the news media. Before he began working for New York City, Bosch was a journalist in New York for more than a decade. His reporting was published in the Times Herald-Record, The New York Times, Scientific American Magazine and other publications. His work in journalism earned six awards from the Associated Press. Bosch was also vice president of research at Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. Bosch earned his bachelor's degree from SUNY New Paltz, where he continues to teach as an adjunct professor for the past 10 years, and he earned his master's degree in journalism from Columbia University in the City of New York.
The Science of Aging
(and how to slow it)
Sponsored by Mid-Hudson Section of American Chemical Society
and Gold’s Gym, 15 Racquet Road, Newburgh
Date & Time: Saturday, June 2
2:00pm - PowerPoint Presentation by Dr. Toby Rossman
2:45pm - Chair Yoga Class with Jodi Trainor
3:30pm - Social Hour with Healthy Snacks
The Senior Chemist Committee sponsored a workshop presented by Dr. Toby Rossman, Professor at NYU School of Medicine, on the latest science of aging, and what can we do to ensure healthy aging.
ACS Group Hike
Sunday, May 20
There's an impressive ruined estate in Cold Spring known as North Gate. It is familiar to many and possibly the most iconic ruined estate in the Hudson Valley. It contains the remains of a fabulous mansion and many other memorable structures. We learned about its history. But that is just a small part of this dramatic hike. We started by looping the pretty Little Stony Point with its beach, river, and quarry. After visiting North Gate, we completed a long ascent to the top of Mt. Taurus. Of course, there were many stunning views along the way.
Saliva Analysis: A New Fingerprint of Diet Beverage Taste Preference and Selection?
Speaker: Glenn Roy, PhD, Vassar College, Department of Chemistry
Speaker Date/Time: Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 7pm (Light refreshments at 6:30)
Speaker Location: Mount St. Mary’s College, Aquinas Hall, Room 163
Speaker: Glenn Roy, PhD, Vassar College, Department of Chemistry
Speaker Date/Time: Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 7pm (Light refreshments at 6:30)
Speaker Location: Mount St. Mary’s College, Aquinas Hall, Room 163
Studying the Chemistry of Planet Formation
Speaker: Colette Salyk, PhD, Vassar College, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Speaker Time: Friday, March 30, 2018 at 7pm (Light refreshments at 6:30)
Speaker Location: Vassar College, Sanders Physics, Room 206
124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York 12604 www.vassar.edu
Observatory Time: 8:30, (available to the first 25 to sign-up; weather permitting)
Observatory Supervisor: Dave Webster, Vassar College
Observatory Location: Vassar College, Class of 1951 Observatory
Speaker: Colette Salyk, PhD, Vassar College, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Speaker Time: Friday, March 30, 2018 at 7pm (Light refreshments at 6:30)
Speaker Location: Vassar College, Sanders Physics, Room 206
124 Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York 12604 www.vassar.edu
Observatory Time: 8:30, (available to the first 25 to sign-up; weather permitting)
Observatory Supervisor: Dave Webster, Vassar College
Observatory Location: Vassar College, Class of 1951 Observatory
A Recap of the 2017 Events
The Mid-Hudson Section of the American Chemical Society presents
Dr. Natasha Khatri, Picatinny Arsenal
The Chemistry of Explosives:
From Accidental Discovery through Modern Development
Date and Time: Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 7pm
Light Refreshments and Social Time: 6:30pm
Location: Lucas Military Heritage Center in the West Point History Museum
There will be time to tour a limited section of the museum following the talk.
Dr. Natasha Khatri, Picatinny Arsenal
The Chemistry of Explosives:
From Accidental Discovery through Modern Development
Date and Time: Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 7pm
Light Refreshments and Social Time: 6:30pm
Location: Lucas Military Heritage Center in the West Point History Museum
There will be time to tour a limited section of the museum following the talk.
Abstract: Starting with the accidental discovery of black powder, explosives have played an important role throughout history in both military and industrial applications. The boom of research during the 19th century set the path and precedent for modern development of these high energy materials. Fueled by a need for safe handling, the complicated development of powerful products was spearheaded by the likes of Roger Bacon, Alfred Nobel, and E.I. DuPont. Their determination and unwavering purpose aided in the discovery of new high energy materials, many of which are still utilized today. The challenge of crafting explosives that are safe to handle has persisted throughout the developmental history, but the significant discoveries made along the way has led to great advances that continue to be improved upon and shape the way for new classes of explosives. This talk will delve into this rich history, while revealing the thermochemistry that drives the explosive processes.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Natasha M. Khatri is currently a chemist at US Army ARDEC, working on both primary and secondary explosive formulations. She obtained her Ph.D. in chemistry from Georgetown University in 2016 under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah L. Stoll, with a focus on the 2- and 3-D assembly of inorganic materials. Prior to graduate school, Natasha attained her B.S. in chemistry from Fordham University in 2011, conducting research with Dr. Jon Friedrich on the decomposition and chemical analysis of rocks and meteorites. She also participated in the 2010 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) chemistry program at Georgetown University, investigating polymorphs and co-crystallization with Dr. Jennifer A. Swift.
Natasha is an ACS member and has presented her work at a number of regional and national conferences, with support awarded by the Women Chemist’s Committee, Eli Lily, and the Chemical Society of Washington. Georgetown University honored her with the Michael T. Pope award for excellence in inorganic chemistry research in 2016 and she was inducted into the scientific research society, Sigma Xi, in 2011.
Speaker Bio: Dr. Natasha M. Khatri is currently a chemist at US Army ARDEC, working on both primary and secondary explosive formulations. She obtained her Ph.D. in chemistry from Georgetown University in 2016 under the mentorship of Dr. Sarah L. Stoll, with a focus on the 2- and 3-D assembly of inorganic materials. Prior to graduate school, Natasha attained her B.S. in chemistry from Fordham University in 2011, conducting research with Dr. Jon Friedrich on the decomposition and chemical analysis of rocks and meteorites. She also participated in the 2010 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) chemistry program at Georgetown University, investigating polymorphs and co-crystallization with Dr. Jennifer A. Swift.
