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E N O A E S S S L T A E A C R C I N S M S E E H C C TI N January 2011 Vol. LXXXIX, No. 5 O CA N • AMERI
Monthly Meeting Joint Meeting with the Central Massachusetts Section at Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Marlborough, MA J. Woodland Hastings to speak on Bioluminescence Remarks from the German Consulate In Boston 2011 Chair’s Statement by Patrick Gordon International Experience –Part 1 By Stefan Koenig Remarks from the German Consulate in Boston Greetings at the symposium on “Connections to Germany and Europe: Education and Research Opportunities,” ACS National Meeting, August 22, 2010 sium as Acting Consul General of Ger- Research Foundation, the American many in Boston. I would like to thank Friends of the Humboldt Foundation, NESACS and Mort Hoffman in partic- and numerous other liaison offices ular for the kind invitation, and con- based in the German House in New gratulate both institutions on the York and in Washington, D.C., to pro- success of their exchange program, tes- mote the exchange and cooperation of timonies of which you will, I believe, American and German scientists. hear later on. The sciences have always been an “Connections to Germany” are at important part of U.S.-German rela- the very heart of the mission of our tions and one of the foundations of our Consulate General for New England. friendship. Since Alexander von Hum- boldt first met with Thomas Jefferson Claudia Schütt (Acting Consul General of What might not normally be expected Germany in Boston), at left, and Dr. Peter-Paul from a diplomatic mission is that we in 1804, countless personal contacts Henze (Consul General Scientific Officer) maintain a Scientific Department that I and cooperative endeavors among sci- Photo by M.Z. Hoffman have the pleasure to head, and that entists of our two countries have Claudia Schütt, Acting Consul greatly benefits from the hard work of helped create a close bond, which is General of Germany in Boston our Scientific Officer, Dr. Peter-Paul still expanding. The United States Henze. At a scientific hotbed like remains the #1 destination for German Dear Dr. Hoffman, Dr. Dröscher, Dis- Greater Boston, with our local pres- scientists. Last year, almost 15,000 tinguished Guests: ence we are joining forces with the publications by American scientists in On the 10th anniversary of the Young German Center for Research and Inno- the fields of math, science, and the Chemists exchange, I am honored by vation, the German Academic social sciences were co-authored with the opportunity to greet this Sympo- Exchange Service, the German Continued on page 14
2 The Nucleus January 2011 The Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society, Inc. Contents Office: Anna Singer, 12 Corcoran Road, Burlington, MA 01803 (Voice or FAX) 781-272-1966. Remarks from the German Consulate in Boston ______2 e-mail: [email protected] NESACS Homepage: International Experience-Part 1 ______4 http://www.NESACS.org By Stefan Koenig Officers 2011 Chair: Monthly Meeting ______5 Patrick M. Gordon Joint Meeting with the Central Massachusetts Section at Sunovion 1 Brae Circle Woburn, MA 01801 Pharmaceuticals, Marlborough, MA patrick.gordon(at)simmons.edu Announcements 6 Chair-Elect ______Ruth Tanner ACS Scholars Program, Travel Grants-in-Aid, IYC Science Café to be held at the Olney Hall 415B Hyannis Golf Club University Avenue University of Mass Lowell Connections to Chemistry Report ______6 Ruth_Tanner(at)uml.edu 978-934-3662 An IYC Interview with Elena Rybak-Akimova ______7 Immediate Past Chair: John McKew By Mindy Levine [email protected] NESACS Chair’s Statement 7 Secretary: ______Michael Singer By Patrick Gordon Sigma-Aldrich 3 Strathmore Rd, Natick, MA 01360 National Chemistry Week Reports ______8,9 774-290-1391, michael.singer(at)sial.com NESACS Report, South Area Solomon Schecter Day School, Treasurer: National Chemistry Week on Cape Cod James Piper 19 Mill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451 About IUPAC 10 978-456-3155, piper28(at)attglobal.net ______Auditor: By Morton Z. Hoffman Anthony Rosner January Historical Events in Chemistry 12 Archivist ______Myron S. Simon By Leopold May, Catholic University of America 20 Somerset Rd, Newton, MA 02465 617-332-5273, romysimon(at)mindspring.com NCW Poster Contest Winners ______13 Trustees: Peter C. Meltzer, Esther A. H. Hopkins, 43rd IUPAC World Chemistry Congress______15 Michael E. Strem Requesting applications by young scientists Directors-at-Large David Harris, Stephen Lantos, James Phillips, Cover: January speaker Dr. J. Woodland (Woody) Hastings of Harvard Univer- Ralph Scannell, Myron Simon, Alfred Viola sity. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Hastings) Councilors Alternate Councilors Term Ends 12/31/2011 Deadlines: April 2011 Issue: February 11, 2011 Doris I. Lewis C. Jaworek-Lopes Mary Burgess Patrick M. Gordon May 2011 Issue: March 11, 2011 Morton Z. Hoffman Lawrence Scott Michael P. Filosa Donald Rickter Kathi Brown Liming Shao Term Ends 12/31/2012 Amy E. Tapper Michaeline F. Chen The Nucleus is published monthly, except June and August, by the Northeastern Section of the American Catherine E. Costello Jerry P. Jasinski Chemical Society, Inc. Forms close for advertising on the 1st of the month of the preceding issue. Text Patricia A. Mabrouk Gary R. Weisman must be received by the editor six weeks before the date of issue. Dorothy J. Phillips Marietta Schwartz Editor: Michael P. Filosa, Ph.D., ZINK Imaging, Inc., 16 Crosby Drive, Building 4G, Ruth Tanner Norton P. Peet Bedford, MA 01730 Email: Michael.filosa(at)zink.com; Tel: 508-843-9070 Term Ends 12/31/2013 Thomas R. Gilbert Leland L. Johnson, Jr. Associate Editors: Myron S. Simon, 20 Somerset Rd., W. Newton, MA 02465, Tel: 617-332-5273, Michael Singer Alfred Viola Sheila E Rodman, Konarka Technologies, Inc., 116 John St. Suite 12, Lowell, Robert Lichter Sophia R. Su MA 01852 Email: srodman(at)konarka.com tel 978-569-1414, Mary Shultz Kenneth C. Mattes Mindy Levine, 516-697-9688 (c), mindy.levine(at)gmail.com Assistant Editor: Stefan G. Koenig Board of Publications: Vivian K. Walworth (Chair), Mindy Levine, Mary Mahaney Business Manager: Karen Piper, 19 Mill Rd., Harvard, MA 01451, Tel: 978-456-8622 All Chairs of standing Advertising Manager: Vincent J. Gale, P.O. Box 1150, Marshfield, MA 02050, Committees, the editor Email: Manager-vincegale(at)mboservices.net; Tel: 781-837-0424 of THE NUCLEUS, and Contributing Editors: Morton Hoffman, Feature Editor; Dennis