ACESS-Akron Council of Engineering and Scientific Societies

ACS - ACESS Joint Societies Meeting
2025-03-06 17:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Missing Falls Brewery, 540 S. Main St. Suite 112, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Dr. Sadhan Jana of the University of Akron
BF Goodrich Professor, School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
Separation of PFAS from Water Using Meso- and Macro-porous Materials
5:45 PM Networking
6:30 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Lecture (open to the public)
Dinner Reservations: Buy tickets at the links below: $25 for members/public and $10 for students/Retired/Unemployed. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Abstract: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of contaminants that are environmentally persistent, bioaccumulative, and noxious to human health. Among these, the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) molecules are widely found in ground and surface water sources. A novel high surface area, meso- and macro-porous polymer wet gel is used in this work as adsorbent of PFOA molecules from water at environmentally relevant PFOA concentrations (≤ 1 μg/L) and cleanse water to below the U.S. EPA’s 2023 health advisory limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt). The sigmoidal shape of PFOA adsorption isotherm indicates a two-step adsorption mechanism attributed to strong affinity of PFOA molecules for the polymer surface and molecular aggregation at the solid-liquid interfaces or within the pores of the wet gel. The adsorption kinetics and the effects of wet gel porosity, pore size, and pore volume on removal efficiency are reported. The adsorption kinetics is seen strongly dependent on the pore size and the pore volume.
BIO: Professor Sadhan C. Jana is currently the B.F. Goodrich Endowed Chair and Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. He is a chemical engineer by training with a Ph.D. degree from Northwestern University. Professor Jana has been teaching at the University of Akron since 1998 and has served as the chair of Polymer Engineering Department and as associate dean for research in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science. Professor Jana received National Science Foundation Faculty Early CAREER Award, Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Fred E. Schwab Award for outstanding achievements in education, George Stafford Whitby Award for distinguished research and education from the American Chemical Society Rubber Division. He is a Fellow and Honored Service Member of SPE and a Fellow of The Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Polymer Engineering & Science Journal and Executive Editor of all SPE journals – Polymer Engineering & Science, Polymer Composites, Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology, and SPE Polymers journals.

Goodyear Stem Career Days - Call for participation and financial support from companies and organizations
2025-02-08 | OH
High School: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 8:00AM – 12:00PM at The University of Akron, Akron OH
Middle School: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 8:00AM – 2:30PM at Ohio Firestone CLC, Akron OH
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is excited to announce its 26th annual STEM Career Day! This is the company’s flagship community outreach program that has grown with great success over the years. This event is designed to be engaging, hands-on, and most of all, a fun way for students to learn about STEM.
We welcome you to consider participating in Goodyear STEM Career Day as a way to educate and excite students about STEM. There are multiple ways for your company/organization to be involved, from participation in the information fair, volunteering to have an interactive activity, or by providing financial sponsorship. Those who have participated in previous events have found the experience to be very rewarding and mutually beneficial. We do hope you will consider participating in 2025.
About Goodyear’s STEM Career Day

Mission: To inform and encourage young people to pursue opportunities, both educationally and professionally, that exist in various science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines.
Student groups compete in a Rube Goldberg® Challenge to win Goodyear-funded grant money and prizes. High school students also can apply to win both Goodyear and university-funded scholarship money.
In 2024:
o Almost 500 students from more than 80 schools attended
o The event provided students $31,000 in grants and scholarships
o 118 Goodyear volunteers participated in the event
o 22 companies and organizations participated in the event, showcasing STEM disciplines in practice

What’s in it for your company/organization?

These students are your company’s and Ohio’s future workforce. It’s a great recruiting tool!
This event is a great opportunity to showcase what your company has to offer students as they pursue their dream job.
It is a chance to give back to the community in which we work!
This event is FREE for students to attend and for your company/organization to participate in!

How can I get involved?
There are multiple ways in which you can participate in the Goodyear STEM Career Day. We welcome you to participate in whatever way interests your company.

Information Fair (approx. 8AM–9AM @ Middle School event, 8AM-12PM @ High School event)
o Provide an opportunity for the students to tour table displays of STEM companies, organizations, and universities.
o Table displays only, handouts/giveaways are encouraged, no PowerPoint presentations. Please avoid giveaways that make noise that may be distracting during the day, and food due to food allergies.
Interactive Activities (approx. 9AM – 2:30PM @ Middle School event only)
o Four to six 30-minute sessions that bring STEM disciplines to life for students through simple demos, interactive activities, or other creative means such as skits, game shows, etc.
o These interactive activities should be fun and meaningful to capture students’ attention, increase their knowledge of basic STEM principles, and attract them to STEM fields.
o Include a brief summary of your company/organization, its products, and its impact on society.

What are the sponsorship opportunities?

