February 2026-Joint NOBCChE-NESACS Meeting: Henry Hill Awards and Lecture

Join us on February 12th for a special joint monthly meeting hosted by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers, and the Northeastern Section of the American Chemical Society

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Board Meeting - Hybrid

5:30 pm – 6:15 pm Networking and Social Hour

6:15 pm – 7:15 pm Dinner

7:15 pm – 7:30 pm Henry Hill Award Presentation

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Lecture

Henry Hill Lecture: Dr. André K. Isaacs, Associate Professor at College of the Holy Cross and 2025 LGBTQ+ Educator of the Year

Title: A Click Chemistry Approach to Nitrogen Heterocycles

Abstract: My research interest is centered on a very reliable organic reaction - the copper-catalyzed cycloaddition of sulfonyl azides and terminal alkynes (CuAAC). Differential fragmentation of the resulting 1,2,3-triazole generates ketenimines or rhodium carbenoids which readily engage with a variety of nucleophiles to provide access to heterocycles of interest to the synthetic community. We’ve demonstrated the utility of click chemistry in the synthesis of N-Heterocycles such as indolizines, dihydroisoquinolines and as an approach to beta-lactams.

Bio: A native of Jamaica, André moved to the US to attend the College of the Holy Cross where he received his B.A. in Chemistry in 2005. As an undergraduate, he conducted research in the labs of Kevin J. Quinn focusing on the total synthesis of annonaceous acetogenins Muricatacin and Rollicosin. He received his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011 (under the guidance of Professor Jeffery D. Winkler), where he focused on the design and synthesis of novel steroid-derived inhibitors of Hedgehog-signaling, based on the alkaloid cyclopamine. He worked as a post-doctoral researcher with Professor Richmond Sarpong at the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on the synthesis of diterpenoids and the radiolabeled insecticide chlorantraniliprole. In 2012, Andre accepted a tenure-track position at the College of the Holy Cross. In 2018, Andre was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure. In addition to teaching courses in Organic Chemistry, Andre conducts research utilizing copper-mediated organic transformations. He is one of the co-founding members of Outfront - the college's LGBTQ faculty and staff alliance and serves as faculty advisor to several student groups including the Caribbean African Students' Assemblage, acapella group Fools on the Hill and Club Tennis.

2025 Henry Hill Awardee: Craig Sergeant, for Conspicuous Service to the Northeastern Section.

Bio: Craig has been involved with the American Chemical Society for over two decades and actively involved with the Northeastern Section since 2019. He is currently webmaster of the section's website and editor of The Nucleus, a well known newsletter for the Northeastern Section, was councilor from 2024-2026. Professionally he worked in product management at Johnson Matthey and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Currently he is Product Marketing Manager for JEOL USA, Inc. covering the Americas since 2019.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO THIS EVENT, including in-person reception, dinner, and virtual presentation. Dinner registration will end at 5 pm, Friday, February 6th. Registration for just awards and lecture (virtual or in person) will close on Wednesday February 11th.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: The address is 41 Hampshire St, Cambridge, MA 02139. This is at the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Hampshire St and Portland St in Cambridge.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Nearest subways stop is Kendall/MIT (approx 10-12 min walk). Several buses will get you closer to Dante Alighiere.

PARKING: After 5 pm, the Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts hall has a small parking lot that can accommodate approximately thirty cars. Please do not park in the lot before 5 pm as you risk getting towed. The parking lot is accessed off of Cardinal Medeiros Ave. Use caution when entering and exiting the parking lot.

There closest parking garage is at the One Kendall Square Garage located at 389 Binney St. Cambridge, MA 02139., about a 4 min walk. This option is likely to be expensive. Consider booking online ahead.

There are several other Parking Garages in the area, some have mixed online reviews. Another option is to head over towards Albany Street. The MIT The Albany Street Garage (36 Albany St) can be accessed after 2:30 pm at the normal parking rate ($11 in 2025) - you may have to ask an attendant or someone else for access.

Street parking in the immediate block doesn't really exist near the building due to resident only parking and bike lanes.

Registration or other questions? Please contact: Meg Greenslade, [email protected]

Can't attend in person? Register for the Zoom instead:

After registering for the virtual event via the Zoom registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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