Milwaukee Section - American Chemical Society the amalgamator

Selected Features - Year 2000

Technician Affiliate Group
TAG

John H. Engleman

Historically, although the role of professional-chemists has shifted little in the past thirty years, the duties of technicians has shifted significantly. In 1964, the ACS recognizing the shifting role of the chemical technician in the work place appointed an ac hoc Committee on Technicians Activities (CTA) chaired by William G. Young, Vice-Chancellor of UCLA. Two principle issues have dominated the attention of the ACS groups concerned with technicians: professionalism and education. An early action of the CTA was to encourage technicians to form TAGs affiliated with their local ACS sections.

Who or what then is a TAG? Two definitions are required, first what is a chemical technician and then what is a TAG. A chemical technician, as defined by the ACS, is a person who does not meet the qualifications stated in the definition of a chemist but whose training includes successful completion of a two-year post-high school level chemistry curriculum leading to an Associate Degree, or the equivalent work in a Baccalaureate program, or the equivalent knowledge gained by experience. The primary work of a chemical technician is conducting experimentation and/or correlating information to help solve problems and/or discover new chemical knowledge. A chemical technician's work is generally directed by a chemist, chemical engineer, or a person with equivalent training or experience. TAG is the acronym use by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Division of Chemical Technicians, Inc. (TECH) for Technician Affiliate Group. Therefore these are groups of chemical technicians affiliated with their local ACS section.

These groups of technicians while affiliated with and deriving some financial support from the local section are autonomous. They provide programs, continuing education activities, and networking opportunities unique to the working technician. At the same time they provide the local section with a valuable source of membership and a pool of people to support public activities.

By 1972, TAGs were planning programs, presenting continuing education activities, and publicizing the contributions of technicians to the local chemistry community. These TAGs were the driving force for the formation of the NCCTA (National Conference of Chemical Technician Affiliates) in 1972. This organization was the forerunner of TECH which was granted probationary status by the ACS in 1991 and attained full division status in 1994. TAGs are the building block of TECH and the major source of its membership and leadership.

In closing , the affiliation of the TAGs with the local ACS sections has many benefits for both groups among them are:

• Provides a source of additional manpower for Local Section community outreach programs (National Chemistry Week, "Science Saturdays", etc.) and other Local Section programs.
  
  
• Encourages technicians to become full ACS members, increasing the membership base of the Local Section.
  
  
• Gives the Local Section potential volunteers for committee chairs and eventually Executive Committee candidates.
  
  
• Further cultivates the technician/scientist relationship in a venue outside the workplace.
  
  
• Gives the TAG members the opportunity to participate in more programs tied to their community and workplace through the Local Section.
  
  
• Allows TAG members to feel part of a larger local professional organization.
  
  
• Gives the TAG additional networking opportunities in local industry and academic institutions through which they can recruit new members.
  
  
• Provides expanded opportunities to communicate TAG programs and activities through Local Section publications.
  
  
• Gives both the Local Section and the TAG the opportunity to work and grow together – the synergy of the two groups can result in exciting fresh ideas and expanded possibilities.
  
  

John Engelman is a Technician Specialist working at S C Johnson. He came here 2 years ago when S.C. Johnson purchased DowBrands from the Dow Chemical Company. He is the Chair-Elect for the Division of Chemical Technicians, Inc. of the American Chemical Society. John is interested in forming a TAG affiliated with the Milwaukee Section. Anyone who may be interested, or just knowing more about TAGs, may contact John at 262-260-6280 or jhengelm@scj.com.

National Chemistry Week - 1999

A Rousing Success

The National Chemistry Week Program at Discovery World Museum, Milwaukee was a rousing success. The weeklong effort from November 8-12, 1999, presented 33 shows were to more than 2200 students from over forty schools in the Milwaukee area representing grades from 3^rd to 8⁸.

Mike McKinney, the section NCW coordinator was assisted by Vaughn Ausman and Iwona Nowak of Marquette University. He was also assisted by Tom Durene and Steve Atwell from Discovery World who greatly gave assistance in our efforts through programming and fund raising.