Natasha is an ACS member and has presented her work at a number of regional and national conferences, with support awarded by the Women Chemist’s Committee, Eli Lily, and the Chemical Society of Washington. Georgetown University honored her with the Michael T. Pope award for excellence in inorganic chemistry research in 2016 and she was inducted into the scientific research society, Sigma Xi, in 2011.
The Sterling Hill Mining Museum
30 Plant Street
Ogdensburg, NJ 07439
www.sterlinghillminingmuseum.org
Saturday, October 14th
11-2
A bus will be departing from Mount Saint Mary College, Aquinas Hall at 9:00 a.m. and returning at 3:30 p.m
Or meet us at the mine at 10:45!
$5 per person – includes bus, admission and water.
2 hour underground walking tour
The Mine is 56°, so bring a light jacket
Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Recommended to arrive 15 minutes before tour starts
Museum admission included
30 Plant Street
Ogdensburg, NJ 07439
www.sterlinghillminingmuseum.org
Saturday, October 14th
11-2
A bus will be departing from Mount Saint Mary College, Aquinas Hall at 9:00 a.m. and returning at 3:30 p.m
Or meet us at the mine at 10:45!
$5 per person – includes bus, admission and water.
2 hour underground walking tour
The Mine is 56°, so bring a light jacket
Wheelchair/stroller accessible
Recommended to arrive 15 minutes before tour starts
Museum admission included
THE MID-HUDSON ACS
IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A JOINT EVENT
WITH THE HUDSON VALLEY SCIENCE CAFÉ
A Science Cafe is a gathering in a Cafe, Pub or Restaurant, open to the public, with a short Presentation of a topic followed by discussion. The essence of a Science Cafe is informality, with groups seated around tables with food and drink to encourage conversation.
James Beaumont, PE Civil Engineer (Retired)
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WATER PURIFICATION
Date and Time: Wednesday August 23, 2017 at 7:15pm
Location: La Casa Vicina, 1015 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, NY 12553. LaCasaVicina.com Please arrive around 6:00 if you want to order dinner. We will have a special menu, and you can order until 6:45. No orders will be taken during the presentation. Your $4.00 fee includes coffee or tea.
IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A JOINT EVENT
WITH THE HUDSON VALLEY SCIENCE CAFÉ
A Science Cafe is a gathering in a Cafe, Pub or Restaurant, open to the public, with a short Presentation of a topic followed by discussion. The essence of a Science Cafe is informality, with groups seated around tables with food and drink to encourage conversation.
James Beaumont, PE Civil Engineer (Retired)
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WATER PURIFICATION
Date and Time: Wednesday August 23, 2017 at 7:15pm
Location: La Casa Vicina, 1015 Little Britain Road, New Windsor, NY 12553. LaCasaVicina.com Please arrive around 6:00 if you want to order dinner. We will have a special menu, and you can order until 6:45. No orders will be taken during the presentation. Your $4.00 fee includes coffee or tea.
About the Talk:
Mr. Beaumont will present an overview of the water purification process for public water supplies. The presentation will show the purification system as implemented in the Rykowski Lane Water Treatment Plant of the Town of Wallkill Water Supply System.
About the Speaker:
Mr. Beaumont received his BS Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and his MBA from the University of Chicago. His engineering career revolved around water; including: hydrology, hydraulics, water resources planning, water treatment and wastewater treatment. The Town of Wallkill was one of his clients.
Mr. Beaumont received the James A. Beaumont Groundwater Guardian Recruitment Prize for his work promoting the Groundwater Guardian Program of the Groundwater Foundation. He served on the Foundation Board of Directors. He presently is the Training Coordinator of the Hudson Valley Water Works Conference, and the Chairman of the Moodna Creek Watershed Intermunicipal Council.
Mr. Beaumont will present an overview of the water purification process for public water supplies. The presentation will show the purification system as implemented in the Rykowski Lane Water Treatment Plant of the Town of Wallkill Water Supply System.
About the Speaker:
Mr. Beaumont received his BS Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois and his MBA from the University of Chicago. His engineering career revolved around water; including: hydrology, hydraulics, water resources planning, water treatment and wastewater treatment. The Town of Wallkill was one of his clients.
Mr. Beaumont received the James A. Beaumont Groundwater Guardian Recruitment Prize for his work promoting the Groundwater Guardian Program of the Groundwater Foundation. He served on the Foundation Board of Directors. He presently is the Training Coordinator of the Hudson Valley Water Works Conference, and the Chairman of the Moodna Creek Watershed Intermunicipal Council.
Women Chemists Committee Dinner
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 4:30pm
Where: Ship Lantern Inn
When: Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 4:30pm
Where: Ship Lantern Inn
Photos from our Wine Tasting event
at Whitecliff Winery
Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Semiconductor Chips
Dr. Klaus Beyer, IBM Retiree
Date and Time: Wednesday June 21, 2017 at 7 pm
Light Refreshments and Social Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, Allied Health Building, Room AH112
About the Talk:
Dr. Beyer will present the timeline of his remarkable discovery of CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) applicable for the planarization of semiconductor chip structures. Even today after 34 years, his accidental invention is used in computers and I-phones. No working replacement has been found up until now which can provide the same features! The application of his discovery as a computer processing step was extremely controversial because of the use of a dirty polishing slurry in an ultraclean chip manufacturing line! Thus, selling an obviously dirty chip process required careful planning.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Beyer is a native of West Germany and received his Ph.D. degree at University of Bonn in physical chemistry by studying "Upper Atmosphere Photochemistry". Dr. Beyer’s dissertation at the University of Bonn was supported by the Air Force Research Center in Cambridge, Mass. He immigrated to the United States in 1966 and started a postdoctoral fellowship at The Ohio State University and then joined IBM in1968 to study semiconductor doping processes. He continued other studies in chemical surface cleaning and low mechanical stress layers formed by chemical vapor deposition. In 1976, he joined the IBM Reliability Lab, to learn about the chemical problems in the silicon chip and packaging areas. In 1981, he started an assignment in the development team of the Silicon Wafer Production Facility. After a few months, he was transferred to the silicon wafer production area to cure a nasty problem involving formation of mechanical microscratches induced by brush cleaning of silicon wafers coated by a colloidal silica polishing layer.
