Chemical Bond, May 2026

Vol. 77, No. 4, May, 2026

• Kirstin Blase is the High School Chemistry Teacher-of-the-Year 17 April 2026

  

  The American Chemical Society (ACS) St. Louis Section has named Kirstin Blase, a faculty member at Villa Duchesne, as the recipient of the 2026 High School Chemistry Teacher Award. Since joining the Villa Duchesne faculty in 2016, Blase has become a cornerstone of the school’s STEM program, recognized for her ability to transform rigorous scientific concepts into meaningful, life-changing learning experiences.

  Kirstin Blase, a veteran educator known for her “rigorous yet joyful” classroom environment, was selected for her innovative approach to demystifying complex science and her success in bridging the gap between high school curriculum and cutting-edge university research.

  Connecting Chemistry to the Real World

  At the heart of Blase’s teaching philosophy is the belief that chemistry should never feel “out of reach.” By removing the stigma that chemistry is inherently hard, she empowers her students to embrace academic challenges with confidence.

  “I believe that students should be able to connect chemistry to the world they encounter on a daily basis,” says Blase. “The key is to help them believe they can accomplish challenging things and to demystify research so they see science as accessible rather than intimidating.”

  The Power of Narrative and Research

  Blase’s instruction is distinguished by “narrative weaving,” a method where she uses powerful, real-world stories to make abstract concepts stick. A hallmark of her curriculum is her lesson on enantiomers, where she uses the historical case study of thalidomide to teach students about molecular structures while sparking critical discussions on ethics and the real-world consequences of chemical applications.

  Beyond the classroom, Blase is a dedicated lifelong learner. For the past three years, she has partnered with Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) to participate in active research laboratories. Her work has spanned diverse topics, including:

  • Microfluidics of infectious diseases
  • Nanomaterials for solar energy conversion
  • Crystal defects and surface structure effects on semiconductor nanocrystals

  Blase translates this high-level research into grade-appropriate lessons, giving her students an authentic look at how chemistry is practiced in modern laboratories.

  A Culture of Trust and Excellence

  Blase’s impact is perhaps most visible in the culture of her classroom. Known for fostering deep intellectual and emotional connections, she has created a space where students feel safe taking intellectual risks. Her reputation preceded her during a recent observation, where one student simply noted, “We all love her. She is famous here.”

  “Kirstin Blase does more than just teach formulas; she inspires curiosity and ethical awareness,” said Chris Mohr. “Her ability to maintain high academic expectations while ensuring every student feels supported is the hallmark of an exceptional educator.”

• Karen Regina is the 2026 ACS St. Louis Section Chemical Science and Technology Award Winner! 21 April 2026

  

  Karen Regina has been named the winner of the 2026 ACS St. Louis Chemical Science and Technology Award.

  Regina is senior chemistry manager at the Nestlé Purina Analytical Laboratory, where she provides strategic leadership aimed at enhancing analytical capabilities for the company’s global pet care business. Her career in the St. Louis scientific community has included roles at Monsanto, Pfizer and Washington University, spanning work in environmental, pharmaceutical and agricultural chemistry.

  Since joining Nestlé Purina in 2015, Regina has led technical innovation and laboratory modernization efforts. She secured a $5.1 million capital investment to upgrade chemistry and microbiology facilities. Her technical work has included implementing programmable temperature vaporizer (PTV) inlets for GC-MS and developing sustainable QuEChERS protocols for pet food analysis, efforts that reduced organic-solvent waste and improved laboratory safety.

  In her management role, Regina oversaw growth in her department, which increased by 56%, while service times improved and the on-time analysis rate remained above 95%. She has advocated for staffing and resources for her team and has mentored junior scientists on technical development and career progression.

  Regina also participates in community and workplace initiatives. She is a member of Purina’s Green Paws group, which focuses on recycling and waste-reduction activities. She has participated in Pedal the Cause and the Cancer Support Community in St. Louis and has supported the St. Joseph Housing Initiative, which assists low- to moderate-income families pursuing homeownership. Her service has included tutoring for the Immigrant Home English Learning Program and serving as a scientific mentor for students at Cor Jesu Academy.

  Regina holds a Master of Science in analytical chemistry from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She has published peer-reviewed research in pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.

  Congratulations to Karen Regina on this well-deserved honor!
  

• College Awards at the Awards Banquet 27 April 2026

  The College Awards Subcommittee recognizes college students who have shown outstanding achievement in their chemistry curricula. Outstanding Junior Chemistry Awards were presented to students attending institutions in the St. Louis area on April 21, 2026, at Favazzas on the Hill during the Awards Night Banquet. Participating schools include the University of Missouri at St. Louis, Washington University, St. Louis University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Lindenwood University, Maryville University, McKendree University, Principia College, Greenville University, and Webster University.

  

  ACS 2026 WINNERS

  OUTSTANDING JUNIOR CHEMISTRY STUDENT AWARDS

  Greenville University – Abby Grohmann

  Maryville University – John Le

  Lindenwood University – Morgan Romanski

  McKendree University – Kyle Peck

  Principia College – Testimony Beaton

  Saint Louis University – Rahul Jasthi

  Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville – Isabel Baldwin

  University of Missouri – St. Louis – Naomi Collis

  Washington University – Ina Jaegy

  Webster University – Milo Kirn

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  For 2026 the award consisted of a $100 cash award, a framed certificate, and an engraved brass plate, which is mounted on a perpetual plaque at each institution. Dinner was also provided for each student and for one mentor per student.

• Nominate Our New Officers! 30 April 2026

  Nomination season is upon us once more!

  

  If you know someone, or you are someone, who would be a good fit for our elective offices, this is your chance to propose their name(s). Yes, you can even nominate yourself. If you are not self-nominating, it would be prudent to check with your nominee(s) to be sure they are willing to stand for election. There is no requirement of previous non-elective service to the Section, only a desire to get involved. Nominees must be members of national ACS and of the Saint Louis Section, but nominators do not have to be. You can get an idea of the responsibilities for each office from the Job Manual.

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  Please submit your suggestions by June 15th. The election will be in October for terms of office that begin on January 1, 2027.

  You may nominate officers below:

  
  

  Chair-Elect

  If elected, the Chair-Elect agrees to serve out the complete cycle (Chair-Elect in 2027, Chair in 2028, and Immediate Past Chair in 2029)

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  Secretary

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  Treasurer

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  Councilor

  2027-2029 term, one position open

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  Alternate Councilor

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  Director

  2027-2028 term, three positions open

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