Sardella, Book Reviews the Trustees of Section Calendar Coordinator: Sheila Rodman, email: srodman(at)konarka.com Funds are members of the Photographers: Morton Z. Hoffman and James Phillips Board of Directors. Any Proofreaders: Donald O. Rickter, Vivian K. Walworth, Mindy Levine Coun cilor of the American Chemical Soci- ety residing within the section area is an ex Webmaster: Roy Hagen officio member of the Board of Directors. Copyright 2010, Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society, Inc. The Nucleus January 2011 3 International Experience – Corporate Patrons $2000 - or more AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Part I: Eisai Pharmaceuticals EMD Serono Differentiate Yourself Genzyme Corp. Novartis by Stefan G. Koenig, Ph.D. Johnson Matthey With globalization becoming a reality national experience, above all else, Pfizer Inc. and competition for chemistry jobs broadens one’s horizons and leads to a Schering Corp. increasing across North America, the better understanding of the increas- Strem Chemicals, Inc. best way to improve one’s marketabil- ingly diverse and global chemical Vertex Pharmaceuticals ity is to have an experience that is enterprise. $1000-$1999 somewhat atypical. This advice is most This advice is something that was Boehringer Ingelheim pertinent to current undergraduate or much more accepted in earlier times. GlaxoSmithKline graduate students – those who have yet Prior to the conflicts of the last cen- Irix Pharmaceuticals to embark on a career – but might still tury, American chemists traveled to Lyophilization Services of NE be useful for those who have already Europe, particularly Germany, for Sundia Meditech started down a particular professional training in the continent’s centers of Yes Bank path. There can be no doubt that inter- higher learning.1 For example, great chemists such as J. Willard Gibbs, Irv- $300-$999 Cambridge Major Labs 1 ing Langmuir, and Theodore William American Chemical Enterprise: A Girindus perspective on 100 years of innovation Richards traveled to Europe during to commemorate the centennial of the their training. Partly as a result of the Merrimack Consultants Organix Society of Chemical Industry (Ameri- two world wars, European dominance PCI Synthesis can Section), Chemical Heritage Foun- of the scientific fields declined. This Sigma Aldrich dation, Publication No. 14, 1994 also coincided with the rise of the Waters Corp. Chemical Education and Industrial American university system, and re - Research: “Mortarboard and Lab Wilmington PharmaTech Coat,” p. 40 – 53. sulted in many international scientists traveling to the United States. These scientists were seeking academic train- ing that would make them more suc- cessful when they returned to their home countries. Fortunately for our economy, many of these highly skilled researchers remained in the United States, and made valuable contribu- tions to the field of chemistry. Along the way, the vibrancy of the ‘melting pot’ culture of the United States was greatly enhanced. Those that returned to their homelands were better pre- pared for future chemical research due to their American experiences. The flow of skilled immigrants to the U.S., though still active, has changed with the increased scrutiny following the events of September 11, 2001. Fewer qualified scientists come to the U.S. for training since it is now easier to find work in other developed, English-speaking countries, such as Great Britain and Australia. Moreover, many of the scientists who do come for continued on page 16
4 The Nucleus January 2011 Abstract Monthly Meeting Bioluminescence is widespread phylo- The 911th Meeting of the Northeastern Section of the American genetically and is unusual in that many of the different systems have origi- Chemical Society nated independently in evolution, pos- Joint Meeting of the Northeastern Section and the Central Massachusetts sibly 30 or more times, such that their Section of the American Chemical Society to celebrate the beginning of genes have no sequence similarities, the International Year of Chemistry and their enzymes (luciferases) and Thursday, January 13, 2011 substrates (luciferins) are different. The reactions of four systems, bacteria, Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (formerly Sepracor Inc.) coelenterates, fireflies and dinoflagel- 158 Waterford Drive, Marlborough, MA 01752, http://www.sunovion.com lates, have been extensively character- 5:30 pm Social Hour ized and are strikingly different. A common feature of all is a requirement 6:30 pm Dinner for oxygen, indicative of similar chem- ical intermediates. 7:45pm Meeting: Only a few decades ago, biolumi- Dr. Liming Shao, Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry, nescence was looked upon by many as Sunovion; Chair of the Medicinal Chemistry Section, NESACS - an interesting, even fascinating, feature Meeting Chair, Presiding of Nature, another great example of the Welcome: great ingenuity, power and versatility Mr. Nobuhiko Tamura, Executive Vice President and Chief Sci- of evolution, but without any great entific Officer, Sunovion importance in the overall scheme of Dr. John Williams, Chair, Central Massachusetts Section, ACS life, and certainly of no practical value. Dr. Patrick Gordon, Chair, Northeastern Section, ACS Today the situation is very different. International Year of Chemistry: Like many biological phenomena, Dr. Morton Hoffman, Chair, NESACS IYC Committee knowledge of genes has provided important new insights and in this case Speaker: has facilitated the use of light emitting Professor J. Woodland Hastings, Department of Molecular and systems for analytical and reporter Cellular Biology, Harvard University applications. u Title: Bioluminescence: many different evolutionary origins, different genes and proteins, but similar chemical intermediates
Dinner reservations should be made not later than noon, Friday, January Bios 7th. Please call Anna Singer at (800) 872-2054 or e-mail at John Woodland Hastings is the Paul