In 2002, Dr. Beyer retired from IBM after having received the major invention award from the CEO of IBM, Lou Gerstner. In October 2015, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the international ICPT organization for pioneering CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) for electronic device applications. The basic idea of his discovery was already practiced 3000 years ago as the Damascene Process for jewelry applications. An appropriate a seminar for this year’s theme of “Gems of the Hudson Valley”!!
Dr. Klaus Beyer, IBM Retiree
Date and Time: Wednesday June 21, 2017 at 7 pm
Light Refreshments and Social Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY, Allied Health Building, Room AH112
About the Talk:
Dr. Beyer will present the timeline of his remarkable discovery of CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) applicable for the planarization of semiconductor chip structures. Even today after 34 years, his accidental invention is used in computers and I-phones. No working replacement has been found up until now which can provide the same features! The application of his discovery as a computer processing step was extremely controversial because of the use of a dirty polishing slurry in an ultraclean chip manufacturing line! Thus, selling an obviously dirty chip process required careful planning.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Beyer is a native of West Germany and received his Ph.D. degree at University of Bonn in physical chemistry by studying "Upper Atmosphere Photochemistry". Dr. Beyer’s dissertation at the University of Bonn was supported by the Air Force Research Center in Cambridge, Mass. He immigrated to the United States in 1966 and started a postdoctoral fellowship at The Ohio State University and then joined IBM in1968 to study semiconductor doping processes. He continued other studies in chemical surface cleaning and low mechanical stress layers formed by chemical vapor deposition. In 1976, he joined the IBM Reliability Lab, to learn about the chemical problems in the silicon chip and packaging areas. In 1981, he started an assignment in the development team of the Silicon Wafer Production Facility. After a few months, he was transferred to the silicon wafer production area to cure a nasty problem involving formation of mechanical microscratches induced by brush cleaning of silicon wafers coated by a colloidal silica polishing layer.
In 2002, Dr. Beyer retired from IBM after having received the major invention award from the CEO of IBM, Lou Gerstner. In October 2015, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the international ICPT organization for pioneering CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) for electronic device applications. The basic idea of his discovery was already practiced 3000 years ago as the Damascene Process for jewelry applications. An appropriate a seminar for this year’s theme of “Gems of the Hudson Valley”!!
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The Chemist in the Beehive: A Molecular View of Beekeeping
Christopher J. Smart Date and Time: Monday, May 22, 2017 7:00 PM Location: Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY Dominican Center, DC-218 |
Iron Mine Hike For Science
Earth Day 2017
Fahnestock State Park
Earth Day 2017
Fahnestock State Park
Women in Science
Guest Speaker: Mary Virginia Orna
Date and Time: Thursday March 2, 2017 @ 7:00pm
(snow date March 9)
Location: Vassar College, Rockefeller (Rocky) Hall Room 200
Enter campus via Main Campus Drive, at stop sign turn left, first building on left.
Light refreshments and social time 6:30 PM
About the Lecture:
This talk will highlight the contributions of women chemists and other women scientists who are Nobel laureates and have done spectacular chemistry, including discovering some elements. Many are "firsts," such as the first woman scientist on the Harvard faculty and the first woman to actually "invent" environmental science. The difficulties these women had while doing their science will also be documented.
About the Speaker:
Sister Mary Virginia Orna, O.S.U. (Order of Saint Ursula) is professor of chemistry at the College of New Rochelle. She is a tour speaker on the roster of the American Chemical Society and has been an invited lecturer to every part of the United States and many countries in Europe, the South Pacific, and the Middle East. Her countless publications have appeared in the Journal of Chemical Education, Color Research and Application, and many other journals. She has also authored numerous books, book chapters, and encyclopedia articles. Mary Virginia has served as Chair, Program Chair and Treasurer of the Division of the History of Chemistry of the ACS. She is currently serving as ACS Councilor and as a member of the ACS Divisional Activities Committee. She is a recipient of several major awards such as the 1989 New York State Professor of the Year and the 1996 ACS Visiting Scientist Award. Mary Virginia Orna is presently president of ChemSource,Inc., a major effort in chemistry teacher preparation and enhancement funded by the National Science Fou
Guest Speaker: Mary Virginia Orna
Date and Time: Thursday March 2, 2017 @ 7:00pm
(snow date March 9)
Location: Vassar College, Rockefeller (Rocky) Hall Room 200
Enter campus via Main Campus Drive, at stop sign turn left, first building on left.
Light refreshments and social time 6:30 PM
About the Lecture:
This talk will highlight the contributions of women chemists and other women scientists who are Nobel laureates and have done spectacular chemistry, including discovering some elements. Many are "firsts," such as the first woman scientist on the Harvard faculty and the first woman to actually "invent" environmental science. The difficulties these women had while doing their science will also be documented.
About the Speaker:
Sister Mary Virginia Orna, O.S.U. (Order of Saint Ursula) is professor of chemistry at the College of New Rochelle. She is a tour speaker on the roster of the American Chemical Society and has been an invited lecturer to every part of the United States and many countries in Europe, the South Pacific, and the Middle East. Her countless publications have appeared in the Journal of Chemical Education, Color Research and Application, and many other journals. She has also authored numerous books, book chapters, and encyclopedia articles. Mary Virginia has served as Chair, Program Chair and Treasurer of the Division of the History of Chemistry of the ACS. She is currently serving as ACS Councilor and as a member of the ACS Divisional Activities Committee. She is a recipient of several major awards such as the 1989 New York State Professor of the Year and the 1996 ACS Visiting Scientist Award. Mary Virginia Orna is presently president of ChemSource,Inc., a major effort in chemistry teacher preparation and enhancement funded by the National Science Fou
Geology & Gems
Speakers: Dr. Jeffrey Walker and Rick Jones of Vassar College
Date and Time: Thursday, February 2nd at 7 pm
(Snow Date Thursday, February 9th at 7pm)
Location: Ely Hall at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave. Poughkeepsie NY
Address for GPS is 4 Pratt Loop. Building just to left behind Main Bldg.
Directions: Enter off of Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie going east on Spackenkill Rd. Continue to second light and make a left onto Wilbur Blvd. Continue to end and make right onto Hooker Ave. Make a left at the light onto 376. Go to Main Gate entrance and make a left to find parking.
