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| Chair Mary McCourt Niagara University 286-8257 |
Chair-Elect Curt Mancuso Life Technologies 774-6618 cmancuso@lifetech.com |
| Vice-Chair | Acting Secretary Mary O'Sullivan Canisius College 888-2352 osulliv1@canisius.edu |
| Treasurer Andrew Poss Allied-Signal 827-6268 |
Double Bond Staff:
Editor and Publisher Business Manager Joanna Christopher West Valley Nuclear Services ZoeWolf@Whitesparrow.com |
| Assistant Editor Patty Shelley Canisius College 888-2341 FAX 888-3112 shelleyp@canisius.edu |
| Topic: | “Einstein Dilemma ” |
| Speaker: | Dr. Ronald Palmer |
| Date: | Tuesday, January 23, 2001 |
| Place: | The Eagle House Restaurant 5559 Main St., Williamsville, NY |
| Dinner: | 6:00 PM 3 meal choices @ a cost of $16.00 per person (1)
Open Sliced Top Round of Beef (2) Roast Turkey Dinner w/Stuffing (3) Penne Pasta Olio tossed w/Olive Oil |
| Talk: | 7:00 PM |
| Reservations: | Patty at 888-2340 by Monday, January 22, 2001 |
I have just begun reading Thomas Berry's book, The Great Work, Our Way into the Future, for a study group I have joined. As a person concerned about our planet, the rain forests, and the occasional spider carefully placed outside, I am astounded by what I am reading in this book. Thomas Berry is a very intelligent and well-educated man, yet, he writes, “Only in literature, poetry, music, art, and occasionally in religion and the biological sciences, has the natural world received the care that it deserves” (Introduction p. x). That statement discounts the value of all atmospheric science, ecology, environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, toxicology, biodiversity; the list goes on. As a counterbalance to this anti-science attitude I have read thoroughly and highlighted sections of the January 8, 2001 edition of C&E News, the cover story being “Biocomplexity”, to share in tonight's discussion group.
My point is this: Luddites (those opposed to technological change) abound and write prolifically. We as scientists need to remind others of the vast contributions made to the planet by scientific and technological advancement, and the role we must play in correcting the wrongs already done. Ron Palmer's presentation next week of “Einstein's Dilemma” will further examine the double-edged sword of humanity's use of knowledge. In nature there is no black or white.
Editor
Joanna Christopher
Ron Palmer is a glass scientist at the West Valley Demonstration Project. He has worked on the vitrification of radioactive waste for more than 20 years, first at the Hanford Site, and since 1989 at West Valley. Dr. Palmer has read extensively on the history of radioactive materials and all things nuclear related. Several years ago, in need of a haircut, he awoke one morning to a familiar-looking face in the mirror. Since then he has been portraying Albert Einstein at Open House at West Valley and for schools, professional societies and civic groups.
“Einstein's Dilemma” is a reminiscence of some of the important events in science of the 20th Century. Einstein is concerned about the good and evil done in the name of science and whether or not he himself should be regarded as good or evil. After the presentation, a question and answer period will continue for as long as time (and questions) allows.
The dramatic growth of the ACS's Legislative Action Network, which facilitates Web-based communications by ACS members with their legislators before key votes, proved to be a key tool in helping ACS impact the Congressional appropriation's process this year.
ACS members throughout the country helped secure double-digit funding increases this year for the four federal agency budgets that provide most of the support for basic chemical research: NSF, NIH, DOE's Office of Science, and Department of Defense basic research. Never before have these agencies received double-digit increases in the same year.
Although the 15 percent increase for NIH approved by Congress in October had not been signed into law at press time, no changes were expected during final negotiations with the White House. The 15 percent increase this year keeps NIH funding on track to double by 2003—a 5-year effort supported by many congressional leaders and science organizations, including ACS. Basic research funded by the Department of Defense (6.1 account) received $1.3 billion this year, an increase of 14 percent. While science and technology overall at the Department received increased funding, Congress gave priority to basic research conducted at universities, consistent with ACS recommendations.
