ACS– New Haven Section Speaker Series

The New Haven ACS Local Section is proud to host its renowned Speaker Series, featuring distinguished scientists in the field of chemistry. Over the years, we have welcomed many leading experts to share their insights, discoveries, and groundbreaking research with our community.

Our events typically take place later in the day, offering an engaging evening of learning and networking. Attendees can enjoy complimentary food and refreshments at in-person events while exploring fascinating topics in chemistry.

Virtual attendees will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event.

Join us for an inspiring session and connect with fellow enthusiasts in the chemistry community!

Upcoming Talks

Coming soon!

Past Talks

"Art, Science, and the Conservation of Intaglio Prints"

Ms. Theresa Fairbanks Harris, Senior Conservator, Yale University Art Museums

Dr. Richard Hack, Senior Conservation Scientist, Heritage Science Research Laboratory, Yale University

November 13th, 2025 (Thursday), 6pm

Location: Cafe Luna

35 Berlin Rd, Cromwell, CT 06416

Abstract

This talk explores the intersection of chemistry, art, and conservation in the study of artists’ intaglio prints, including etchings and engravings. Chemistry underpins the etching of copper plates as well as the materials used in printmaking—paper, ink, and acids. In the etching process, chemical reactions between the metal plate and acidic solutions selectively dissolve exposed copper, creating the incised lines that hold ink.

Intaglio prints represent a significant portion of visual culture, and their physical condition directly impacts their aesthetic, longevity, and value. Because prints are multiples produced from a matrix, careful analysis is often required to distinguish originals from forgeries or reproductions. Selected examples of technical examination and conservation approaches will be presented.

"The Evolution of Aromatic Chemistry in the Interstellar Medium"

Dr. Brett A. McGuire, Associate Professor of Chemistry at MIT

September 2nd, 2025 (Tuesday), 6pm

Location: Joey C's Boathouse Cantina & Grill

955 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06614

Speaker Bio

Brett McGuire received his B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2009 and his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the California Institute of Technology in 2014. He was a National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) Jansky Fellow and then a NASA Hubble Fellow from 2014-2020 at the NRAO and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. In 2020, he started a faculty position at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he is now an Associate Professor of Chemistry. Research in the McGuire Group uses the tools of physical chemistry, molecular spectroscopy, and observational astrophysics to understand how the chemical ingredients for life evolve with and help shape the formation of stars and planets.

Abstract

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of large hydrocarbon molecules, are thought to sequester a large fraction (10-25%) of all carbon in the Universe. While strong circumstantial evidence for their presence in space has existed since the 1980s, it is only in the last few years that the first individual PAH species have been definitively detected. In this talk, I'll describe the synthetic and spectroscopic laboratory work, computational approaches, and observational efforts which have led to these discoveries, discuss our current understanding of the formation and molecular evolution of PAHs in space, and describe the growing body of evidence that these species, in no small part, influence the inventory of raw organic material delivered to early planets. I'll conclude by taking a critical look at open questions related to PAH chemistry in space and the prospects for the field going forward.