Ely Hall houses the Department of Earth Science and Geography, with laboratories devoted to research in geophysics, climate change, water and sediment chemistry, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a 16-seat computer lab for cartography, spatial data analysis, and numerical modeling. Ely also houses the Art Department’s drawing and painting studios as well as the Aula, a large room designed for social functions with an open-rafter ceiling, huge arched windows, and a terra cotta fireplace.
About the Lecture: Beginning with specimens from Vassar College's 150 year old rock and mineral collection, Jeff Walker will discuss the formation and chemistry of minerals with a focus on New York mineralogy in particular. In the museum, spectacular samples and the chemistry behind them will be featured, as well as a fluorescent mineral display, and an exhibit on foraminifera, as well as a multitude of fossils among others.
About the Speakers: Jeff received his BS from Western Washington University, and an AM and PhD from Dartmouth College. His dissertation research was on crystal structures of clay minerals in low-grade metamorphic environments. From this base he has expanded his work to include studies in agricultural sustainability, the agricultural heritage of the mid-Hudson region, and sustainable community development. He maintains an active interest in low-temperature metamorphism, focusing most recently on studies of the stratigraphy and metamorphism of low-grade rocks of the Hudson Valley, NY.
Jeff teaches classes in local geology, soils and sustainable agriculture, rocks and minerals, and volcanology. His laboratory houses an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer (shared with the Chemistry department), and equipment for thin sectioning rocks and preparing samples for XRD analysis.
Rick Jones is a science illustrator and lab technician in Earth Science and Geography at Vassar College. He manages the museum collections for Vassar’s Warthin Museum of Natural History and is a co-Director of the Vassar College Artifacts Project, conserving and displaying Vassar’s historical teaching artifacts.
Date and Time: Thursday, February 2nd at 7 pm
(Snow Date Thursday, February 9th at 7pm)
Location: Ely Hall at Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave. Poughkeepsie NY
Address for GPS is 4 Pratt Loop. Building just to left behind Main Bldg.
Directions: Enter off of Rt. 9 in Poughkeepsie going east on Spackenkill Rd. Continue to second light and make a left onto Wilbur Blvd. Continue to end and make right onto Hooker Ave. Make a left at the light onto 376. Go to Main Gate entrance and make a left to find parking.
Ely Hall houses the Department of Earth Science and Geography, with laboratories devoted to research in geophysics, climate change, water and sediment chemistry, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and a 16-seat computer lab for cartography, spatial data analysis, and numerical modeling. Ely also houses the Art Department’s drawing and painting studios as well as the Aula, a large room designed for social functions with an open-rafter ceiling, huge arched windows, and a terra cotta fireplace.
About the Lecture: Beginning with specimens from Vassar College's 150 year old rock and mineral collection, Jeff Walker will discuss the formation and chemistry of minerals with a focus on New York mineralogy in particular. In the museum, spectacular samples and the chemistry behind them will be featured, as well as a fluorescent mineral display, and an exhibit on foraminifera, as well as a multitude of fossils among others.
About the Speakers: Jeff received his BS from Western Washington University, and an AM and PhD from Dartmouth College. His dissertation research was on crystal structures of clay minerals in low-grade metamorphic environments. From this base he has expanded his work to include studies in agricultural sustainability, the agricultural heritage of the mid-Hudson region, and sustainable community development. He maintains an active interest in low-temperature metamorphism, focusing most recently on studies of the stratigraphy and metamorphism of low-grade rocks of the Hudson Valley, NY.
Jeff teaches classes in local geology, soils and sustainable agriculture, rocks and minerals, and volcanology. His laboratory houses an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer (shared with the Chemistry department), and equipment for thin sectioning rocks and preparing samples for XRD analysis.
Rick Jones is a science illustrator and lab technician in Earth Science and Geography at Vassar College. He manages the museum collections for Vassar’s Warthin Museum of Natural History and is a co-Director of the Vassar College Artifacts Project, conserving and displaying Vassar’s historical teaching artifacts.
Events of 2016
Hudson River Cruise
Please join the Mid-Hudson American Chemical Society for a Hudson River Cruise
Saturday, July 16th
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Departing from US Military Academy at West Point
Boarding begins at 1:30 p.m. Please allow extra time to go through security at the gate.
$5 per person – age 10 and under free – pay online when you make your reservation.
Reserve your spot before July 9th - Click Here to RSVP
Directions: Enter Thayer gate and after the checkpoint, turn right (Williams Road) at the first stop sign. This will lead you down the road parallel to the river and down to the boat dock. You can park down there, there is a lot of space for parking just go ahead and cross over the train tracks.
Saturday, July 16th
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Departing from US Military Academy at West Point
Boarding begins at 1:30 p.m. Please allow extra time to go through security at the gate.
$5 per person – age 10 and under free – pay online when you make your reservation.
Reserve your spot before July 9th - Click Here to RSVP
- Limited seating – reserve early!
- Light refreshments and soft drinks will be served
- BYOB if you would like beer or wine.
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited.
- Rain or shine (may be cancelled if lightning).
- This is a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Hudson Valley with friends and family.
Directions: Enter Thayer gate and after the checkpoint, turn right (Williams Road) at the first stop sign. This will lead you down the road parallel to the river and down to the boat dock. You can park down there, there is a lot of space for parking just go ahead and cross over the train tracks.
Lubricant Additives
Date: May 5, 2016, at 7:00 pm (Refreshments at 6:30 pm)
Location: Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, Dominican Center, Room 218
Abstract: Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Learn why engine oil is important for protecting efficient engine operation. Lubricant additives that protect your vehicle and extend the life of the lubricant will be discussed. Bottled engine oil labels will be decoded, and the meaning of the “W” will be revealed. This includes a discussion on lubricant additives’ chemistry and mechanism of action; these additives include antioxidants, anti-wear and extreme pressure agents, friction modifiers, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, and metal deactivators.
About the Speaker: Dr. Mary Dery achieved a PhD in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) , BS degree in Chemistry from Clarkson University. Dr. Mary Dery is a Senior Scientist at BASF in Tarrytown, NY. Her experience at BASF includes the development of new antioxidants, viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants. Dr. Dery previously worked at Texaco working in fuel and lubricant development. In addition, Dr. Dery taught general chemistry at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Marist College and Mount Saint Mary College. She is a member of ACS, STLE, and ASTM.
