Scientist Portraits
October 1, 2019
Dear ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Members,
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to serve this term as the 2019 Chair for the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry (ANYL). In working with the ANYL executive committee for the past several years, I have learned more about the important work the Division does in representing the field on the national stage. I also want to thank the ANYL past and present Executive Committee members who have demonstrated a passion for Analytical Chemistry and its community.
The Division is in the process of transforming to better serve our members. In the Spring of 2019, the Division held a strategic planning meeting to address our future – specifically, how the Division can accomplish the following four goals identified from a recent member survey : (1) recruit, promote, retain young division members; (2) provide a stronger voice to advocate for diversity; (3) grow networking opportunities for members; and (4) enhance programming at National/Regional ACS meetings, and even beyond the ACS. Consequently, we updated our vision and mission statement and developed goals and strategies to move the Division forward. Our new vision is “Advancing the science of chemical characterization and measurement to shape the future.” Within this vision is a core mission – “To develop a strong community of professionals and students that supports individual career advancement and analytical chemistry as a whole.” Visit the link to read about our current goals and strategies, as well as opportunities to volunteer. We welcome all who are willing to contribute their time and diverse set of talents with the Division.
Over the years I have heard many question the need to become a member or participate in the vast opportunities within the Division and the broader community. Such questions include – “Why should I join the Division? What is the value proposition? What can the Division do for me?” The answer to this is really quite clear. If Chemistry is the central science, then there is a good case to be made that Analytical Chemistry is the central discipline within Chemistry. In the US, the ACS is the largest professional organization represents the interests of all chemists. As an ACS technical division, our focus is to represent, develop, and grow the field of analytical chemistry. The Division is an easy, low-effort route to have your voice heard and to build the field in which you practice. It doesn’t matter if you were formally trained as an analytical chemist, or if you arrived here by subsequent fortunate events, the analytical community is by far the most welcoming, open area of Chemistry, and the Division can be a great place to augment your career.
The Division represents approximately 7000 members who have chosen to be affiliated with one of the many technical divisions within ACS. Members from education (high school to post-secondary, students to instructors), private industry, governmental agencies, professional organizations, retirees, and more. Many are not aware of how the Division functions – our Executive Committee rotates frequently and is comprised of elected, appointed, and volunteer positions. The members of these committees perform a number of important tasks that benefit the field of Analytical Chemistry – for example:
- We communicate science and the most recent advances in Analytical Chemistry by organizing and sponsoring Division programming at each ACS National Meeting. This includes symposia, award symposia, and poster sessions;
- We honor our members through Division and National awards for undergraduate and graduate students (fellowships), young and emerging researchers, and distinguished chemists;
- In collaboration with the journals Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Proteome Research, ACS Sensorsand The Pittsburgh Conference, we award annual Measurement Science Lectureships;
- In collaboration with chemjobber, we provide a curated job-posting board to list open positions in analytical chemistry : https://acsanalytical.org/careers/;
- We support international, national, regional and local meetings and symposia that focus on Analytical Chemistry; and
- We advocate for the rights of analytical chemists and work to promote a fair, engaging environment for science, regardless of sex, age, gender, race, etc.
It is important to note that ALL DIVISION MEMBERS are welcome to participate. Contact us to share your talents to serve on the Executive or myriad of other committees, such as the Communication Committee. Yes, if you have a passion to promote Analytical Chemistry on social media or website, are a younger or more well-established scientist, or just want to get involved for the love of science, then we want you! The Division membership is $25 annually with or without being a member of the ACS ($175, regular membership).
Kimberly Agnew-Heard
kimberly@acsanalytical.org
Chair, ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry