Detroit Section 100th Anniversary Celebration and 2012 Thomas Midgley Award Presentation Wednesday, June 6, 2012 Sponsored

by Corning
The Thomas Midgley Award, established in 1965, is given each year by the Detroit Section of the American Chemical Society for outstanding research contributions in the field of chemistry related to the automotive industries. The 2012 Medal was presented at the Detroit Sections 100th Anniversary to:

Dr. Gregory A. Merkel, Corning, Incorporated

Dr. Merkel is being recognized as one of the leading experts on the fundamental chemistry and materials science of ceramic honeycomb substrates for catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters. Corning scientists received the 2003 National Medal of Technology Award for the pioneering catalytic converter substrates in the 1970s, and Dr. Merkels contributions over the last 24 years have played a central role in moving these technologies forward. Dr. Merkel has been granted 42 patents in the field, and is an inventor on most of the base patents covering Cornings more-recently commercialized environmental products. He has shared his expertise in more than a hundred technical reports and papers, and has mentored many young scientists.

Central Regional Awards

American Chemical Society Central Region E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society
This years award winner, Meghann Murray, is a member of the Detroit Local Section of the ACS. Starting as a student Meghann was an active ACS member, coordinating and providing several chemical demonstrations to young people. She volunteered for the Sections Kids and Chemistry programs, Chemist Celebrate Earth Day and the National Chemistry Week programs. Following graduation Meghann continued and expanded her volunteer work to chair the Younger Chemist program and currently holds an elective office in the Detroit Section. She has been a vital coordinator in the Detroit Local Section Minority Affairs Committee Chemistry Day, which is a joint project with the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. Meghann solicited a Science Caf Mini-Grant to start a Science Caf program. This program, now in its fourth year, is very successful and meets every month. She has identified a number of diverse topics and speakers that appeal both to the public and the section members. These programs are not only informative but provide a positive image of chemistry and reflect well on both the Detroit Section and the ACS. Meghann has a position in the department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at University of Detroit Mercy. She received her BS and MS degrees in Chemistry from UDM and is certified to teach high school chemistry and physics. She has taught in programs such as the Detroit Area Pre-College and Engineering Program. She has been a judge with the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit and FIRST Lego League. She was also a mentor for FIRST high school robotics.

The ACS Division of Chemical Education Central Region Award For Excellence in High School Teaching Laura Slocum 2012 ACS Regional High School Teacher of the Year
This year's award winner, Laura E. Slocum, of the Indiana Section teaches at University High School of Indiana. Ms. Slocum is deeply committed to science, professional development, and most of all, her students. Ms. Slocum is a dedicated teacher whose consistent commitment to the ACS at the local, regional and national level is exemplary. She has served as a Local Section officer and in various positions of the Indiana Section Executive Board. She has chaired symposia at previous CERMACS and was Chemagination Chair in 2004 at this meeting. She has helped write the ACS High School Exam, has served on the Board of Trustees of the ACS Exam Institute, and for the last five years has been the precollege assistant editor for the Journal of Chemical Education. In her career, Ms. Slocum has given over 40 presentations to professional groups and at conferences. Ms. Slocum teaches traditional chemistry courses, an AP Chemistry course and a yearlong course in introductory organic chemistry and biochemistry. Her commitment to new teaching methods, including the modeling method of inquiry, are second- to-none. Ms. Slocum has mentored her students to great success in chemistry, teaching January-term courses in NMR in conjunction with Butler University colleagues. She has helped organize a conference for girls in the Indianapolis metro area. Ms. Slocum has sent students to Science Olympiad and USNCO competitions, as well as Project SEED. She was instrumental in starting both a Science National Honors Society and an ACS Chem Club at UHS.