Candidates for Chair-Elect
Benjamin A. Garcia, Washington University School of Medicine, ACS Member Since 2020
I am honored to be a candidate for Chair-Elect. I have been heavily involved the ANYL Division over the last few years. Therefore, I have been able to get good insights and experience on how the ANYL Division works, by being an elected Alternative Councilor, serving on different ANYL sub-committee such as the Educational Committee and the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Respect (DEIR) Committee and the Long-Range Planning Committee, and being involved in Executive Committee discussions. I have for many years now organized the Advances in Mass Spectrometry oral and poster symposia, and also started new symposia such as the “ANYL’s Got Talent!” symposia to provide a lightning talk opportunities for our membership. As DEIR Chair, I also started a new symposia titled “A Diverse Path to Success in Analytical Chemistry, to highlight diversity scientists in our division. At ACS meetings I’ve given numerous talks, organized and participated in several workshops and panels, and also judged posters. I’ve also recently joined the Committee on Minority Affairs (CMA), which allow me to further enhance diversity efforts within the ACS community. I strongly believe in the mission of ANYL, and recently participated in the 5-year strategic planning meeting for the division, so I am excited about what is to come in the near future. If elected, I want to continue to promote early career researchers to be selected for more talks and leadership opportunities. Finding ways to broaden member participation and engage measurement scientists that are not currently involved, and develop new partnerships with other technical divisions. As I am also serving on the current leadership of US Human Proteome Organization (HUPO), I would love to find ways to cross-promote our organizations as well. Overall, I promise to give it all I can to continue to enhance and evolve ANYL to serve all of its outstanding members.
Yehia Mechref, Texas Tech University, ACS Member Since 1995
As a candidate for the position of Chair-Elect for the Analytical Division of the American Chemical Society, I bring a profound commitment to technical excellence, visionary leadership, innovation, and the promotion of organizational growth. My career, spanning over 25 years in the academic sphere, has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in research, administration, program development, and academia. This journey has uniquely positioned me to contribute significantly to the Analytical Division, leveraging my comprehensive expertise and leadership skills.
Currently, as the Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation at Texas Tech University, I have gained valuable administrative experience that complements my academic achievements. In this role, I have led efforts to enhance research innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, markedly improving the university’s research capabilities.
My tenure in academia has been diverse and impactful. As an Assistant Director at an NIH National Center, I oversaw research operations, grant writing, and fostering industry partnerships. This role underscored my ability to manage complex research programs and collaborate across sectors to advance scientific inquiry.
At Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) and TTU Lubbock, I directed two multi-user instrumentation Centers, securing critical instrumentation for multidisciplinary research teams and enhancing the research infrastructure to support groundbreaking work. This experience highlights my commitment to empowering researchers with the tools and environment necessary for innovation.
As a Department Chairperson, I provided strategic leadership, fostering a culture of excellence and mentorship among faculty, students, and staff. My efforts were instrumental in elevating the Department’s national ranking, showcasing my ability to drive academic success and recognition.
My vision for the Analytical Division includes not only upholding its distinguished legacy but also introducing innovative strategies to address future challenges. I plan to use my vast experience to broaden the Division’s global influence, support advanced research, and nurture future leaders in analytical chemistry.
My combination of research management, strategic planning, and a commitment to academic and scientific advancement uniquely qualifies me for the Chair Elect role. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to the Division’s achievements and collaborating with respected peers to advance the field of analytical chemistry.
Candidates for Treasurer
Jeffrey Dick, Purdue University, ACS Member Since 2016
I am looking forward to serving the broader analytical chemistry community if called to serve. My passions are in the creative pursuit of new knowledge and communicating that knowledge to peers, students, and the broader public. While my background is in electroanalytical chemistry, I am a firm believer that the development of new measurement science tools enables new discoveries. I also have a passion for diversity and inclusion and have worked to make changes at my institutions (e.g., advocating for getting rid of GRE requirements and graduate school application fees) to enhance the diversity of the graduate student body.
Wendy Flory, Dow, Inc., ACS Member Since 1992
My passion for analytical chemistry traces back to my undergraduate days, where I collaborated with an Analytical group as a researcher. What captivated me was the practical application of measurement science, which empowers individuals with knowledge. Consequently, my entire chemistry career has been dedicated to the analytical field.
For years, I’ve actively participated in the Midland local section because I firmly believe that advocating for our field is the best way to inspire our communities. By fostering local experiences, we can retain members and significantly enhance the value that ACS membership provides.
Now, I aspire to contribute at the national level. The opportunity to serve as the treasurer for the Analytical Division excites me. Drawing from my experience as the local section Treasurer and my current role as the Financial Committee chair, I am well-positioned to benefit the division.