Directions: Mount Saint Mary College is located at 330 Powell Avenue in Newburgh, NY, just minutes from exit 10 on Interstate 84. Detailed directions and a campus map are available at
Location: Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY, Dominican Center, Room 218
Abstract: Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. Learn why engine oil is important for protecting efficient engine operation. Lubricant additives that protect your vehicle and extend the life of the lubricant will be discussed. Bottled engine oil labels will be decoded, and the meaning of the “W” will be revealed. This includes a discussion on lubricant additives’ chemistry and mechanism of action; these additives include antioxidants, anti-wear and extreme pressure agents, friction modifiers, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors, and metal deactivators.
About the Speaker: Dr. Mary Dery achieved a PhD in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) , BS degree in Chemistry from Clarkson University. Dr. Mary Dery is a Senior Scientist at BASF in Tarrytown, NY. Her experience at BASF includes the development of new antioxidants, viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants. Dr. Dery previously worked at Texaco working in fuel and lubricant development. In addition, Dr. Dery taught general chemistry at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Marist College and Mount Saint Mary College. She is a member of ACS, STLE, and ASTM.
Directions: Mount Saint Mary College is located at 330 Powell Avenue in Newburgh, NY, just minutes from exit 10 on Interstate 84. Detailed directions and a campus map are available at
First X-ray Application: Freezing Protein Crystals
and the Airport Low-Dose X-ray Security Scanners
Speaker: Dr. David Haas
Date and Time: Thursday, March 31st at 7 PM (Refreshments at 6:30 PM)
Location: Vassar College, Bridge for Laboratory Sciences, Room 217
Abstract
After graduating in 1965 with training in Biophysics and X-Ray Protein Crystallography, I worked on the problem of reducing x-ray radiation damage in protein crystals. This lead to the first successful freezing of protein crystals and our publication in 1970 demonstrating that suitable freezing of protein crystals reduces the radiation damage by many fold. Forty years later, I became aware of the fact that this work lead to macromolecular CryoCrystallography, with more than 100,000 three-dimensional protein structures being solved, all available free to the world from the "Protein Data Bank". Today, biological scientists and most new drug designs employ the surface structures of protein molecules which are determined by x-ray crystallography. My presentation recounts this history and the remarkable scientists I have known.
Shortly thereafter in 1970, I joined the X-ray group of Philips Electronic Instruments in Mahwah NJ (where I designed many of the early airport passenger x-ray security scanners). Between 1968 & 1973, passenger aircraft hijackings became a major worldwide problem with hundreds of aircraft hijackings each year (because no passenger screening was performed). Finally after years of disruption, a solution was found with metal detectors for people and low-dose x-ray systems for luggage (being invented in 1970 by a Philips group in Mahwah NJ). Because of the remarkable design of these first systems, Electronic Security Screening for passenger and public security is now used everyday - worldwide. My presentation describes the recent book on the history of Electronic Security Screening that saved the aviation passenger industry as well as the worldwide tourism industry.
Speaker Bio
David Haas received his BA in Physics and PhD in Biophysics in protein crystallography and molecular biology at the State University of NY at Buffalo. For the next five years, he performed basic research in protein crystallography at several institutions in Europe, Israel and the United States. In 1970, he joined Philips Electronic Instruments in Mt Vernon NY as Principal Scientist for X-ray systems, working on analytical instruments and designing some of the first airport security X-ray systems that were used worldwide during the 1970s. Conceiving the idea of a self-expiring security ID (Visitor badge), David and his wife, Sandra, formed Temtec Inc. which developed and manufactured high-tech visitor and temporary IDs for more than 20 years under the brand name TEMPbadge. Temtec Inc. was sold to Brady Worldwide Corporation in 2002. David & Sandra Haas have more than 80 patents to their credit as well as many technical and scientific publications.
In 1978, David was the main narrator in the U.S. Bureau of Radiological Health Film on 'Analytical X-Ray Safety' which is used to this day. Dr Haas has recently published a book by ASIS International entitled: “Personal Identification – Its Modern Development and Security Implications". It reviews the history and reasons for modern personal identification documents such as Passports, National Identity Cards, etc. Dr Haas has also published a monograph on the development of Electronic Security Screening for Aviation Passenger Screening between 1968-1973.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 31st at 7 PM (Refreshments at 6:30 PM)
Location: Vassar College, Bridge for Laboratory Sciences, Room 217
Abstract
After graduating in 1965 with training in Biophysics and X-Ray Protein Crystallography, I worked on the problem of reducing x-ray radiation damage in protein crystals. This lead to the first successful freezing of protein crystals and our publication in 1970 demonstrating that suitable freezing of protein crystals reduces the radiation damage by many fold. Forty years later, I became aware of the fact that this work lead to macromolecular CryoCrystallography, with more than 100,000 three-dimensional protein structures being solved, all available free to the world from the "Protein Data Bank". Today, biological scientists and most new drug designs employ the surface structures of protein molecules which are determined by x-ray crystallography. My presentation recounts this history and the remarkable scientists I have known.
Shortly thereafter in 1970, I joined the X-ray group of Philips Electronic Instruments in Mahwah NJ (where I designed many of the early airport passenger x-ray security scanners). Between 1968 & 1973, passenger aircraft hijackings became a major worldwide problem with hundreds of aircraft hijackings each year (because no passenger screening was performed). Finally after years of disruption, a solution was found with metal detectors for people and low-dose x-ray systems for luggage (being invented in 1970 by a Philips group in Mahwah NJ). Because of the remarkable design of these first systems, Electronic Security Screening for passenger and public security is now used everyday - worldwide. My presentation describes the recent book on the history of Electronic Security Screening that saved the aviation passenger industry as well as the worldwide tourism industry.
Speaker Bio
David Haas received his BA in Physics and PhD in Biophysics in protein crystallography and molecular biology at the State University of NY at Buffalo. For the next five years, he performed basic research in protein crystallography at several institutions in Europe, Israel and the United States. In 1970, he joined Philips Electronic Instruments in Mt Vernon NY as Principal Scientist for X-ray systems, working on analytical instruments and designing some of the first airport security X-ray systems that were used worldwide during the 1970s. Conceiving the idea of a self-expiring security ID (Visitor badge), David and his wife, Sandra, formed Temtec Inc. which developed and manufactured high-tech visitor and temporary IDs for more than 20 years under the brand name TEMPbadge. Temtec Inc. was sold to Brady Worldwide Corporation in 2002. David & Sandra Haas have more than 80 patents to their credit as well as many technical and scientific publications.
