CSW Dinner Meeting – September 19, 2024, “Reflections on a Non-Traditional Path to a Career in Chemical Security”

This will be a Hybrid Meeting. Zoom Link:  https://american-chemical-society.zoom.com/meeting/register/tZ0rdu-sqDksEtfcHFtMbOTSx0MqETWmQ65P

Dinner reservations required. RSVP for the dinner

Meeting Logistics

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m. Check-in/Social Hour
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Speaker Presentation

Location: ACS Headquarters – Marvel Hall
1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC

Menu: Meal will be catered by W. Millar & Co. and will feature Mykonos Mixed Grill (lemon chicken, lemon-oregano marinated steak, falafel bites (vegan), Salad, Bread Board, and assorted Bar Desserts.
Beverages will be provided.

Cost: $22 per person (half price for students)

RSVP by noon (ET) Tuesday, September 17, to [email protected]. Please provide the names in your party as well as your contact information when you RSVP. The public is invited to attend. You may attend the talk only at no charge, but reservations are appreciated. If you need any further information or would like to make a reservation, please contact the CSW office by email at [email protected]

Parking: Parking is available in nearby commercial parking garages. Please be aware that garage closing times vary. Parking is also available on the street after 6:30 pm, but be aware that most parking meters are in effect until 10:00 pm 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

Bio
Curtis, while earning degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, has a broad background in a variety of STEM fields: Since graduate school, he’s been employed in the fields of data science, experimental biology, scientific automation, and now serves as a chemist for Noblis ESI, specifically on a contract with the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office within the Department of Homeland Security. When he’s not working, he’s spending his time traveling with his wife, lifting weights in the garage, or reading a book – mostly history, though not exclusively. Curtis also serves as the Vice Chair for the National Capital Section of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and is a Visiting Scholar at Purdue University.

Abstract
In this presentation, I’ll discuss the winding road I’ve travelled on the way to finding a career I’m passionate about. I’ll try to use my experience as a way to provide current students tips for finding their way professionally. In doing so, I also hope to highlight the uniqueness of the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for aspiring chemists and chemistry-adjacent professionals.