Undergraduates will be honored at the February Meeting, followed by a presentation, “There is More to Responsible Conduct of Research than Scientific Misconduct.” The College Chemistry Achievement Awards are presented annually by the Chemical Society of Washington to the outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry and biochemistry from each of the area colleges and universities.
Dr. Philip DeShong, Professor
Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
University of Maryland
College Park, MD
Biography
Dr. DeShong’s research interests are in the application of functionalized nanomaterials for use as vaccines and drug delivery agents. In addition to being on the faculty in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, he is a member of the Bioengineering program and the Nanomedicine Center at the University of Maryland Medical School. Dr. DeShong has been the Swiss Chemical Society Lecturer, a DuPont Faculty Fellow, and is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the New York Academy of Sciences. Dr. DeShong is the recipient of University of Maryland Scholar-Teacher Award and received the University of Maryland Regents’ Award for Public Service.
Dr. DeShong, in collaboration with Robert Dooling, has developed a course on ethics and regularly presents a workshop on ethics. The ethics course is taught at both the graduate and undergraduate level. The workshops are tailored to a variety of constituencies: graduate students, postdoctorals, and campus-level research administrators.
Along with Dr. Daniel Stein (Cell Biology & Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland) and Terry Chase, Dr. DeShong is a co-founder of SD Nanosciences, Inc. SD Nanosciences has developed an effective vaccine platform for treatment of a wide variety of bacterial pathogens and has developed diagnostic reagents for rapid bacterial identification.
Dr. DeShong received his education at the University of Texas, Austin (B.S.), MIT (Sc.D. with George Büchi) and performed postdoctoral studies at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology with Duilio Arigoni and MIT with Chris Walsh.
Abstract
In a time where science, scientists, and fact-based studies has come under societal stress, there is a greater need to understand and adhere to the highest principles of integrity in our research.
“… scientific integrity, a principle of scientific thought that corresponds to a kind of utter honesty – a kind of leaning over backwards…. you should report everything that you think might make it invalid…. details that could throw doubt on your interpretation must be given… you must present all of the facts that disagree with it, as well as all that agree with [your hypothesis]…” Richard Feynman, Nobel Laureate, Physics
A decade ago when one spoke of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), the only topic that was thoroughly covered in the discussion was Scientific Misconduct. Today, any discussion of Responsible Conduct of Research includes more nuanced discussions of topics that cover the gamut of activities and responsibilities that we, as scientists, perform as members of society. This seminar will outline the topics that are currently included in RCR training, including data ownership and data management, principles of authorship and peer review, conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment, mentoring, working with animal/human subjects, and establishing collaborative research plans. There are emerging principles – reproducibility, validation of reagents and processes, and use of appropriate statistical methods – that will join the list of essential RCR topics as scientists continue to ensure the integrity of their research in the future.
Meeting Logistics
Date: Thursday, February 8, 2018
Time: 6: 00 p.m. Check-in/Social Hour/Dinner
7:00 p.m. College Achievement Awards Presentation
7:30 p.m. Presentation
Location: ACS Headquarters, Marvel Hall
1155 16th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036
Menu: Meal will be catered by Fresh Connections and will feature a buffet of Chicken Parmigiana (chicken with fresh herbs, mozzarella and Parmesan) and marinara sauce over penne pasta, tossed salad with tarragon vinaigrette, artisan breads, and mini cupcakes. Beverages will be provided. Vegetarian Option: marinara sauce over penne pasta, tossed salad with tarragon vinaigrette, artisan breads, and mini cupcakes.
Cost: $22 (Members and guests) / $11 (High School Teachers and Students)
RSVP by noon Tuesday, February 6, to [email protected] or by phone (messages only: 202-659-2650). Please provide the names in your party when you RSVP. The public is invited to attend. You may attend the talk only, but reservations are appreciated. Those who make a reservation, but are unable to attend, should send a check for the cost of their meal to the CSW office. If you need any further information or would like to make a reservation, please contact the CSW office by email at [email protected] or by voicemail at 202.659.2650.
Parking: Parking is available in nearby commercial parking garages. Please be aware that the garage closing times vary. Parking is also available on the street after 6:30 p.m., but be aware that most parking meters are in effect until 10:00 p.m. and may be limited to 2 hours. You should check the individual meters for details and payment methods as some are no longer coin-operated.
Metro: Blue/Orange/Silver Line: McPherson Square or Farragut West. Red Line: Farragut North.
