51st Conference and Trade Show | Palm Springs, CA | July 21-26, 2024
President’s Message
When I first joined NAOSMM in 2003, I was just a member identification number in the database system. Not active in any way. The only thing I did in my first five years as a member was read the emails that came through on the listserv. During that fifth year as a member, I went to my first conference in 2008.
At each annual conference, NAOSMM sets time aside in the schedule to have an Annual Business Meeting. Not actively participating in NAOSMM, I didn’t know what the Annual Business Meeting was all about. That year’s Annual Business Meeting, according to the minutes in the Fall 2008 Newsline, mentioned the auditor’s reporting on their findings in the annual audit, the treasurer presenting the financial health of the organization, and certain committee chairs relaying important information to members in attendance. Under New Business, was an announcement made about the appointment of a chair for a newly formed committee.
Some examples of discussions that have been held at past Annual Business Meetings have included the following: creating term-limits for the executive board positions, reviewing and updating the Strategic Plan, having an External Audit/Financial Review with individuals not associated with NAOSMM, and how to obtain more Manager of the Year nominations.
Lorilee Valientes newsline@naosmm.org
NEWSLINE
Associate Editors
Allison Koster
Amy Hopkins
Shannon P. Wells
Photographer Jeremy Vanderhyde
Advertising Manager
Kayleigh Delfino admanager1@naosmm.org
Content Manager
Andrea Williams newsline@naosmm.org
Through years of volunteering for NAOSMM and attending the annual conferences and business meetings, I better understand the importance of these meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity for members and the executive board to have open dialogue on issues that affect the members’ benefits, and the organization’s financial stability and overall health.
The executive board is one part of the membership body that has been elected by its members to help guide and direct the visions of its membership. The non-elected members of the membership body hold the board accountable and let them know if they are veering away from the vision or if the needs of the members have changed.
All members, whether elected or not, have ownership in this organization. The executive board is relying on its members to provide feedback (whether negative or positive) to help step up and join a committee to lighten the board’s load. That way, their time and energy can focus on other efforts for its members. At this upcoming Annual Business Meeting in Palm Springs, CA, I encourage all members in attendance to listen, be attentive, speak up, engage, inquire, and support one another so that we can continue to make improvements for the betterment of NAOSMM.
If you cannot attend the Annual Business Meeting, the executive board and I still want to hear your voice. Your ideas, opinions, feedback are needed in order for the board to guide and steer the organization that best meets the individual needs and interests of its membership.
As the phrase goes, we are in this together. This isn’t just the board’s association, it’s the members’ association. The executive board wants its members to be owners and not just be an identification number in NAOSMM’s database.
Sincerely,
Mary Toth, 2023-2025
NAOSMM Welcomes Our New Regular Members
Welcome newest NAOSMM members! Note: If your membership was approved 5/15/2024 or later, you may not be listed until the next Newsline. You can update your information on the NAOSMM website https://www.naosmm.org/site_home.cfm or contact the NAOSMM Membership Database Committee at membership@naosmm.org if you need assistance.
Lindsay Beardall Laboratory Manager
Avila University 11901 Wornall Road Kansas City, MO 64145 lindsay.beardall@avila.edu 816-501-2919
Mrs. Tara Broczkowski Lab Manager Ursinus College 601 East Main Street Collegeville, PA 19426-1000 tbroczkowski@ursinus.edu 610-409-3346
Mr. Stephen J Davidson
Senior Laboratory Scientist
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. 1035 NE 43rd Street Topeka, KS 66617 stephen_davidson@hillspet.com 785-286-8199
Mrs. Tonya Fawcett Director of Library Services Grace College and Theological Seminary
Morgan Library Winona Lake, IN 46590 fawcettl@grace.edu 574-372-5100
Mrs. Ebonee Jackson
Science Materials Manager Haverford College 370 W Lancaster Avenue Haverford, PA 19041 ejackson2@haverford.edu 610-896-1326
Mrs. Kaitlyn Liane Johnson
Biology Laboratory Manager/JBWN Building Manager
St Edward’s University 3001 S Congress Ave Austin, Texas 78704 kjohns32@stedwards.edu 254-220-5640
Dr. Bobby Kennedy
Senior Lab Supervisor College of the Holy Cross 70 Harley Dr Apt 6 Worcester, MA 01606 rkennedy3@gmail.com 774-633-4625
Rachel Liebe
Chemistry Stockroom Manager University of Alabama Box 870336 Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 rlliebe@ua.edu 205-348-8446
NEWSLINE DEADLINE
Ms. Melissa Moore
General Biology Lab Coordinator II Metropolitan State University of Denver PO Box 173362 Campus Box: 053 Denver, CO 80217-3362 mmoor110@msudenver.edu 303-605-5831
Natalie Schrey Physical Sciences Lab Coordinator College of Coastal Georgia One College Drive Brunswick, GA 31520 nschrey@ccga.edu 912-279-5933
The next deadline for materials to be published in the Fall issue of the Newsline is September 6, 2024. It is essential that any material to be included for that issue be received by that date. Articles received after that date will appear in the Winter 2025 issue. Articles should be submitted in Microsoft Word via email whenever possible. Please do not submit artwork or photos in a Word file. Send photos and other graphics in a separate jpg or pdf file. The file size should be at least 1 MB. A smaller file may be blurry when printed. All materials should be submitted to newsline@naosmm.org
Certification Committee
Greetings NAOSMM members! The Certification Committee would like to recognize Peggy Miller and Jodi Larson for receiving their Lifetime Certifications at the NAOSMM Conference in New Orleans, LA last year. This accomplishment represents years of dedication to professional development and engagement in activities to gain knowledge and experience as a Scientific Materials Manager.
