WELCOME TO THE MINNESOTA LOCAL ACS SECTION WEBSITE
The Minnesota Local Section (#513) of the American Chemical society serves chemists, chemical engineers, educators, and the general public in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is the world's largest scientific society and one of the world's leading sources of authoritative scientific information. A nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, ACS is at the forefront of the evolving worldwide chemical enterprise and the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe. Learn more about the history, mission and vision of the American Chemical Society here. Become an ACS member here.
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For more information about future meetings, please use the "Meetings" link.
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For more information about current activities the local section is involved in, please use the "Activities" link.
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If you are interested in volunteering, please use the "Contact Us" link to send a message letting us know where you would like to help and we will get back to you. For specific information on what roles need filling, please use the "Officers" link.
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For more information about National ACS, please use the "Resources" link or go to the ACS website.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
​​​​​​​​Summer Social at Como Zoo & Conservatory
Join us for a laid-back evening of food, fun, and connection at the Como Zoo & Conservatory on June 2nd! Come early to explore the zoo and conservatory before it closes, then stick around for a casual dinner and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options), bounce house, games, and activities designed for all ages—family and friends are welcome! Deadline to register has been extended to May 28th!
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Click the "Meetings" link for more information.
ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHT
Chemists in the Library
The next Chemists in the Library event is on June 21st at 1:30pm at the Chisago Library. If you are interested in volunteering for this or future events, please contact Phil Buhlman (click on "Contact Us" link to request contact information). No preparation is needed before the events and no commitment has to be made; you can sign up for one event at a time. For a list of upcoming events, click on "Chemists in the Library" under the "Activities" link.​​
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Click on the "Activities" link for more information.
OTHER NEWS
2025 MN ACS Awards
The MN ACS is happy to announce our 2025 award winners, Linda Nanko-Yeager and Kevin Dirksen!
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2025 Janet Tarino Volunteer Award: The Janet Tarino Volunteer Award is given to an individual for outstanding volunteer service to Minnesota ACS, and/or chemistry related projects and events not directly connected to Minnesota ACS. This year's award goes to Ms. Linda Nanko-Yeager. Linda received her B.S. in Chemistry from Carnegie-Mellon university and worked for nearly a decade doing production analysis, quality control, and formulations in the fields of polymers and pharmaceuticals. Since her retirement she has been a science education volunteer in addition to engaging in a number of community activities. Her notable volunteer work is for the Chemists-in-the-Library program with Dr. Phil Buhlmann for our section since 2005 (20 years!). Phil writes in her nomination that Linda has attended as a volunteer 142 of library events, a number that is higher than any other of the volunteers who are helping him with this program. Her other volunteer activities include volunteering for the Kids & Chemistry program for our section, Science Museum of Minnesota, Wyoming Elementary School, Delta Gamma Society of Minnesota, Forest Lake Montessori School, Giese Memorial Library in Wyoming (MN) and Rotary Club of Forest Lake as well as 17 years of service for the Wyoming City Council. The Minnesota section of ACS is very enthusiastic in bestowing this award to an absolutely exceptional volunteer, Ms Linda Nano-Yeager. The award comes with a plaque and a $250 honorarium. Linda will be honored at the May Awards Dinner at 3M Innovation Center on May 13.
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2025 Minnesota High School Chemistry Teaching Award: The Minnesota high school chemistry teaching award is given to an outstanding high school chemistry teacher for Excellence in High School Chemistry Teaching. This year's award goes to Mr. Kevin Dirksen of Eagan High School (EHS) in Eagan, MN. Mr. Dirksen serves as both a Chemistry and Physics teacher and according to EHS Assistant Principal of EHS, Mr. Stephen Thompson, possesses a profound understanding of his subjects, which he conveys with enthusiasm and clarity. He has developed a series of videos related to his courses which have become invaluable resources for his students. He uses these videos to "flip his classroom" so he can spend more time with hands-on activities and labs in his classroom. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Dirksen has taken on a variety of coaching and co-curricular roles. He has been a science olympiad coach, football coach, track coach, cross country coach, newspaper advisor, and advisor of several smaller student run clubs. He currently is a volunteer coach of the ISD 196 mountain bike team, which he co-founded in 2011. For his chemistry innovative teaching methods, science olympiad coach and outstanding contribution to the EHS school community, MN ACS is proud to honor him with this award in our May Awards meeting at 3M Innovation Center on May 13. This award comes with a plaque and a $600 honorarium.​​
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Chemistry for a Better Planet
The 2025 Great Lakes Regional Meeting of the ACS is coming up fast! We hope to see you there in Appleton, WI on June 4-6, with hundreds of chemistry students, faculty, and industry professionals from around the upper Midwest. For more information, see our website at https://greatlakesregion-acs.org/event-welcome/glrm-2025.​
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Committee Volunteer Opportunities
Are you looking to enhance your leadership, project management, and networking skills? Volunteering as a committee chair for the Minnesota Local Section of the ACS is a fantastic way to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact! We are currently seeking passionate leaders for the following committees:
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Younger Chemists - leads initiatives to support, engage, and connect early-career chemists and students within the MN ACS
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National Chemistry Week - responsible for leading efforts to promote and coordinate activities related to National Chemistry Week, an annual outreach event organization by the ACS
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Public Affairs - serves as a bridge between the chemistry community and policymakers, advocating for science-related policies and engaging the public on key issues
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Government Affairs - plays a key role in advocating for science policy and fostering relationships between the chemistry community and government officials
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Minority Affairs - plays a key role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the MN ACS
If you're interested in learning more, please reach out to Sarah Dimick Gray (click on "Contact Us" link to request contact information) to explore these opportunities. Take the next step in your leadership journey - get involved today!
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Golden Gate Polymer Forum
Announcing a Live Virtual Short Course, sponsored by the Golden Gate Polymer Forum June 10-11, 2025: Introduction to Polymer Characterization: Molecular Architecture, Morphology, and Thermomechanical Response. This course provides a comprehensive overview of commonly implemented polymer characterization techniques to evaluate molecular composition, structure, processibility, and physical properties. The course is designed for all education levels and is accessible even with minimal background polymer knowledge. $500 regular registration ends at 8:00 PM Pacific time, Wednesday, May 21. $600 late registration, if still available, ends at 8:00 PM Pacific time, Wednesday, June 4. GGPF may close registration earlier if in our opinion class size is becoming too large. Full Course Details and Registration at https://ggpf.org/events/?ee=327.