News and Events

2025 National Chemistry Week Illustrated Poem Contest
“The Hidden Life of Spices”

K–12 students are invited to create an illustrated poem for NCW 2025 (Oct 19–25) exploring the chemistry of spices. Submit by Friday, Oct 24, 2025 (11:59 PM) for a chance to be recognized locally and nationally.

Full details & how to enter » Submit your entry » Download entry form (PDF) »

2025 ACS Outreach Volunteer of the Year

Trina Shartsis

Trina Shartsis has been a dedicated contributor to our section’s Strategic Planning initiatives and continues to play an essential role in advancing our community’s goals. She has supported the section’s Women’s Chemistry Group, contributed to the SARSEF Science Fair, organized a Fun with Chemistry outreach event, and led donation efforts for EMERGE.

Learn more about this year’s exceptional #ACSVOTY recipients and their inspiring outreach work → Meet the honorees »

Join the 2026 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) Challenge!

Attention high school students with a passion for chemistry—here’s your chance to shine in the 2026 U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO)!

Hosted by the Southern Arizona Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS), this prestigious competition gives students an opportunity to test their chemistry knowledge, collaborate with peers, and compete nationally.

Local Competition Details

• Registration Opens: October 6, 2025
• Registration Deadline: January 31, 2026
• Local Exam Dates: February 27 – March 16, 2026

Questions? Contact Dr. Suchithranga M. D. C. Perera at [email protected] .

For official rules, practice materials, and national updates, visit the ACS USNCO page »

For full local details and registration info, visit our USNCO Information Page »

Congratulations to Our 2025 SAZACS Award Recipients!

College Educator Award 2025

Ms. Wendy Bebeck
Pima Community College

High School Chemistry Teacher Award 2025

Ms. Tiffany Newton
Andrada Polytechnic High School, Vail, AZ

2026 High School Chemistry Teaching Award

Nominations for the 2026 High School Teacher Award are now open.

Learn more

2026 College Educator Award for Excellence in Teaching

Nominations for the 2026 College Educator Award are now open.

Learn more

2025 Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (CCEW) — Illustrated Poem Contest

Calling all K–12 chemistry enthusiasts! SAZACS invites students to enter the 2025 CCEW Illustrated Poem Contest during Chemists Celebrate Earth Week (April 21–27, 2025).

• Theme: “Glaciers — Hot Topic, Cool Chemistry”
• Create: Combine science and art in an illustrated poem that brings the theme to life.
• Who can participate: Students from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Let your imagination soar as you blend chemistry, poetry, and illustration to showcase the beauty and importance of glaciers and a sustainable future.

Learn More & How to Enter Submit Your Entry

Congratulations, Dr. Grazyna Zreda!

We are delighted to announce that Dr. Grazyna Zreda has been honored with the 2024 Rocky Mountain Regional E. Ann Nalley Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes her exceptional dedication and impactful volunteer contributions to the American Chemical Society and its mission.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Zreda’s remarkable achievement and her commitment to fostering growth and excellence within the scientific community!

2024 National Chemistry Week
(2024 NCW)
Illustrated Poem Contest

To celebrate 2024 National Chemistry Week (2024 NCW), the Southern Arizona Local Section of the American Chemical Society (SAZACS) is sponsoring an Illustrated poem contest on the theme "Picture Perfect Chemistry" for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Submission deadline is: Friday, 25 October, 2024 by 11:59 PM (ET)

Read more about the 2024 NCW celebration here.

Exciting Opportunity for Female Chemists: Apply for the ACS WCC and Eli Lilly Travel Award!

We are thrilled to announce that the ACS Women Chemists Committee (WCC) and Eli Lilly and Company are sponsoring a program to provide funding for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral female chemists. This funding will enable them to travel to the  ACS Spring Meeting to present their research findings.

In addition to financial support, the WCC will host a poster session and offer several networking opportunities for the award recipients. These include the Women in the Chemical Enterprise Breakfast, the WCC Luncheon, and a special event sponsored by the ACS Office of the CEO. Through this program, WCC and Eli Lilly and Company aim to increase the participation of women in the chemical sciences.

For more information about the award, please visit here. All applications for the Travel Award for the ACS Fall 2024 Meeting must be submitted by Saturday, June 1, no later than 11:30 p.m. ET. Apply today!

Learn from the best and brightest minds in chemistry.
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Register for free upcoming ACS Webinars. 

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Want to be involved in the ACS Southern Arizona local section?

Not an ACS member, but want to be involved in the Southern Arizona local section? We have just the thing- become an Affiliate member of the section for $5. This will enable us to provide you information on upcoming events, volunteer opportunities and newsletters from the section. Learn more!

Member Benefits 

Curious about the benefits provided to you as an ACS member? learn more!

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Find ACS resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic, created to support the general public, chemistry teachers and researchers, policymakers, and the media. Learn more!

ACS Efforts & Resources on COVID-19