Peggy Miller has a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Indiana University South Bend and has been working at Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana since 1996. Over the years, her responsibilities at Saint Mary’s have grown from managing chemical storerooms to teaching laboratory sections to supervising student employees to serving as Chemical Hygiene Officer. Peggy joined NAOSMM in 2001, just two weeks before attending her first conference in Grand Rapids, MI. Peggy completed her Initial Certification as a Certified Scientific Materials Manager (CSMM) in 2019, followed by her 2nd Certification in 2021, and now her Lifetime Certification in 2023. Not only is Peggy now Lifetime Certified as a CSMM, she also has been a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) since 2007. Congratulations Peggy!
Jodi Larson has a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. She began working at Inver Hills Community College, Inver Grove Heights, MN in 2008 as a College Laboratory Assistant and that was really the first introduction that she had to managing small teaching laboratories and a stockroom. In 2013, she started working at St. Olaf College as the Chemistry Stockroom Manager and it was at this time she joined NAOSMM. She attended her first conference that year and decided then to start working toward becoming certified. She received her Initial Certification as a Certified Scientific Materials Manager in 2017, followed by her 2nd Certification in 2019, and now her Lifetime Certification in 2023. She has served NAOSMM as Co-Chair of the Hospitality Committee as well as Chair of the Certification Committee. Currently she is a member of the NAOSMM Executive Board serving as Secretary. Congratulations Jodi!
Looking for a member’s email?
Find them in the “Member Center > Member Directory” on the NAOSMM website!
Want to contact a committee chair or a board member?
Find their official NAOSMM email (@naosmm.org) in the “Member Center > Committee Contact Info” or on the last page of each Newsline!
Hospitality Committee
Amy Hopkins, Chair
Greetings to all from the Hospitality Committee! We would like to extend a warm welcome to the approximately 40 new NAOSMM members that have joined this wonderful organization since the last conference.
Speaking of the conference, we hope that everyone is getting excited for the 51st Annual NAOSMM Conference in sunny Palm Springs! New members are highly encouraged to attend the conference this July.
I would like to introduce mentors to their first-time attendees prior to the conference via email. If you are a veteran member attending the conference and would like to be a mentor to a first-time attendee, please contact me as soon as possible! As a mentor, you will keep in contact with them before and throughout the conference assisting with any questions or concerns and informing them of all that takes place at the conference, especially the first-time attendee welcome session and evening activities. There will be the usual first-time attendee welcome session Sunday evening. If this is your first conference, please try to make it to Palm Springs by early Sunday afternoon so that you can attend. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other new attendees, meet a few veteran NAOSMM members, and hopefully meet your mentor in person before the conference begins. There will also be two drawings for some lovely prizes!
We will continue to host the “getting acquainted” game. This activity is for all NAOSMM members who attend the conference and is a great way to network among the membership. The game sheet, plus instructions for the game, will be included in the conference booklet you receive at the conference. There will still be two prize drawings, one for the veteran members and one for first-time attendees.
Make sure to check the NAOSMM website for updates to the conference itinerary and other activities that will take place during our week in California. In addition, our Facebook page always has great photos and member updates.
Before we know it, the 51st Annual NAOSMM Conference and Trade Show will be here. The Hospitality Committee is always happy to help all members, so do not hesitate to contact us about the conference or about your membership with NAOSMM. See you in July!
Credit: History and Archives Committee ? ? ? ?
Did you know...
The scouting trips and planning for each NAOSMM conference begin three years before the conference date. The chosen city and hotel are selected two years ahead, with hotel blocks, meeting rooms, and exhibition/trade show hall reservations paid for. This year’s conference location was originally secured in 2019 for the 2021 NAOSMM conference!
