National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers

ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Dear NOBCChE Members, Supporters and Friends,

In 2010, we wanted to be more visible and more impactful, both nationally and globally.

NOBCChE’s primary purpose is to initiate and support programs that assist people of color in fully realizing their potential in their academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields. In turn, we are also charged with influencing those outside of our organization to recognize the eminent cadre of our members.

Our efforts this year include making contacts with the Congressional Black Caucus and securing a position on various governmental Policy Task Forces. Through this work, we are better able to influence those in the fields of science and technology and be recognized as a resource and a voice for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines. Furthermore, our efforts help financially secure the future of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and help NOBCChE become involved in policy that directs the National Science Foundation and agencies, such as the Department of Defense and NASA.

Last year, NOBCChE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Association of Nigerian Chemical Engineers (NSChE), thus establishing a scientific and cultural bridge between our two organizations. This year, NOBCChE hosted the official delegation of the NSChE and started the process of creating the first NOBCChE chapter in Nigeria. We ended 2010 with five NOBCChE members, including myself, attending the Fall Meeting of the NSChE in Nigeria to further NOBCChE’s endeavors of providing technical support to that country’s university level scientific programs.

In 2011, we are going to add China to our growing list of global interests. This will enable us to compete with that country’s scientific and technological workforce. NOBCChE is committed to providing opportunities to broaden the pipeline to STEM careers and opportunities, and I’m proud to be at the helm of an organization that is looking up from the microscope and into the hemisphere.

Sincerely,

Bobby L. Wilson, Ph.D., Executive Board Chair

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Dear NOBCChE Members and Sponsors,

NOBCChE’s mission, created over 37 years ago, is to build an eminent cadre of people of color in science and technology. During this past year, NOBCChE embarked on several successful initiatives which further our mission.

In 2008, NOBCChE created the Technology Education Partnership (TEP) Pro-gram to improve the sustainability and retention of minority students in graduate chemistry and chemical engineering programs at majority institutions. I’m proud to announce that in 2010, we added two TEP Partners: University of Massachu-setts at Amherst and The Scripps Research Institute. The Program is making an impact, with student chapters being established at TEP schools, relationships being forged between TEP Partners and Historically Black Colleges and Univer-sities (HBCUs), and Program Partners hosting several Fall Regional Meetings. For the third year, NOBCChE convened the forum of HBCU/MI Chemistry/Chemical Engineering Chairs, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research.

For the second year, NOBCChE sponsored the satellite feed from the White House of the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation award ceremonies by President Obama. I was there to hear John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy, recognize NOBCChE for its support.

At our 2010 Annual Technology Conference, we initiated the Winifred Burks-Houck Symposium in honor of our first female president, to recognize women of color who have made significant contributions to science and technology. This event affirms NOBCChE’s commitment to gender diversity and highlights the principles and vision embodied by Burks-Houck.

Furthermore, NOBCChE is establishing a permanent national headquarters in 2011 in Washington, D.C., where NOBCChE can effectively engage our industry, academic, government sponsors, and members.

We have accomplished much in 2010! Many thanks to our sponsors for your support and advocacy: it fuels our programs and fellowships. Lastly, thanks to our members, volunteers, and spouses who are committed to NOBCChE; your enthusiasm, hope, and dedication will produce a more diverse world of science where opportunity is available to all. YOU ARE NOBCCHE!!

Sincerely,

Victor R. McCrary, Ph.D., National President

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Brief History of NoBCChe

An ad hoc committee for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers was organized in April 1972 to ascertain the interest of Black professionals in establishing a formal organization dedicated to the professional advancement of Black chemists and chemical engineers. An enthusiastic response prompted the committee to expand and reconvene in September 1972 to setup a structured organization and devise a means of securing funds to finance its development.

