Professor Luis A. Colón

Izaak M. Kolthoff Lectureship

Luis A. Colón, Ph.D.

SUNY Distinguished Professor

A. Conger Goodyear Professor of Chemistry Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, College of Arts and Sciences

University at Buffalo

Abstract

“A few words on mentoring and diversifying the workforce in the chemical sciences”

Advances in the chemical sciences have been possible because of the research contributions of many individuals, each one providing a unique perspective to solve a research problem, which in turn allows progress. Diverse viewpoints and backgrounds enhance the collaborative efforts necessary to achieve superior outcomes that ultimately benefit society. Progress, therefore, requires diversity in all its forms and at all levels. As academics, educating the next generation of scientists, we confront the reality that the students in the classrooms and trainees in the research laboratories do not represent the national demographics. In the view of many, this continues to create a demand for a diverse workforce that can allow a comprehensive and diverse approach to solve world challenges and advance chemistry for the benefit of everyone. Many aspects contribute to the poor mirror image of national demographics and graduate outcomes in our profession, and these can be complex in nature. Despite some progress, we must maintain a bold determination to advancing diversity in the chemical profession. I make the argument that relationship building, and mentoring are key factors to close the gap between national demographics and representation in our laboratories, and eventually in the workforce. Interventions that serve individuals, enhancement of support, and institutional changes are all contributors to provide better outcomes. The mentoring and support of graduate students and new faculty becomes essential in this endeavor. One can draw a parallel between our own research work and the efforts toward advancing diversity and increasing participation in our field. As new approaches are investigated to produce improved material characteristics in my own research, there are many “diamonds in the rough” waiting for an opportunity and a little “push” to bring new perspectives that will advance scientific research. This presentation will reflect on experiences and efforts undertaken to increase participation of underrepresented students in the chemical sciences. It is also a tribute to the number of researchers from different backgrounds who have created an enriched environment in our laboratories to advance research in the chemical sciences.

Luis A. Colón

Luis A. Colón received the B.Sc. degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey, the Ph.D. degree in chemistry from UMASS-Lowell, and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University before joining
the Department of Chemistry at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo. He is currently a SUNY Distinguished Professor and the A. Conger Goodyear Chair Professor of Chemistry. He also serves as Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence in the College of Arts and Sciences. His current research focuses on the study and characterization of materials for use in separation science and chemical measurements. Of particular interest are the development of chromatographic media for liquid phase separations and the development of new strategies to separate and analyze complex chemical or biochemical sample mixtures (e.g., biofluids, intracellular components, protein digests, and pharmaceutical drugs). He also works on issues that advance diversity in graduate education. His has mentored over 50 graduate students.

Luis Colón is Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), the American Chemical Society (ACS), and the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). He has been awarded the NSF Special Creativity Award, the Benedetti-Pichler Award from the Microchemical Society, the Jacob F. Schoellkopf Medal (ACS- WNY), the EAS Outstanding Achievements in Separation Science Award, and the Dal Nogare Award in Chromatography. Other distinctions include the AAAS Mentor Award, ACS Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences, the ACS Stanley C. Israel Award, and the USA Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring.

Host: Professor Edgar Arriaga

Start date
Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, 9:45 a.m.
End date
Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, 11:30 a.m.
Location

331 Smith Hall

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