The Nucleus January 2011 5 Announcements Connections ACS Scholars Program accepted from students majoring in to Chemistry Scholarships for African American, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical Hispanic, and American Indian engineering, or molecular biology who By Marietta Schwartz, NESACS Chemical Science Students are in good standing with at least jun- Education Chair, UMass Boston ior status, and are currently engaged in ACS makes awards of renewable schol- undergraduate research. Abstracts for arships to underrepresented minority the Undergraduate Research Poster students who wish to pursue full-time Session were required to be submitted study of chemistry or chemistry-related by electronic transmission to the ACS fields. Awards of up to $5,000 (subject National Headquarters by November 1, to individual financial need and avail- 2010 (11:59 pm EST). u able funding) are given to qualified students with outstanding academic IYC Science Café to be held at records. African American, Hispanic, the Hyannis Golf Club or American Indian high school sen- iors, or college freshman, sophomores, Come Celebrate International Year of Chemistry 2011 at the Cape Cod Sci- Al Hazari (University of Tennessee-Knoxville), or juniors who are currently pursuing key note speaker (at left) with Marietta or planning to pursue a college degree ence Cafe. Hosted by local ACS Mem- Schwartz (University of Massachusetts Boston), in the chemical sciences or chemical bers: Jennifer Maclachlan and Dr. Jack Chair, NESACS Education Committee and event technology are eligible to apply. For Driscoll. Sponsors include: ACS North- organizer. Photos by M. Z. Hoffman more information, go to the ACS web- eastern Section, the Town of Barnsta- site
6 The Nucleus January 2011 An International Year of NESACS Chemistry Interview with Chair’s Elena Rybak-Akimova Statement – From the Editor: undergraduates, and post-doctoral 2011 At the November NESACS dinner at research fellows at Tufts University. By Patrick Gordon Tufts, I was discussing with Mindy She maintains strong international ties Levine various topics for IYC. We with collaborators whom she often mutually agreed that a series of inter- meets at conferences. “We do highly views of local chemists from around specialized low-temperature, stopped- the world would be an interesting IYC flow kinetic studies,” Professor Rybak- addition to the Nucleus. We generated Akimova said, “so when people are a preliminary list with a number of looking to do these measurements they chemists from all over the world as often think of our group.” potential interview candidates. When Professor Rybak-Akimova re flect - Mindy left the dinner, I then proceeded ed on her adjustment to life in the to sit next to Sergiy Kryatov of Tufts. I United States. “The striking thing was, began to describe our project to Sergiy. in the chemistry lab you would feel He immediately nominated his col- completely at home,” Professor Rybak- league and fellow Ukrainian, Elena Akimova said. “People are the same, Rybak-Akimova to be interviewed. He chemistry research is the same.” How- said, “I believe she is the only woman ever, once she left the research lab, “I would still have to figure out where to I would first like to express my sincere to finish first in the Chemistry thanks to the members of our section Olympiad.” She was also the Ph. D. buy groceries and do laundry.” In general, American students for participating in the Local Section advisor of Ivan Korendovych, another election process and in giving me your Ukrainian who was a recent chair of the rarely travel to other countries for research or training purposes, which vote of confidence to lead the NSYCC during his studies at Tufts. NESACS during 2011, the Interna- M. Filosa Professor Rybak-Akimova explains by the large number of research opportuni- tional Year of Chemistry (IYC). Elena Rybak-Akimova ties available in this country. “It is quite Our section, with your support, convenient to live in the United States will endeavor to celebrate the themes By Mindy Levine and to speak English,” she said. “You of environmental energy, materials and When Professor Elena Rybak-Aki- can basically find any science or any health in alignment with IYC. mova arrived in the United States in employment that you are interested in.” One of my first desires is that, as a 1993 to start post-doctoral research at Nonetheless, Professor Rybak- section, we make an effort to engage the University of Kansas, she was look- Akimova strongly advocated interna- our high-school teachers to become ing primarily for an opportunity to “do tional experiences and travel. “They more active in our section. I feel it is some good science,” while working in [the students] would see how science crit ical that our teachers receive sup- the research lab of Professor Daryle H. can be done very differently,” Profes- port for teaching and learning of chem- Busch. Moreover, there were very few sor Rybak-Akimova said. “The system istry at the high-school level from our opportunities at that time to do scien- in Germany is very different from the local section. To that end, I would like tific research in the Ukraine, partially system in the UK [United Kingdom] to see the Section expand the popular as a result of the political instability in and from the system in the United ‘Connections to Chemistry’ program the region. At the same time, Professor States.” our section conducts every October. Rybak-Akimova said, “Previously “I think it’s just exciting to see Any modification of the Connections non-existent opportunities to go abroad very different cultures and very differ- to Chemistry program should address suddenly became available,” so she ent lifestyles,” Professor Rybak-Aki- teaching and learning needs from and many of her Ukrainian colleagues mova added. “If I were these students, which our high-school teachers can moved to the United States. I would travel the world.” u benefit. Nearly 20 years after her move to The award-winning Northeastern the United States, Professor Rybak- The NESACS website Section Younger Chemist Committee Akimova manages an inorganic WWW.NESACS.org (NSYCC) of our section has been very research group of graduate students, continued on page 17