Robin McCarley, Virginia Tech, ACS Member Since 1988
As Treasurer, I will make best use of the lessons learned and relationships built while serving the analytical chemistry community as an Alternate Councilor in the Division, Program Director in the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program at the US National Science Foundation, and Chair of the Bioanalytical Sensors Gordon Research Conference. My plans are to collaborate with Division Members and Division Leadership and manage resources in a judicious fashion, with an eye toward diversity, equity, and inclusion. I am receptive to innovations aligned with advancing measurement science as we further engage in rapidly growing research areas at the interfaces of many disciplines.To that end, I anticipate using Division funds to support graduate student fellowships, scientific programs and student presenters at national and regional meetings, and awards, all through the lens of trans-disciplinarity. I am grateful for your vote to serve as your Division Treasurer.
Raj Shah, Koehler Instrument Company, ACS Member Since 1996
As a dedicated member of the ACS for over two decades, I have consistently strived to uphold the values and mission of our society. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive numerous accolades and recognition from various professional bodies, which I accept with deep humility. My extensive experience in both the academic and industrial sectors has provided me with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our field.
If elected, I am committed to leveraging my experience and knowledge to further the goals of the ACS Analytical Division. I am passionate about fostering collaboration, innovation, and professional development within our community. My previous roles have equipped me with the leadership skills necessary to effectively contribute to the ACS, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our division continues to thrive and advance the frontiers of analytical chemistry.
I am eager to serve and work diligently to support the initiatives of the ACS. My focus will be on promoting scientific excellence, enhancing member engagement, and advocating for the crucial role of analytical chemistry and our analytical division in addressing global challenges. Together, we can build a stronger and more dynamic community that inspires and empowers its members.
Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am committed to working hard for the ACS and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to our shared vision of advancing the chemical sciences.
Aleksei Tikhonov, Gustave Roussy, Postdoctoral Research Scientist, ACS Member Since 2017
With more than a decade of experience in analytical chemistry, biomarker discovery, and laboratory medicine, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of leadership and innovation. My commitment to fostering collaborative leadership, strategic partnerships, and a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare aligns with the values and mission of the ACS Analytical Division. I am eager to contribute my expertise and vision to the role of Treasurer, ensuring financial stewardship and supporting the Division’s strategic goals.
As Treasurer, I aim to ensure financial stewardship and champion DEI, health equity, and international communication. My experience in interdisciplinary activities will enhance the division’s outreach and collaborative efforts and ensure that our communication strategies effectively engage and serve our diverse membership.
I am committed to leveraging my skills and experience to further the mission of the ACS Analytical Division, promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion that reflects the global and interdisciplinary nature of our work.
I look forward to the opportunity to serve the ACS Analytical Division in a greater capacity.
Candidates for Alternate Councilor
Rebecca A. Hunter, College of New Jersey, ACS Member Since 2008
While I have been an ACS member for over a decade, the absence of in-person scientific meetings during the pandemic prompted me to reflect on the vital role ACS has played in helping me cultivate my professional network, beginning when I attended my first national meeting as an undergraduate with support from the Women Chemists Committee/Eli Lilly travel grant. As someone who has directly benefited my ACS membership in numerous ways – and hopes my students will be able to benefit in the same way going forward – I feel compelled to serve as an advocate for the organization, and in particular for the advancement of chemical measurement science and those within its community. Analytical chemistry has broad applicability across all subdisciplines of chemistry, and according to the 2015 ACS ChemCensus, the largest proportion (16.2%) of ACS chemists in the workforce are currently employed in the area of analytical chemistry. That number is even higher (29.9%) for chemists with a bachelor’s degree. As such, in my career I have been committed to developing pedagogies that help prepare all students – particularly women and underrepresented minorities – to have a strong background in analytical chemistry as well as solid problem-solving skills that will ensure success upon entering graduate school or the workforce. Within the Division of Analytical Chemistry, I hope to help create a community that is welcoming and supportive of all those working in our discipline, whether or not they are formally trained as analytical chemists.
John A. McLean, Vanderbilt University, ACS Member Since 1996
I am honored to have broad experience in our professional societies and deep interactions with academe, government and industry for almost 30 years. Support from the ANYL division as a graduate student with an American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry Fellowship was critical to my own development as an analytical chemist. I have served in a multitude of roles in our professional societies, on boards of directors and executive committees, and have consistently promoted and enacted a bold and affirming vision in chemistry through deep leadership experience in the academy. First and foremost is the promotion of young scientists and advancement of diversity and inclusion in the chemical sciences where all can see themselves thriving in chemical research and discovery for all – by all.
Tianyu (Kelvin) Yuan, Merck & Co., ACS Member Since 2016
I am honored to be nominated as an Alternate Councilor candidate of the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry. I have joined the division’s communication committee since 2021. I have also served as the editor for the division’s newsletter for the past two years. In these roles, I have had the privilege of collaborating with many executive committees within the division and gaining valuable insights to our division’s goals, challenges and opportunities. If elected, my goal will be to continue promoting the advancement of analytical chemistry, advocating for the needs of professionals in the field, and supporting initiatives that contribute to the division’s growth and success.