Blue Sponsorship: $500. A sponsorship level of $500 supports the participation of 15 students to the STEM Career Day event.
Gold Sponsorship: $750. A sponsorship level of $750 supports the participation of 25 students to the STEM Career Day event. Will allow for your company or organization’s logo to be displayed on the event website, which is used for all student and organization registration.
Wingfoot Sponsorship: $1050. A sponsorship level of $1050 supports the participation of 35 students to the STEM Career Day event. Will allow your company or organization to have your logo displayed on our STEM Career Day website, as well as on the backs of the event shirts. Shirts will also be provided to the individuals your company sends to the event.

Registration is open! Please visit this link to register.

ORG - Winter Technical Meeting
2025-01-28 16:00 - 21:00 | Hilton Garden Inn Twinsburg, 8971 Wilcox Dr., Twinsburg, OH, 44078, United States
Agenda:
4:00 – Dinner Ticket / Membership Sales
4:30 – Technical Presentations
6:00 – Social Hour
7:00 – Dinner
Advanced Reservations: $35 each ***Without prior reservation: $40 each (limited number available).

Pay in Advance for this meeting using the links below! (This is the preferred method of payment.) Please note that although we are using PayPal to make the transaction, you do not need to have a PayPal account. Simply just enter your Credit Card information.
Alternatively, email reservations to Denise Kotz at denisekotz@strategicrealm.consulting or by mail to Ohio Rubber Group, PO Box 553, Hudson, OH 44236. Winter Technical Meeting Reservation Form

Technical Presentations:

“Chloramine Devulcanization: Setting New Standards in Carbon Black and Rubber Recovery from End of Life Tires.” Dr. Patrick Kroeger, CTO, Arduro Sustainable Rubber
Arduro’s patented technology uses a unique two-stage process to devulcanize, separate, and recover raw materials from end of life rubber products. Through this process Arduro is able to produce both recovered carbon black and polymer from waste rubber products.
“LG Chem Americas New Technical Center, Tire Polymer Innovations, and Sustainability Strategy.” Paul Smith, Technical Service Engineer, LG Chem Americas
This presentation will highlight the capabilities of LG Chem Americas new technical center in Ravenna, Ohio. The company’s latest tire polymer innovations and sustainability strategy will also be touched on.
“Introduction to Understanding & Utilizing Analytical Testing.” Eric Britton, Technical Sales Manager, ACE Laboratories
This presentation is a basic overview of several thermal and analytical testing methods for polymers, and includes practical examples of their use in problem solving.

ACS - ACESS Joint Societies Meeting
2025-01-16 17:30 - 20:30 | Missing Falls Brewery, 540 S. Main St. Suite 112, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Space Tribology: A Primer
Dr. Christopher DellaCorte, Timken Endowed Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Director, Center for Engineered Surfaces and Lubrication Engineering, The University of Akron
VENUE: MISSING FALLS BREWERY, 540 S. Main St, Akron, Ohio in the Event Room
(Parking available in front of building, easy direct access to event room)
5:45 pm. Social- Networking time
6:30 pm. Dinner
7:15 pm. Speaker Presentation
Buffet, Cash Bar: Cost: $25 Employed Members of ACESS Societies and Guests; $10 Students, Retirees, or Unemployed. But tickets online at the links below.
ABSTRACT: Tribology is the study of contacting surfaces, friction, and wear. Tribological phenomena are part of our daily lives on earth and can often pose significant engineering challenges. In space, such challenges are amplified by the unusual conditions of vacuum, zero-gravity, and extreme temperatures. Planned future habitations on the moon and Mars will undoubtedly create additional tribological problems and opportunities for new engineering solutions.
In this lecture, basic tribological concepts are introduced alongside the unique characteristics of the space environment. Several examples of space tribology problems encountered on the International Space Station and their solutions are presented that illustrate the importance of good mechanical engineering and sound tribological practices essential to successfully living off-planet.
BIO: Dr. Christopher DellaCorte is a full, tenured professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Akron, in Akron Ohio. He is the newly appointed Director of the University of Akron’s Engineering Tribology Laboratory (AETL). Prior to joining academia in 2022, he concluded a long career in federal service as NASA’s Senior Technologist for Tribology and Rotating Machinery. He is a highly visible and widely recognized leader in the field of tribology, mechanical components and aerospace technology. His academic background includes degrees in Fluid and Thermal Sciences, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a deep emphasis in Materials Engineering. His career experience includes research on longstanding extreme tribology challenge areas such as the high temperatures, high speeds and high loads often encountered in spacecraft and aircraft.
He has published extensively in journals, government technical reports, book chapters and conference papers. His innovative research has resulted in eleven patents related to tribological coatings, high performance bearing alloys, materials processing, and mechanical components. He has a strong track record in forensic failure analysis of mechanical systems and has been frequently called upon to solve important and vexing NASA and industrial problems. He is now developing a vibrant research program within academia as a tool for student training.
Dr. DellaCorte’s research has been awarded major recognition by industry (R&D 100 awards), government and prominent professional societies. His work on coatings technology was recognized as NASA’s Government and Commercial Invention of the Year for 2018 and his pioneering work on NiTi alloys received the 2019 ASM Engineering Materials Achievement Award. He has helped solve major bearing and other mechanical system problems on the International Space Station (ISS) and for NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS). His forensic work has been recognized by NASA with many awards including the prestigious Silver Snoopy bestowed by the astronaut corps.
Dr. DellaCorte is deeply engaged with professional technical societies. He is a fellow of both the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). He was the founding Editor of STLE’s highly regarded Tribology & Lubrication Technology (TLT) magazine and has served as the Editor-In-Chief of STLE’s peer reviewed journal Tribology Transactions since 2016.

