Spotlight on IUPAC U.S. Young Observers

Liana Vaccari: Since 1977, the U.S. National Committee for the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (USNC/IUPAC) has supported the participation of over 250 U.S. Young Observers (YO) at IUPAC General Assemblies (GA) with the aim of introducing the best young researchers to the union, encourage young chemists and chemical engineers to become involved in the union’s activities, and prepare the next generation of IUPAC leaders. Several U.S. YOs have gone on to serve in IUPAC division and union leadership, including Mark Cesa as IUPAC President (2014–2015) and Michelle Rogers on the inaugural IUPAC Science Board (2024–2025).

On a biennial basis in the year prior to the GA, the USNC/IUPAC puts out a call for applicants to the U.S. YO program within the chemistry and chemical engineering communities. A subset of the USNC then evaluates the applications and chooses twelve awardees, two of whom serve as delegates to the International Younger Chemists Network. These YOs receive travel awards to subsidize participation at the GA by contributions from corporations and grants.

Once the cohort is formed, there are at least two virtual meetings, one to introduce them to each other and IUPAC and what it means to get involved in IUPAC projects, and the other just ahead of the GA to prepare them for the experience. Each U.S. YO is also assigned a mentor who is, or has been, active in IUPAC divisions/committees of interest to the YO to facilitate their entry to the business meetings and guide them to join or develop IUPAC projects.

YOs are enthusiastic about connecting with the global community both using and developing the shared scientific language of chemistry. The U.S. YO program has been an invaluable pathway for jumpstarting the participation of U.S. based scientists and engineers in IUPAC.

Brian Li (BL) : Tell us about yourself, your hometown/country, where you go to school/work, your current role, etc. and if this is your first time as a Young Observer. Are you involved in young chemists’ network at the moment?

Luis R. De Jesús Báez: I was born and raised in the beautiful Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico, in the town of Caguas. From a young age I grew curious with what makes my surroundings work. My first ever experiment was evaluating if the light inside the refrigerator kept on after you closed the door; what a beautiful thrill it was to learn that there’s a button that turns it off. I moved with that curiosity to my undergraduate institution which was the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. I then decided to attend graduate school in the Department of Chemistry of the University at Buffalo but my Ph.D. advisor, Prof. Sarbajit Banerjee, decided to move to Texas A&M University, where I decided to continue my work with him and finish my Ph.D. in physical/inorganic chemistry. From there, I was able to join Prof. Tom Mallouk at Pennsylvania State University, where after a short year, I moved with him to the University of Pennsylvania. Then, in 2021, I was able to interview for a position as an assistant professor in the University at Buffalo and in 2022, I started my independent career. This is my first time as a YO, and I am so thrilled to be a member of this unique group.

Reza Foudazi: I was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. In 2007, I moved to South Africa for my doctorate in chemical engineering. From 2011 to 2013, I was a research associate in the Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, working on the polymerization of emulsions and production of fibrous macroporous polymers. I joined New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 2013 and was promoted to associate level with tenure in 2019. Since 2021, I have been an associate professor in the School of Sustainable Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. In addition, I spent a summer as a visiting faculty at the University of Crete in Greece. These experiences have provided me with a unique perspective on the diverse challenges faced by different regions and the importance of international collaboration in addressing them. I have regularly attended national and regional meetings of American Chemical Society (ACS) and also have been involved in some services. However, this will be my first time as a Young Observer and joining the IUPAC World Chemistry Congress/General Assembly.

Annabelle Lolinco: I grew up in Fresno, California, USA. I currently work in the U.S. Congress as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow (through ACS/AAAS), supporting the Office of Congresswoman Doris Matsui in telecommunications and tech matters in Washington, D.C. This is my first time as a Young Observer. I am a science and technology policy fellow working in the federal government in the U.S. I am also currently involved in the ACS Younger Chemists Committee leadership. One project I’m working on is the Catalyze the Vote initiative. We aim to increase ACS voter participation among younger chemists for the annual Society election. Catalyze the Vote is primarily centered on getting folks to interact with and learn more about the ACS President-Elect candidates before submitting their ballots. I also volunteered to help reconnect the Younger Chemists Committee of the American Chemical Society (YCC) with the global network of younger chemists across the world.

Wilson McNeil: I am originally from Morgantown, West Virginia, and now live in San Francisco, California for graduate school. I am a PhD candidate at UC Berkeley. My doctoral research is related to air pollution modelling and the associated human health effects of emissions from sources such as electricity generation and transportation. This is my first time serving as a Young Observer and involvement with International Young Chemists Network, and I am so excited to represent the U.S. at the General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur!

Alexis R. Myers: I am from Beaufort, SC, a small town on the coast of South Carolina. I earned my B.S. in Chemistry from Furman University before moving to Boulder, Colorado for my PhD in Chemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder, where I conducted research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). After completing my PhD, I moved to DC for a science policy fellowship with the National Academy of Sciences, which led to my current role as a full-time researcher at NREL. This is my first time as a Young Observer, and I’m excited to see how chemistry is advancing globally and to learn from international perspectives on addressing shared challenges. I am an early-career professional working at a national laboratory, which occupies a unique space between academia and industry. I am not currently involved in any young chemist networks, which is part of why I’m interested in this Young Observer opportunity

Hee Jeung Oh: I am an assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering at Penn State University. I earned my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea. I completed my Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and did my postdoctoral training at the University of California, Berkeley. I am an early-career assistant professor. I am a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and am actively involved in the ACS Division of Polymer Science, Materials, and Engineering (PMSE). This is my first time as a Young Observer, and I am truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity.

BL : How did you develop you interest in Chemistry and what do you know about IUPAC?

Luis: From a young age, my curiosity of science was apparent. My first, true interaction with chemistry was during my junior year (11^th grade) in High School in Riverita’s (how we affectionately called her) class. I can’t precisely say what topic or when was the moment that I connected with chemistry, but it was in this High School class that I developed a new sense of reality and perception of life and the universe which transformed and redirected my efforts into chemistry. This interest continued up to college, where I first got to know the name of IUPAC in Prof. Reyes organic chemistry class; we had just started to discuss nomenclature of organic compounds. I sat with curiosity about the creative process chemist must go to come up with a rationale to name all sorts of compounds; I hold in high regards the work IUPAC goes through.

Reza: What first made me fall in love with chemistry was the periodic table and the elements. Over time, my interest evolved toward organic chemistry and eventually to polymers. The first time I heard about IUPAC was in the context of standardizing chemical nomenclature. Of course, my naïve high school understanding has since matured, and I now recognize IUPAC as a United Nations–like forum that brings together chemists from around the world.

Annabelle: I had a wonderful high school chemistry teacher, Mrs. Alvarez at Edison High, who fostered my love for chemistry. I was fascinated with how chemists have a both a micro and macro-view of systems and how that can help us think about the ways chemistry is in everything we interact with. I knew IUPAC as a governance body for international standards in the chemical sciences, and I am glad I get to know more about how it convenes the participating countries in conversations about the global chemical sciences community.

Wilson: I became interested in this program because of the opportunity to collaborate on important issues with an international team. The issues that I study in my research (air pollution, climate change, global health) are international in nature and require a diverse group of stakeholders to solve them. International collaboration became important to me when I was on a yearlong Fulbright fellowship at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand, where I enjoyed networking and working on projects with an international team. I am greatly looking forward to networking with an international audience through IUPAC.

Alexis: My love for chemistry has evolved throughout my career, but it was first sparked during a summer research experience at the University of South Carolina before my senior year of high school. I learned to weld and conducted flux crystal growth research for new materials in LED technologies. That hands-on discovery of creating something new through chemistry hooked me. I know what most young chemists learn in undergrad that IUPAC serves as the global authority for chemical nomenclature, standards, and scientific communication, ensuring chemists worldwide can collaborate effectively through shared language and methods.

Hee Jeung: I work at the intersection of chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science, focusing on designing advanced polymer membranes for efficient chemical separation. My interest in polymer membranes began as a student when I became fascinated by how nature achieves precise molecular transport through cell membranes. That curiosity has shaped my career, driving me to uncover new chemical ways to mimic biological efficiency using synthetic polymer materials. Thus, chemistry and chemical science are central to my research where I will develop my lifetime career. IUPAC is the central ground of chemistry and chemical innovations.