Site Committee
Early Palm Springs History
Elaine Carmen Guerra, NAOSMM Lifetime Member
As I was riding my horse in the beautiful Anza-Borrego Desert State Park some years ago, I noticed a boulder with a peculiar, yet rather uniform hole in the middle of its flat surface. This rock, with the perfectly round hole in it, was the handiwork of the Cahuilla Indians who were the first inhabitants of the Palm Springs area and who arrived over two thousand years ago. The hole in the rock that I saw was used as a mortar by these indigenous people to pulverize acorns into flour. Other artifacts, such as petroglyphs, can still be found in the Indian Canyon and Andreas Canyon regions. The Cahuilla moved to different elevations during the year in search of more desirable temperatures. The difference in temperature spans approximately forty degrees and can be experienced via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This tram ride is one of the destinations that will be featured on the Sunday tour.
I recently visited the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum where you can learn about the perspective of the origins of the Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians and their way of life in the area. This museum recently opened and has collaborated with the Smithsonian to bring an excellent presentation of these first settlers and the tribe of today. Fortunately, the museum is only a few blocks from the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel.
Since I was a child, I have been vacationing in Palm Springs and throughout the years I’ve noticed many different architectural styles represented in the homes and buildings in this desert area. One style that captures my attention is the desert Spanish architecture which was influenced by Spanish and Mexican explorers who trekked through the region, during the 1700s and 1800s respectively, looking for passage to Alta California. It is no wonder that the Agua Caliente tribe’s name is Spanish for hot water, describing the hot springs that flow, for example, on the grounds of the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. Visitors can catch a glimpse of this wonderful architectural style by exploring “La Plaza”, a street with wonderful shops and tasty restaurants that is located half a mile from the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel.
With every visit to the Palm Springs area, I am struck by the sight of the magnificent mountain ranges that flank the desert valley floor. The first U.S. settlers came around 1862 and the construction of the railroad and establishment of the Indian reservation quickly followed. John Guthrie McCallum was thought to be one of the first non-indigenous settlers of the region. His house, now called the McCallum Adobe, is on display on Palm Canyon Drive and is the home of the Palm Springs Historical Society. The artifacts of the early history of Palm Springs can be found at the McCallum Adobe and throughout the area. Palm Springs is a beautiful and fascinating place to explore!
Palm Spring Travel Tips: The average high temperature range for July and August is 93 F to106 F with an average relative humidity of 28%. Please consider bringing sunscreen, a water bottle, a parasol, a sun hat, and a water mister/fan.
Recommended Resources
https://www.palmsprings.com/history/ https://www.palmsprings.com/attractions/palm-springs-aerial-tram/ https://www.palmspringslife.com/desert-spanish-the-early-architecture-of-palm-springs/ https://www.palmsprings.com/attractions/village-green-heritage-center/
Nominations Committee
We’re reaching out to all NAOSMM members to remind everyone that 2025 is an election year. It’s very important that as many members as possible vote.
A wholehearted hello to you from the Nominations Committee!
Penny Dobbins, Chair
Summer is here and I hope all went well this academic year. Many of us are still settling down from the COVID-19 pandemic which brought lots of ongoing changes. Some good and some not so much.
We’re reaching out to all NAOSMM members to remind everyone that 2025 is an election year. It’s very important that as many members as possible vote. My dream is that all members vote! Any ideas you have to increase the number of voters are greatly appreciated.
It’s not too early to consider running for an Executive Board position (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer). Don’t forget there’s not only a Past President, but also a Past Treasurer who will greatly support the peaceful transition of those very important positions. Please contact anyone on the Nominations Committee for questions, advice, and information if you are interested in running.
Lastly, I’d like to recognize the many new NAOSMM members that have joined in the past few years. You are the lifeblood of the association and we really need your experience and ideas to continue our mission. Don’t hesitate to get involved. I waited too long to do so myself and I regret it. Many of the committees need help and there’s a wide variety of needs, so I’m sure you can find something that matches with your interests and availability. It generally won’t take up too much of your valuable time and it’s a way to get your feet wet before running for an Executive Board position. Even if you don’t join a committee or the Executive Board, using the listserv, asking questions, and sharing ideas for improvement are good ways to keep our association strong.
Have a glistening summer!
Sustainability Committee
The Sustainability Committee will hold two more meetings on Zoom in 2024: August 2, and November 1. The August meeting will focus on Green Chemistry and the November meeting will feature a discussion about promoting sustainability on college campuses. Check your email for the Zoom link, which will be sent out prior to the meetings. Everyone is welcome to join. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Taking Advantage of the NAOSMM Member Center!
As a member of NAOSMM, you have access to the Member Center on the NAOSMM website. The Member Center is always a go to place for all kinds of information related to NAOSMM and your membership.
• Find information on volunteering on a committee.
• Update your profile and create your own biography.
• Find other member’s contact information.
• Look up and download important documents.
• Place classified ads free of charge on the website. Whether it’s for a job position at your place of work or you have surplus supplies you must sell or even give away, the member center can help you list and manage classified ads.