ACESS Board Meeting
2025-01-15 17:30 - 19:30, 2024-11-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Rubber Division, 306 N Cleveland Massillon Rd, Akron, 44333, United States

SPE - Radici Plastics USA Plant Tour
2024-11-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Radici Plastics USA, Inc, 960 Seville Rd #8316, Wadsworth, OH, 44281, United States
Thursday, November 21, 2024
5:00 PM 8:00 PM
Radici Plastics USA, Inc.
Radici Plastics USA in Wadsworth, Ohio has 8 compounding production lines, a pilot line, QC Lab, and an R&D Lab. Our most common grades are PA6 and PA66, used in a wide range of applications. We have an A2LA lab, ISO 17025, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 certifications. In house testing abilities include tensile, impact, viscosity, melt flow rate, rheology, DSC, FTIR, CIE color, and many more.
Please join us for a tour of our facility from 5pm-8pm. We will offer 3 groups a chance to see production lines running, QC laboratory testing, and a brief discussion of our company. There will be pizza and snacks provided – cost is $15 per person.

ACS - Akron Section Award - Evening Lecture
2024-11-13 17:30 - 21:00 | Missing Falls Brewery, 540 S. Main St. Suite 112, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
James M. Egan, Assistant Professor of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
The University of Akron
5:30 PM Networking
6:30 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Akron Section Award and Evening Lecture
Abstract: This lecture series will explore how to rethink carbon dioxide as a feedstock for producing chemicals and polymers. This paradigm is broadly of interest not only because of the sustainability, but also due to the low-cost and increased function. When compared to bio-based materials CO2 utilization avoids fresh-water consumption, land-use change, and food competition which makes it more secure for decades to come. Both talks will explore these concepts at varying levels of expertise and what the implications are for near-term applications and commercial development.
Bio: James Eagan is an assistant professor at the University of Akron School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. He holds a PhD in chemistry from Columbia University and is the recipient of the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award, and Akron’s 30 for the Future award.
The lecture is open to the public. Buy ticket for the dinner at the links below: $30 for members and the pubic; $10 for students.

ACS - Akron Section Award - Afternoon Lecture
2024-11-12 15:00 - 17:00 | MGH 111, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, United States
James M. Egan, Assistant Professor of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
The University of Akron
Tuesday, Nov. 12
Afternoon Lecture: 3:00 PM, Mary Gladwin Hall 111, University of Akron
Abstract: The catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide into polymers offers a sustainable, low-cost, and low-emission approach for developing high-performance materials without competing for land-use or food resources. This talk will present the catalytic coupling of butadiene with CO2 as a paradigm for accessing a diverse range of monomers which exhibit divergent reactivity. By controlling the chemical pathways, polymers with a range of thermomechanical, degradability, and chemical recyclability have been discovered. Specifically, this talk will present our mechanistic studies into the tandem conjugate and ring-opening polymerization of unsaturated lactones from butadiene/CO2. These products have found use in cleavable thermosets for recyclable carbon fiber composites and as biodegradable elastomers.
Bio: James Eagan is an assistant professor at the University of Akron School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering. He holds a PhD in chemistry from Columbia University and is the recipient of the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, NSF Faculty Early Career Development Award, and Akron’s 30 for the Future award.
This afternoon lecture is free and open to the public. No reservation is required. Note that the evening lecture and dinner are on the next day (Nov 13) and are listed separately on this website.