BL : What is your current and future career goal, and what aspect of your research/work are you most excited about?

Luis: This is an interesting question because I recently reflected on my goals and my relationship with this career. I will say that both present and future goals encompass two vertexes: provide students with opportunities for them to be successful in chemistry and connect (or reconnect) the community with the chemical sciences. About my work, I am excited to see some of our initial curiosities starting to take a nice scientific shape. You’ll have to wait for the articles to come out soon to see what I’m talking about.

Reza: In the coming years, I aim to further advance my career by integrating my research on self-assembly, colloidal science, and polymer science with sustainability-driven applications. My academic journey has focused on engineering functional soft materials through the principles of colloid and interface science, with a particular emphasis on lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs), high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), and liquid foam templating. These systems serve as versatile platforms to design responsive membranes, ionogels, and porous polymers that address environmental and energy challenges. For instance, I have explored the fabrication of porous hydrogels and microcellular foams with tailored pore structures suitable for applications in agriculture and biomedical engineering (10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02253), designed stimuli-responsive nanofiltration and ultrafiltration membranes for separation applications (10.1021/acsestengg.4c00033), and developed remediation methods for PFAS or “forever chemicals” through foam fractionation (10.1039/D4SM00931B) and functional graphene oxide (10.1039/D4VA00171K). Moving forward, my research will delve into design of hierarchal porous polymers, ion transport phenomena in membranes and ionogels, and PFAS degradation through interfacial reactions. These efforts are complemented by my commitment to mentoring students, collaborative science, and contributing to professional communities such as American Chemical Society and Royal Society of Chemistry.

Annabelle: I want to work in policy spaces and use my skills as a scientist to help shape and inform evidence-based policies. I really enjoyed my work in the U.S. legislative branch because of the sheer amount I get to learn, especially to see how science is integrated in policy areas beyond funding for science research. There’s an incredible wealth of knowledge from the policy ecosystem, so I am glad that I’ve gotten to add the scientific voice for my time in the fellowship.

Wilson: My research focuses on the environmental and health impacts of the energy transition, with an emphasis on atmospheric chemistry, human health, and environmental justice. At UC Berkeley, I developed a life-cycle assessment framework to quantify the health and climate impacts of electrifying heavy-duty vehicles in the U.S., integrating electricity grid modelling and air quality/atmospheric chemistry modelling (10.1021/acs.est.3c05139). In a follow-up study, I evaluated how recent federal energy policies will impact pollution burdens in vulnerable communities, contributing to broader environmental justice discussions (10.1038/s41893-025-01515-x). My most recent work has focused on quantifying the human health externalities associated with carbon capture and storage technologies. This allows me to combine my atmospheric chemistry and energy modelling interests into a single framework. Looking ahead, I am interested in expanding this research to include critical infrastructure transitions globally, applying similar air quality and climate modelling tools to assess local and global trade-offs in energy and environmental policy. I also plan to explore how large-scale electrification and carbon dioxide removal strategies may intersect with equity and public health. My long-term goal is to build an interdisciplinary lab at an R1 institution that supports students in developing quantitative tools to tackle pressing chemical and environmental problems across the globe.

Alexis: I currently work at the intersection of scientific research and real-world application, connecting our laboratory discoveries with the needs of industry, government, and communities. Rather than focusing on a single technology, I’m passionate about de-risking and deploying innovations where they’re needed most, particularly in energy resilience, grid infrastructure, and workforce development. What excites me most is ensuring our scientific advances translate into tangible benefits for people and communities. I aim to continue growing in this role of bridging science and societal impact.

Hee Jeung: I aspire to continue my academic career, aiming to be a solid scientist, engineer, educator, and thought leader in the field of Chemistry and Chemical Sciences. Throughout my academic journey, I have focused on designing advanced polymer membranes for efficient chemical separation in energy, environment and health. Separation is fundamental to countless processes, from producing clean drinking water to refining pharmaceuticals and optimizing energy storage. My team is specialized in designing multifunctional polymer membranes that control molecular transport at an unprecedented level, enabling selective separation of water, ions, and small molecules in a variety of applications. Our unique approach addresses multi-level microscopic phenomenon at interfaces with macroscopic, practical properties. In water and liquid-based separations, we explore how tailored membrane structures can extract clean water and precious resources from unconventional sources while minimizing energy costs (10.1021/acsapm.4c01877). In healthcare, we apply our expertise to biopharmaceutical processing and biomedical devices, designing polymer membranes that precisely filter and transport molecules for targeted treatment. Moving forward, I plan to pursue fundamental breakthroughs that translate into real-world separation applications, always seeking to bridge the microscopic understanding of materials with macroscopic performance (10.1021/acs.macromol.4c02290).