Emily R. Browning-Tash, Chair
NAOSMM Notables
Emily R. Browning-Tash
Seminole State College
Events: Wedding Weekend in New Smyrna Beach, FL
Wedding #1: March 23, 2024 - Married the love of my life, Sean Tash.
Wedding #2: March 24, 2024 - Matron of Honor at my sister’s wedding.
Shannon P. Wells, Jefferson College
Myself and many other colleagues were celebrated for our years of service. I am happy to say I have reached the 5-year mark! While my official date to become vested is in August, I am thrilled to see the glimmer of light at the end of this long journey.
In personal news, I am flying out to Pennsylvania soon for a mini vacation and to celebrate being with my boyfriend for one year.
I am forever thankful for this life I live and I am glad I get to share it with all of you.
Member Profiles
Hana Hess
Lincoln Memorial University
How many years have you been a NAOSMM member?
2 years
What NAOSMM conferences have you attended? 1 – New Orleans
What is your job title? Natural Sciences Lab Coordinator
How long have you been in your current job? 2.5 years
How did you become interested in your current field? I came into it by accident, but fell in love with it! I needed a job while I was figuring out if I wanted to pursue a PhD. I liked it so much, I decided to stay. I get to do something different every day and love having the freedom to continually improve.
How did you learn about NAOSMM?
The previous person in my role had joined. When I was hired, my supervisor thought it’d be a good idea to have me join as well. Turns out that it was excellent advice.
What do you like most about NAOSMM?
The open-source information! There are tons of free resources, and it gives you great contacts if you ever need anything specific.
Who is your hero and why?
My hero is Margaret Hamilton. She led the way for many women scientists and was way before her time in terms of mentality. I also love anyone that can think creatively to come up with an efficient solution. Being a “fixer” is an awesome feeling.
What are some hobbies that you enjoy doing in your free time?
Favorite summer activities?
I love being outdoors in my free time. In the summer, I fish
and kayak frequently. In the winter, I do a bit more hiking and bird watching when the water is too cold to get in. I’m blessed to live in a place where I can see a national park from my office window and pass two lakes on my commute.
If you could travel anywhere in the world without worrying about finances or work, where would you go and why?
I would go to the southern island of New Zealand if I could travel with no strings attached. There’s wonderful scenery, nice people, and the Mount Everest of fly fishing. I’ve always dreamed about catching massive brown trout in air-clear water surrounded by the forests of a Tolkien novel.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? If I had a superpower, it would be teleportation. It’s the perfect balance of practical and fun. I would no longer have to make time to travel anywhere. If I decide I want to watch the sunrise on a mountain before work, I just snap myself there and back.
Amelia Neuberger, Ph.D. Loyola University New Orleans
How many years have you been a NAOSMM member? About one year.
What NAOSMM conferences have you attended? I have not attended a conference yet, but hope to in the future.
What is your job title? Director of Laboratories
How long have you been in your current job? 9 years
How did you become interested in your current field? I was an adjunct instructor for a few years at Loyola before my current position became available. I decided to apply because I could best utilize my strengths in this position. I could continue teaching (which I love!) and positively impact all students taking a chemistry lab at our university.
How did you learn about NAOSMM?
A sales representative told me about NAOSMM last summer.
What do you like most about NAOSMM?
As a brand new member, I’ve been very impressed with the wide range of opportunities and perks being a member offers. I look forward to becoming more involved in the years to come.
Who is your hero and why?
My mother. She worked very hard to give my sisters and me every opportunity to succeed. She has joked that she “doesn’t remember the 80’s” because she was so busy raising children. She was completely devoted to us and our well-being.
What are some hobbies that you enjoy doing in your free time?
Favorite summer activities?
I play in two soccer leagues and I am the commissioner for one of the leagues. I also enjoy reading, gardening, and spending time with my family. I try to spend as much time as possible outside when I’m not at work.
If you could travel anywhere in the world without worrying about finances or work, where would you go and why?
New Zealand. It seems like a beautiful country with friendly people.
If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?
I would like the ability to control time. Life can get hectic, and I’d love to be able to press “pause” sometimes.
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Palm Springs and the Hollywood Connection
(Some contemporary history of Palm Springs)
Submitted by Lisa Jones
Did you know there is a Hollywood connection to the development of Palm Springs? If so, do you know what the connection is?
The city’s history of Hollywood connections dates back to the filming of the 1915 version of Peer Gynt, a silent film, followed by Zane Grey movies. During this production, filmmakers discovered the wonders of location shooting in Palm Springs with the availability of vacant land, mountains, and boulders for Westerns and sand dunes for films about the Arabian desert.
