We are devoted to the professional advancement of younger chemists in industry, government laboratories, undergraduate/graduate school, and post-doctoral positions.
The Northeastern Section Younger Chemists Committee (NSYCC) is part of the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society (NESACS), a local section whose members include chemists from Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire. We aim to involve younger chemists in national and local ACS programs in order to help with their transition into a professional career.
National Chemistry Week 2026 (1 of 5)
Wicked Cool Autumn Adventure
National Chemistry Week 2026 (2 of 5)
But am I a “Younger Chemist”?
USUALLY, younger chemists are ACS members under 35. But never fear! Younger chemists are also people not yet established in their careers. The criterion for being a member of this group is not age, but experience.
So join us, and visit our Upcoming Events page!
Announcing our 2026-2027 Executive Board!
Chair: Gregory Labrie
Chair-Elect: Bruno Mochi
Immediate Past Chair: Marcela de Barros
Secretary: Durgalakshmi Sivasankar
Treasurer: Hannah Harrison
Career Chair: Anurag Roy
Social Chair: Hwayoon Lee, Jenna King, Everson Da Silva Gomes
Publicity Chair: Reba Surmaheine
Webmaster: Anant Bhasin
For list of Executive Board Responsibilities, see Bylaws, Article III, Section 1.
Executive Board Alumni
Meredith Ward
Past Chair
Maureen Otieno
Hali Huang
Owen Grimm
Lakindu Pathira Kankanamge
Caitlyn Mills
Matt Giolito
Gina Kim
Catie Rawlins
Primrose Nimnark
Felicia Lucci
Ray Borg
Jackie O’ Neil
Valerie Ivancic
Tim Bergeron
Alireza Shirazi Amin
June Lum
Emily Lewis O’brian
Elizabeth Draganova
Alyssa Napier
Hedi Teng
Brian D’amico
Zemen Berhe – Past Chair – 2021-2022
Zheng Wei
Klaudja Caushi
Tongtong Luo
Lipin Ji
Past Chair 2022- 2023
Alicia Wagner
Madison Mcminn
Brandon Miller
Marilyn Naeem
Caroline Millard
Leticia Adao Gomes
NORTHEAST STUDENT CHEMISTRY RESEARCH CONFERENCE 2006
Annual Student Chemistry Research Conference
Annual Student Chemistry Research Conference
The Northeast Student Chemistry Research Conference (NSCRC) is the flagship annual research conference of the Northeastern Section Younger Chemists Committee (NSYCC). The conference brings together undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, early-career chemists, faculty advisers, and other emerging scientists for research presentations, scientific discussion, career programming, networking, and presentation awards.
Northeast Student Chemistry Research Conference (NSCRC)
Research Topics
- Drug discovery and medicinal chemistry
- Infectious diseases and antimicrobials
- Cancer and precision medicine
- Protein synthesis and biochemistry
- Nucleic acid chemistry and epigenetics
- Neuroscience and neurochemistry
- Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
- Computational and machine learning chemistry
- Biophysics and spectroscopy
- Environmental and green chemistry
- Energy and electrochemistry
- Supramolecular chemistry
Typical Conference Structure
- Registration & Coffee
- Welcoming Remarks
- Keynote Address (ACS President-Elect — tradition)
- Elevator Speeches (selected poster presenters give 5-min talks)
- Poster Session I
- Catered Lunch
- More Elevator Speeches
- Oral Presentations (competitive, selected research talks)
- Poster Session II
- Closing Remarks & Award Ceremony
- Networking Social Reception (pre-registration required)
International Exchange Program
NESACS–GDCh German Exchange Program
Connecting younger chemists across the Atlantic through research, professional exchange, and cultural learning. Across the United States, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, participants shared a desire to make science more collaborative, accessible, and engaging for the next generation.
NESACS and GDCh-JCF participants at the 2026 Spring Symposium in Cologne.
“The exchange is much more than a conference or a trip abroad—it is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with scientists from different backgrounds.”