In 1978, David was the main narrator in the U.S. Bureau of Radiological Health Film on 'Analytical X-Ray Safety' which is used to this day. Dr Haas has recently published a book by ASIS International entitled: “Personal Identification – Its Modern Development and Security Implications". It reviews the history and reasons for modern personal identification documents such as Passports, National Identity Cards, etc. Dr Haas has also published a monograph on the development of Electronic Security Screening for Aviation Passenger Screening between 1968-1973.
Color your world with effect pigments
Speaker: Charmain Hoffstead-Fordyce
Research Chemist
BASF Corporation
November 19, 2016 @ 7pm
Mount Saint Mary College - Dominican Center
330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550
Speaker Bio:
Charmain Hoffstead-Fordyce is a research chemist in the Effect Materials Research Group at BASF Corporation. Her responsibilities involve developing new/next generation fine particle decorative products and associated technology. Her role also includes seeking out technologies to be used as platforms for new products. She designs and performs experiments for the development of new products and technically assess and characterize products under development. Charmain has worked with BASF for over 9 years where she has been involved in the development of numerous products within the BASF Effect Pigment portfolio. Prior to joining BASF Charmain worked as a high school chemistry teacher. She holds a BS degree in Chemistry from CUNY and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mount Saint Mary College.
Abstract
Pearlescent, iridescent, and reflective effects have been known in nature in the forms of fish scales, sea shells, bird feathers, and polished gold and silver. Effect materials are pigments that generate angular-dependent color. They differ from classical pigments in morphology and generate color as well as effects. Synthetic effects based on coatings were originally developed to simulate the luster of a pearl. The same thin film interference effect that is behind the colors in a soap bubble is the basis for color in effect materials. White light beams reflected from the front and back surfaces of a thin parallel film constructively or destructively interfere to produce a color. Synthetic effect materials have evolved over the years from platy crystals to single layer metal oxide coating, such as TiO2 and Fe2O3 on platy substrates, and further to very complex multilayer structures. The standard thin film deposition technology is aqueous precipitation. High performance effects and innovative materials are synthesized using multilayer structures. Incorporating the different technologies of effect materials allows for the introduction of new products to meet market needs in cosmetics and personal care, industrial coatings and plastics, and automotive color coats.
Research Chemist
BASF Corporation
November 19, 2016 @ 7pm
Mount Saint Mary College - Dominican Center
330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550
Speaker Bio:
Charmain Hoffstead-Fordyce is a research chemist in the Effect Materials Research Group at BASF Corporation. Her responsibilities involve developing new/next generation fine particle decorative products and associated technology. Her role also includes seeking out technologies to be used as platforms for new products. She designs and performs experiments for the development of new products and technically assess and characterize products under development. Charmain has worked with BASF for over 9 years where she has been involved in the development of numerous products within the BASF Effect Pigment portfolio. Prior to joining BASF Charmain worked as a high school chemistry teacher. She holds a BS degree in Chemistry from CUNY and a Master of Business Administration degree from Mount Saint Mary College.
Abstract
Pearlescent, iridescent, and reflective effects have been known in nature in the forms of fish scales, sea shells, bird feathers, and polished gold and silver. Effect materials are pigments that generate angular-dependent color. They differ from classical pigments in morphology and generate color as well as effects. Synthetic effects based on coatings were originally developed to simulate the luster of a pearl. The same thin film interference effect that is behind the colors in a soap bubble is the basis for color in effect materials. White light beams reflected from the front and back surfaces of a thin parallel film constructively or destructively interfere to produce a color. Synthetic effect materials have evolved over the years from platy crystals to single layer metal oxide coating, such as TiO2 and Fe2O3 on platy substrates, and further to very complex multilayer structures. The standard thin film deposition technology is aqueous precipitation. High performance effects and innovative materials are synthesized using multilayer structures. Incorporating the different technologies of effect materials allows for the introduction of new products to meet market needs in cosmetics and personal care, industrial coatings and plastics, and automotive color coats.
chocolate: Food of the gods
September 17, 2015 @ 7pm
It is my pleasure to invite you to the speaker presentation, "Chocolate: Food of the Gods" by Howard Peters. This talk is being co-sponsored by the Mid-Hudson section of the American Chemical Society and the Culinary Institute of America. The talk begins at 7pm on Thursday, September 17, 2015 in the Danny Kaye Theatre at the Culinary Institute of America. The presentation will be roughly one hour long and will include free samples and a raffle for a 10 pound bar of chocolate! Admission to the event is free of charge. Howard and Sally Peters have been doing speaker tours about chocolate for over ten years, including the ACS National Meeting.
Please see the flyer below for more information on the talk and the speakers.
Please see the flyer below for more information on the talk and the speakers.
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New York Yankee Game
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The Mid-Hudson Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) would like to invite you to join us at our next social gathering! We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting an all-inclusive event at Yankee Stadium in New York City on the afternoon of July 18, 2015. You will have access to a 90 minute catered event prior to the game on the Malibu Rooftop Deck that will feature all-inclusive hamburgers, hotdogs, salad, popcorn, and non-alcoholic beverages. Following the event, you will be able to enjoy the baseball game versus the Seattle Mariners from your seats in section 414. This will be a great opportunity to socialize and network with fellow chemists from the area in a casual setting and enjoy all that a Major League Baseball game has to offer. Face value of each ticket is $60, but thanks to the American Chemical Society, we are able to offer them to our membership for ONLY $10/ticket!
Click HERE to go to the store page where you will be able to purchase tickets. There is a maximum of 4 tickets per person. If you would like to bring a group larger than four (4), please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate you. Tickets will be mailed to you roughly two (2) weeks prior to the event. You will be responsible for transportation to the stadium, but a group of members will be riding the train to the stadium. There is a stop for Yankee Stadium on the Harlem Line of the Metro North Railroad and we will send out the information for the train as the date approaches. We welcome all of you to join us, either at the Beacon train station or any station along the way that is convenient for you!
