Breaking Barriers: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 1

Mentoring Across Generations: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 2

ACS president Rigoberto Hernandez invites colleagues to speak about mentorship, communication, and the human side of science. One of Rigoberto’s former students, Ashley Ringer McDonald, talks about the power of multi-directional mentorship and the importance of nurturing growth and confidence in students. Michelle Francl and Rigoberto discuss the evolving role of theoretical chemistry, the need to balance basic and applied research, and the importance of communicating science in accessible, engaging ways. The episode closes with Angel Martí, who reflects on inclusive mentoring, community-building, and creating a sense of belonging to retain diverse talent in STEM. Across these conversations, a central theme emerges: science is fundamentally a human endeavor shaped by relationships, communication, and shared curiosity.  Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Breaking Barriers: Chemistry is Everyone, Episode 1

This episode of Chain Reaction launches a special series celebrating the American Chemical Society’s 150th anniversary. Immediate past president, Dorothy Phillips, interviews three chemists whose journeys emphasize resilience, representation, and inclusion. Cary Supalo, a blind chemist, describes overcoming barriers in education and research by developing collaborative techniques and accessible technologies that allow visually impaired scientists to participate fully in chemistry. Zemen Berhe, a refugee and first-generation scholar, reflects on the importance of representation and mentorship in shaping her path to becoming a professor and supporting underrepresented students. Simon Shannon shares his transition from bench chemistry to business leadership at 3M, highlighting the value of interdisciplinary skills and diverse perspectives. Throughout, the episode underscores how mentorship, community, and increased access can help broaden participation in STEM and ensure that chemistry truly belongs to everyone. Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Teaser: Chemistry is Everyone

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Chemical Society, our upcoming miniseries features the past, present, and future presidents of ACS in conversation with colleagues about topics they’re passionate about, including mentorship, representation, and … space!  Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

[Bonus] From the Cutting Room Floor: Anthrax Decontamination Following the 2001 Attacks

In the inaugural “From the Cutting Room Floor” — where we take parts of interviews that didn’t quite fit in our regular episodes — we talk about anthrax. Well not exactly… we talk about what happens with the chemicals that we use to kill anthrax. In 2001, some high profile people like news anchors and senators received mail laced with anthrax — a spore-forming bacteria that can be deadly. Afterwards, there were many spaces that had to be decontaminated. And Richard Corsi was tapped to study these decontaminants. How did they interact with indoor spaces? Where did they go? How long did they last for? When was it safe for people to return to these spaces? It was a multi-year study that helped explain why sometimes the spaces deemed safe after decontamination still caused harm.  Enjoy the episode? Please rate and review us! And, as always, if you have ideas email chainreaction@acs.org Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]

Does Earth Have Limits?: The Chemistry of Pollution, Episode 4

Pollution is only one way humans are altering our planet. There’s climate change, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and much more. Earth system scientists, including biological oceanographer Katherine Richardson, developed the nine planetary boundaries, a framework to understand what Earth systems are critical for life, and what will happen if human-caused changes to our planet continue. Katherine unpacks these boundaries, revealing how chemistry sits at the heart of both the problems and solutions to the equilibrium of many of these critical systems. It’s a sobering yet hopeful look at humanity’s future on a finite planet.  Transcripts and episode sources at acs.org/chainreaction [https://www.acs.org/pressroom/chain-reaction.html]