Category: Upcoming Events

You are cordially to join our local students at Westmont College on Saturday April 18th for the award ceremony for US National Chemistry Olympiad Participants. The event is organized by the Westmont College Chemistry Club. Luther Gerlach, local artist and conservator of historical methods of photography, will deliver a lecture on the evolution of 19th century photography as part of the proceedings. Please come to encourage our local high school students and to connect with local educators.

 Click here to download the event flyer.

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2015
Time: Noon
Place: Winter Hall, Westmont College.
Cost: Free

Directions from the South

Take 101 north and exit at Olive Mill Road. Turn right onto Olive Mill and then left onto Hot Springs Road. Turn right onto Sycamore Canyon Road and then right at Cold Spring Road. You may use the lower entrance on Cold Spring Road or continue up Cold Spring Road, turn left on La Paz Road and drive through Westmont’s main entrance.

Directions from the North

Take 101 south and exit at #94B (Coast Village Road Exit – left exit). Turn left onto East Cabrillo Road, go through the roundabout and continue north on Hot Springs Road. Turn left onto Sycamore Canyon Road and right onto Cold Spring Road. You may use the lower entrance on Cold Spring Road or continue up Cold Spring Road, turn left on La Paz Road and drive through Westmont’s main entrance.

Money is policy, or how new research initiatives are born

Speaker: Katy Christiansen, Ph.D.

Join us on Saturday, March 14 (Pi Day) for our annual presentation on science policy. Dr. Katy Christiansen, our speaker, is a strategic analyst at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, where she works on strategic planning and implementation for the LBNL Biosciences Area, which consists of three and a half scientific divisions and over 800 staff.  Katy will discuss her career transition from research scientist to AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the Department of Energy in the Bioenergy Technologies Office, and then to the LBNL. She will discuss why the Federal government funds research initiatives, what happens when Congress appropriates funds to agencies, and how policy is implemented at the ground level.  Alternative career paths such as Katy’s provide opportunities for scientists to use their unique combination of skills and expertise to develop funding opportunities for new research initiatives, to implement programs and to advance research projects.

Click here to download the event flier. Date: Saturday, March 14, 2014 Time: 7-9 PM Place: Building 180, Room 114,Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (maps & directions) Cost: Free A complimentary assortment of pies will be served in observance of pi day.

RSVP is requested, but not required.

Abstract

Have you ever asked, “Why did the Federal government fund this research?” Do you wonder what happens to scientists who leave traditional research careers? Is life in Washington, DC as glamorous as it seems? Science policy has the answers to these questions and more! Dr. Christiansen will talk about her transition from the bench to the Department of Energy and how scientists in “alternative” careers can contribute to the U.S. research enterprise. She will also provide insights into what happens once Congress appropriates funds to agencies and how policy is implemented at the ground level. Finally, she will discuss how she is using this experience to help scientists build programs at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, and how others can do the same.

Optimizing Potency for Nevirapine: The Drug that Saved Children from AIDS

Please join us on Saturday February 28, 2014, at the California State Channel Islands Boating Center for a lecture on the treatment of pediatric AIDS. A pasta buffet dinner will be served before the lecture. Please use the form at the bottom of this page to make your reservation. Seating is limited. Feel free to arrive early and to explore Channel Islands Harbor or to walk along the beautiful beaches nearby.

Dr. Rebecca Anderson will present the scientific and medical breakthroughs that were responsible for conquering pediatric AIDS, as well as some of the technical and feasibility issues that investigators faced while implementing HIV prevention programs.  Pharmaceutical properties linked to the protective effect of antiviral HIV drugs, and modifications of drugs to optimize antiviral potency will be discussed.  Copies of Dr. Anderson’s books will be available for purchase.

Dr. Rebecca Anderson is a freelance medical writer and the author of two books, including Nevirapine and the Quest to End Pediatric AIDS. Prior to her writing career, Dr. Anderson managed research and development projects for twenty five years in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Georgetown University.

Time: February 28, 2014 Dinner at
Date: Dinner at 6:30 PM followed by Dr. Anderson’s presentation
Place: CSU Channel Islands Boating Center
3880 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035 (Google Map)
Cost: $15 regular members, $5 Students
Please make your reservation by 10 AM Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

Registration for this event is now closed. Please click on the “contact” link above to inquire. We may be able to accommodate you.

Driving from north of Oxnard, CA

• Merge onto US-101 S. to Los Angeles
• Take the exit toward Victoria Ave./ Channel Islands Harbor 0.2 mi.
• Turn left at Valentine Rd. 0.1 mi.
• Turn right at S. Victoria Ave. 5.4 mi.
• Turn right at W. Channel Islands Blvd. 0.5 mi.
• Turn left to stay on W. Channel Islands Blvd. 417 ft.
• Slight left at Harbor Blvd. 0.5 mi.
• Turn left into the Channel Islands Boating Center Parking Lot
• If you have passed the Whale’s tail restaurant you have gone past our location.

 Driving from south of Oxnard, CA

• Merge onto US-101 N toward Ventura
• Take the Victoria Ave. exit toward Channel Island Harbor 0.2 mi.
• Turn left at S. Victoria Ave. 5.5 mi.
• Turn right at W. Channel Islands Blvd. 0.5 mi.
• Turn left to stay on W. Channel Islands Blvd. 417 ft.
• Slight left at Harbor Blvd. 0.5 mi.
• Turn left into the Channel Islands Boating Center Parking Lot
• If you have passed the Whale’s tail restaurant you have gone past our location.

Amazingly, 2014 is nearly over, and it is time once again for our fall wine tasting event. Join us for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting at Jalama Wines, a boutique winery in the wine “ghetto” of Lompoc. Jalama’s prize winning wines will be paired with the fabulous cooking of section officers, all chemists, of course. Network with other members of the section, speak to your section officers and get acquainted with the up and coming wine makers of Lompoc. Continue reading “2014 Wine Tasting: Jalama Wines”

You are cordially invited to attend the late convocation of the CALPACS annual luncheon honoring the local section’s 50-year ACS members. The 2013 honorees are

Dr. Philip S. Bailey
Dr. Clifford A. Bunton
Dr. Peder J. Estrup
Dr. Norvell J. Nelson
Dr. Fred Wudl
Dr. Galen Stucky
and 60-year member Dr. George Taborsky.

As part of the event, Professor Erik Johansson of Portland State University will deliver a lecture on the history of iron pyrite and the renewed interest in its utility in renewable energy applications.

Continue reading “Annual 50-Year Member Luncheon and Lecture”