The Nucleus January 2011 7 National Chemistry Week-2010 The Northeastern Section Celebrates Behind the Scenes with Chemistry! By Christine Jaworek-Lopes, Emmanuel College, Department of Chemistry In preparation for National Chemistry Week 2010, a volunteer preparation day was held at Museum of Science- Boston on Saturday, September 25, 2010. More than 30 individuals attended this event, which allowed vol- unteers to practice the hands-on activi- ties and demonstrations in advance of the October celebration. On Sunday, October 17, 2010, the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society sponsored a National Cassie Lopes participating in a fingerprinting Chemistry Week 2010 Kick-Off Event Bassam Shakhashiri (University of Wisconsin- activity. (Photo by Katie Kirshning) at the Museum of Science-Boston Madison) and ACS President-Elect delivering (MoS). Volunteers ensured that the the Phyllis A. Brauner Memorial Lecture Greater Egleston Comm HS, Malden more than 500 visitors to the daylong (Photo by Doris Lewis) HS, Maynard HS, Needham Home event enjoyed a number of hands-on adults alike. Approximately 400 indi- Schoolers, New Bedford HS, St Joseph activities. Among the highlights of the viduals attended these lectures. HS, John D. O’Bryant HS, Community day were the two Phyllis A. Brauner Four hundred and ninety nine stu- Charter School of Cambridge, and Memorial lectures, presented by Dr. dents attended the High School Sci- Brixia Academy Home Schoolers. Bassam Shakhashiri, Professor of ence Series event at the MoS-Boston These students participated in a num- Chemistry at the University of Wiscon- on October 21, 2010. The students ber of hands-on activities and demon- sin-Madison. These captivating lec- were from: Abington HS, Charlestown strations related to the yearly theme. tures were enjoyed by children and HS, Covenant Christian Academy, In addition, the students attended a lec- ture-demonstration on fireworks given by David Sittenfeld, MoS-Boston, and Steve Pelkey, President of Atlas Pyro. In addition, an NCW event was held at the Boston Children’s Museum on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Approximately 700 individuals partici- pated in NCW hands-on activities and demonstrations. The activities and demonstrations that were performed throughout the week included: obtaining fingerprints from a glass using cocoa powder, mak- ing snow, making UV bracelets, learn- ing about glow stick chemistry, writing secret messages using goldenrod paper and ammonia, learning about mood lip- sticks, and preparing slime and flubber. Children in grades K-12 were able to participate in the national poster competition. Congratulations to Lianna Danas from the Hellenic American Academic Academy for winning the 6th-8th grade category and Steven So from Billerica High School for win- ning the 9th-12th grade category. Sarah Continued on page 17
8 The Nucleus January 2011 The Mysterious Chemistry Behind DNA - National Chemistry National Chemistry Week on Day at the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School Cape Cod By Nitzan Resnick Ph.D., Director of the New Science and Math Initiative, By Jennifer Maclachlan the South Area Solomon Schechter Day School, Norwood, MA 020062 2)To familiarize our students once again with the steps of the scientific process. 3)To understand the steps required for DNA extraction 4)To introduce the students to the val- ues of fresh unprocessed food. Students from two middle schools south of Boston – The South Area Solomon Schechter Day School ACS Member Volunteers: Dr. Jack Driscoll and BUDDING SCIENTIST – South Area Solomon (SASSDS), in Norwood MA, and the Jennifer Maclachlan (wearing her Chemistry Schechter School of Norwood eighth grader Ambassador pin) Eytan Deener-Agus separates DNA from straw- Striar Hebrew Academy (SHAS) in berries to mark National Chemistry Week. Look- Sharon, MA, gathered on Tuesday, ing on are his dad, Dr. Michael Agus, and Ed th A student partici- October 19 . The students first dis- pant (wearing his Rubin, SASSDS Board member and business- cussed the chemistry of DNA and used man / chemist. safety glasses!) as hands-on 3D computational models to he measures the learn more about it (http://www.umass. ingredients to edu/molvis/tutorials/dna/dnapairs.htm). make slime. They then brainstormed on steps needed to release and extract the DNA from the eukaryotic cell. The students Photos used strawberries and extracted their courtesy of DNA using everyday reagents like Jennifer Maclachlan shampoo, salt and alcohol. Once familiar with the procedure, At my first local section meeting, I had the students were asked to apply the the pleasure of meeting the American UNLOCKING SECRETS -- Seventh grader Chemical Society (ACS) Northeastern Tovya Goodwin checks to see if the DNA has scientific process in order to answer the become ‘denaturated’ as Science teacher Ariel following question – does food pro- Section National Chemistry Week Margolis checks progress of other students’ cessing harm the integrity of the food Chair, Christine Jaworek-Lopes, who experiments. Photos by Stan Hurwitz ingredients? In teams they came up gave me an incredible amount of sup- Many forensic science movies or TV with a hypothesis, an experimental port and a bagful of National Chem- series like “CSI,” “Bones,” and “NCIS” design, and ways to analyze their data. istry Week supplies to share with my show chemistry procedures, such as Teams received fresh strawberries and “junior-chemists-in-training”. Then, spec trophotometry, analysis of blood, strawberries that were processed in a my “Jiggle Gels” kit arrived from the DNA extraction and electrophoresis. variety of ways (Frozen, freeze-dried, American Chemical Society, courtesy To celebrate National Chemistry canned, canned and cooked). They of the Chemistry Ambassadors, two Week (October 17-23rd 2010), that this compared the quality of the DNA ex - days before Jack Driscoll and I were year was titled “Behind the Scenes” we tracted from the different samples, using scheduled to appear before the local decided to take a somewhat different DNA length as their measurement. afterschool program kids to celebrate approach. Rather than just demonstrat- Teams compared results and came National Chemistry Week. We had an ing for the students how to extract to a conclusion, suggesting that the abundance of chemistry-related good- DNA and the reasoning behind the canned and the canned-boiled straw- ies with which to share and excite the steps involved in the extraction, a mes- berries did not allow the extraction of children about chemistry. sage was added to our program – the full length DNA. I arrived early and set up the tables advantages of healthy nutrition. The We are thankful to the American with all our supplies, including safety event was organized by Dr. Nitzan Chemistry Society, Northeastern Sec- goggles, which were of course a huge Resnick, Mr. Ariel Margolis and Mr. tion, that gave its blessing to the event hit amongst all of the kids grades K-8 Ed Rubin. and sent the students copies of the since they were “like real scientists”. The program had four goals: ACS journal, “Behind the scenes”. We had about 40 kids in all and 1)To demonstrate that chemistry is Each student left the event with a jour- they came in two rounds; each arriving connected to various disciplines in nal, a test tube with strawberry DNA looking tired and hungry after a long life, including our own food. and a big smile. u Continued on page 16
