MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISION CHAIR

Dear Members and Colleagues,

As I begin my role as the new Chair of the Division, I  would like to offer my thanks along with that of the entire membership to all those who have served the Division over the years. Their insight and dedication have given us the great gift we now enjoy.

Many people say that “timing is everything” and these are amazing times for the petroleum industry and the Petroleum Chemistry Division.  A glance at the newspaper reveals a steady stream of articles contemplating a variety of untapped energy sources and the technologies, most yet to be developed, that will be required to bring them to reality.

The Petroleum Chemistry Division is located precisely on the fulcrum of this effort and we share that spot with our friends in FUEL, ENV, CATL, BIO, NUCL. The interfaces between these disciplines will be fertile ground for the inventive. Two categories of scientists should meet this challenge with glee.  The first group are those who have been working in the energy arena for some time. They will find that their efforts have new meaning and urgency, and that they are in the perfect position to contribute to the solution.  The second group of scientists are those new to the field, who hold their future in their own hands.  It’s hard to imagine a more exciting problem on which to work.

It is the role of the Petroleum Chemistry division to host both of these groups. To foster, cajole, encourage, or by any other means possible, cause positive interaction between these groups.  Between hard fought knowledge and clear, curious eyes , there is a solution.

So, that’s were you come in……………..the readership of this newsletter, the conjurers of new technology.  It is your role to bring all your creativity to that task.  Become active in the Division.  Make new friends and dream new dreams. It is not an arcane philosophical exercise….it’s our future. I hope you are ready…….because “timing is everything”.

I hope you see you at our meetings.

John M. Andrésen, Chair

Division of Petroleum Chemistry