In December 1973, the organization’s executive board met to plan the first national conference which was held in March 1974 in New Orleans. The national conference provided a rare opportunity for Black chemists and chemical engineers to discuss issues of significance to their careers, present technical papers, and formulate priorities and topics for future meetings. Practical and theoretical goals began to coalesce, and a national program was developed. The organization has held national Annual Technology Conferences since then and is planning for its 38th Annual Technology Conference in Houston in 2011.

The official name is the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers with the acronym, NOBCChE (pronounced No-be-shay). NOBCChE was incorporated in 1975 under the laws of the State of Georgia and has tax-exempt status, 501(c)(3) as a non-profit professional society.

The executive board determined the goals of the organization were to promote the professional advancement of African-Americans in chemistry, chemical engineering, life sciences and STEM related fields. As such, it wanted to identify Blacks in industry, government, and academia who were making significant contributions in those fields. Today, the vision of NOBCChE is to be an influential organization ensuring that all people of color are fully engaged in shaping the global scientific community. NOBCChE’s mission is to build an eminent cadre of people of color in science and technology.

NOBCChE is organized into five regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West, representing 28 professional chapters. Currently, there are a total of 48 student chapters within the five regions, which represent 5,000 members, corporate supporters, and advocates nationwide.

(L to R) Professor Rahina Mahtab, Kamika Manzano, Kaliah Jackson, Leanna Sealey, and Professor Mahtabuddin Ahmed from SC State University at the 2010 NOBCChE Southeast Regional Meeting

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2010 NoBCChe CoNtriButors

3M American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)American Chemical Society (ACS)Auburn University*Carnegie Mellon UniversityCenters for Disease Control and PreventionClaflin UniversityCENTC, UWColgate-PalmoliveCornell UniversityCorning IncorporatedDrug Enforcement Agency (DEA)Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)Dow CorningDuPontEli Lilly and CompanyExecutive Master’s in Technology Management (EMTM), University of PennsylvaniaGeorgia Tech/MDITR; School of ChemistryGeorgia AerospaceGlaxoSmithKlineGraduate School, Purdue UniversityHJ Heinz CompanyHunter College, Gene CenterJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL)Lawrence Livermore National LaboratoriesLos Alamos National LaboratoryLubrizolMerckMassachusetts Institute of Technology*Morehouse School of MedicineNASA Glenn Research CenterNational Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST)NOAA ECSC/Florida A&M UniversityNOBCChE (Indiana University Chapter)Norfolk State UniversityNorth Carolina State University National Science Foundation (NSF) Chemistry Division Office of Naval Research (ONR)Oak Ridge Associated Universities/ORISEPFG Insurance and Employee Benefits Procter & GambleRocheThe Dow Chemical CompanyThe Ohio State UniversityThe Scripps Research Institute*Texas Southern UniversityU.S. Customs and Border ProtectionU.S. Dept of Energy, Nat’l Energy Technology LaboratoryUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamUniversity of California DavisUniversity of Maryland at College Park*University of Massachusetts at Amherst*University of Notre Dame Graduate SchoolUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyWashington University in St. Louis*Western Michigan University

* NOBCChE Technology Education Partner

DEA Sponsored Workshop at 37th NOBCChE Annual Conference

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2010 GoverNmeNt spoNsor HiGHliGHt

For two decades, the OFFiCE OF Naval RESEaRCh (ONR), U.S. Department of the Navy, has been an advocate of the NOBCChE mission of creating an eminent cadre of people of color in science and technology. Over the past two years, ONR has supported the NOBCChE Forum of HBCU/MI Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Chairs Roundtable at the NOBCChE Annual Conference. Faculty and students from these institutions are informed of the current research and development topics of interest to the Navy. In addition, the Forum provides an opportunity for HBCU/MI chairs and principle investigators to establish collaborations with similar institutions, as well as majority colleges and universities.