The Nucleus January 2011 9 About IUPAC Morton Z. Hoffman, Boston University, U.S. National Representative to the IUPAC Committee on Chemistry Education The International Union of Pure and wide scientific organization that seeking the maximum feasible diver- Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) is a non- objectively addresses global issues sity of the membership of IUPAC governmental organization (NGO) of that involve the chemical sciences. bodies in terms of geography, gen- member countries that encompasses • To facilitate the advancement of der, and age. more than 85% of the world’s chemical research in the chemical sciences IUPAC works toward the validation sciences and industries. Formed in through the tools it provides for and naming of new elements, the stan- 1919 by industrial and academic international standardization and sci- dardization of chemical nomenclature chemists, it strives to foster worldwide entific discussion. and terminology, analytical methods, communications to unite all sectors of • To assist chemistry-related industry and atomic weights, and other critically chemistry, especially the public sector, in its contribution to sustainable evaluated data. It is proactive in estab- with a common language. IUPAC development, wealth creation, and lishing a wide range of conferences and receives its core financial support from improvement in the quality of life. projects that are designed to promote subscriptions paid by its National and stimulate further developments in Adhering Organizations (NAO), which • To foster communication among chemistry, and to assist in the broaden- are primarily national chemical soci- individual chemists and scientific ing of chemistry education and the pub- eties or national academies of science; organizations, with special emphasis lic understanding of chemistry. IUPAC the U.S. NAO is the National Acade- on the needs of chemists in develop- has been very actively engaged in the mies. Throughout the world, there are ing countries. planning for the International Year of 57 NAOs and three Associate NAOs; • To utilize its global perspective and Chemistry (IYC) in 2011. For informa- the most recently admitted NAOs are network to contribute to the tion about IYC projects and contacts, those of Cyprus, Tunisia, Luxembourg, enhancement of chemistry educa- see
10 The Nucleus January 2011 and Applied Chemistry, the bimonthly About IUPAC newsmagazine Chemistry International, Continued from page 10 many books, monographs, and techni- committees, subcommittees, and task cal reports, and provides electronic groups. Its scientific work is con- resources, such as databases and the ducted largely through a formal project online journal Chemical Education system, in which proposals from International. For more information, chemists worldwide are peer-reviewed go to and, if meritorious, are approved and
The Nucleus January 2011 11 January Historical Events in Chemistry by Leopold May, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC January 2, 1889 January 11, 1875 January 14, 1851 Roger Adams, a researcher in Frederick M. Becket, an inventor in Ludwig Claisen, who developed organic chemical synthesis, was electrochemistry and electrometal- reactions such as the condensation born on this date. He directed 184 lurgy, was born on this date. He of esters and the rearrangement of doctoral theses. received more than one hundred allyl vinyl ethers, was born on this January 4, 1891 patents covering a wide range of date. Henry H. Dow prepared bromine electric furnace and chemical prod- January 15, 1784 from brine on this date. ucts, notably ferro-alloys, calcium Henry Cavendish presented the carbide, and special chromium January 7, 1794 quantitative composition of water steels. Eilhardt Mitscherlich, who did before the Royal Society on this research on crystalline structure, January 12, 1912 date. catalysis, and benzene derivatives, Konrad E. Bloch, who was born on January 17, 1706 was born on this date. He also dis- this date, was a researcher on cho- Benjamin Franklin, who was born covered isomorphism. lesterol and fatty acid metabolism. on this date, was a researcher in He shared the Nobel Prize in Physi- January 9, 1868 electricity, an inventor, a statesman, ology or Medicine in 1964 with Sören P. L. Sörensen, who was born and described marsh gas to Priestley. Feodor Lynen for their discoveries on this date, is known as the “Father concerning the mechanism and reg- January 18, 1861 of pH.” He did research on proteins, ulation of cholesterol and fatty acid Hans Goldschmidt, who discovered amino acids, and enzymes. metabolism. the alumino-thermite process (Gold- January 10, 1923 schmidt Process) in 1893 and January 13, 1780 Chemical and Engineering News patented it in 1895, was born on this Pierre J. Robiquet, who discovered was started on this day as the date. He was interested in produc- asparagine with Nicolas-Louis bimonthly News Edition of Indus- ing very pure metals by avoiding the Vauquelin, was born on this date. He trial and Engineering News. It was use of carbon in smelting, but real- also measured the codeine content changed to CEN in 1942 and ized its value in welding. of opium. became weekly on January 6, 1947. January 22, 1936 Alan J. Heeger, who was born on this date, shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2000 with Alan G. MacDiarmid and Hidaki Shirakawa for their discovery and development of conductive polymers. January 23, 1929 John C. Polanyi shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Dudley R. Hershbach and Yuan T. Lee for their contributions concerning the dynam- ics of chemical elementary processes. He uses infrared chemi- luminescence to follow excited reac- tion products. He was born on this date. January 26, 1881 Claude S. Hudson, who did research in the chemistry of sugars, was born on this date. January 27, 1865 August F. Kekulé presented his ben- zene structure to Société Chimique, Paris on this date. Continued on page 17
12 The Nucleus January 2011 Prize Winning NESACS Posters from the 2010 National Chemistry Week Contest
Children in grades K-12 were able to participate in the national poster competition. Congratulations to Lianna Danas from the Hellenic American Academic Academy for winning the 6th-8th grade category (top) and Steven So from Billerica High School for winning the 9th-12th grade category (bottom).