We hope you will take this opportunity to come out with your family and spend some time with your fellow chemists!
Click HERE to go to the store page where you will be able to purchase tickets. There is a maximum of 4 tickets per person. If you would like to bring a group larger than four (4), please email [email protected] and we will do our best to accommodate you. Tickets will be mailed to you roughly two (2) weeks prior to the event. You will be responsible for transportation to the stadium, but a group of members will be riding the train to the stadium. There is a stop for Yankee Stadium on the Harlem Line of the Metro North Railroad and we will send out the information for the train as the date approaches. We welcome all of you to join us, either at the Beacon train station or any station along the way that is convenient for you!
We hope you will take this opportunity to come out with your family and spend some time with your fellow chemists!
NEWBURGH BREWING COMPANY
TOUR & TASTING
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2015 @7PM
The Mid-Hudson Section of the American Chemical Society is pleased to invite you to tour one of the area’s local breweries and taste a few of their unique beers. We will partake in a 30 minute guided tour of the Newburgh Brewery which is located in the old Newburgh Paper Box factory that was operational from 1910 to 1980. The tour will be led by the brewmaster and will cover the history of the building, as well as the techniques and science that are applied to the brewing of their beer. This tour will then be followed by a 30 minute tasting of five unique beers. The brewmaster will discuss the individual beers and all that is involved in brewing those particular varieties. Registration for this event will be open until March 20, 2015.
To register for this event, CLICK HERE.
To register for this event, CLICK HERE.
The Chemistry involved in the making of apple cider
Speaker:
Timothy MacMahon, SUNY Orange
Time:
January 29, 2015 @ 7pm
Location:
Mount Saint Mary College
Dominican Center Room 218
330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550
About the Lecture:
Apple cider both soft and hard have a long and somewhat complicated history in
the US. In the early part of the history of this country people drank more cider
than water or beer as it was served at every meal including breakfast. This wonderful concoction was served to people of all ages from little kids to aged parents and grandparents. Drinking cider was substantially safer than drinking the water found in many cities and towns. This talk with cover some of the history of this elixir and show in detail how one can make hard cider yourself. It will detail the procedure and equipment needed for this venture and hopefully convince you that even if the water now is clean and pure such that one can drink it with no health concerns, cider is still worth drinking.
About the Speaker:
Timothy MacMahon was born a long time ago in this very galaxy. His boyhood was spent in an academic wasteland and he spent much of his time playing and avoiding any kind of academic rigor. This poor attitude and lax intellect continued into his early teens. In High school he began to try and use his brain but it was slow going and not overly successful. He decided to attend Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in Newark N.J. principally because it was the only college that would accept him. At Rutgers his intellectual promise began to be realized. Just as he was beginning to hit his academic and intellectual stride, he had the unfortunate happenstance to graduate. Upon graduation he hid out in Metuchen NJ for two years as a bench chemist. This was traumatic enough an experience to cause him to go back to school. He decided that if he was going to go back to school he should use this opportunity to see the world and thus he wound up in West Lafayette, IN at Purdue University. Since there was little to do in Indiana but study, he did well and was awarded a Ph.D. in Analytical chemistry for his research dealing with ion molecule reactions in an FTMS spectrometer. Because memory can be a very fleeting and fickle mistress, he went back into industry this time working for IBM East Fishkill. His time at IBM was spent working on polyimide photoresists and mass spectrometry. After working at IBM for 5 years, he remembered why he did not like industry and was fortunate enough to land a position at SUNY Orange, were he has been harassing, torturing and educating students for the past 21 years.
Timothy MacMahon, SUNY Orange
Time:
January 29, 2015 @ 7pm
Location:
Mount Saint Mary College
Dominican Center Room 218
330 Powell Avenue, Newburgh, NY 12550
About the Lecture:
Apple cider both soft and hard have a long and somewhat complicated history in
the US. In the early part of the history of this country people drank more cider
than water or beer as it was served at every meal including breakfast. This wonderful concoction was served to people of all ages from little kids to aged parents and grandparents. Drinking cider was substantially safer than drinking the water found in many cities and towns. This talk with cover some of the history of this elixir and show in detail how one can make hard cider yourself. It will detail the procedure and equipment needed for this venture and hopefully convince you that even if the water now is clean and pure such that one can drink it with no health concerns, cider is still worth drinking.
About the Speaker:
Timothy MacMahon was born a long time ago in this very galaxy. His boyhood was spent in an academic wasteland and he spent much of his time playing and avoiding any kind of academic rigor. This poor attitude and lax intellect continued into his early teens. In High school he began to try and use his brain but it was slow going and not overly successful. He decided to attend Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, in Newark N.J. principally because it was the only college that would accept him. At Rutgers his intellectual promise began to be realized. Just as he was beginning to hit his academic and intellectual stride, he had the unfortunate happenstance to graduate. Upon graduation he hid out in Metuchen NJ for two years as a bench chemist. This was traumatic enough an experience to cause him to go back to school. He decided that if he was going to go back to school he should use this opportunity to see the world and thus he wound up in West Lafayette, IN at Purdue University. Since there was little to do in Indiana but study, he did well and was awarded a Ph.D. in Analytical chemistry for his research dealing with ion molecule reactions in an FTMS spectrometer. Because memory can be a very fleeting and fickle mistress, he went back into industry this time working for IBM East Fishkill. His time at IBM was spent working on polyimide photoresists and mass spectrometry. After working at IBM for 5 years, he remembered why he did not like industry and was fortunate enough to land a position at SUNY Orange, were he has been harassing, torturing and educating students for the past 21 years.