— Marcela de Barros, 2026 NSYCC Chair
Participants at the 28th JCF Frühjahrssymposium gather for the official group photo in Cologne, March 2026.
Program overview
The NESACS–GDCh German Exchange Program is an annual, week-long scientific and cultural exchange for younger chemists. It is coordinated by the NESACS German Exchange Steering Committee in partnership with the Northeastern Section Younger Chemists Committee (NSYCC) and the JungesChemieForum (JCF), the younger chemists network of the German Chemical Society (GDCh).
The program began in spring 2001, when nine JCF members traveled to Boston for a week of science, networking, and cultural exchange. Since then, groups of younger chemists have crossed the Atlantic each year to present research, build professional relationships, and learn how their peers support early-career scientists in different countries.
When NESACS delegates travel to Germany, participants typically present their research at the JCF Frühjahrssymposium (Spring Symposium) and again after returning at the Northeast Student Chemistry Research Conference (NSCRC). The exchange may also include academic and industrial site visits, career conversations, networking events, leadership discussions, and local cultural activities. The working language is English; knowledge of German is helpful but is not required. Here is an example call for applications that has been closed for 2026.
Logo of the JungesChemieForum (JCF), the younger chemists network of the German Chemical Society (GDCh).
What participants experience
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- Present and discuss original research with an international audience.
- Connect with undergraduate, graduate, and early-career chemists from Germany and other countries.
- Explore academic, industrial, and international career pathways.
- Exchange ideas about scientific leadership, outreach, and community building.
- Experience the connections among chemistry, local history, art, food, and culture.
Who can participate?
The program generally serves undergraduate and graduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and related fields who are enrolled at institutions within the Northeastern Section and are engaged in original research. Eligibility, travel dates, financial expectations, and application deadlines may change by cycle; prospective participants should review the current call for applications before applying.
NESACS and GDCh provide substantial support for core conference and travel costs. The exact funding arrangement and any expected participant contribution are published with each application cycle.
Support the exchange
The German Exchange Program depends on sponsors and supporters who believe in international scientific collaboration and the professional development of younger chemists. Individuals and organizations can help by sharing the program with students and colleagues, mentoring prospective applicants, sponsoring an exchange activity, or making a direct contribution.
Learn about the German Exchange Program • Contact GEx • Support the program
2026 exchange: Cologne, Germany
March 7–15, 2026 | 28th JCF Spring Symposium: “Colourful Chemistry”
In 2026, the NESACS delegation traveled to Cologne for the JCF Spring Symposium, held March 10–13. The week combined scientific presentations, conversations with JCF leaders and exchange participants, professional networking, and cultural activities throughout the city.
Marcela de Barros participated as the 2026 NSYCC Chair. She presented NSYCC’s career-development and community-building initiatives, shared ideas with younger-chemist leaders from Europe and the United States, and returned with new inspiration for future NSYCC programming.
Advice for future participants
“Fully embrace the experience. Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone, making new connections, and participating in both the scientific and cultural parts of the program. The simple moments—exploring the city, sharing meals, and navigating a new culture together—may be the ones that stay with you longest.” – Marcela de Barros
Marcela’s story: science, culture, and community
For Marcela, the most meaningful parts of the exchange happened both inside and outside the formal symposium. Mornings centered on research presentations, scientific discussions, and learning about the work of the JCF and NSYCC communities. Informal conversations, shared meals, and time exploring Cologne helped those professional connections grow into genuine friendships.
A private fragrance workshop offered a memorable intersection of chemistry, history, and design. Participants learned about Cologne’s role in the early perfume industry, explored the science and artistry of fragrance composition, and created custom fragrances of their own.
One quiet afternoon became a defining memory. Marcela and several fellow participants bought Reibekuchen—shredded potato pancakes served with applesauce—and ate together beside the Rhine. With Cologne Cathedral rising above the city, the group paused to appreciate how science had brought together people from different countries, languages, and backgrounds.