The Nucleus January 2011 13 German Consulate and helping to resolve possible ques- my distinct pleasure to bid the promis- tions of intellectual property. ing young German chemists farewell Continued from page 2 As has been generously acknowl- after, hopefully, a productive trip with German scientists. With, above all, the edged last night by ACS President Dr. lasting impressions. support of the German Academic Francisco and President-elect Dr. Jack- I again applaud both chemical Exchange Service, the Alexander von son, Germany has a lot to bring to this societies and especially Drs. Strem and Humboldt Foundation, the German bilateral science partnership, and we Begitt for their impressive efforts to Research Foundation, and the German- are honored by their characterization bring together their young members: American Fulbright Commission, over of us as “natural partners” for U.S. To have them meet, talk, understand 5,000 German scholars currently work chemists. Germany ranked fourth in each other, work, and laugh together— in the U.S., and the number of Ameri- total R&D expenditures in 2008 and and, hopefully, find life-long friend- can and German students participating maintains considerable efforts even in ships. Truly, the fabric of our nations’ in exchanges across the Atlantic each dire budgetary times, preserving its future partnership is made of this. year exceeds 8,000. I am looking for- excellent research system and its highly Liebe Jungchemiker, I sincerely ward to presentations this afternoon on qualified scientific and technical work- hope that you did just that and made the opportunities our institutions pro- force. We hope that this will help con- good use of your time here; the vide, and also to their presence at tinuing the track record of Nobel prizes weather we initially had certainly Booth 953 at the Exhibition. for the work of eight German helped you to stay focused! The sun There, you will also meet Joann researchers in the past 15 years and for has come out again and I trust that Halpern of the German Center for 17 Max-Planck scientists since 1948. you’ve had an enjoyable outing in sce- Research and Innovation in New York. German-Americans have made a nic New England and gained valuable A joint initiative by the Foreign Min- significant contribution to the Ameri- insight from the visits to the local istry and the Federal Ministry of Edu- can success story. The path that Ger- industry. You will now have a better cation and Research, the Center in many and the U.S. have gone together understanding of Boston as a synonym New York is designed to create syner- has enriched both nations. We enjoy a for a hotbed of science and technol- gies among the organizations I men- community based on shared values – ogy—and what makes it tick. tioned before, and to showcase the values of the enlightenment and the Maybe you were too busy to real- German science in America. It will open society. The close bond between ize that you also have become ambas- also offer services to companies active Germany and the U.S. has been sadors of Germany while you were in research and development and thus demonstrated over and over again, par- here and we strongly hope that you “round out” the image of a modern, ticularly in our recent history. The will continue to serve as ambassadors innovative Germany. U.S. provided invaluable support to of German-American understanding The Science Departments of the Germany – the Marshall Plan and the and cooperation. German Embassy in Washington, DC, Berlin Airlift, in particular, have made John F. Kennedy once said, “One and at the Consulates General in a deep impression, also emotionally, person can make a difference, and Boston and San Francisco are working on Germans. Clearly, the United everybody should try.” hand-in-hand with Joann and her team States’ unequivocal support was deci- Now that I’ve met you, I have a to make this “one-stop-shop” for Ger- sive in bringing about the reunification th hunch that you will. I wish you a safe man science in America a success. of Germany, the 20 anniversary of journey back and the best of luck in Germany strives to use its research which we are celebrating this Fall. your endeavors! and innovative potential to contribute, Our gratitude and remembrance for in particular, together with the U.S., to this support shall not falter. Thank you. u the solution of global challenges such In this spirit, I would like to thank as climate change, shrinking natural our American friends again and wish resources, health, security, and migra- you a very productive meeting in every What’s Yours? tion. The Transatlantic Climate Bridge sense and meaning of the word! DMPK Scientist, is a living example of this endeavor, LC/MS Product Specialist, and we are very proud of our local Comments at the Farewell Mass Spec Operator, poster-child of that collaboration, the Dinner, The Castle at Boston Staff Investigator, partnership between the Fraunhofer University, August 27, 2010 Process Chemist, Center for Sustainable Energy Systems QA Manager, and M.I.T. Peter-Paul Henze, Consul General Synthetic Chemist, Last February, Germany and the Scientific Officer Lab Instructor U.S. signed a bilateral umbrella agree- Dear Distinguished Guests, Dear Mor- Many local employers post positions ment on Science and Technology ton: on the NESACS job board. Cooperation, further facilitating the As Scientific Officer of the Consul Find yours at exchange of researchers, scientific General of Germany in Boston, it is www.nesacs.org/jobs information, and research materials,
14 The Nucleus January 2011 43rd IUPAC World Chemistry Congress 46th IUPAC General Assembly 70th CQPR Annual Conference and Exhibition July 30 to August 7, 2011
Inviting Young Scientists to the 43RD IUPAC World Chemistry Congress San Juan, Puerto Rico
The 43RD IUPAC World Chemistry Congress and 70TH PR Chemistry Conference and Exhibition organized by the Colegio de Quimicos de Puerto Rico will be held from July 30 to August 7, 2011 at San Juan, Puerto Rico. The theme of the Congress is “Chemistry Bridging Innovation among the Americas and the World“. IUPAC 2011 will provide the appropriate forum to foster the bridging of innovation in Chemistry and related fields among the Americas and the rest of the World. A program including more than 35 symposia, at least seven plenary lectures offered by Chemistry Nobel Laure- ates, a scientific exhibition and poster sessions will be offered. Moreover, we are planning a series of social and satellite events to enhance networking and discussion opportunities in celebration of the International Year of Chemistry. Visit the Congress website at: www.iupac2011.org. To encourage young scientists to participate in this unique congress, the organizers have established two different programs, both offering travel assistance. The first program is especially targeted to young scientists from developing and economically disadvantaged countries; the second is open to chemists from any country. Awards of up to USD 1,500.00 will be made available to qualified candi- dates as a contribution to the costs of their travel to attend the Congress and to meet Congress regis- tration fees. Applications from candidates under age 40 and less than five years of receiving the PhD degree are welcomed. Scientists from academia, government or industry may submit applications directly to the address below. Those successful shall submit an abstract of a poster or paper to be presented at the Congress. As will all other submissions for presentation at the meeting these abstracts will assigned to an appropriate area of interest. There is no specific application form, but applicants are required to provide a: • letter of application; • brief CV, including a list of their publications; • confirmation of their current status and affiliation; • publication list (5Ð10 top), and the title of their abstract submission to the IUPAC 2011 Con- gress; • letter of support from the appropriate Department Head, Dean, or Laboratory Supervisor. Estimates of the economy airfare itinerary to and from the Congress should also be provi ded. The deadline for receipt of applications is February 28, 2011. Applications should be sent to [email protected] or [email protected].