Studio Labor and the Origins of Hollywood’s Thirty-Mile Zone or TMZ
Due to developing Hollywood labor associations Hollywood contract performers were required to stay within a 6-mile radius of the studio zone. These rules existed informally as early as 1917. In 1970, the zone was extended to a 30-mile radius. During the old days of Hollywood, most celebrities were under contract in the “studio system” which required that actors remain within two hours away from the studio zone in case the studio required their services.
Palm Springs is on the outer limits of this distance. Hollywood celebrities could get away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood and enjoy the reliably warm weather there, especially in the winter. The influx of Hollywood celebrities to Palm Springs helped contribute in large part to the city’s growth.
In the American entertainment industry, the studio zone, also known as the Thirty-Mile Zone (TMZ; yes, it is the origin for the name of the celebrity gossip show), is the area marked roughly around a 30-mile (50 km) radius from the intersection of West Beverly Boulevard and North La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, which at one time was the location of the headquarters of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the negotiating body for most studio management. This area includes almost all of the southern half of Los Angeles County, as well as slices of eastern Ventura County and northwestern Orange County. This is known as “The Hollywood Studio Zone.”
Palm Springs and the Hollywood Connection (continued from page 10)
During most of the 20th century, the Hollywood entertainment industry preferred to film TV shows and movies within the studio zone to reduce labor costs. For example, entertainment works produced within the area are considered "local" and workers are responsible for paying for their own meals and transportation to work sites. Those outside the zone are considered "on location" and the studios are generally expected to pay for these expenses.
The first time I heard about the Golden Age of Hollywood stars being under contract with the studios and having two hours from the zone restriction was when I was a freshman in college. I went to school close enough to be able to drive home easily for the weekend. I did this when the stress of school was getting to me and I would watch Golden Age of Hollywood movies with my mom such as “The Seven Year Itch” (This movie will be mentioned in another article I am writing) and many others. I loved being transported by these movies with glamorous actors to a world where everything always works out. We would often watch these movies on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). These movies would be introduced by a very refined and polished gentleman named Robert Osborne. He explained the Thirty-Mile Zone and the two hour time limit to get back to the studio for the actors and workers in such an elegant and compelling way. I tried to find the video so I could provide the link, but came up empty handed. However, the young fellow in the video link below does a very nice job of explaining why Hollywood is in California and the origin of the TMZ.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSFiGZp97PE
Let’s Rewind: Hollywood could have been in Arizona instead of California. How did Hollywood end up in California?
Originally, filmmaking was mostly centered in New York, New Jersey, and Chicago because this is where the technology was developed by Thomas Edison. Cecil B. Demille had planned to film “The Squaw Man”, one of the first feature films ever made, in Flagstaff, Arizona. Due to the cold weather at the time and the unsatisfactory look of the terrain, they took the filming to California. California’s great year-round weather, cheap labor due to the lack of labor unions unlike the East Coast, as well as cheap land for building studios, lent itself as a great location for a growing film industry. California also has a wide variety of geographical landscapes which makes it ideal for filmmakers. It was also far away from Thomas Edison who owned many of the patents for filmmaking equipment at the time. Filming started in California around 1909 and the first movie studio started in Hollywood in 1911. However, the cheap labor did not last. Around 1910 and into the 1920s, Hollywood film professionals started to unionize.
Palm Springs would likely not exist as it is today if not for the existence of Hollywood and the Hollywood studio system. The influx of Hollywood celebrities into Palm Springs was a springboard for growth and tourism for the area.
Hooray for Hollywood, and hooray for Palm Springs!
Credit and Link to the Map: https://alchetron.com/Studio-zone#studio-zone-c5382424-30f5-432d-bcf9-ff760a40fed-resize-750.jpeg
The Student Worker - Interviewing and Hiring
(Part 2 of 4)
Thomas Shipman, Berry College
The first thing to realize about interviews is that you are left with two possibilities at the end of a successful round of interviews: the candidate may not be well suited for the position or the candidate might be a good fit for the job. There are those who excel at explaining why they are the best person for the job and those who have not quite mastered the art of walking the walk. The interview process is designed to make the most informed decision that is possible, but actual results may vary. This information is not meant to dissuade one from conducting the interviews and, in fact, it can encourage the opposite. What if you are not positive that the person who you select is the best person for the job in all recorded history? Mentorship will bring the right candidate up to speed. Once the interviews are over, most of the time the most qualified candidate is chosen and the process is complete.
There are a few tips that I can add. First, decide on the appropriate level of interview to conduct. Are you hiring an incoming undergraduate to assist you with chemical inventory? Perhaps a generic interview with questions like “What word best describes a good worker, and why?” There are too many possible words to have a very delineated scoring system. Look for a candidate to be able to describe themselves in a few short sentences. An intermediate interview may have more complex questions like “Tell me about a time where you had multiple tasks to complete in a short period of time. How did you accomplish everything?” Team leader and supervisor applicants should have questions that probe their leadership skills whether they have had a true leadership role or not. I may ask them to talk about a person who was difficult to get along with and what they did to resolve the matter. This level of question may be less “comfortable” to answer. The goal is not to make them uncomfortable, but you do want a candidate to be able to explain the ability to communicate effectively.