Computational experiments and the 2013 nobel prize in chemistry
Speaker:
John Galbraith, PH.D., Associate Professor
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Time:
November 20th @ 7pm (Refreshments @ 6:30pm)
Location:
Rowley Center Science and Engineering Room 010
SUNY Orange Middletown Campus
(For directions, please visit www.sunyorange.edu)
About the Lecture:
Chemistry is an experimental science. The field is advanced by the careful and controlled manipulation of matter and observation of the outcomes. However, the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt, and Arieh Warshel for work that involved no "traditional" experimentation. Rather, they developed methods to model the behavior of matter on computers instead of on the lab bench. This talk will explain how computers can be used to simulate chemical behavior. There will be a brief discussion of the history of computational chemistry, followed by some of the limitations of the field and the creative ways around those limitations. The speaker will give an overview of the work of the 2013 Nobel laureates and how it is related to his own work at Marist College.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Galbraith received a B.A. in Chemistry from the Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO in 1992. He received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1997 from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA where he worked with Professor Henry F. Schaefer III on computational studies of small molecules. From 1997 to 1999 he held a postdoctoral position at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel working with Sason Shaik. In Israel, Dr. Galbraith began the line of research taht occupies him to this day: computational studies of chemical bonding using Valence Bond theory. He held a second postdoctoral position at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA where he taught General Chemistry and conducted Computational Chemistry research with Weston Thatcher Borden. Dr. Galbraith joined the faculty at Marist College in 2001. He has taught courses in General Chemistry, Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Research Methods all the while conducting research primarily with undergraduates. He has published 24 peer review articles, 7 of which were with undergraduate authors, in Journals such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry, Molecular PHysics, and Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. In addition, he has served as a referee for The Journal of Physical Chemistry, The Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, Molecular Physics, and the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund as well as serving on the editorial board of ISRN Physical Chemistry.
John Galbraith, PH.D., Associate Professor
Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Time:
November 20th @ 7pm (Refreshments @ 6:30pm)
Location:
Rowley Center Science and Engineering Room 010
SUNY Orange Middletown Campus
(For directions, please visit www.sunyorange.edu)
About the Lecture:
Chemistry is an experimental science. The field is advanced by the careful and controlled manipulation of matter and observation of the outcomes. However, the 2013 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt, and Arieh Warshel for work that involved no "traditional" experimentation. Rather, they developed methods to model the behavior of matter on computers instead of on the lab bench. This talk will explain how computers can be used to simulate chemical behavior. There will be a brief discussion of the history of computational chemistry, followed by some of the limitations of the field and the creative ways around those limitations. The speaker will give an overview of the work of the 2013 Nobel laureates and how it is related to his own work at Marist College.
About the Speaker:
Dr. Galbraith received a B.A. in Chemistry from the Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO in 1992. He received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry in 1997 from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA where he worked with Professor Henry F. Schaefer III on computational studies of small molecules. From 1997 to 1999 he held a postdoctoral position at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel working with Sason Shaik. In Israel, Dr. Galbraith began the line of research taht occupies him to this day: computational studies of chemical bonding using Valence Bond theory. He held a second postdoctoral position at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA where he taught General Chemistry and conducted Computational Chemistry research with Weston Thatcher Borden. Dr. Galbraith joined the faculty at Marist College in 2001. He has taught courses in General Chemistry, Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Research Methods all the while conducting research primarily with undergraduates. He has published 24 peer review articles, 7 of which were with undergraduate authors, in Journals such as The Journal of Physical Chemistry, Molecular PHysics, and Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. In addition, he has served as a referee for The Journal of Physical Chemistry, The Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation, Molecular Physics, and the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund as well as serving on the editorial board of ISRN Physical Chemistry.
Pharmaceutical Method Validation
Speaker:Marianne Scheffler, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Consultant, Scheffler & Associates, LLC
Time:
Wednesday, September 24th at 7 p.m., refreshments at 6:30
Location:
Science Visualization Lab, Mudd Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
About the Lecture:
Validation of an analytical procedure is the demonstration that the analytical test method is suitable for its intended use. Analytical methods are used for different research, product development, process control and quality control purposes. Each of the techniques used such as chromatography (HPLC, HRGC, TLC), capillary electrophoresis-(CE), spectroscopy (UV/VIS, IR, fluorescence, AAS, ICP) or spectrometric techniques (NMR, MS) requires to be validated for its intended purpose. The validation process often involves many documents associated with validation, good planning, resource allocation, and the test design for successful validation studies. It is therefore important to understand the requirements of method validation in more detail including the regulatory requirements, good science, and quality control requirements
Time:
Wednesday, September 24th at 7 p.m., refreshments at 6:30
Location:
Science Visualization Lab, Mudd Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
About the Lecture:
Validation of an analytical procedure is the demonstration that the analytical test method is suitable for its intended use. Analytical methods are used for different research, product development, process control and quality control purposes. Each of the techniques used such as chromatography (HPLC, HRGC, TLC), capillary electrophoresis-(CE), spectroscopy (UV/VIS, IR, fluorescence, AAS, ICP) or spectrometric techniques (NMR, MS) requires to be validated for its intended purpose. The validation process often involves many documents associated with validation, good planning, resource allocation, and the test design for successful validation studies. It is therefore important to understand the requirements of method validation in more detail including the regulatory requirements, good science, and quality control requirements
The Uncertain Future of Indian Point and Nuclear Power
Speaker:
Charles Kocsis, Indian Point
Time:
Wednesday, March 26th at 7 PM, refreshments at 6:30 PM in DN 235
Location:
Donnelly Hall, Room 238, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Click HERE for more information.
Charles Kocsis, Indian Point
Time:
Wednesday, March 26th at 7 PM, refreshments at 6:30 PM in DN 235
Location:
Donnelly Hall, Room 238, Marist College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Click HERE for more information.
The Electronic Tongue Applied To Bitterness Inhibition Of Acesulfame And Saccharin
Speaker:
Glenn M. Roy, Ph.D. Retired Research Fellow PepsiCo Long Term Research
Time:
Wednesday, January 29th At 7 P.M., Refreshments At 6:30
Location:
Mudd Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Click HERE for more information.
Glenn M. Roy, Ph.D. Retired Research Fellow PepsiCo Long Term Research
Time:
Wednesday, January 29th At 7 P.M., Refreshments At 6:30
Location:
Mudd Hall, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Click HERE for more information.
The Art And Science Of Stained Glass
Speaker:
Christopher Smart, Vassar College
Time:
Thursday, February 27th at 7 p.m., refreshments at 6:30
Location:
Dominican Center, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY
Click HERE for more information.
Christopher Smart, Vassar College
Time:
Thursday, February 27th at 7 p.m., refreshments at 6:30
Location:
Dominican Center, Mount Saint Mary College, Newburgh, NY
Click HERE for more information.
