Topical Group Luncheons

Environmental Group Luncheon: Thursday, November 7

Join the Pittsburgh Section’s Environmental Group for a Luncheon with Keynote Speaker, Jenalle Brewer. Jenalle will give a global and regional view of the PFAS landscape, and the ways in which the EPA and companies like Calgon Carbon are tackling these emerging contaminants.

Recent findings by the U.S. Geological Survey reveal that at least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to contain one or more types of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or PFAS, a group of man-made chemicals widely known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. In response, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established national limits for six specific types of PFAS in drinking water, highlighting the critical need for effective solutions. 

Calgon Carbon Corporation, a Pittsburgh-based global leader with over 80 years of experience in activated carbon manufacturing and technology, is at the forefront of addressing this challenge. By providing advanced activated carbon products and services, Calgon Carbon plays a critical role in removing PFAS from both drinking water and wastewater, offering a powerful, locally developed strategic solution to this global environmental threat.

Jenalle Brewer, Senior Vice President, Drinking Water Solutions & Global Business Development will give a global and regional view of the PFAS landscape, and the ways in which the EPA and companies like Calgon Carbon are tackling these persistent contaminants. 

Add the Environmental Group Luncheon to your CERM 2024 registration via the conference registration page! The cost is $35 per general attendee or $10 per student attendee.

Download the flyer.


Women Chemists Committee Luncheon: Friday, November 8

Join the Pittsburgh Section’s Women Chemists Committee for a Luncheon with Keynote Speaker, Natalie LaFranzo, an ACS Director-at-Large. Natalie will speak on the topic of “non-traditional” careers in chemistry. All are welcome to attend.

Natalie A. LaFranzo is the Vice President of Strategy at LINUS. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Bradley University in 2007 and her Ph.D. in chemistry from Washington University in St. Louis in 2013. She has held numerous commercial roles in biotech, with a focus on genomics and precision medicine. She served as the Director of Marketing Communications at Personalis and was Vice President of Market Development at Cofactor Genomics, an RNA diagnostics company. She has been a member of the American Chemical Society since 2007, where is she has served at the Local Section level, Divisional Level, Regional Level, National and International Levels. She has also served on several ACS committees including the Council Policy Committee, the Committee on Budget and Finance, and as Chair of the Younger Chemists Committee. Her interests include creating inclusive environments, team building, business development and corporate collaborations, start-up/small business growth, marketing, scientific writing, collaborations, and leadership development.

Add the WCC Luncheon to your CERM 2024 registration via the conference registration page! The cost is $35 per general attendee or $10 per student attendee.

Download the flyer.