Navigating an unfamiliar language and transit system initially felt intimidating, but the kindness of the German and Swiss participants quickly changed the experience. They helped translate menus, navigate public transportation, and make sure the visiting delegates felt included. The challenge ultimately reinforced the collaborative spirit of the program: even when language differed, shared curiosity created an immediate sense of community.
Marcela returned to NSYCC with a renewed belief that early-career scientists benefit from opportunities that connect them beyond their institutions and countries.
Young Chemists Success Series (YCSS)
About the Young Chemists Success Series
The Young Chemists Success Series (YCSS) is a monthly virtual webinar series professional-development program hosted by the Northeastern Section Younger Chemists Committee (NSYCC).
YCSS helps emerging professionals develop the communication, leadership, networking, and career-planning skills needed to thrive in academic, industrial, government, nonprofit, and other chemistry-related careers.
Young Chemist Success Series, February 19, 2026 — Dr. Natalie LaFranzo, Associate Director at Natera, on translating chemistry into real-world impact.
Monthly Virtual YCSS Events
YCSS offers recurring virtual events focused on practical career development for chemists.
Previous workshops have included:
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- Career conversations with chemists working across different sectors
- Professional-development workshops
- Networking and community-building opportunities
- Guidance on career planning and transition
- Leadership, communication, and workplace skills
- Perspectives on careers beyond the traditional laboratory
The series provides career development, mentorship, leadership, and professional guidance for chemistry students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career professionals.
YCSS is designed to empower emerging professionals with essential skills for thriving in the field of chemistry. This dynamic program offers a series of interactive workshops and practical sessions, each focused on a key aspect of career development.
Designed for undergraduate and graduate chemistry students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career chemists, YCSS provides practical career guidance, interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and conversations about career pathways in chemistry.
Success Series Slide deck PDF ; YCSS_Spring 2026 ;April YCSS
Young Chemists Crossing Borders
In order to embrace the globalization of chemists, the Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the European Young Chemists Network (EYCN) of the European Association for Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS) has established an international exchange program. This program focuses on forging relationships among young chemists internationally. During 2015 – 2016, the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society (NESACS) has the privilege to host the YCCB exchange program providing the opportunity for chemists in the Greater Boston Area to partake in this experience to unite young chemists on an international platform.
YCC/YCCB: http://ycc.sites.acs.org/yccbcrossingborders.htm
EYCN: www.eycn.eu
History
During the International Year of Chemistry in 2011, EYCN and YCC established an exchange program called Young Chemists Crossing Borders, modeled after the NESACS-GDCh German Exchange program. The competitive application process, selects delegates based on scientific achievement, outstanding interpersonal skills, and society engagement. Since 2011, delegates have attended the ACS National Meetings in both Denver, CO and Indianapolis, IN; the EuCheMS Chemistry Congresses in Prague, Czech Republic and Istanbul, Turkey were also attended by YCCB participants. By alternating between the conferences of partner societies, EYCN and YCC, the program has established lasting and influential relationships among participants worldwide.
2015 YCCB Exchange Hosted by NESACS
For a full account of the 2015 program read our report in the November 2015 Nucleus. http://www.nesacs.org/pub_nucleus/2015/Nov15NUCLEUS.pdf
In August 2015, NESACS had the privilege to host the YCCB during a joint exchange program with the NESACS-GDCh German Exchange Program. During the 250th ACS National Meeting & Exposition in Boston, MA, 14 delegates from GDCh and 6 delegates from EYCN presented a total of 30 presentations. In honor of the joint program, a symposium titled Younger Chemists Exchanging More than Currency: First—Euros and Dollars; Next— Rupees, Rands, and Reais featured both international and local speakers that discussed the significance of international relationships among young chemists.
Participants embraced the New England culture by touring industrial plants, university laboratories, visiting Cape Cod, and attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. One of the highlights of the week was a social event at Goodwill Park in Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod where young chemists had the opportunity to network with society leaders and enjoyed a true New England Clambake Dinner sponsored by the EuChemMS, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), and GDCh.
