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2026 MN ACS Award Announcements!

Minnesota Chemist Award

The prestigious Minnesota Award in Chemistry is given to an outstanding researcher/innovator who has shown strong commitment to innovative work in chemistry-related fields. This year's award goes to Dr. Jerry Rasmussen of Thermo Fisher Scientific Corp. Jerry is a native Minnesotan and received his Bachelor degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota.  After receiving a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Colorado and post-doctoral work at SUNY- Buffalo, Jerry returned to Minnesota to work for 3M.  Over his 50-year career in industry, Jerry has been a prolific inventor (over 150 issued US patents and 78 scientific publications) and a leader in the study of how biomolecules  interact with surfaces.  This has led to the development of a platform of products that aid pharmaceutical companies with the purification of biological therapeutics (e.g. monoclonal antibodies). Specific business successes include 3M Emphaze (TM) AEX Hybrid purifier; a new category-defining chromatographic cell culture clarification device, which was first of its kind and many other products which are based on new to-the-world functional chemistry that Jerry Championed, beginning with the University collaboration in the early 2000.  Over the last few decades, the number of drug approvals for monoclonal antibodies has steadily risen.  Many of these drugs are providing substantial improvements over existing treatments. Concurrently there is an increased need for effective, safe, dependable, and efficient purification of these biological products.  Jerry's inventions are enabling the production of these life-changing and life-saving therapies for cancer, infectious diseases and other conditions. BIOT has recently recognized Jerry's contributions in the field by awarding him 2026 Alan S. Michaels Award in the Recovery of Biological Products, a prestigious award that is usually reserved for highly visible academic investigators who have educated many students and made influential and fundamental contributions.  

Based on Jerry's innovation, leadership, persistence and productivity, MN ACS is proud and very enthusiastic in bestowing this award to Dr. Jerry Rasmussen which comes with a plaque and a $600 honorarium.

Lyle Hall and Janet Tarino Volunteer Award

Starting this year, the Lyle Hall Senior Chemist Award and the Janet Tarino Volunteer Awards have been combined. This award recognizes individuals for outstanding volunteer service to the MN ACS or chemistry-related community outreach. The volunteer activities may include volunteer ACS service, volunteer activities in any other scientific organization such as the Minnesota Academy of Science (i.e. Science Fair Judging), professional writing, consulting, and/or research. 

This year's award goes to Mr. Todd Williams.  Todd retired from 3M in 2006 and within less than a year, he started volunteering for "Chemists in the Library" and according to Dr. Phil Buhlmann, he quickly became one of the most reliable volunteers for this program.  Todd knows all the experiments for the Chemists in the Library, and has always been willing to run whichever experiment the group needs on that particular day.  While working with kids, he exhibits an enormous level of patience and dedication which is an enormous attribute to run this program.  In addition to volunteering in Chemists in the Library program, Todd has also volunteered as a judge for Science Fairs for many years and has served as a Science Coach for the Stillwater High School.  For his outstanding volunteering activities in the local section, MN ACS is proud and enthusiastic in bestowing this award to Todd Williams which comes with a plaque and $500 honorarium. 

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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:​

• Public Affairs - serves as a bridge between the chemistry community and policymakers, advocating for science-related policies and engaging the public on key issues

• Government Affairs - plays a key role in advocating for science policy and fostering relationships between the chemistry community and government officials

• 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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ACS Science Coaches

This program pairs passionate volunteer chemists with an elementary, middle or high school teacher. Or, teachers and coaches may also apply together as a pair. Together, you'll partner to bring chemistry to life through engaging projects and hands-on activities. The Science Coaches program is perfect for chemists eager to share their passion and expertise with others. Coaches may be:

Retired chemists looking to stay engaged in the field

Graduate students seeking practical experience and mentorship opportunities

Professors hoping to build connections with K-12 chemistry teachers and students

Industry chemists wanting to bring real-world chemistry experiences into the classroom

Chemistry enthusiasts wanting to inspire the next generation of scientists

Postdoctoral scholars looking to support K-12 chemistry education and gain classroom experience

Teachers must be members of AACT (American Association of Chemistry Teachers) and receive a $500 stipend to buy extra suppliers, demos, equipment, etc. Coaches do not have to be members of AACT. For more information, go to https://www.acs.org/education/outreach/science-coaches.html