Colegio de Quimicos de Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Convention Center 52 Hatillo Street San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan, PR 00918 Phone: 787-763-6070 / 763-6076 www.IUPAC2011.org Fax: 787-758-2615 email: [email protected]
The Nucleus January 2011 15 Bios Differentiate Yourself Cape Cod Chem. Day Continued from page 5 Continued from page 4 Continued from page 9 Laborary at Cal Tech, Rockefeller Uni- training elect to return to their country day of school. The older children, sur- versity, the University of Konstanz of origin, because there are more prised by the room setup and the (Germany), Sheffield University (Eng- career opportunities in Asia. While the chemistry props and tools, raced to the land) and the University of Munich. departure of a large number of highly tables thrilled by the idea of “doing a Professor Hastings has won a number skilled workers relieves some pressure science experiment,” forgoing their of awards throughout his career and on the job market for domestic snacks until we had made every last bit was elected to the National Academy chemists, it also affirms that much R & of bright green slime. of Sciences in 2003. Research in the D labor is now being performed out- As the little ones came in, the Hastings Laborary is focused broadly side the U.S. The continuation of this older students eagerly helped their on understanding the fundamental bio- trend will be problematic for future young peers who arrived in the second chemical mechanisms governing biolu- American chemists. There will always group. First they guided them through minescence and on understanding the be some domestic job opportunities, the “lipstick experiment” and then told molecular mechanisms that control cir- but the competition for them will them “how cool it was to make slime cadian rhythms. become ever more fierce. and how they could keep it,” and In a hyper-competitive environ- showed them how to use the dropper Nobuhiko Tamura is the Executive ment, differentiating oneself with supe- and how much to measure of each Vice President and Chief Scientific rior and distinct skills is the best way “chemical.” We had the children work Officer of Sunovion Pharmaceuticals to maximize opportunities. Examples both in partners and on their own-like Inc. (formerly Sepracor Inc.) and an of ways to obtain international experi- real chemists; as a team and independ- Executive Officer of Dainippon Sumit- ence can include participation in stu- ently. The kids loved being like real omo Pharma Co., Ltd. (DSP). Tamura- dent exchange programs such as chemists. san was educated in Japan at Tohoku NESACS’ annual collaboration with We even had the local newspaper University, where he earned a master the German Chemical Society covering the event. The reporter was of pharmacy degree in 1982, and (GDCh), accepting a foreign assign- impressed by the level of enthusiasm began working for Sumitomo Chemi- ment with a current employer, attend- that the children were exhibiting. cal immediately thereafter. Tamura-san ing an overseas conference, initiating We promised the kids we’d come worked as a researcher on the synthesis an international collaboration, or even back soon to celebrate the International of novel chemical entities (NCEs) for participating in a humanitarian effort Year of Chemistry and also promised Sumitomo for 6 years, then moved to abroad. Whatever the opportunity is, the program directors that we’d come New York to work in the business by spending time in an unfamiliar in once a quarter during International development group and serve as a rep- locale, one will gain substantial experi- Year of Chemistry. resentative of Sumitomo Pharmaceuti- ence. In many industries, international At parent pick-up, one of the cals (SP) for 5 years. Tamura-san experience and a global perspective are eighth graders ran up to his mother and moved back to Japan to lead a number critical to establishing the skills asked her to high-five him, and he of projects within the R&D divisions employers look for in prospective “slimed” her. Good thing the mother of SP and DSP from 1994 to 2007, and hires: creativity, diversity of thought, was amused with a “eeoow, gross” was appointed president of Dainippon response. He said “Mom, you don’t Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. and the tools required to work with even understand HOW COOL this was; (DSPA) in 2007. Following DSP’s individuals of varied backgrounds, we did chemistry and made the slime acquisition of Sepracor in October interests, and abilities. Scientific disci- FROM SCRATCH, using chemistry”. 2009, Tamura-san moved into his cur- plines in the U.S. have long benefited rent position, where he is responsible from large groups of talented immi- This made my heart happy! u for guiding the overall R&D strategy grants seeking to live and work here. of Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, which Now the domestic enterprise has to pline, patience, and, most significantly, combine the former research opera- adapt to a situation where a greater cross-cultural understanding. In a tions of Sepracor and DSPA. Most proportion of that talent remains future article, I will describe my own recently, Tamaru-san helped guide the abroad while the requirement for a experience as a post-doc at the Swiss atypical antipsychotic lurasidone HCl global perspective is most critical. Federal Institute of Technology, the A move overseas brings with it (LATUDA®) through a first cycle of ETH Zurich, where I had an opportu- challenges beyond the expected long approval by the U.S. Food and Drug nity to work with superb chemists and lab hours, budgeted living, and scien- Administration, which Sunovion grow as an individual. In the mean- tific collaboration, including adapting expects to launch in the United States time, though, if you are presented with to changes in currency, customs, food, in early 2011. u an opportunity to work abroad, I would and language. Moving overseas also encourage you to differentiate yourself helps in developing maturity, disci- and go international! u