SPE - Additive Manufacturing: Printing the Plan for the Future
2024-10-17 08:00 - 17:00 | Corporate College Conference Center, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, 44128, United States
Thursday, October 17, 2024
8:00 AM 5:00 PM
Corporate College Conference Center (map)

PROGRAM SCOPE: The Cleveland Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) invites you to attend a 1-day technical conference & exhibition showcasing innovative developments in materials, processing and equipment for the additive manufacturing industry.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: This conference is specifically designed to inform, update and educate plastic processors about implementing new additive manufacturing technologies. Learn how these technologies can help improve performance and productivity, while reducing cost.
PRESENTATIONS: Hear technical presentations on the newest advances in additive manufacturing related to: design, materials development, processing equipment and enabling technologies, new applications and more.
EXHIBITS: See exhibits from engineering plastic suppliers, compounders, molders, design and engineering firms and machinery suppliers. Experts will show you how to apply the latest technologies to your next project or program.
Keynote Speaker: Eve Vitale – SPE Foundation Chief Executive
Conference includes a full day of technical presentations, plenary and keynote presentations on business trends; breakfast, lunch and breaks; exhibits of advanced technologies and an evening networking reception.
Please submit your reservation by October 12 at this link.

ACESS Board Meeting
2024-10-16 17:30 - 20:30 | ACS Rubber Division office, 306 N. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Akron, OH, 44333, United States

ACS - Joint Akron, Cleveland and NEO Sections Meeting
2024-10-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Spirits of Willoughby, 3872 Erie St., Willoughby, Ohio, 44094, United States
Cleveland Poison Symposia
Lead has been known to be poisonous for more than 2000 years. It is rarely used as an intentional poison, rather lead poisoning is inadvertent, the result of mistakes.
Mark Jones, Ph.D., Creative Director at MJPhD: “Lead: The Accidental Poison”
Akbar Tyler, CEO, Cleveland Analytical LLC: “Lead Paint in Cleveland”
Michael Fricke, Ph.D., Councilor, Akron ACS, “The Cleveland Mousetrap”
No charge and open to the public. Please support Spirits and their staff. Contact Mike Fricke at mfricke.phd@gmail.com to pre-order T-shirts. This event is presented with support from Lake Erie College and from an ACS LS-MEET Grant 2024.

SPE - ACE Laboratories Tour
2024-09-25 17:00 - 20:00 | ACE Laboratories, 6800 N Chestnut St., Suite C, Ravenna, OH, 44266, United States
Gathering 5:00 PM
Tour groups of 5-7
Catered Dinner following, $15.
Reserve by Sept 20.

ORG - Fall Technical Meeting
2024-09-24 17:00 - 20:00 | Hilton Garden Inn Twinsburg, 8971 Wilcox Dr., Twinsburg, OH, 44078, United States
Ohio Rubber Group Fall Technical Meeting
Agenda:
4:00 – Dinner Ticket / Membership Sales
4:30 – Technical Presentations
6:00 – Social Hour
7:00 – Dinner
Buy tickets at link below. Advanced Reservations: $35 each ***Without prior reservation: $40 each (limited number available)
For more information contact Denise Kotz at denisekotz@strategicrealm.consulting OR by mail to Ohio Rubber Group, PO Box 553, Hudson, OH 44236.

ACS - Joint Meeting of Akron and Cleveland Sections
2024-09-18 17:30 - 20:30 | Baker Electric Buildong, 7100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44103, United States
Eric Rivet
Western Reserve Historical Society Curator of Collections and Exhibits

“Baker Electric Motor Car”
Location
Baker Electric Building, 7100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland OH 441034410344103
Schedule
5:30 pm Networking
6:30 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Speaker Presentation
Registration: RSVP to https://www.acscleveland.org/event/2024-akron-cleveland-acs-joint-meeting/ by Sept 3.
Menu: Chicken marsala and Stuffed Shells, Red-skinned potatoes, Green beans with French-fried onions, Salad and rolls, Desert of associated pastries, Iced tea, coffee, water, and soda.
The Baker Electric Motor Car: In 1909, the Baker Electric was the best selling electric vehicle in the world. The car was lighter than other electric cars and used twelve lead acid batteries designed by Thomas Edison who famously drove a Baker. In New York City, there were 15,000 on the streets and charging stations scattered throughout the area. Cleveland architect Frank B Meade designed the Baker Electric Building for Walter C Baker as his car showroom in 1910. Rohrheimer-Brooks, Cleveland’s top interior design studio, designed and decorated the showrooms and associated spaces. Faced with competition from gasoline-powered automobiles production ceased in 1919. The building was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 2007 and was redeveloped into a LEED Silver certified tech incubator providing 52,000 square feet of office and wet/dry laboratory space for emerging local companies. In 2010, the City of Cleveland installed the city’s first public electric vehicle recharging station in front of Baker Electric.
Biography: Eric Rivet has been a Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the WRHS since 2015. His responsibilities include planning and installing exhibitions that highlight the rich and diverse history of the region. Previously, he was a Curator at The National WWIl Museum in New Orleans and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Louisiana State University.

