Dr. Tara Archuleta of TUSD’s University High School is the recipient of our 2022 High School Teacher award.  Dr. Archuleta clearly has the respect and admiration of her students as she guides them through this most difficult science while stressing collaborative learning and focusing on the real-world applications of what they’re studying.  Her focus on research is critical to the students’ future success in college and helps them to consider the pursuit of STEM studies.

Dr. Archuleta’s influence extends well beyond her classroom and her students.  Her contributions to University High’s Career and Technical education program and the SARSEF science fair have been instrumental in their success.  Tucson is truly blessed to have a teacher of her quality and we are pleased to make this award of $500 to the teacher and another $500 to the school to be used by Dr. Archuleta to equip her class.

As our award winner, Dr. Archuleta will receive a check for $500 and another $500 will be gifted to University High for her to use to support her teaching.  Her nomination will also be submitted for consideration at the next Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting.

Mr. Ty White, high school chemistry teacher at Willcox High School is the recipient of the 2020 High School Teacher Award from SAZACS and the recipient of the 2020 Regional High School Teacher Award to the Rocky Mountain Region of the American Chemical Society.

The Southern Arizona Local Section of ACS is particularly pleased that this year's recipient, Mr. David "Ty" White, teachers at Willcox High School demonstrating that quality teaching be had outside Pima County.

Mr. White's greatest strength is his ability to guide students to view chemistry as more than just a collection of facts. He effectively shows them how research works and how knowledge is gained. He helps students expand their view by involving them in collaborations with other schools and organizations. Colleagues and past students all attest to his ability to motivate those around him to excel. Willcox is truly blessed to have a teacher of his quality and we are pleased to make this award of $500 to the teacher and another $500 to the school to be used by Mr. Wite to equip his class.

As the winner of the 2020 High School Teacher Award from the Southern Arizona Local Sections, his application was submitted to the Rocky Mountain Region of the American Chemical Society along with the winner from Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Mr. White was selected as the recipient of the Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching during the Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting that took place in November 2020.

Mr. Duane DeSpain is the recipient of the 2020 College Educator Award. 

Mr. DeSpain exhibits all the characteristics one expects to see in a quality college educator. He effectively employs the tools of an interactive classroom and is constantly working to improve the curriculum. He readily and effectively collaborated with his fellow instructors and has been a leader on the Eastern Arizona campus. His colleagues, all attest to this collegiality and his students to his effectiveness in his ability to motivate them to succeed. The Southern Arizona Local Section of ACS is pleased to make this award of $1,000.

The College Educator Award is an award to recognize the outstanding teaching of chemistry that occurs in our Southern Arizona community colleges.

Brooke Massani, Director of Research Support Services at the University of Arizona, received the 2020 H. Wayne Adickes Service Award for her long commitment and volunteering work to the Southern Arizona Local Section of the American Chemical Society.

Congratulation, Brooke!

​Mad about what's happening to science but don't know what to do about it?"

Are you unhappy by the absence of facts in today's public discourse but unsure how you can make a difference?
Do you want to offer your experience and expertise to elected officials?
Want to do something about attacks on science or our natural resources, but don't know where to start?

To help you find your voice, a small group of volunteers has put together a FREE Science Advocacy Workshop on Saturday, February 29 from 10 AM - 3 PM at the Dusenberry-River Library 5605 E River Rd #105, Tucson, AZ 85750 for scientists and people passionate about science-related issues.

We will be giving information and resources on effective actions at the local, state, and federal levels. The workshop will walk through a few examples and give you experience with sample strategies and actions.

You'll walk away with new advocacy tools, plans, and connections to a network of local experts who are also passionate about science and finding equitable and inclusive solutions.

Please reserve your space by filling out this registration form below. Space is limited to the first 30 respondents.

This workshop is put on by a volunteer collaborative effort from individual members of the March for Science Southern Arizona, Southern Arizona American Chemical Society, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Thanks to financial sponsorship from the Union of Concerned Scientists, lunch will be provided.

Reserve your place by Friday, February 14th! The workshop is free but you must register to attend. Register on the link:  https://forms.gle/wiASPjy6cqa1YKUM9

Thanks to all of you who took the time to vote for the 2020 SAZACS officers!

Here are the results of the elections. Congratulations to our 2020 slate of officers!


Chair Elect
Dr. Brian Zacher

Chair
Ms. Mindy Dodge
​
Secretary
Dr. Christopher Cabello

Alternate Councilor
Mr. Pedro Flores Gallardo

Councilor
Dr. Charles Weidner

This the time of the year to take a moment during this busy season to get together with comrades/colleagues and friend and see what you local ACS section has been up to this past year.

You are cordially invited to attend the

Southern AZ ACS Local Section

Holiday Reception

Where: Scordatos Pizzeria, 4911 N Stone Ave.
When: Tuesday, Dec 3, 2019
Time: 5:30 - 8 PM

 * Refreshments will be provided and there will be a cash bar. No RSVP needed.

It is that time of the year for your local section's elections!

The Southern Arizona Local Section of the American Chemical Society is seeking nominations (or volunteers) to join the executive committee in the coming year. If you, or another ACS member you know, would like to join the governing committee, send us your nominations.

The following positions are available for the coming year:

• Chair (2-year commitment)
• Chair Elect (3-year commitment)
• Alternate Counselor (3-year commitment)
• Secretary (2-year commitment)

If you can, please submit all nomination to the Benjamin Zarin, Chair, no later than Friday, November 8th, 2019.

Contact the SAZACS chair by emailing him at info[at]sazacs.org