All questions should be the same for all candidates or scoring can become impractical. But for instances where there is more than one interviewer, the scoring system doesn’t need to be identical. Three interviewers with three different numerical numbers, but who all choose the same candidate, essentially agree. The job is done! I employ a method called above-the-
line or below-the-line when multiple candidates arrive in first place. Then a conversation about those above-the-line can take place where each interviewer is able to highlight why they have selected the individual. Many times, one interviewer catches something others do not and the decision of the best candidate becomes unanimous.
A nervous candidate cares about the position that they hope to be offered. Yes, an effective leader displays confidence. We were once all scared to drive…it passes! I weigh answers objectively and subjectively. Did the candidate answer each question with a logical and thoughtful answer? You have some objective data to consider. Just as importantly, how do you feel about their answers? About the candidate? Subjective answers can be trickier because they rely on your feelings, but it may be a good idea to ask other interviewers if they have a similar sense of the candidate and their fit for the position. These considerations can work in both directions. I have had an interview that was so positive that I felt like offering them the job before the rest of the interviews were done. Obviously, this did not happen. However, other times there is a doubt that surfaces and it can be difficult to shake. Both may lead you to a conclusion that you ultimately must make.
Teresa Arnold, George Fox University
The student employee interview process is fairly informal for me. I have gotten to know most of the student applicants as freshmen in the lab and have a fair idea of their work and safety ethic. I do hire a few incoming freshmen, having invited those who stood out during our in-person scholarship interview day to apply. I have freshmen and anyone unfamiliar to me conduct a basic formal interview. Those that I already have a knowledge of participate in an informal interview.
For students unfamiliar to me, I ask for two references, which I do call after the interview if I am interested in hiring the student. I ask the references about work ethic, safety adherence, and attendance. Mostly, the students do not have extensive work experience and the reference is often a friend/ mentor, if not an employer. I don’t expect an 18-year-old to be a perfect employee, just a moldable one.
(continued on page 13)
At the interview for all the employees, I ask them these questions to get acquainted with their level of self-confidence, self-awareness, leadership, and other skills:
• Tell me about yourself.
• What is your science background and what kind of science do you enjoy most?
• Do you have a professional goal in science that we can tailor your work tasks to learn specific skills?
• Tell me about your previous work experience and what you appreciate from a supervisor.
• This is a learning institution and learning to be a good employee is part of what we do. Are you comfortable accepting constructive criticism and making suggestions to improve the work environment for yourself and other students?
• Tell me about your attitude toward safety and following directions.
• Can you relate an experience you had regarding safety and how you handled it?
• Are you willing to do some of the less palatable tasks (like clean up after others) if that is what is required? Can you cheerfully do menial tasks?
• Are you willing to take on new and challenging tasks such as learning new prep techniques and advanced lab management skills?
• Are you comfortable suggesting new protocols for your work?
Do let the candidate know of any limiting factors prior to their being offered the position. For example:
1. Most of our positions fall into time windows and are therefore schedule dependent. Students are required to submit an electronic form that provides their schedule.
2. Federal Work Study grant recipients will get priority in jobs that do not require prerequisite skills.
Make the interview professional and an opportunity for real work experience, but also give grace, as this is often the student’s first interview experience. Give the applicant your full attention. If possible, you could set up a feedback process to students, should they request it, on their interview to help them improve their skills for future interviews.
Dave Ross, Calvin University
I find the interviewing and hiring process to be the most difficult part of having student workers. I typically only have about
15-20 minutes to get to know someone who may be working for me for the next year or two. This seems like a daunting task. Finding the right student(s) can make a semester go very smoothly. Whereas the wrong or maybe just not the best student can make things very difficult.
For the interview, I have a list of questions that I ask. My list has changed over the years, but my philosophy of the interview has not. I try to make it more into a conversation, and less of a question and answer. Here are some of my favorite questions:
• What did you like/dislike about your past jobs?
• Tell me about a time you made a mistake and how you handled it.
• What attributes of yours make you a good fit for this position?
• What kind of position would you like after graduation?
There are certain types of individuals that I have found to be a good fit for working as a lab assistant. Typically, those are students who like to organize things, follow directions, and are okay with doing repetitive work. As much as we like creative people, a job like this is not the best for them. I also prefer students who are interested in working in a lab after graduation. This doesn’t necessarily make them better workers, but I feel they can learn a lot from the job. They may be more interested in the why just as much as the what.