The biggest budget turnabout this year was for DOE's Office of Science, which is the lead federal provider of basic research in the physical sciences. Although the House approved just a 2 percent increase this summer, congressional supporters in the Senate worked with the administration to achieve a 13 percent increase for FY 2001, slightly more than the President requested. NSF research also fared extremely well this year, receiving $3.4 billion or 13 percent more than last year. In addition to winning more funding for high-profile research initiatives like nanotechnology and information technology, ACS helped secure significant increases for core research at NSF as well, including chemistry.
Membership in the Legislative Action Network more than tripled this year and action alerts sent to DOE and NSF resulted in more than 5000 e-mails being sent to Members of Congress from chemists and chemical engineers. (To access the Legislative Action Network, or to participate in the Legislative Action Network visit www.acs.org/government/lac.) The Office of Legislative and Government Affairs appreciates the help of all the local sections and all the ACS members who helped make these achievements possible.
Through a training session held by the national ACS in late April, our local section has gained some resources regarding career beginnings (for our recent graduates), career development, and career transition. National ACS has provided us with literature on resume building, targeting the job market, and interviewing, as well as several web sites which frequently post scientific employment opportunities. They also have developed several programs which could be of interest to our section, including:
• Employment Outlook, Marketability, and Job Security
• Nine Steps for Career Success
• Strategies for Job & Career Transitioning
• Employment in Small Chemical Companies
• Global Employment
• Employment for Foreign-Born Chemists
• Electronic Job Searching
• “Tell it Well” and “Write it Well”
two seminars on
effective technical communication
If you have interest in any of the above mentioned literature please contact me. Also, if you have suggestions regarding the type of programming that you would find beneficial, please let me know! We would like to provide programs that are helpful and informative to our members.
Kim Reynolds e-mail: kjr@acsu.buffa1o.edu
or contact Patty at Canisius, phone: 888-2340 or e-mail shelleyp@canisius.edu
Publication Date (1st Friday) Deadline (1st of
Prev.Month)
April 6, 2001 May 4, 2001 June 1, 2001 Summer Edition July 27, 2001 |
March 1, 2001 April 1, 2001 May 1, 2001 June 29, 2001 |
If you would be interested in serving as a co-chairman of the
Senior Chemists please contact
Dr. Joseph F. Bieron @ 888-2357
Contact Patty at Canisius College
716-888-2340 or via email at shelleyp@canisius.edu
If you are planning to attend, you must call Karen Arnold @ 884-5894 to reserve your spot.
Are you thinking about a career transition? Are you a recent graduate unsure about your future? Do you need to represent yourself with a resume that is updated? eye-catching? web-ready? Do you want inside track information on how to land the right job for you? If you've answered yes to any of these questions, mark Saturday, February 3rd on your calendar now! The WNY ACS, in association with the UB Graduate Chemistry Club, is pleased to announce their annual Career Counseling Workshop, a program designed to give you up-to-date information on how to maximize the success of your employment search. In the morning workshop session, ACS Career Consultant Ray O'Donnell will be presenting techniques and tips on how to target the job market, build a resume that best highlights your skills and experiences, and interview with confidence. In the afternoon session, a panel of corporate representatives will discuss how employers hire chemical professionals. One-on-one resume reviews will also be available in the afternoon. If you are interested in new employment, whether starting out or looking for a career change, this is a workshop you won't want to miss! UB is easy to find coming from the 290 and 990 if you watch for signs to the State University of New York. The Natural Science Building is located at the end of the Rensch Loop, a left turn from the Audubon after exiting the 990. Parking is available in the Loop or to the right of the Loop.
Date: February 3, 2001
Place: Natural Sciences Complex (NSC)
University at Buffalo, North Campus
Morning Session
Room: NSC 225
Time: 9:00 - 12: 00
Afternoon Session
Room: NSC 228
Time: 1:00 - 4:00
Resume Sessions for Individual Advisement
Room: NSC 306
Time: 1:00 - 4:00
Cost: Workshop - FREE
Pizza Lunch - Optional
Time: 12:00 - 1:00
RSVP to Patty Shelley
Canisius College Press
Phone: 716-888-3254
FAX: 716-888-3112
E-Mail bieron@canisius.edu
Website: www.canisius.edu/historyproject
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