ORG - Late Sumer Golf Outing
2024-08-26 08:00 - 19:30 | Silver Lake Country Club, 1325 Graham Rd, Stow, OH, 44224, United States
Ohio Rubber Group – Late Summer Golf Outing
Event Information
Call for Sponsors
Registration Form
There will be two shotgun starts: AM group – 8:00 AM (Play Your Own Ball) and PM group – 1:30 PM (Scramble)
Any morning player will have the opportunity to play an additional round in the afternoon for an additional $75.
Entry Fee of $165 includes golf, lunch and dinner.
Entry form must be received with payment by August 19, 2024.
Schedule of Activities:
7:00 AM Bag Drop – Morning Shotgun Registration Opens
7:15 AM Driving Range Opens
8:00 AM MORNING SHOTGUN
9:30 AM Bag Drop – Afternoon Shotgun
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:30 PM AFTERNOON SHOTGUN
6:00 PM Cocktails! (Cash Bar)
7:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Prize Awards

MSA - X94: STEM Roundtable: Building Skills for the Future
2024-07-30 08:30 - 10:00 | Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114, United States
X94: STEM Roundtable: Building Skills for the Future
Tuesday, July 30 | 8:30 am – 10:00 am | Room 26B
The Microscopy and Microanalysis (M&M) annual conference this year will take in Cleveland at the Huntington Convention Center (https://mm2024.eventscribe.net/index.asp). The M&M conference is sponsored by the Microscopy Society of America, of which the Microscopy Society of Northeast Ohio (MSNO) is our local chapter. The MSA Education Outreach Committee organizing the X90-X94 Symposium focused on enhancing STEM education. Link: https://mmconference.microscopy.org/microscopy-outreach

Organizers:
Lori Harvey, Hitachi High Technologies America
Summer Hamilton, Hitachi High Technologies America
Troy Hall, Hitachi High Technologies America
We will explore how to integrate varied resources to have broader, sustainable impacts in STEM education, including bridging K-12 outreach with undergraduate and graduate education, and emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion which will lead to a stronger workforce for everyone. In response to education changes in 2020 & 2021, The HTA Inspire STEM Education Outreach Program has put forth a plan to provide an opportunity to make quality in-person and virtual experiences easily accessible to teachers as they create the classrooms of tomorrow now. The program is continuing its work with local, national, and international partners to provide flexible access to easy-to-use content and technology that can be used in the following learning scenarios.
For Free Registration or for more information on this X94: STEM Roundtable, contact silverstein.joshua.nano@gmail.com.

Challenge Island STEAM Events
2024-06-24 | OH
The following STEAM camps are offered on June 24, 2024 and others are offered though the spring and summer.

STEAM-Warts Camp of Wizards, Spells at Shaw JCC, Akron, OH
CI Road Trip USA© at Western Reserve Academy, Husdon, OH
Slimetopia® 3: Slime Chefs on Deck™ at Western Reserve Academy, Husdon, OH

Select and register for Challenge Island camps at https://login.challenge-island.com/events.php?pid=5&location=115

ORG - Early Summer Golf Outing
2024-06-19 | Brookledge Golf Club, 1621 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221, United States
Ohio Rubber Group
Shotgun Start – 8:00 am
4 Golfer Scramble
Cost: $140 per person including golf with cart, lunch, dinner, beverages, door prize, raffle ticket, skill awards and prizes.
Mulligan cards are available for an additional $5 each.
Registration Form deadline: May 29, 2024.
Buy tickets at the link below or at https://www.ohiorubbergroup.org/event/early-summer-golf-outing-2024/
For questions contact Denise Kotz: denisekotz@strategicrealm.consulting ; 330-697-6871.

ADSPE - Chapter Officer Installation Dinner
2024-05-28 17:30 - 19:30 | OH
Joint ADSPE/CRSPE/MVSPE Chapter Officer Installation Dinner at La Pizzeria
Speaker:Dennis Irwin, current President, Ohio Society of Professional Engieers (OSPE).

MSNO - 66th Annual May Conference
2024-05-22 | John Carroll University, Dolan Science Center, 1 John Carroll Blvd, University Heights, OH, 44118
Call for Papers!
Topics include Spectroscopy, Microscopy, and Analytical Chemistry in the Biological and Physical Scienses. Submit your abstract before April 19, 2024.
For details go to https://www.msneo.org/2024-may-conference-by-sasmsnoacsacess.html

Double click on the above poster to enlarge the image.