2010 ACAdemiC spoNsor HiGHliGHt

ThE JOhNS hOpkiNS UNivERSiTy appliED phySiCS laBORaTORy (JHU/APL) has participated in the NOBCChE Annual Conference since 2004. JHU/APL is a non-profit research and development division of JHU that makes innovative and affordable scientific and engineering contributions to critical challenges in national security and space. JHU/APL organizes technical symposia covering advanced materials, nanotechnology, and biological technologies at the Annual Conference. Dr. Miquel antoine, senior professional staff scientist, JHU/APL, is the NOBCChE Southeast Regional Chair, and recipient of the 2006 NOBCChE Lloyd Ferguson Young Scientist Investigator Award.

2010 iNdustry spoNsor HiGHliGHts

CORNiNg iNCORpORaTED is a NOBCChE Corporate Sponsor, and has been an advocate of NOBCChE for many years through the Awareness Quality Improvement Team affinity group at Corning. Corning supports students attending the NOBCChE Annual Conference and Conference Technical Symposia. Dr. Jimmie l. Williams, senior research associate at Corning, was awarded the 2006 Percy Julian Award, the highest recognition given by NOBCChE to an individual for lifetime contributions in science and engineering, and for demonstrating a commitment to the mission of NOBCChE. Corning continues to support NOBCChE through participation at the Annual Conference Career Fair and leading technical sessions.

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p&g’s relationship with NOBCChE began in 1976 with the establishment of the first graduate fellowship. Over the years, P&G employees have served in a variety of NOBCChE leadership roles, for example, Dr. leonard Small, Ret. (Chairman of the Board), Dr. Rukeyser Thompson (Vice President), Ms. kim Jackson (Midwest Chair), Dr. kemal Catalan (Graduate Fellowship Recipient), Dr. Tamiika hurst (National Student Representative), Dr. Ron Walker (Timbuktu Academy), and Dr. Judson haynes (Midwest Chair and Vice President). P&G continues to support NOBCChE through participation at the Annual Conference Career Fair and leading technical sessions.

DUpONT has been a corporate sponsor for NOBCChE for over 30 years and remains committed to assisting minorities in realizing their potential in academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related scientific fields. The E.I. DuPont Graduate Fellowship Award is conferred at the NOBCChE Annual Conference to recognize outstanding contributions of minority graduate students and support them in their academic and professional research endeavors. Dr. Sharon haynie, an award-winning DuPont chemist, has presented the ACS-sponsored Henry Hill lecture and was the first woman recipient of the Percy L. Julian Award, NOBCChE’s highest honor.

As corporate sponsors, the DOW ChEMiCal COMpaNy and its employees are advocates for NOBCChE. Sharon Barnes (Dow Sr. HR Leader, Performance Division R&D) has served as NOBCChE National Secretary since 2003, and president, Brazoria County Area Chapter, since 2002. Sandra parker (Dow Project Manager, Information Systems) was the Conference Planning Team chair from 2007–2010 and recipient of the inaugural 2010 NOBCChE Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Award. Dr. linneaus Dorman (Dow R&D Fellow, retired) and Dr. victor atiemo-Obeng (Dow R&D Fellow), are NOBCChE Percy L. Julian Awardees, NOBCChE’s highest distinction. Dow is an annual exhibitor at the conference career fair, supports regional meetings, and sponsors students in the national science bowl.

37tH NoBCChe ANNuAl teCHNoloGy CoNfereNCe

“Sustainability” was the theme of the 37th NOBCChE Annual Technology Conference, held in Atlanta, March 29 – April 2, 2010. Over 700 students, professionals, exhibitors, and invited guests attended. Highlights included: a one-day industrial exhibits/career fair; distinguished lecturers; a two-day teachers’ workshop; high school science competitions; technology forums; career development workshops; technical sessions; a jointly sponsored symposia with the American Institute for Chemical Engineers, AIChE, and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers, NSChE; and the Gala Awards Banquet.

Technical sessions ran throughout the week in the areas of bio-applications in chemistry and chemical engineering, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, modeling and simulation methods, polymer materials chemistry, chemical education, organic chemistry, chemical and materials engineering, and biotechnology.

