February 2026 NESACS Meeting

The 1,045th Meeting of the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society in February 2026 is Joint with NOBCChE

Join us on February 12th for a special joint monthly meeting hosted by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society

Schedule of Events

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Board Meeting – Hybrid

5:30 pm – 6:15 pm Networking and Social Hour

6:15 pm – 7:15 pm Dinner

7:15 pm – 7:30 pm Henry Hill Award Presentation

7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Lecture

Henry Hill Lecture: Dr. André K. Isaacs, Associate Professor at College of the Holy Cross and 2025 LGBTQ+ Educator of the Year

Title: A Click Chemistry Approach to Nitrogen Heterocycles

Abstract: My research interest is centered on a very reliable organic reaction – the copper-catalyzed cycloaddition of sulfonyl azides and terminal alkynes (CuAAC). Differential fragmentation of the resulting 1,2,3-triazole generates ketenimines or rhodium carbenoids which readily engage with a variety of nucleophiles to provide access to heterocycles of interest to the synthetic community. We’ve demonstrated the utility of click chemistry in the synthesis of N-Heterocycles such as indolizines, dihydroisoquinolines and as an approach to beta-lactams.

Bio: A native of Jamaica, André moved to the US to attend the College of the Holy Cross where he received his B.A. in Chemistry in 2005. As an undergraduate, he conducted research in the labs of Kevin J. Quinn focusing on the total synthesis of annonaceous acetogenins Muricatacin and Rollicosin. He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011 (under the guidance of Professor Jeffery D. Winkler), where he focused on the design and synthesis of novel steroid-derived inhibitors of Hedgehog-signaling, based on the alkaloid cyclopamine. He worked as a post-doctoral researcher with Professor Richmond Sarpong at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on the synthesis of diterpenoids and the radiolabeled insecticide chlorantraniliprole. In 2012, Andre accepted a tenure-track position at the College of the Holy Cross. In 2018, Andre was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. In addition to teaching courses in Organic Chemistry, Andre conducts research utilizing copper-mediated organic transformations. He is one of the co-founding members of Outfront – the college’s LGBTQ faculty and staff alliance and serves as faculty advisor to several student groups including the Caribbean African Students’ Assemblage, acapella group Fools on the Hill and Club Tennis.

Public is Invited

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED , including board meeting, reception, dinner, and talk.

For more details please see the registration site: