Regional Meeting Events

The 2026 Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting (MARM) of the American Chemical Society (ACS) was held on May 18, 2026 in Hershey, PA. It was hosted by several local Pennsylvanian ACS sections.

The meeting featured two plenary lectures, several poster presentations, many sessions of oral presentations, workshops, and networking events. The WCC luncheon featured an inspiring keynote address by Dr. Radha Pyati, Chancellor of Penn State Berks and former Professor of Chemistry.

In her talk, titled “Creating Space at the Table: A Woman’s Journey in Chemistry and Leadership,” Dr. Pyati reflected on her personal and professional journey in the sciences. She spoke candidly about the challenges and opportunities she encountered along the way, emphasizing the pivotal role that mentorship played in shaping her career.

Through her experiences, she illustrated how strong guidance and support can open doors, ultimately leading her to pursue leadership roles in higher education. Her remarks underscored the importance of fostering inclusive environments where emerging leaders are empowered to grow and succeed.

Several ACS board members joined the event, including ACS Board of Directors Chair, Dr. Wayne Jones, Jr., Immediate Past President, Dr. Dorothy Phillips, and District I, II, III, and VI Directors Dr. Katherine Lee, Dr. Kimberly Agnew-Heard, Dr. Bonnie Lawlor, and Dr. Jeanette Van Emon, respectively. The luncheon fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere for women and allies, creating meaningful opportunities to connect, build relationships, and strengthen a sense of community.