The first Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Symposium was held and the first Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Award was bestowed during the conference. In 1994, Winifred Burks-Houck became the first female elected President of NOBCChE and was reelected three times.

Timbuktu Academy’s National Science Bowl Champion (1st and 3rd place) Teams and their chaperones from Baton Rouge, LA

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During her tenure, she increased the number of students and professional chapters by more than 100%, and established the Science Bowl and the Science Fair at the national level.

This Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Award is the first NOBCChE award inspired by and created to honor the contributions of African American Women in science and technology. The 2010 recipients of the Winifred Burks-Houck Professional Leadership Award are Sandra parker, Dow Chemical Company, who received the Professional Award. kari l. Copeland from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi received the Graduate Student Award, and Shannon p. anderson, from the Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering at Florida A&M University-Florida State University’s College of Engineering, received the Undergraduate Student Award.

Students, faculty, and parents come together at Annual National NOBCChE Science Bowl

(Upper poster) Poster competition honorable mention honoree, Rhonda Jack (right), Hampton University; (Lower poster) Student poster competition entrant Sarah Addae, Morgan State University

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2010 NoBCChe felloWsHips

NOBCChE annually recognizes outstanding minority graduate students by awarding deserving candidates who have made significant contributions to science and /or engineering research.

The following Fellowships were awarded in 2010:

The procter & gamble graduate Fellowship award Ms. Abbygail A. Palmer, University of Delaware, Department of Chemical Engineering

The E.i. Dupont graduate Fellowship award Mr. Christopher W. Davies, Purdue University, Department of Chemistry

glaxoSmithkline’s Dr. lendon N. pridgen graduate Fellowship award Ms. Tehetena Mesganaw, University of California

The Dow Chemical Company’s graduate Fellowship award Ms. Marja Mulling, Stanford University, Department of Chemical Engineering

NOBCChE also co-sponsors several undergraduate scholarships. The following were awarded in 2010:

The lubrizol Corporation Undergraduate awards for Outstanding Research in Chemical Engineering Ms. Yazmin Feliz, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Mr. Earnest F. Long, Jr., University of Pennsylvania

Christopher Davies receiving the E.I. DuPont Graduate Fellowship Award from Dr. Keisha Wilson McDowell at the Annual Conference.

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The NOBCChE Undergraduate Scholarship Awards were presented by the Colgate–Palmolive Company representative, Melinda Wordel (left)

The NOBCChE Undergraduate Scholarship awards were sponsored by the Colgate–palmolive Company Mr. Stanley Ogayhire and Ms. Melissa Pinard, both from Morgan State University

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tHree NoBCChe memBers Are AmoNG seCoNd ClAss of ACs felloWs

The American Chemical Society (ACS) honored its second class of 192 ACS Fellows at its 240th National Meeting last August. The Fellows Program began in 2009 to recognize and honor ACS members for their outstanding achievements in and contributions to the chemical sciences, the profession, and service to the Society.

This year’s members, like the first 163 ACS Fellows, represent academia, industry, and government. “They are also consummate volunteers who contribute tirelessly to the community and the profession,” said ACS President Joseph S. Francisco (past NOBCChE President).

Three NOBCChE members were included among the 2010 class: Dr. William M. Jackson, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry at the University of California at Davis, Dr. Saundra yancy Mcguire, Professor of Chemistry at the Louisiana State University, and Dr. Dorothy J. phillips, Director of Strategic Marketing at the Waters Corporation.

ACS Fellows from L to R, Dorothy Phillips, Saundra McGuire and William Jackson, with NOBCChE President Victor McCrary

Dr. Saundra yancy Mcguire is Professor of Chemistry and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Learning, Teaching and Retention at Louisiana State University. Prior to joining LSU, she worked at Cornell University, where she was acting director of the Center for Learning and Teaching and Senior Lecturer in the

Department of Chemistry. She has been an active NOBCChE member for over thirty years.