Although my interviewing philosophy has not changed over the years, my hiring philosophy has. I used to prefer to hire younger students, mostly sophomores and juniors, figuring I will have them for more than one year, and thus less training on my end. However, I now only hire juniors and seniors to work in my stockroom as an assistant. My thought is that working for me is another opportunity in their education and I want to be able to offer that opportunity to more students. Having students for only one year or two allows for more students to hold the position. This is more work on my end because of the training, but not as much as one might think. By the time the students are seniors, they have had much more laboratory experience, sometimes off campus, and catch on to things pretty quickly.
My goal in hiring is not always finding the best students that can work for me, but rather finding students that will benefit the most from working for me in the Chemistry Stockroom. This may be a little more work on my end, but the end result is worth it.
Interview of Former NAOSMM President, Dustin Andert
Interview conducted by Dave Ross, Calvin University
Four years ago, I had the opportunity to interview former NAOSMM President, Dave Ross (yes, I interviewed myself). It was such a great experience that I thought I would do the same with former NAOSMM President, Dustin Andert.
Dave Ross: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Let us start at the beginning. What made you decide to run for the executive board of NAOSMM in 2019 and/or why did you choose to run for the office of President?
Dustin Andert: I had run for Vice President in 2017 and lost to Phil Waite. Between 2017 and 2019, I served as Vice Chair of the Program Committee in 2018, and was Chair of the Program Committee in 2019. As I had mentioned in 2017, NAOSMM had really helped me in my position at UWRF and I wanted to give back to NAOSMM. I originally was going to run for Vice President again, but Deanna Adams, Chair of the Nominations Committee at that time, asked me to consider running for President. After checking with my boss, I made the decision to run.
Dave Ross: Did you have any major concerns about being President of NAOSMM?
Dustin Andert: No. Having worked with the previous executive board first as Host for the 2017 conference in Green Bay and as Chair of the Program Committee in 2019 for the Pittsburgh Conference, I felt Kevin Burns would be a great mentor as Past President if I won.
Dave Ross: Can you describe what the first half-year was like for the new executive board? The only person with board experience was Kevin Burns as Past President.
Dustin Andert: I think all of us were excited when we got elected in Pittsburgh. Kevin did a great job in leading us through our first video meeting. He also helped with all the questions we had. We did make some small changes like moving our meetings to Zoom.
Dave Ross: What were some of your goals coming in as President, and were they accomplished?
Dustin Andert: Increasing membership involvement, allowing more time for Regular and Corporate members to interact leading to improved relationships. I would have to say no, as having to oversee two virtual conferences as President made it difficult to accomplish my goals.
Dave Ross: That is certainly understandable that you were not able to achieve those goals. However, I’m sure that all those who attended the virtual conference appreciated all the work you put into it. It was quite an accomplishment. Were there other accomplishments that were made while you were President?
Dustin Andert: An external audit, signing contracts for the 2022 and 2023 conferences in Greenville, SC and New Orleans, LA respectively, and setting up the Sustainability Committee.
Dave Ross: The 2019-2021 Executive Board will be forever known as the “COVID board” and well deserved receiving the Outstanding Service Award. Would you care to share some additional comments on what it was like for you and the executive board members?
Dustin Andert: I think it was different for various members of the board. Like many of you, I was sent home in March 2020. I was not furloughed, and was allowed to do some computer work at home and continue to get paid. I know Bob Johnson, Vice President, and Kevin Burns, Past President, had to continue working on their campuses. We often met two or more times a week on Zoom to discuss COVID, normal NAOSMM Business, and when to pull the plug on the physical conferences in Oklahoma City and Palm Springs. Once we had the first virtual conference, the board hoped to have a physical conference in Palm Springs, but also had to make that one virtual.
Dave Ross: How was the transition from President to Past President and working with a new board in 2021?
Dustin Andert: I think it went smoothly. Having Deb Wardach continuing as the treasurer helped a lot. Having Mary Toth, a Vice President with previous experience, helped as well. I enjoyed the transition even though the Past President position
(continued on page 15)
page 14)
is very busy with conference duties. I think the excitement of an in-person conference in Greenville, SC gave the entire board all the motivation needed to prosper that first year.
Dave Ross: What were some of the major accomplishments of this executive board?
Dustin Andert: Getting set up for cloud storage of board documents, the merging of Ad Manager and Marketing Committee into a single committee and later adding social media duties. Kayleigh Delfino is doing a great job in this role. Having our first in-person conference in two years in Greenville, SC in 2022 was also a major accomplishment.
Dave Ross: Would you like to comment on the 50th Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans? Did you get much feedback from our attendees, especially our Lifetime members that were able to attend?
Dustin Andert: I personally enjoyed the conference. I knew that it marked the end of four years serving on the Executive Board, and was looking forward to that as well. Most of the feedback I received was from first-time attendees. All of them told me they really enjoyed the conference and will be looking forward to coming to additional ones in the future. All of the Lifetime members gave positive feedback as well and really enjoyed the conference. New Orleans was a great city to have this event, and I look forward to the 75th Conference and Trade Show where I will be retired and a Lifetime member.