SPE - Awards Night
2024-05-20 17:00 - 20:00 | Raintree Golf and Event Center, 4350 Mayfair Rd, Uniontown, OH, 44685, United States
Monday, May 20, 2024

Gathering: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Program 7:00 PM

Raintree Golf and Event Center (map)

Please join us for the last Akron SPE meeting of the season as we present various awards and scholarships. Use the link below for registration and payment. Reserve by May 17. Dinner tickets $35; honorees, scholarship winners (plus one additional guest) are free.
Speaker for the Evening – Brian Anderson, Vice President, Polymer Industry Cluster at the Greater Akron Chamber
A Transformational Economy through Polymer Industry Innovation
Abstract: This talk delves into the inception and impact of the Polymer Industry Cluster initiative, aimed at harnessing the robust assets and capabilities within the northeast Ohio’s polymer industry to propel innovation and steer the economy towards unprecedented growth. Through a collaborative effort spanning industry, higher education, government, and non-profit sectors, a series of development projects have been designed to ignite substantial and enduring economic expansion. The discussion explores how strategic partnerships, thoughtful planning, and collaboration have led to the designation of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the United States. The Polymer Industry Cluster is working to leverage funding opportunities such as the Ohio Innovation Hub and EDA Tech Hubs programs, potentially injecting over $100 million into the economy to fuel transformative growth. Attendees will gain insights into the blueprint for catalyzing innovation, driving growth, and positioning the region at the forefront of the polymer industry’s evolution.

ACESS Board Meeting
2024-05-15 17:30 - 19:00 | ACS Rubber Division office, 306 N. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Akron, OH, 44333, United States
ACS Rubber Division office 306 N. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Akron, OH
This will be a hybrid, in-person and virtual, meeting with a Zoom link to be sent to Board members. All members of ACESS member societies are welcome to attend.

Goodyear STEM Career Day - Middle School
2024-04-27 08:00 - 14:30 | Firestone CLC, 470 Castle Blvd, Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Middle School
STEM Career Day 2024
Grades 6-8
REGISTER NOW
Registration Closes 3/31/2024

ACESS Presidents and Advisors Meeting
2024-04-17 17:00 - 20:00 | Holiday Inn Express Fairlawn, 3150 West Market Street, Fairlawn, OH, 44333, United States
This is a meeting of the presidents of ACESS member societies and of the ACESS Advisors. All ACESS officers and delegates are also invited.
Keynote: Brian Anderson
Vice-President Polymer Industry Cluster, Greater Akron Chamber
‘ ACESS Advisor

April 17 at the Holiday Inn Express, 3150 West Market St , Fairlawn OH 44333
5:00 PM Cash bar and Networking in the Aspen-West Room
6:00 PM Dinner
6:45 PM Program
Cost: $32 including buffet, drinks and cash bar. Buy tickets online at the link below.

“A Transformational Economy through Polymer Industry Innovation”
This talk delves into the inception and impact of the Polymer Industry Cluster initiative, aimed at harnessing the robust assets and capabilities within the northeast Ohio’s polymer industry to propel innovation and steer the economy towards unprecedented growth. Through a collaborative effort spanning industry, higher education, government, and non-profit sectors, a series of development projects have been designed to ignite substantial and enduring economic expansion. The discussion explores how strategic partnerships, thoughtful planning, and collaboration have led to the designation of the Akron Metropolitan Statistical Area as the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub of the United States. The Polymer Industry Cluster is working to leverage funding opportunities such as the Ohio Innovation Hub and EDA Tech Hubs programs, potentially injecting over $100 million into the economy to fuel transformative growth. Attendees will gain insights into the blueprint for catalyzing innovation, driving growth, and positioning the region at the forefront of the polymer industry’s evolution.
Bio: Brian Anderson is the Vice President of the Polymer Industry Cluster for the Greater Akron Chamber. Brian leads the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative of Northeast Ohio, as well as the data and regional economic analysis functions of the organization. Prior to the Chamber, Brian worked at a wearable technology start-up and a regional bank. He decided to make a move because he wanted to contribute to an organization that he felt could improve the region and the lives of its residents. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Emmanuel College in Boston where he was also a three-sport collegiate athlete. From there, he attended The University of Akron for his MBA, and University of Texas – San Antonio for his master’s degree in finance. Brian and his wife Casey like to travel, cook, and are dedicated fans and season ticket holders of the University of Akron men’s soccer team.
Polymer Cluster and Tech Hub up-dates

ACS - 2024 Crano Memorial Lecture
2024-04-16 17:30 - 20:00 | Missing Falls Brewery, 540 S. Main St. Suite 112, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
DR. EMILY DERBYSHIRE
Professor of Chemistry at Duke University
“Unraveling the Mysteries of Parasites”