Recognition is extended to ATO Findley, Inc., Brady Corporation and Aldrich Chemical Company for their generous donations to Discovery World.

As usual, this years program was dependent on the many volunteers who generously volunteered their time and expertise to make the program a success.

Old amalgamators

We are indebted to Henry Peppler of Whitefish Bay for donating his complete collection of amalgamators, ranging from 1953 to present, many of which are bound. Henry Peppler was editor of the amalgamator from September, 1953 through May, 1956. With this donation, it will be possible for the section to maintain two collections of amalgamators. One will be at the UWM Chemistry Library with issues from 1945 to present. The other will be at the Marquette University Chemistry Library with issues from 1953 to present. We are all indebted to Henry for his generous donation.

Attention SAACS

It has come to the attention of the editor that the student affiliate members of the ACS do not receive the amalgamator. Since it will be hard to maintain a mailing list for each affiliate member who might desire the amalgamator, it would be feasible to send a couple of copies to each SAACS group. So those SAACS groups that wish to have two copies of the amalgamator sent to them, contact the editor (e-mail will be just fine) at the address on the back cover of this issue stating your desire to receive the amalgamator and the mailing address to where the copies are to be sent.

Candidates for Office

CHAIRPERSON-ELECT for 2001 Serves as Chairperson in 2002 Thomas L. McLinn

TREASURER for 2001 Beth Shepard

SECRETARY for 2001 Kevin W. Glaeske

Education Awards Night

High School Teacher of the Year Paul Kipping Menomonee Fall High School Paul Kipping (right) with Tony Antony at the May meeting.

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Chemistry Olympiad Winners

On March 18, 66 area high school chemistry students representing 23 high schools competed in the opening round of the Chemistry Olympiad exam. Top scorers on the exam include Simona Rosu and Bart Grinwald of Hartford and Jeremy Holland of J.I. Case at the introductory level, and Aaron Struck of Kettle Moraine and Andy Shawaluk of Arrowhead who placed first and second at the advanced level. These students will be recognized during the May sectional meeting.

Based on the results of this exam, nine students will compete during the second round. Joining Struck and Shawaluk will be Brian Farley and Alexander Keyel of Case, Scott Budzien of Cedarburg, Marit Gould of Oconomowoc, Chris Bermant of Arrowhead, Ryan Bruskiewicz of Marquette and Megan Grunert of Menomonie Falls. These students will be competing for an opportunity to attend the national training camp and positions on the US Chemical Olympiad Team. This year the International competition will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Recognized at the may meeting were (left to right) Aaron Struck of Kettle Moraine, Jeremy Holland of J.I. Case, Andy Shawaluk of Arrowhead, and Simona Rosu of Hartford. Presenting the awards was Tony Antony (left).

Dale Boger

at the

February Meeting

Dale Boger of the Scripps Research Institute and the 1999 recipient of the ACS-Aldrich Award for Creative Work in Synthetic Chemistry, gave a talk on the synthetic aspects of DNA research at the February meeting at UWM. He also spent several hours discussing his research with students at Marquette and UWM.

A biographical sketch of Dale Boger and an abstract of his talk at the February meeting may be found at http://alchemy.chem.uwm.edu/amalgamator/meetings/m2000/feb0meet.html.

ACS Career Development Publications

Career development publications produced by the American Chemical Society are available free to members upon request. You can take charge of your career and develop your skills! Call ACS at 1-800-227-5558 and request any of the following and more:

• Career Services Catalog - Contains a complete listing of everything that is available from ACS to help you to advance your career.
• Targeting the Job Market, Resume Preparation and the Interview Handbook provide a complete 3-part curriculum on managing an effective job search.
• Resources for Career Management is an up-to-date listing of excellent web sites, books and articles that can help you in your job search.
• Current Trends in Chemical Business, Technology and Employment gives a comprehensive picture of the employment environment for today's chemical professional.
• Professional & Workforce News - This ongoing series of short newsletters covers workforce and professional development at small companies and a statistical profile of today's working chemist.