16 The Nucleus January 2011 National Chem. Week Connections Chair’s Statement Continued from page 8 Continued from page 6 Continued from page 7 Walker from Billerica High School Sciences) and a workshop on “Poly- active over the last decade. Our section won our local Design a T-shirt contest. mers in the K-12 Curriculum” (given will continue to support the commit- Special thanks to the Boston Chil- by Dr. Al Hazari, University of Ten- tee’s programs such as the annual dren’s Museum, Alissa Daniels, Patrick nessee Knoxville). Over 70 registrants exchange with their German counter- Drane, Meghan Moriarty, Museum of attended, from high schools in four dif- parts. Moreover, the leadership that Science-Boston, Steve Pelkey, North- ferent states (Massachusetts, New emanates from the YCC is critical to eastern Section of the American Chem- Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Maine). the section’s future. ical Society, David Sittenfeld, Dr. The participants were welcomed The section has been providing Bassam Shakhashiri, and the Phyllis A. by Marietta Schwartz, Connections outstanding programming during Brauner Memorial Lecture Committee. Program Chair and Chair of the National Chemistry Week and The events would not have been NESACS Education Committee, and Chemists Celebrate Earth Day. Those possible without the help of the volun- by Peter Nassiff, Head of the Science efforts are vital as they provide the teers listed below! Individuals came Department at Burlington High necessary outreach to K-12 children, from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical School. Mort Hoffman, NESACS some of whom will become scientists Center, Boston University, BU Acad- Chair for the International Year of and engineers because of such out- emy, Dartmouth, Emmanuel College, Chemistry, also spoke briefly. reach programs. Georgia State University, Gordon Col- Following the workshops and din- My goal is to build a bridge to lege, Malden High School, Merck & ner, the keynote address was given by support chemistry from the bottom up Company, Regis College, Schlum- Dr. Al Hazari, entitled “Motivate Your while sustaining and growing the pro- berger, Somerville High School, Stone- Students’ Molecules!” which focused gramming we are known for at the pro- hill College, Suffolk University, Tufts on the ways in which we can motivate fessional level, such as the medicinal University, University of Connecticut, our students to actually learn chem- chemistry group and the Section’s West Elementary School, and Whittier istry. His address was followed by our endowed chemistry awards. Voc-Tech. traditional raffle of American Chemi- I am eager to listen to any ideas cal Society items and subscriptions to that you may have, so please do not Thank you NCW volunteers!* the Journal of Chemical Education. hesitate to contact me and I look for- Daniel Adam, Rachel Albury, Justin ward to your continued support in Andrews, Zachary Anzalone, Narine All of the participants received a one year’s subscription to ChemMatters, an enabling our section to remain one of Avetisyan, Stef Baril, Martin Berry- the most vibrant sections of the Ameri- man, Julianne Biagioli, AJ Bonilla, award–winning magazine for high school chemistry, published by the can Chemical Society. u Joel Boyd, Susan Brauner, Hillary u Butts, Patrick Cabral, Carrie Cam- ACS. marano, Logan Carr, Ruth Chadwick, iera, Amanda Noori, Stephanie Jennifer Chalmers, Billy Chen, Ana Historical Events Orlando, Rachel Otto, Ashley Padgett, Duque-Chilin, Ka Chi Choi, Gabby Continued from page 12 Laura Paradis, Bria Pelletier, Diane Cole, Jeff Crank, Nicole Depowski, Perito, Alex Petty, Hanh Pham , Sarah January 28, 1843 Chen Wei Doi, Charisma Eugenio, Jen- Pike, Jae Pukma, Jayashree Ranga, Henry C. Bolton, who was a writer nifer Geldart-Flashman, Tom Freeman, Sarah Roberts, Phieng Siliphaivanh, and bibliographer of the history of Lisa Gendron, Aren Gerdon, Bridget Christopher Sill, Stephanie Su, Saman- chemistry, was born on this date. He Giarusso, Michelle Giarusso, tha Sweeney, Elizabeth Teixeria, John studied the action of organic acids Stephanie Godbout, Patrick Gordon, Teixeria, Dwight Tshudy, Han Truong, on minerals. Laura Goudreau, Eve Granatosky, Kristina Vailonis, Jay Vimelli, Taylor January 31, 1881 Ariel Guiguizian, Molly Guthrie, Viotto, Chelsea Vogus, John Wein, Irving Langmuir was born on this Shireen Hamedeny, Allison Harbottle, John Weng, Rosemary White, Jen Win- date. He received the Nobel Prize in Meaghan Holloran , Sarah Iacobucci, ters, Emily Wu, Pingting Wu, Kunru 1932 for his discoveries and investi- Jennifer Ide, April Jewell, Amy Jorgen- Xie, Yan Yan, John Yoon, David York, gations in surface chemistry. He son, Katie Kirschning, Jonathan Lai, Jeff You, Chris Yuen, Elise Zablowsky, introduced gas-filled tungsten lamps Kwan Lam, Megan Laporte, Cason Xiuying Zheng, Lei Zhuo, Deborah and the use of atomic hydrogen Latimer, Stephanie Laurer, Rebecca Zorn blowpipes for welding. He and Leising, Irv Levy, Doris Lewis, Chang *I apologize if your name is not on this Gilbert N. Lewis developed the elec- Li, Samantha Li, Josh Lopes, Jimmy tronic theory. Luong, Sam Luong, Michael Lynch, list. Leanne Mackay, Christina Martone, 2011 is the International Year of Additional historical events can be Sean McHugh, Andrew Morgenthaler, Chemistry! Activities will be held found at Dr. May’s website, u Elsy Naveo, Son Nguyen, Jason Nogu- throughout the year. u faculty.cua.edu/may/history.htm.
The Nucleus January 2011 17 BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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18 The Nucleus January 2011 BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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The Nucleus January 2011 19 Harvard, MA 01451 19 Mill Road AMERICAN CHEMICAL U.S. POSTAGE PAID NONPROFIT ORG. NORTHEASTERN SOCIETY SECTION
Calendar Check the NESACS home page Jan 27 New for late Calendar additions: Isiah M. Warner (Louisiana State Univ.) http://www.NESACS.org “NanoGUMBOS: A New Generation of Members Nanomaterials” Note also the Chemistry Department web MIT 6-120 Invitation to attend a meeting pages for travel directions and updates. 4:00pm These include: You are cordially invited to attend http://chemserv.bc.edu/seminar.html Prof. Greg Rohrer (Carnegie Mellon Univ.) Boston College, Merkert 130 one of our upcoming Section meet- http://www.bu.edu/chemistry/events/ ings as a guest of the Section at the http://www.chem.brandeis.edu/colloquium.shtml 4:00 pm http://www-chem.harvard.edu/events/ social hour and dinner preceding the http://web.mit.edu/chemistry/ meeting. www.chem.neu.edu/web/calendar/index.html Notices for The Nucleus Please call Anna Singer at 781- http://chem.tufts.edu/seminars.html [CHEM.] Calendar of Seminars should 272-1966, 508-653-6329 or email: http://ase.tufts.edu/chemical/seminar.htm be sent to: [CHEM. ENGG.] secretary(at)nesacs.org by noon of http://www.chem.umb.edu/ Sheila E Rodman the first Thursday of the month, let- www.umassd.edu/cas/chemistry/seminars.cfm Konarka Technologies, Inc. ting her know that you are a new www.uml.edu/Dept/Chemistry/speakers.html 116 John St. Suite 12, member. u http://www.unh.edu/chemistry/seminars.html Lowell, MA 01852 email: srodman(at)konarka.com u Jan 13 Bristol-Myers Squibb Lectures: James L. Leighton (Columbia) Martin D. Eastgate (Bristol-Myers Squibb) MIT 6-120 4:00 pm Looking for seminars Jan 20 in the Boston area? Andrei Yudin (Univ. of Toronto) MIT 6-120 Check out the 4:00 pm NESACS Calendar Jan 25 Prof. Peter Caravan (Radiology, Harvard www.nesacs.org/seminars Medical School) The Chemistry of Biomedical Imaging Univ New Hampshire, L Room NB 104 (L103) 11:10 am