The Crano Lecture: April 16 at 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm, Missing Falls Brewery
Morning technical lecture: 9:00 AM, University of Akron, Auburn Science and Engineering Center 122
The Crano Memorial Lecture Series honors Dr. John Crano, a chemist at PPG who had been instrumental in developing the photochromic materials for PPG’s polycarbonate eyeglass lenses. This technology has become the basis for Transitions® eyeglasses. Dr. Crano was a previous Chair of the Akron Section and an active ACS member for many years.
Bio. Emily Derbyshire is an Associate Professor of chemistry at Duke University. She is also an Associate Professor of cell biology, and Assistant Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. She earned her doctoral degree (2008) in chemistry from the UC Berkley. The Derbyshire Lab uses both chemical tools and biological methods to uncover novel aspects of malaria parasite biology with the ultimate aim of identifying druggable targets. Projects range from developing assays for phenotypic and target-based screens to exploring biological pathways and identifying small molecules with potential therapeutic value. Their interdisciplinary collaborative program integrates chemical biology, molecular biology and biochemistry to globally interrogate parasite biology.
The morning technical lecture will be held at the University of Akron, Auburn Science and Engineering Center 122, 9:00 AM on April 16, 2024 “Chemical biology approaches to reveal parasite vulnerabilities”
Abstract: Parasites have evolved to manipulate their host cells to survive, but many mysteries remain about this intricate process. Within a single liver cell, the Plasmodium parasite undergoes a transformation and then expands into a cohort of thousands that assaults our red blood cells and causes disease. To uncover molecular events that drive this elusive developmental stage of the parasite, the Derbyshire lab employs chemical biology, biochemistry and genomics. Through an integrative approach, we develop and utilize small molecule probes, gene sequencing technologies and forward genetic screens in liver cells to discover parasite and host processes critical to Plasmodium parasite infection. Our findings highlight the dependence of Plasmodium on host factors and reveal parasite vulnerabilities that may be exploited for future disease control efforts.
The Crano Lecture (evening) is entitled “Unraveling the Mysteries of Parasites”.
Missing Falls Brewery
‘ 540 S. Main St. Suite 112
‘ Akron, OH 44311
Schedule
5:30 pm Social-Networking
‘ 6:15 pm Dinner
‘ 6:45 pm Speaker Presentation
Dinner Sandwiches, Pasta, and Salad Buffet with a Cash Bar
Registration: Buy tickets online at the link below.
Please include comment in registration or e-mail chair@akronacs.org to alert us of any dietary restrictions.
Cost for Dinner (Speaker Presentation is Free to the Public)
– $15 for Employed Members and the General Public (increases to $20 if register after 4/8)
‘ – $5 for Students, Retirees, and Unemployed (increases to $10 if register after 4/8)
‘ – Free for Junior Award Member (+1 Guest) and Members being recognized for 50, 60, and 70 years of ACS membership

ORG - Spring Technical Meeting 2024
2024-04-16 16:00 - 21:00 | Goodyear Ppolymer Center – The University of Akron, Akron, 44325, United States
Ohio Rubber Group Spring Technical Meeting 2024
April 16, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Changed Venue: Goodyear Polymer Center, The University of Akron
Agenda:
5:00 – Dinner Ticket / Membership Sales – 3rd Floor Atrium
5:30 – Technical Presentations – Goodyear Auditorium
7:00 – Social Hour, Hors D’oeuvres, and Student Poster Session – 3rd Floor Atrium
Advanced Reservations: $35 each (Without prior reservation: $40 each – limited number available).
Students are free, but must register at the link below.
Buy tickets or register at the link below )preferred), OR email reservations to Denise Kotz at denisekotz@strategicrealm.consulting OR mail to Ohio Rubber Group, PO Box 553, Hudson, OH 44236.
Technical Presentations
“A Supramolecular Voyage on Elastomers”
Li Jia, Professor of Polymer Science and Chemistry, The University of Akron
B-Alanine oligomers with a precise length possess an extraordinary propensity to form B-sheets, and the B-sheets stack to form three-dimensional crystals. In this presentation, B-alanine as a highly effective reinforcing element of thermoplastic elastomers will be first discussed. The reinforcement is attributable to the hierarchically assembled supramolecular structure composed of the B-sheet crystal and a brush layer of hydrocarbon polymer covalently connected be the surface of the B-sheet crystal. The morphology of the B-sheet-based supramolecular assembly can be tailored to range from fibrous with the longest dimension on the order of hundreds of nanometers to particulate with all three dimensions within twenty nanometers. The fibrous and particulate assemblies reinforce the elastomer in similar manners and only differ in small details. Application of the supramolecular reinforcement strategy to thermoset rubbers has also been explored and will be discussed. Next, an application of B-alanine additives for recycling of ground rubber particles will be presented. The B-alanine additive engenders surface devulcanization of ground rubber particles (GRPs) and a spatially resolved acceleration of vulcanization of GRP-virgin rubber blends. The combination of such surface activity and reactivity improves the adhesion and eliminates the modulus contrast between GRPs and virgin rubber while keeping the necessary scorch time of vulcanization. The toughness of the resultant GRP-virgin rubber blend is significantly improved by a very small amount of the reactive B-alanine additive.
“Very High Structure Carbon Blacks to Address Challenges in Tire Compound Performance”
Lewis B. Tunnicliffe, Rubber Carbon Black R&D Director, Birla Carbon
One of the fundamental properties of carbon black is its degree of structure. Structure of carbon black plays an important role in controlling many rubber compound properties by screening or occluding significant amounts of rubber matrix. These structure-property relationships will be briefly reviewed along with their implications for rubber compound design. Birla Carbon’s range of very high structure (VHS) carbon blacks will be discussed, and their in-rubber performance in model truck tread formulations will be reviewed with a focus on improved abrasion resistance and hysteresis versus conventional carbon blacks. Benefits in terms of hysteresis and total tire rolling resistance are explored further using finite element analyses of truck tires at steady rolling conditions.
PANEL DISCUSSION “Career Pathways”
Masoud Rasavi, Senior Materials Scientist, Bridgestone Americas
Jacob Spoolstra, Manufacturing Process Engineer, The Kong Company
MD Bhuiyan, Sr. Principal Engineer – Research, Collins Aerospace
Lewis B. Tunnicliffe, Rubber Carbon Black R&D Director, Birla Carbon
The panel will be focused on Career Pathways. They will discuss how they ended up in their current roles and the paths they took to get there. There will be tips for the students trying to enter the industry as well as for industry professionals looking to advance or change roles. The panelists may also touch on some hurdles they’ve faced and how they overcame them.