ACS Member Insurance Office

Member Insurance plans

The member Insurance Program consists of eight insurance plans and two supplemental retirement plans. For further informatioon, contact the ACS Member Insurance Office at 1-800-227-5558, ext. 6037, or e-mail to memins@acs.org, or refer to the web site at http://www.acs.org/insurance.

Term Life

Provides coverage up to $800,000. Open to members and spouses, with limited coverage for dependent children. First year members are automatically covered with $25,000 for one year.

Disability Income

Provides benefits up to the member's monthly salary, not ot exceed $10,000 per month.

Hospital Indemnity

Provides benefits up to $300 per day of hospitalization.

Catastrophic Major Medical

Provides coverage up to $1,000,000. Also open to spouses, benefits are paid to cover the costs for treating critical illnesses after member's basic medical coverage is exhausted.

Short-Term Medical

Provides coverage up to $1,000,000 for recent graduates, members between jobs and recently employed members waiting for their employer provided coverage to take effect.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment

Provides coverage up to $500,000 for members and smaller amounts for spouses and dependent children. Covers the loss of life, a limb or eyesight anywhere in the world.

Long Term Care - introduced in January, 1999.

Provides coverage up to $200 per day. Open to members, spouses, parents and parents-in-law. Offers flexible plan features and allows for customization. Benefits are paid directly to the member.

Professional Liability

Provides coverage up to $1,000,000 with three deductible options and is designed to cover the specific liability risks of providing consulting services.

Individual Retirement Account (IRA)

Pays competitive interest rates with minimum return guarantees. Open to members, spouses, parents and parents-in-law.

Non-Qualified Tax-Deferred Annuity (TDA)

Pays competitive interest rates with minimum return guarantees. Open to members, spouses, parents and parents-in-law. There are no maximum limitations on contributions and interest accumulates on a tax-deferred basis.

Year 2000 Fifty Year Members

Congratulations to the following members of the Milwaukee section who are completing 50 years on membership in the American Chemical Society this year. They will be our special guests at the November 17th meeting at Alverno.

Sister OSFM Roswitha Ganser

Norman E. Hoffman

Donald W. Penn

Hubert O. Ranger

Gus A Schumann

B. Richard Siebring

Otto F. Uher

Milwaukee Section Award Recipients
(1958-2000)

(The first Milwaukee Section Award was presented to J. Vernon Steinle in November, 1958 and has since been awarded annually, except for 1972 and 1973.)

2000	E. Alexander Hill	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
1999	Jung-Ja P. Kim	Medical College of Wisconsin
1998	James Kincaid	Marquette University
1997	Jose J. Fripiat	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
1995	Stan J. Flashinski	S.C. Johnson Wax Company
1994	Clinton Lane	Aldrich Chemical Company
1993	Etzer Chicoye	Miller Brewing Company
1992	Charles A. Wilkie	Marquette University
1991	George Keulks	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
1990	Daniel Bloch	S.C. Johnson Wax Company
1989	James Cook	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
1988	Dmitri Gorjestani	Cook Composites
1987	Vincent S. Bavisotto	Miller Brewing Company
1986	Robert Fitch	S.C. Johnson Wax Company
1985	Richard Bayer	Carroll College
1984	W. Keith Hall	UW-Milwaukee
1983	Norman Hoffman	Marquette University
1982	John R. Rogers	S.C. Johnson Wax Company
1981	Albert W. Jache	Marquette University
1980	Harris L. Friedman	Lakeside Laboratories
1979	Kazuo Nakamoto	Marquette University
1978	Glenn Svoboda	Cook Composites
1977	Frederick J. Kohls	Ladish Company
1776	Harley G. Loeffler	Chris Hansen Laboratories
1975	William K. Miller	S.C. Johnson Wax Company
1974	Allan G. Boyes	Allis Chalmers; Freeman Chemical
1973	no award
1972	no award
1971	Alfred Bader	Aldrich Chemical Company
1970	Merle G. Farnham	Chris Hansen Laboratories
1969	Beatrice Kassell	Marquette Medical School
1968	John Jenkins	Pittsburgh Plate Glass
1967	Stephen E. Freeman	Freeman Chemical
1966	Henry J. Peppler	Universal Foods
1965	Enos H. McMullen	S.C. Johnson Wax Company
1964	Hamilton Pinkalla	American Biosynthetics
1963	Armand J. Quick	Marquette Medical School
1962	Carroll E. Inhoff	Allis Chalmers
1961	August E. Orthmann	Orthmann Laboratories
1960	John H. Biel	Lakeside Laboratories
1959	Henry B. Merrill	Eisendrath Tanning
1958	J. Vernon Steinle	S.C. Johnson Wax Company

