Dr. John Warner, President & Chief Technology Officer of the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, LLC, Wilmington, MA

Green chemistry: New eyes and new ideas in science

Abstract: We constantly hear rumblings regarding the inability of scientists to innovate "like they used to". We hear about the hazards of chemistry and the desperate need to put society on a sustainable pathway. We scientists worry about the general public's lack of appreciation or ability to understand basic science. It is an inescapable reality that the next generation of students in chemistry will be living and working in a very different world than the previous generation. Despair is not an option. The future is brighter than ever. We need to attract the next generation of students into the optimistic promise of green chemistry. The evolution of Green Chemistry is happening around us. Industrial labs are embracing the principles and Academic Departments across the country are reorienting their curriculum. This discussion will explain why students (and their instructors) need to know that they are essential to achieving a sustainable future. Albert Einstein once said that "No problem can be solved at the same level of awareness that created it". We need a diversity of students that have new perspectives and new ideas, to help us chart our path forward.

Speaker Bio: John Warner received his BS in Chemistry from UMASS Boston, and his PhD in Chemistry from Princeton University. After working at the Polaroid Corporation for nearly a decade, he then served as tenured full professor at UMASS Boston and Lowell (Chemistry and Plastics Engineering). In 2007 he founded the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry, LLC (A research organization developing green chemistry technologies) where he serves as President and Chief Technology Officer, and Beyond Benign (a non-profit dedicated to sustainability and green chemistry education). He is one of the founders of the field of Green Chemistry, co-authoring the defining text Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice with Paul Anastas. He has published over 200 patents, papers and books. His recent work in the fields of semiconductor design, biodegradable plastics, personal care products, solar energy and polymeric photoresists are examples of how green chemistry principles can be immediately incorporated into commercially relevant applications. Warner received The 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring, the American Institute of Chemistry's Northeast Division's Distinguished Chemist of the Year for 2002 and the Council of Science Society President’s 2008 Leadership award. Warner was named by ICIS as one of the most influential people impacting the global chemical industries. In 2011 he was elected a Fellow of the American Chemical Society and named one of 25 Visionaries Changing the World by Utne Reader.

Ms. Mary Tilton, Vice President of Plant Operations at Virent, Inc., Madison, WI

Conversion of Biomass to Fuels and Chemicals

Abstract: The conversion of bio-based feedstocks to fuels and chemicals presents many opportunities to reduce dependence on crude oil, and a wide range of technical approaches have been developed. This talk will present an overview of Virent’s thermochemical catalytic approach to this conversion and briefly cover other important developments in this field. External influences and pressures that present challenges to this emerging industry will also be discussed. Finally, scientists engaging in careers in this exciting field will be faced with new opportunities and distinct challenges created by its interdisciplinary and diverse requirements. Some direct observations will be shared on this topic.

Speaker Bio: Mary Tilton is Vice President of Plant Operations at Virent, Inc., with responsibilities for R&D Operations, Chemical Analysis, and Facilities functions.  Mary has held leadership positions in research and development and operations in high tech organizations for nearly 30 years. She has leveraged her strong technical, team building, and communication skills to structure effective organizations and integrate continuous process improvements. She has also assessed emerging technologies for incorporation into product offerings and technology roadmaps. Mary has worked for Fortune 500 companies such as General Electric and Hewlett Packard, and in general and manufacturing management at Planar Systems where she focused on the development of display technology and processes from research concept to operation and commercialization. She holds a BS in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an MS in Chemistry from Oregon State University.

Dr. Clemens Anklin, Vice President for Applications, Bruker Biospin Corp., Billerica Mass.

NMR in the Undergraduate Curriculum

Abstract: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy has found wide spread use in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Whether it is used to teach basic chemical and physical concepts, analyze compounds synthesized in organic chemistry or serves to actually teach the method, the NMR spectrometer will always be a useful tool.
The presentation will include a few examples of experiments that I have seen performed in undergraduate laboratories and short presentation of currently available hard and software. The presentation will also include tools that can be used to keep students engaged with NMR in various ways. NMR of some popular beverages will serve as one example.

Bruker Biospin Info: Bruker BioSpin provides the world's most comprehensive range of NMR and EPR spectroscopy and preclinical MRI research tools. The Bruker BioSpin Group of companies develop, manufacture and supply technology to research establishments, colleges & universities, commercial enterprises and multi-national corporations across countless industries and fields of expertise. The Bruker-BioSpin NMR Division manufactures state-of-the-art NMR spectrometers for chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and material science. We have regional offices throughout the world staffed with sales teams, application scientists and service engineers. We've placed our support centers in key locations to ensure a timely and efficient response to our customers.

Speaker Bio: Clemens Anklin pursued undergraduate Studies at ETH Zürich Switzerland (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) followed by a Ph.D. (1984), also at ETH Zürich, in organometallic chemistry. From 1984 – 1988 he was an Applications Scientist at Bruker (then named Spectrospin) in Switzerland. Since 1988 he has held various positions in NMR Applications at Bruker in the US. He is currently Vice President for Applications.

Dr. John Frost, Chemist and Project Manager at picoSpin LLC, Boulder, CO.

The picoSpin-45: A "Green" NMR for Chemical Education

Abstract: Integrating NMR spectroscopy into the undergraduate curriculum has always been challenging because of the high costs, excessive maintenance, and toxicity of the deuterated NMR solvents. Recent commercial advancements have developed a compact NMR spectrometer which only uses 20 uL of sample and is capable of utilizing less toxic protonated solvents without complicated and time consuming pulse sequences. The picoSpin-45 NMR spectrometer will be introduced and its applications, capabilities, and limitations to the undergraduate chemistry curriculum discussed.

picoSpin LLC Info:picoSpin LLC is the manufacturer of the world's only commercially available high performance miniature NMR spectrometer. The compact and inexpensive picoSpin-45 produces high quality spectra with the same chemical shift and multiplet information you expect without the high costs and cryogens of a traditional NMR spectrometer. More information and example spectrum can be found by visiting the picoSpin website: www.picoSpin.com

Speaker Bio: John Frost, Ph.D., is a Chemist and Project Manager at picoSpin LLC, Boulder, CO. He received his Master’s degree in organic chemistry at Michigan Technological University studying the effects of mono-substituted amides on the intramolecular sulfoxide electrophilic sulfenylation reaction. He then pursued his Ph.D. in analytical and physical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee developing a new long-path length spectroscopic technique. In addition to his current position with picoSpin LLC., John serves as an American Chemical Society Science Coach with Overland High School in Aurora, CO where he heads the after school science and NASA HUNCH programs.