SC-ACS Centennial
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SC-ACS E-NewsChemistry is for Life
South Carolina Section of the
American Chemical Society
September 2014

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In this issue:
ACS Fellow: Patrick Woster
September 25 Section Meeting in Florence
NCW
SC Section Receives ChemLuminary Award
Congratulations Jerry Odom
USC Chemistry News
In Memorium: J.W. Ledbetter
Jobs Board
Section Centennial
 
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CLASS OF 2014 ACS FELLOW ANNOUNCED: Patrick M. Woster, MUSC


Patrick Woster

Dr. Patrick M. Woster Ph.D. and Professor of Pharmacy in the Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences of the South Carolina College of Pharamcy, MUSC Campus has been named an ACS Fellow.  The ACS Fellows Program was created by the ACS Board of Directors in December 2008 "to recognize members of ACS for outstanding achievements in and contributions to Science, the Profession, and ACS." The first class of ACS Fellows was named in 2009.
 

Dr. Woster received a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1978, and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 1986. Following postdoctoral work in chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1986), and in medicinal chemistry at the University of Michigan (1987), he joined the Wayne State University Faculty of Pharmacy in 1988. In 2011, he was appointed Professor and SmartState™ Endowed Chair in Drug Discovery at the Medical University of South Carolina. He also serves as Director of the MUSC Lead Discovery and Optimization section of the MUSC Center for Drug Discovery. Ongoing research projects in the Woster laboratories include the synthesis of alkylpolyamines as antitumor, antiparasitic and antibacterial agents, design and synthesis of mechanism-based enzyme inhibitors, synthesis of inhibitors of chromatin-remodeling enzymes such as histone deacetylases and histone demethylases, and studies aimed at elucidating the cellular mechanisms of epigenetic modulators. Dr. Woster has also served on the Executive Committee of the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry for 21 years.

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SEPTEMBER 25 SECTION MEETING IN FLORENCE

Where: 102 Leatherman Science Facility, Francis Marion University

Time: 3:45 Refreshments
          4:00 Presentation

Speaker:Dr. John W. Stone, Assistant Professor, Georgia Southern University
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow, Vanderbilt University, 2008-2010
  • Ph.D.,Chemistry, University of South Carolina, 2008
  • M.S.,Chemistry, University of South Carolina, 2005
  • B.S.,Chemistry, Armstrong Atlantic State University, 2002

Title: "Gold Nanorods: From Synthesis to Application"

 

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles are attractive materials for biologically and medicinally driven applications due to their interesting optical properties, long-term stability, and non-cytotoxicity.  Over the last 10 years gold nanoparticles having various morphologies including rods, cubes, and tripods have been synthesized.  Our group focuses on the synthesis, modification, and application of gold nanorods.  These nanorods are synthesized with a high degree of monodispersity and their optical properties well controlled by tuning rod aspect ratio.  Post synthesis they may be functionalized with a variety of groups including small molecules, drugs, antibodies or proteins.  These derivatized composites are then studied as potential vaccine candidates, viral inhibitors, novel imaging platforms or photothermal therapeutic materials.  In addition to investigating the medicinal applications of these nanorods, we are also studying alternate synthetic approaches allowing for improved gold conversion.  This seminar will provide an overview of the work our group is performing at Georgia Southern University.   


 
Section members are welcome to join John for dinner after his talk dinner at Thai House 2 on 168 South Dargan Street, Florence (dutch treat).

 

For more information contact Dr. Jennifer Kelley at [email protected] or 843-661-1492.

 

Plans are being made to hopefully simulcast the presentation to the College of Charleston. Stay tuned for more details.

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NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK

The NCW 2014 theme is "The Sweet Side of Chemistry-Candy", showcasing the chemistry involved in candy and confections.

The South Carolina Section sponsors minigrants (typically $100-$300) to support NCW activities within the geographic bounds of the section that provide for outreach to the public.  To see last year's winning applications and to download an application for this year visit our website.  The application deadline is September 10.  Award notifications will be made no later than September 20.  The final report is due December 15 in the year the award was made.
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ChemLuminary AWARD
At the recent national meeting in San Francisco, the section received a ChemLuminary Award for the Most Innovative New Activity or Program for helping to sponsor the STEM Education Day at the College of Charleston women's basketball game on February 4, 2013. Over 2000 students grades 4th-8th from public, private, and home schools from three counties participated. The South Carolina Section joined forces with a number of collaborators to sponsor a 90 minute program of  a variety of STEM activities prior to the game. Over 2000 students grades 4th-8th from public, private, and home schools from three counties participated. Hands-on activities and demonstrations included astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics, and physics. Hands-on activities and demonstrations included astronomy, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, geology
, mathematics, and physics.  ChemLuminary awards are presented annually to recognize local sections, regional meetings, and divisions for their extraordinary work in promoting chemistry and the chemical sciences in a broad range of categories.  Criteria involved in the selection include
  • Attendance
  • Impact on members and non-members
  • Joint planning with another group
  • Successes of the event
  • Thoughts on how the event will be sustained


 
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CONGRATULATIONS JERRY ODOM


Dr. Jerome D. Odom of the University of South Carolina Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Provost Emeritus, received an Honorary Doctorate in Science at the summer commencement on Saturday, August 9, 2014.