BL : What IUPAC Divisions / Committees / Projects are of interest to you and why?

Luis: I am interested in Division II (Inorganic Chemistry). I am part of the materials’ chemistry community, which is relatively a younger discipline within the chemical sciences. There’s so much space to grow this discipline within this division, and that makes me feel excitement for the field and my interest in learning the inner workings of this division. I am also interested in Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN) and Committee on Chemistry Education (CCE). These highlight my goals, as mentioned before, on providing students with opportunities and reconnecting with the community.

Reza: I am interested in Division IV (Polymer) as it is related to my research background and activity. In this division, I see opportunities for contribution in following projects: Definition of Terms Relating to the Ultimate Mechanical Properties of Polymers (2015-050-3-400); Definition of Terms Pertaining to Polymers in the Solid State: Molecular Arrangement from the Nano- to the Micrometer Scale (2016-018-1-400); An International Exercise-Based Syllabus in Polymer Chemistry (2017-019-2-400). For committees, I like to learn more about the Chemistry International Editorial Board, Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN), and Interdivisional Committee on Green Chemistry for Sustainable Development (ICGCSD) because they align closely with my professional expertise and interests in promoting sustainable chemistry and global scientific collaboration. For example, The CHEMRAWN Committee focuses on applying chemistry to address pressing global challenges, which resonates with my work on sustainable materials for environmental remediation, such as PFAS remediation. The ICGCSD is critical in promoting green chemistry principles to achieve global sustainability goals. My research on green/sustainable synthesis of responsive multifunctional materials and porous polymers aligns with the committee’s objectives.

Annabelle: I’m interested in getting involved with the Committee on Chemistry Education (CCE), which is my technical home in the chemical sciences. I worked on curated predictive chatbots and their impact to how students asked questions and used digital tools to learn chemistry in context. I would love to stay involved in the broader conversation as we consider how generative artificial intelligence has a role with science learning. Additionally, I am excited to be engaged with the International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN). I am part of the Governance, Interface and Outreach (GIO) subcommittee of the ACS Younger Chemists Committee and we have been trying to reconnect with our international sister organizations to build a connected global community of younger chemists.

Wilson: I am particularly interested in Division VI (Chemistry and the Environment), Division VII (Chemistry and Human Health), and Interdivisional Committee on Green Chemistry for Sustainable Development (ICGCSD). My research is quite interdisciplinary, cutting across chemistry, engineering, and public health. These divisions and committees allow me to connect my chemistry foundation to other fields such as the environment and human health. I am also interested in International Younger Chemists Network (IYCN). It is the opportunity to engage with early-career chemists from around the world. I look forward to conversations about sustainability and green chemistry with a diverse group that can offer new perspectives. I plan to get involved with Global Conversation on Sustainability (2021-034-2-041), a joint project between IUPAC and IYCN to use chemistry in working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Alexis: I’m most interested in Division II (Inorganic Chemistry) and Division VIII (Chemical Nomenclature and Structure Representation). As an inorganic chemist, I value being part of the international dialogue shaping our field’s development. Nomenclature serves as chemistry’s universal language. It’s critical as we make new discoveries. I often tell students that learning organic chemistry is like learning a new language. It may feel hard and daunting at first, but it’s essential for maintaining clear and consistent communication standards for global collaboration.

I’m also drawn to Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN). This aligns well with my mission of translating research into real-world solutions, and I’m eager to stay informed about emerging research priorities as global challenges evolve.