Dr. McGuire has served as a curriculum or evaluation consultant to the National Science Foundation, The National Institutes of Health, The National Urban Coalition, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Currently, she is a member of the advisory board of COACh, and has served as a workshop presenter at NOBCChE’s Annual and Regional Conferences.

She received her B.S. degree from Southern University, her Master’s degree from Cornell University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where she received the Chancellor’s Citation for Exceptional Professional Promise. Dr. McGuire has received numerous awards over the years, including NOBCChE’s 2002 Dr. Henry C. McBay Outstanding Teacher Award and the 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. This year, she was elected as an American Chemical Society Fellow.

A research scientist with Battelle Memorial Institute, Dr. Joycelynn Nelson has been a member of NOBCChE for five years. Through the Institute, she works for the Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation (Atlanta Division) on the National Children’s Study. It was designed to examine the effects of the environment on the health, growth, and development of U.S. children from preconception to age 21. Since the summer of 2010, she has served as the Study’s data collection manager in Baldwin County, Georgia.

Dr. Nelson recently received a Ph.D. and M.S. from Florida State University in Computational Biophysics and Biochemistry, respectively. She earned a B.S. in Chemistry & Spanish at Georgia Southern University with the hopes of combining those disciplines in a role where Spanish would be required of a chemist.

She was in the right place at the right time at the 2010 NOBCChE Conference when she was interviewed for the Battelle position, which required fluency in Spanish. Dr. Nelson has received several fellowships; her most recent, the 2010 NOBCChE DuPont Travel Fellow, was awarded last spring.

NoBCChe’s WomeN of distiNCtioN

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NoBCChe Goes GloBAl

In the fall of 2010, adedunni adeyemo, National Student Representative, and Dr. John harkless, National Vice-President, visited Lagos State and Port Harcourt- Rivers State, Nigeria, as part of a delegation of NOBCChE members that attended the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers’ (NSChE) National Conference. The delegation also included Dr. Bobby Wilson (Chairman of the Board), Dr. Emmanuel Dada (member, president NSChE USA) and Dr. albert Thompson (Spelman College). At NOBCChE’s Annual Conference in 2009, NOBCChE signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NSChE, and the following spring, NSChE sent a delegation to NOBCChE’s 2010 Annual Conference.

NoBCChe spoNsors NAtioNAl medAls BroAdCAst

November 16 and 17, 2010, were historic days for NOBCChE, as we were the first African-American technical organization re-invited to the White House for the 2010 presentations of the National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology. The National Science & Technology Medals Foundation, a District of Columbia non-profit, administers the National Medals that are awarded by the President of the United States. NOBCChE sponsored the satellite feed of the ceremonies to all of the nation’s universities and federal offices, as well as through C-SPAN and CNN.

The National Medals recognizes individuals and institutions that have made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the Nation’s legacy of science and technology. In 2007, Dr. James West, a NOBCChE member, was awarded the National Medal of Technology for his invention of the electret microphone. This year’s medalists included Dr. Warren M. Washington, a senior scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, CO. He has accepted our invitation to serve as the 2011 Henry A. Hill Lecturer.

Dr. Washington is congratulated by President Obama.

(L to R) Engr. L. Awopega, Engr. Adeyemo, Dr. John Harkless, Engr. Soyode, Adedunni Adeyemo, Dr. Albert Thompson, Engr. Emmanuel Dada, Dr. Bobby Wilson and Engr. E. Ubom.

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A tAste of NoBCChe’s reGioNAl meetiNGs…

In addition to its national Annual Conference, NOBCChE hosts four Regional Meetings in the fall of each year. These two day meetings attract professionals, students and sponsors from the local chapters.

The 2010 Southeast Regional Meeting was held in Atlanta, with the theme, “Chemistry to the Rescue: Saving our Environment, Transforming Our World.”

