ACS Green Chemistry conference foc uses on sustainable innovations In June, more than 440 scientists and stud ents participated in the 11^th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference, From Small Steps to Giant Leaps – Breakthrough Innovations for Sustainability, in Washington, D.C. The conference featured sessions on health and medicine, energy, chemical processes and new materials as well as a special student workshop. Scientific journals such as Nature and popular media such USA Today featured highlights from this conference and other ACS Green Chemistry Institute^® events.

Record number of graduates reported by ACS-approved schools Chemistry students earned a record 12,120 bachelor’s degrees from ACS-approved chemistry programs in 2005-06, according to the ACS Committee on Professional Training’s Annual Report. A record 2,321 doctoral degrees were awarded in 2006.

‘Forgotten Genius’ remembered ACS supported production of “Forgotten Genius,” a PBS/NOVA documentary about pioneering African-American chemist Percy Julian. The two-hour program, which aired in February (Black His tory Month), explored Julian’s efforts to overcome racial prejudice within the 20^th century American scientific community and his eventual rise to world-wide fame for his accomplishments in organic chemistry, especially in the synthesis of medicinal drugs.

“With help from ACS, we can reach out
to others and help them understand
why chemistry is important and how
it relates to their everyday lives.”

ERICA JACOBSEN Secondary School Chemistry Education Editor, Journal of Chemical Education, The Dalles, Ore. She is a 4-year ACS member.