Among his other honors from the past are:
Alexander von Humbolt Fellow, Stuttgart, West Germany, 1975-1976; Amoco Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award, University of South Carolina, 1984; Michael J. Mungo Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, University of South Carolina, 1993; Russell Research Award for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, University of South Carolina, 1994; Educational Foundation Service Award, University of South Carolina 2005; and the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Award, University of South Carolina 2007.
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CONGRATULATIONS USC CHEMISTS

An announcement was made on August 14, 2014 that Dr. S. Michael Angel is a member of the science team for the Supercam instrument, one of seven instruments selected by NASA for the Mars 2020 Rover. Dr. Angel participated in writing the instrument proposal that was selected by NASA. The Mars 2020 Rover will carry the first Raman instrument to another planet and will be used in the search for life on Mars. Dr. Angel's role as mission consultant/advisor is primarily to help with instrument calibration, both pre-flight and on the surface and data interpretation.  
Dr. Angel was the 2012 South Carolina Chemist of the Year presented by the section.

Dr. Morgan Stefik, PI, Dr. Brian Benicewicz, Co-PI, Dr. Chuanbing Tang, Co-PI, and Dr. Qian Wang, Co-PI received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), for a total amount of $584,229.00, for their project entitled, "MRI: Acquisition of a Small-angle X-ray Scattering Instrument." 

Dr. Mark Berg received a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a total amount of $449,999.00 for his project entitled, "Multidimensional Methods for Kinetics in Complex Materials."  
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IN MEMORIUM: J.W. LEDBETTER
Dr. J.W. "Bill" Ledbetter, South Carolina Section Chair 1976-77, Chair-elect 1975-76, and and Secretary-Treasurer 1973-75, scientist and outdoorsman, age 76, died Thursday July 24, 2014 in Summerville, SC. Bill was born in Aiken, SC and grew up in Greenwood, SC where he earned his Eagle Scout. He graduated from The Citadel Class of 1959 and went on to earn his PhD in Physical Chemistry from Duke University in 1962. While at The Citadel, Bill was the Regimental Commander in Band Company and was a member of the Summerall Guard. He served in the Army as First Lieutenant from 1962-1965. During his time in the Army, Bill met the love of his life, Patricia Schofield. They were married in Statesville, NC. After a brief time in industry, Bill began his career in academia as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Kentucky. In 1966, he accepted a tenure-track position in the Department of Biochemistry at the Medical University of South Carolina where he remained for over 35 years. During these years he taught biochemistry to medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, and graduate students. In 1970, Bill was awarded a prestigious NIH Fellowship to study under the renowned Professor Gerhard Herzberg who in the following year won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. During his tenure with Dr. Herzberg, Bill conducted fundamental research that contributed to the knowledge of the electronic structure and geometry of nitrogen. Specifically, Bill was the first to spectroscopically identify a new Rydberg state of the nitrogen molecule, which bears his name, the Ledbetter Band. 
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JOBS BOARD

Our web site  has a Jobs Board where open positions may be posted.  SC-ACS will not screen the job positions shown.  We sill state that SC-ACS does it have a business relationship with the organizations announcing the openings.  Openings will be posted only as a courtesy to our members.  Please submit job listings to the webmaster. All postings will be removed after 60 days unless the position is filled and a request to remove the job is received by the webmaster.

 

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - Bio-organic, organic, or biochemistry, College of Charleston to begin August 2015.  Review of applications will begin October 6, 2014.  Must be able to teach sophomore organic and junior level biochemistry as well as contribute to the general chemistry curriculum.  Must Initiate and sustain a research program that includes undergraduates.  Applications should be submitted through the electronic portal at jobs.cofc.edu.  For more information contact Dr. Pamela Riggs-Gelasco at [email protected].  

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SECTION CENTENNIAL 1914-2014

SC-ACS Centennial This year the section celebrates the 100th anniversary of its original charter. See our poster at SERMACS in Nashville in October highlighting some of our accomplishments over the years.  

 

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SC-ACS OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SECTION (2014)

 

Terms of office are for one (1) year beginning 1 January 2014 and ending 31 December 2014, except where otherwise indicated.

   

CHAIR: JENNIFER KELLEY, Department of Chemistry, Francis Marion University, Florence, SC 29501 V: 843-661-1492 email: [email protected] 


CHAIR-ELECT:  NEAL TONKS, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424 V: 803-796-7428  email: [email protected]      Term: 1 Jan 2013- 31 Dec 2015

 

PAST CHAIR:  DANIEL J. ANTION, Deceased                   

 

SECRETARY-TREASURER, NEWSLETTER EDITOR, AND WEBMASTER:  JIM DEAVOR, School of Sciences and Mathematics, College of Charleston, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424   V:  843-953-8095  FX:  843-953-7140   email:  [email protected]     

               

COUNCILOR: WILLIAM H. BREAZEALE, JR., 715 High Battery Circle, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

 V: 843-884-6939  FAX: 843-856-2856 email:  [email protected]   Term:1 Jan 2014 - 31 Dec 2016

 

COUNCILOR: SCOTT R. GOODE, Dept of Chem and Biochem, Univ of SC, Columbia, SC 29208

 V: 803-777-2601  FAX: 803-777-9521  email:  [email protected]      Term: 1 Jan 2013 - 31 Dec 2015

  

ALT COUNCILOR:  RACHEL A. HELLMAN-WHITAKER, Dept of Chemistry, Coastal Carolina University, 111 Chaticleer Drive East, Conway, SC 29526

 V: 843-349-4086  email:  [email protected]  Term:1 Jan 2014 - 31 Dec 2016

 

ALT COUNCILOR:  LARRY METCALF,  1002 Hollowtree Ct., Columbia, SC 29212

V: 972-358-0359 email: [email protected]  Term: 1 Jan 2014- 31 Dec 2015

 

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