The 2010 Northeast Regional Meeting was held in Philadelphia. The meeting was cosponsored by the Chemistry Department, University of Pennsylvania, with the theme, “Liberty of Science, Chemistry and Engineering.”

The 2010 Midwest Regional was themed, “STEMulating Our Future,” with an emphasis on education, funding and research. It was held at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City.

(above) Student Poster Session at the Northeast Regional Meeting

2010 Southeast Regional Meeting attendees gather around keynote speaker, Dr. Larry Robinson, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Conservation & Management for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (third from left)

Dr. Andre Palmer from The Ohio State University (left) with aspiring young scientists at the 2010 Midwest Regional Meeting

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stAtemeNts of fiNANCiAl positioN

NOBCChE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, registered in the State of Georgia, representing more than 5,000 members, sponsors, and advocates.

In 2010, NOBCChE awarded $52,850 in sponsored fellowships and scholarships to college students pursuing the STEM disciplines. The total of $429,760 was awarded between 2005 and 2010.

NOBCChE’s 2010 finances were audited by Debbie Neal, CPA, 90 St. Martin Circle, Richmond Hills, GA 31324, and received an Unqualified Opinion (NOBCChE conforms to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles-GAAP). An independent audit of NOBCChE’s finances is conducted annually and the results are reported at the NOBCChE Annual Conference.

For more information on NOBCChE, please go to www.nobcche.org.

If are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor or making a donation to NOBCChE, please contact president@nobcche.org.

The NOBCChE Executive Board and External Advisory Board

The 2010 West Regional Meeting was held in San Diego, with the theme, “Catalyzing Innovation with Diversity of Thought, Experience and Talent.”

West Regional Speakers: (Back row, L to R) Michael Long, Dr. William Jackson, Isom Harrison, Dr. José Luis Sánchez Palacio, Dr. William Lester; (Front row, L to R) Candace Guerrero, Nisana Andersen , Dr. Krishna Foster, Delnita Moore, Ashley Warren, Dr. Akua Asa-Awuku, Adwoa Sasu

victor McCrary, ph.D.National PresidentJohns Hopkins UniversityApplied Physics Laboratory

Bobby l. Wilson, ph.D.Chair of the BoardTexas Southern University

John harkless, ph.D.National Vice-PresidentHoward University

perry l. Catchings, Sr.Vice Chair of the BoardPrime Organics, Inc.

Sharon J. Barnes, ph.D.National SecretaryDow Chemical Company

Dale MackNational TreasurerMorehouse School of Medicine

Dedun adeyemoNational Student RepresentativeThe Ohio State University

Tommie Royster, ph.D.Regional Chair—Northeast RegionOLED Technologies & Solutions, BV

Judson haynes, iii, ph.D. Regional Chair—Midwest RegionProcter & Gamble

Miquel antoine, ph.D.Regional Chair—Southeast RegionJohns Hopkins UniversityApplied Physics Laboratory

isom harrisonRegional Chair—West RegionLawrence Livermore National Laboratories

Mel poulsonRegional Chair—Southwest RegionSchering-Plough Animal Health

Sharon kennedy, ph.D.Member At-LargeColgate-Palmolive

Filomena Califano, ph.D.Member At-LargeSt. Francis College

Ella Davis, MBaMember At-Large

Sherine Obare, ph.D.Member At-Large Western Michigan University

Bernice greenMember At-LargeSpelman College

Ron lewis, ii, ph.D.Member At-LargePfizer Global Research and Development

NoBCChe exeCutive BoArd

P.O. Box 77040Washington, DC 20013

george Miller, ph.D.Chair External Advisory BoardClaflin University

alicia Clay-Jones, ph.D.Vice-Chair, External Advisory BoardBooz, Allen, Hamilton

Virgil GriffinThe Boeing Corporation

Constance ThompsonDiversity & Inclusion Professional

ambrose phillipsMicros Systems

exterNAl Advisory BoArd