The highly successful week brought together more than 20 delegates across 7 countries and instilled a passion for international collaborations among chemists.
Outreach
Cambridge Science Festival
The Cambridge Science Festival is an annual event held at the Cambridge Public Library to celebrate science for all ages. The Science Carnival and Robot Zoo hosts demonstrations and interactive exhibits, and in 2019, NSYCC hosted two demonstrations: one showing the acidification of ocean water from carbon dioxide, and the electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases. The festival is always enjoyable for the demonstrators and the attendees, and we hope to continue participation in the future!
The Magic of Science
For our main outreach event of the year, we hosted an event titled “The Magic of Science” at the Brighton Public Library on December 5th 2015 with over 50 children in attendance.. Valerie Ivancic, NSYCC Webmaster, designed four experiments for the participants that were simple and safe for ages 12 and under. Each table was decorated like the four Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin. At the Gryffindor table Matt Rosienski and Alicia Lee (Clark University) showed the kids how to make their own silly putty using cornstarch, Elmers glue, Borax, and food coloring dye. Meanwhile at the Slytherin table Felicia Lucci (NSYCC Chair) had set up a nanoscience demonstration with toy fuel cell cars and a scanning tunneling microscope that showed students atoms. Valerie was at the Hufflepuff table showing the iodine clock reaction using iodine, Vitamin C, and starch. Last but not least the Ravenclaw table had a milk dispersion experiment with food coloring dye and dish soap demonstrated by Sarah Lach and Astha Bilimoria (Clark University). Each child was provided their own pair of glasses and glove to be “safe like a real scientist”. There was also arts and crafts table where they could paint their own magic wands and decorate their safety glasses. It was great to see the children show so much enthusiasm with the different experiments! Approximately six different K-8 schools were represented, many from Winship Elementary which is a block away from the library. We received great feedback from parents and children alike for this event and we already looking to plan another one for 2016!
East Boston High School Outreach
Thanks to our Career Chair, Ray Borg, we made a connection with graduate student Jerry Gilligan who has fostered connections with local schools, especially East Boston High School. He works closely with Dr. Kristen Cacciatore’s Advanced Placement Chemistry class to bring a more diverse and interactive perspective to the science curriculum. The three of us spent an afternoon in November performing demonstrations of chemistry kits from Flinn Scientific such as “The Disappearing Rainbow” and “Amorphous Monster Foam”. These same kits will be used by the students for their annual Science Day where they will conduct and explain the experiments in front of the parents and teachers. We hope to continue this connection with Jerry and East Boston High School in the future!
Important Organizations
Chemistry Departments In The Northeastern Section
Links For Your Career
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Academic Careers – Looking for a professorship or post-doc? Search here for positions around the globe
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ACS Career Services – Find career management workshops and employment clearing house schedules
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ACS College to Career Website – Walks you through the steps to getting your career of choice
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ACS Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Resources – a list of resources, including Awards and Fellowships, Wellbeing, Professional Development, and much more.
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ACS Postdoc to Faculty Workshop – held in late July/early August; applications required
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ACS Career Kickstarter Workshop (can be held virtually)
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ACS International Activities – A world of collaborative opportunity
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ACS Short Courses – Take a short course, further your education, and stay fresh in today’s competitive job market
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ACS Women Chemists Committee – Women chemists, check the deadlines and apply for funds to travel to scientific meetings this year
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Chemical Engineering News & Chemjobs – Set up an account, post your resume and find a job
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ChemIDP – A self-assessment and career planning tool
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Teach Tomorrow – For those considering a career in teaching
The Chemistry Of Voting: Making Your Voice Heard Workshop
Registering to Vote: Workshop PDF – Workshop Recording
Finding Your Representatives: Workshop PDF – Workshop Recording
New England Representatives Resources
Identifying Scientific Issues: Workshop PDF – Workshop Recording
Determining Bias: Workshop PDF – Workshop Recording
For general inquiries, contact info@nsycc.org
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