ACS Student Affiliates - KSU Honors Week Poster Session
2024-04-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Kent State University – Integrated Science Esplanade Commons, 1175 University Esplanade, Kent, Ohio, OH, 44242, United States
Kent State University Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society present:
Honors Week Poster Session
April 15, 2024
Integrated Science Building Lobby, Kent State University
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Both undergraduate and graduate students in STEM discipline from Kent State and area institutions will be presenting their research. Awards will be given for best undergraduate and best graduate student posters, and there will be refreshments and a raffle. This event is open to all who would like to attend, and for any students who wish to register, registration will be open until 5pm Wednesday, April 3 at https://kentsaacs.com/2024-poster-session.

AIA - Archaeology Lecture at UA
2024-04-03 17:15 - 18:30 | Leigh Hall 214, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, United States
On Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:15 pm, Prof. Tara Prakash will deliver a talk “The Representation of Ramses II’s Enemies on the Battle of Kadesh Reliefs.” The speaker will be joining us remotely to deliver the talk, but we will gather in person in Leigh Hall 214 so that we can use that classroom’s technology to have a robust Q&A with Dr. Prakash. Leigh Hall stands opposite Bierce Library in the heart of campus; the closest parking areas are the North Campus Parking Deck and Lot 14:https://maps.uakron.edu/ . If you have not visited UA recently, you’ll see that the parking garages are now under private corporate management. Please be certain to follow any posted signage regarding parking restrictions or costs. Street parking is also available nearby.
Whether you are a member of the AIA or not and would like to listen in over Zoom, please email Elisha Ann Dumser at (edumser@uakron.edu) so that she can send you the Zoom link.

ACESS Joint Societies Meeting - cosponsored by ACS and SPE
2024-03-13 17:15 - 20:30 | Brighten Brewing, 1374 S Cleve-Mass Rd, Copley, 44321, United States
NOTE CHANGED VENUE.
Dr. Emmanuel Pitia
Lead, Staff Research Scientist at Parker Hannifin: Adhesives & Coatings
Solving EV Application Challenges: Innovations in Coatings and Adhesive Materials
Abstract
As electric vehicles (EVs) advance in technology, the spotlight is on battery pack technologies. EV manufacturers are fervently optimizing designs for lighter, more compact solutions, aiming to boost energy density and reduce costs. Within the intricate assembly of battery pack systems, two critical requisites emerge: electrical insulation and thermal management. The former involves the strategic application of dielectric materials to ensure safety, while the latter relies on integrating high thermally conductive materials—potting material, adhesives, gap fillers, or gels—to enhance performance and safety. Parker Lord takes a pivotal role, developing cutting-edge thermal management materials and dielectric coatings. This presentation unveils key challenges in the EV industry, spotlighting innovative solutions within dielectric coatings and thermal management adhesives.
Dr. Emmanuel Pitia Bio: Emmanuel Pitia, PhD, is a lead staff scientist at Parker Lord with expertise in product development and application of UV coatings, fire retardant coatings, and rubber to substrate adhesives for the automotive and industrial market. Emmanuel currently is working on the development and commercialization of UV coatings for the automotive market. Emmanuel completed his PhD in polymer engineering from University of Akron in 2012.
NEW VENUE: Brighten Brewing
1374 S Cleve-Mass Rd
Copley, Ohio 44321
NEW SCHEDULE:
5:30 pm. Social- Networking time
6:15 pm. Dinner
6:45 pm. Speaker Presentation
Pizza Buffet, Cash Bar
Cost: $20 Employed Members, Guests and General Public
$10 Students, Retirees, or Unemployed