Hee Jeung: My research designs polymer membranes that can enable the world’s important, but challenging separations for energy, environment, and health. In this regard, my research corresponds to the mission and aims of the Division IV (Polymer), and Committee on Chemical Research Applied to World Needs (CHEMRAWN), in particular “to promote macromolecular and polymer science and technology,” “useful for the improvement of humankind and environment.” Because the development of polymer membranes is critical to various chemistry disciplines and real-life applications, I’d like to contribute to the IUPAC Division and Committee’s activities and discussions. I hope to enthusiastically facilitate international scientific exchange, cooperate with other international organizations, and promote polymer science and technology at the international level. Participating in these activities will also enable me to develop collaborations and form friendships with researchers from all polymer chemistry disciplines and from industry, universities, and federal labs, and thus, create more innovative and interdisciplinary research ideas.

BL: Where can we see you in the next few months, are you going to any conferences, any poster or talk, or any volunteer work you are involved in?

Luis: I am going to be at the American Conference on Inorganic Nanoscience (ACIN) which is a new conference to unite efforts specifically on inorganic nanoscience. I believe this will be a wonderful and successful conference.

Reza: I will be in IUPAC 2025 in Malaysia!

Annabelle: I just gave a few talks at ACS Fall 2025 in Washington D.C., but you will probably find me in California as I look for my next career opportunity, plug back into my community, and re-connect to my service as an ACS volunteer and leader. One of the opportunities to find me is at the Catalyze the Vote town hall happening in September in partnership with ACS Webinars and the ACS Committee on Nominations and Elections where the Younger Chemists Committee chats with the ACS President-Elect candidates about their positions. I am hoping to plug in with the International Younger Chemists’ Network as well.

Wilson: After graduating, I am looking forward to beginning a postdoctoral research fellowship at Stanford University. I am grateful to have been awarded a Stanford Energy Postdoctoral Fellowship to continue my research at the nexus of air quality, energy, and public health.

BL : (optional) Can you share one piece of career-related advice with other young chemists?

Luis: As a young undergraduate, I had the misfortune of having a professor tell me that I wasn’t “smart enough to be a chemist.” This really rattled my identity as a chemist, but thanks to support from my support circle, I was able to stick with it and achieve my early goal of being a chemist and a professor. My advice: community and self-reassurance are the two ingredients to any success story.

Reza: The greatest learning often begins with a question. While lectures and presentations can inform, it is through inquiry that curiosity is sparked, understanding deepens, and true discovery begins.

Annabelle: Stay curious and be open for experiences that provide you insight into pathways you have not considered or build professional skills that are critical to your career. Your career is not a linear progression, and taking some adventures in trainings, fellowships, and other opportunities outside of research can help your research and technical skills.

Wilson: Get involved! This is a great time to learn about new topics through an internship, student organization, or research. You never know what opportunities these might lead to.

Alexis: Stay excited about chemistry, but don’t limit yourself to one narrow path. While becoming an expert in your area is valuable, remember that chemistry trains you to understand fundamental processes that underlie countless fields. This broad analytical thinking is incredibly transferable— embrace the versatility of your chemical training and look for unexpected ways to apply it.

Concluding Remarks by Mark Cesa

The Young Observer Program offers an effective way for early career chemists to learn about how an international scientific Union like IUPAC functions, to be a part of a truly global gathering of scientists, to interact with fellow chemists working on projects and programs in IUPAC Divisions and Standing Committees, and to take advantage of opportunities to generate and contribute to IUPAC’s goals. The Young Observer experience has motivated many young scientists to become members of IUPAC project task groups, Division Committees, and Standing Committees as a rewarding part of their career development. Many others have even assumed positions of leadership in IUPAC.

I started in IUPAC in 1997 as a Young Observer at the meeting of the Committee on Chemistry and Industry (COCI). I was so impressed with the enthusiasm of the members of COCI at that meeting that I approached the Chair to offer my help wherever I might be needed. I was given responsibility for coordinating the IUPAC Safety Training Program, which provides opportunities for chemists from the developing world to learn best practices in chemical safety by shadowing professionals at chemical companies. From there I became COCI Chair, then Vice-President, then President. I cannot imagine a more rewarding professional experience than the one I had as IUPAC President. Traveling around the world to represent IUPAC, meeting enthusiastic researchers, teachers, and students, and collaborating with IUPAC volunteers was a great privilege.

As Young Observers, being a part of the 2025 IUPAC General Assembly and World Chemistry Congress will have a positive impact on your career.