Lifetimes in Chemistry

According to a newly released survey of ACS members, "Lifetimes in Chemistry: A Report on the American Chemical Society's Mature Career Chemist Study of members Ages 50 Through 69", nearly three times as many women as men took a career hiatus of at least six months and for different reasons. The study said women most often reported the hiatus was for "family responsibilities", while men said they were "involuntarily terminated". Women also said it helped their career. To receive a free copy of the full report, please call ACS at 800-227-5558 or e-mail career@acs.org.

Chemistry and the Movies
September Meeting Talk
John Fortman
Marge and John Fortman at the September Meeting

John Fortman of Wright State University captivated an audience of nearly 100 individuals at the September meeting in Port Washington with his talk featuring excepts from popular movies that contained references to chemistry and science. The following picture was taken while John and his wife Margie mingled with members and guests during the social hour at the meeting.

New Website for
C&EN Employment Classifieds

Finding the position that is right for you has just gotten easier. The C&E News's online employment classifieds page has an exciting new look that is faster to navigate. Just log on to C&EN Online at http://pubs.acs.org/cen and click on ACS Job Bank at the top of the home page. At the heart of the new website are the most recent listings from C&EN print classified ads as well as access to the ACS Career Services Professional Data Bank. The page also features free career articles from the magazine on topics ranging from salaries to starting your new laboratory. There are links for both job seekers and employers looking to match talented chemists with their dream jobs. Searching the classifieds is free to all ACS members.

UW-Parkside
2^nd Annual Regional Science Fair

The 2nd Annual Parkside Regional Science Fair will be held March 16-18, 2001 at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in Kenosha. This fair is affiliated with the Intel International Science Fair. The Parkside Regional Science Fair was organized last year to replace the Science Fair that had been held at Marquette University for many years. After Marquette University chose to no longer host a fair, we felt it was important to continue to provide a venue where students from eastern Wisconsin could compete and have an opportunity to advance to the Intel International Science Fair. The 1999 Fair was supported by generous donations by Abbott Laboratories, Aldrich Chemical Co., Isabel and Alfred Bader, S.C Johnson, Wisconsin Electric Power, the Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance..

We would like to continue to build on the foundation we started last year but we need your help. This help is in three main areas:

1. Encourage your children, schools and science teachers to organize and participate in local and regional science fairs. Use open houses and parent-teacher conferences, as well as one to one communications with teachers and school administrators to encourage this. Participation at the high school level is especially needed.
2. We need your energy, time and talents to help organize and operate the best possible fair for our students. Please consider volunteering- see the contact information below.
3. Events like this cost money. As an affiliate to the Intel International Science Fair we have expenses involved with the affiliation.

We are also obliged to provide the winner of our fair and an accompanying adult a trip to the Intel International Science Fair in San Jose CA in May 2001. Get involved, and encourage your company and business to support this community-based activity. If you and your fellow employees are involved it is easier to ask your businesses to provide financial support. Or let me know who to contact and I will call them.

For more information about the Parkside Regional Science Fair please see our web site at: http://www.uwp.edu/academic/stec/scienceFair.htm

Contacts:

Prof. Paul Boyer

Chair, Organizing Committee

(262) 595-2475

E-mail: paul.boyer@uwp.edu

 

Peter Bonk

(847) 938-9089

E- mail: bonkners@acronet.net

HTML by Alan W. Thompson athomp@uwm.edu December 29, 2000