NSEF Upcoming Election - 2015-2016 | AIChE

NSEF Upcoming Election - 2015-2016

Fellow NSEF members,

Since 2003, NSEF has provided a key forum within AIChE for members to exchange ideas and expertise in the area of nanoscale science and technology, and I have been honored to serve as chair of the forum for the past two years. As we move into the latter stages of 2014, I will be transitioning to past chair of NSEF. My tenure in office ends December 31st, and I will be succeeded by Jessica Winter. For those who do not know Jessica, I hope you can meet her by joining us at the NSEF reception during the AIChE National Meeting in Atlanta. She is an incredible person and will do an outstanding job as NSEF chair.

In addition to the chair position, a number of other NSEF officer positions are coming to a close. We will be holding elections in the month of October for these positions with the goal of announcing the new officers for 2015-2016 during the NSEF reception in Atlanta. Prior to the elections, I would like to ask each of you to consider nominating colleagues whom you feel have the energy, background, and desire to serve a two-year term on the NSEF Executive Committee. Per our bylaws, each of you may nominate a colleague (or yourself) for any position. Current positions requiring nominees are:

• Two directors (“at-large Executive Committee members”)
• Secretary-Treasurer
• Vice Chair

Each position requires a two-year commitment. However, the vice chair is expected to succeed the chair, and then serve as the “past chair”, which is a six-year commitment.

From personal experience as both a former program director and the current chair, I can confirm that the job does require time and effort, but it is extremely rewarding. I have made many new contacts with world-renowned experts, have worked with the AIChE and NSEF community on a wide variety of issues, and have gained new knowledge from interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. Overall, the experience has been truly invaluable. I hope each of you consider increasing your level of involvement with NSEF, and I encourage you nominate a colleague or yourself.

Nominations must be received by Wednesday, October 1st. We will then contact potential nominees to confirm interest, finalize the nominee list, and establish the formal elections shortly thereafter. I request that all nominations be submitted directly to me (for subsequent dissemination to other officers). Please send nominations and any supporting information directly to: hilt@uky.edu.

Lastly, I want to personally thank the current officers that are about to step down for their exceptional service to NSEF. Kurt Rindfusz has done an outstanding job of leading our forum over the last six years as vice chair, chair, and most recently past chair. Virginia Davis has also done an outstanding job serving as the NSEF Secretary-Treasurer for the last few years. In addition, Hebab Quazi and Thomas Mensah have played key roles in the NSEF executive committee as Directors (at-large members) for the last few years. Thanks to all of them for their service to NSEF.

Sincerely,
J. Zach Hilt
NSEF Chair, 2013 - 2014