2025 SERMACS Award Winners
ACS CHED Southeast Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching
Dr. Michael Bruno
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham, NC
- Master of Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL)
- Co-edited a POGIL implementation guide published by Flinn Scientific
- Established a program to help weaker students reduce stress
- Serves as the Chair of Chemistry at Durham campus
- Organizes events such as the yearly Research Symposium,
- Heads the Research in Chemistry program
- Local coordinator for the ACS's Chemistry Olympiad
SERMACS INC Industrial Innovation Award
Dr. Mine Ucak-Astarlioglu
Program Manager
Engineer Research and
Development Center (ERDC)
- Pioneered graphene-reinforced concrete, transforming durability and performance
- Spearheaded THAMES Hydration Modeling at ERDC
- Advanced protective panel technologies for enhanced safety
- Innovated multifunctional nanocomposite formulations
- Holder of U.S. Patent: High- Performance Composite Panel and Manufacturing Method
SERMACS INC Partners for Progress and Prosperity Award
Dr. Nagu Daraboina
Dr. Cem Sarica
Parrafin Deposition Projects (TUPDP)
University of Tulsa
- For recognition of their contributions to STEM education and research.
- The advancement of both theoretical understanding and practical innovation in the field of chemical engineering.
- TUPDP has been a model for how collaboration between academia and industry can produce powerful research outcomes
ACS E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society - Southeast Region
Kara KasaKaitas
Aegis Sciences Corporation
- ACS Volunteer and regional leader for 25 years
- Served in leadership in both Memphis and Nashville Sections
- Volunteer Career Consultant
- Established Employment/Career subcommittee for Section
- Served on four National Committees
- Has been voice of Meg A. Mole for 17 years, writing career articles for grades 4-6 in "Celebrating Chemistry"
ACS Stanley C. Israel Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences - Southeast Region
Jorge Colon Rivera
University of Puerto Rico
Rio Piedras
- Director of the Caribbean Brigade of the Solar Army giving workshops on climate change and solar energy
- President of the Board of Directors of Ciencia Puerto Rico, advocating for science in Puerto Rico
- Previous member of International Activities Committee
- Current member of Local Sections Activity Committee
2025 SWRM Award Winners
ACS CHED Southwest Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching
Heather Burgess
James E. Taylor High School
- High School teacher for 33 years, 28 at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, TX
- Helps students to appreciate the relevance of chemistry in their everyday lives
- Service on the AP Vertical and AP Chemistry Horizontal Team
- Founding sponsor of her school's Science National Honor Society chapter
- Passionate for student leadership, service and scientific engagement
Southwest Regional ACS Award
Dr. Naomi Halas
Rice University
- Ground-breaking work on plasmonics.
- First to fabricate nanoshells.
- Showed plasmonic nanoshells could function as antennas.
- Showed that heat generated from illuminating plasmonic nanomaterials could be used to photothermally destroy tumors in live animals.
- One of the first to realize that plasmonic nanomaterials exhibit Fano resonances.
ACS E. Ann Nalley Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society - Southwest Region
Roxana Kay Vought Allen
St. John's School
- The face of ACS for most pre-college chemistry educators in Texas.
- A vital link between the chemists from industry, academia, and local K-12 teachers in the Greater Houston Section.
- Has served on the board of the Associate Chemistry Teachers of Texas.
- A contagious passion for sharing ACS resources and opportunities for K-12 educators.
ACS Stanley C. Israel Award for Advancing Diversity in the Chemical Sciences - Southwest Region
Saundra Y. McGuire
Professor Emeritus
Louisiana State University
- Internationally renowned chemical educator, devoting over 50 years to increasing diversity in the chemical sciences
- Prepared other faculty to mentor under-represented students.
- Received Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
- Given Workshops on Strategies for Successfully Mentoring Minority Students