Dave Ross: What office did you enjoy more, President or Past President?
Dustin Andert: Past President, but that is because of COVID. I would have said President if we could have had in-person conferences and trade shows while I was President. Overall, I feel I did a great job in both offices considering the circumstances I had to deal with.
Dave Ross: Will you be staying active with NAOSMM or are you looking forward to taking a break from NAOSMM responsibilities?
Dustin Andert: I will be the Site Selection Chair through the 2025 Conference and Trade Show in Richmond, VA. I would love the opportunity to continue serving NAOSMM as a chair of a committee or even running for the executive board again. Right now, I don’t know what the future holds for me after the 2025 Conference and Trade Show.
Dave Ross: What advice do you have for other NAOSMM members that are considering running for the executive board?
Dustin Andert: I would definitely say run for the executive board. As many of you know, this is a volunteer organization and we need people to step up and serve. Give back to the organization that has given you so much.
Dustin Andert Interview (continued from
Illustrator: Shannon P Wells
Care and Selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Submitted by Thomas Shipman and Caitlin Herring
The use and care of PPE is a critical step in the care of our students and lab assistants.
In a work environment, there are numerous safety precautions that leaders should take to ensure the safety of their workers. These safety precautions fall under a hierarchy of controls, which are divided into various levels of effectiveness. The following hierarchy of controls are ranked by decreasing levels of effectiveness and importance: elimination/substitution, engineering controls, administrative and work practice controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators. While considered the lowest level of protection, PPE is a vital aspect of the safety of the workers. The reason why it is last on the list is because the other precautions are procedural or pre-work choices that are made. PPE is considered after all other options have been considered and/or implemented.
Ranking of hierarchy controls. Credit: NIOSH
PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against hazardous materials. PPE selection involves the consideration of the various levels of protection and specialization depending on what task is being done. The use and care of PPE is a critical step in the care of our students and lab assistants. As summer approaches, it becomes more important to consider ambient temperature as you make decisions about the type of PPE and the user. While most work of a lab assistant is done indoors in a temperature-controlled environment, PPE use can create hazards while they mitigate others, such as working with a lab coat, gloves, and goggles in hot weather can reduce the body’s ability to cool itself effectively. Any time work is being performed outside of a temperature-controlled area, whether higher or lower than normal temperatures are present, it may be necessary to require additional breaks for your workers. For work in high-temperature areas, 50 minutes of work and a 10-minute water break can make a big difference. When working in low-temperature areas, PPE may take on the added task of protection from the cold weather.
Care and Selection of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (continued
from page 16)
Eye and face protection are to protect workers’ eyes and faces from chemical/hazardous material splashes, intense light, dust or flying particles, and molten metal splashes. Eye and face protection should provide unrestricted vision and movement, be durable and cleanable, and fit properly on the face. Safety glasses are used to protect eyes against moderate impacts from particles. Safety goggles protect the eyes and the immediate surrounding facial area from impact, dust, and splashes. There are three types of safety goggles: direct ventilation, indirect ventilation, and non-ventilation. Direct ventilation goggles prevent fogging by allowing air circulation and resists direct passage of large particles into the goggles. Direct ventilation goggles are designed to protect eyes from impact hazards, but are not allowed for splash hazards per OSHA standards. Indirect ventilation goggles prevent fogging by allowing air circulation and protect against liquid or chemical splash entry into goggles. Non-ventilation goggles may fog due to no passage of air allowed through the goggles, and but prevent splash entry. Face shields are another type of PPE that protect the face from splashes of hazardous liquids, but are not considered eye protection. Therefore, face shields should be worn in tandem with safety glasses or goggles. Face shields also do not protect against impact hazards unless rated to do so.
Respiratory protection is to protect workers from harmful particles in the air by preventing access to the lungs through masks. N95 face masks are a type of rated face mask that protects against particles or liquid from contaminating the face. Air-purifying respirators (APR) remove contaminants from the air through a filter in the mask. Atmosphere-supplying respirators provide clean air through self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA) that bring fresh air into the environment. It is extremely important to at least have a rudimentary understanding of the rules OSHA standards have for respirator use. This should start with the knowledge that one-size fits all respirators are not allowed. Even if a respirator is not required based on the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), Appendix D of the respirator regulation must be followed to ensure that employees are safe to wear them.
Employers are not required to include in a written respiratory protection program for employees whose only use of respirators involve the voluntary use of filtering facepieces (dust masks). Where required for the safety of the individual due to chemical respiratory hazards, N95s are considered negative pressure respirators and not dust masks and therefore subjected to a written respiratory program for employees. If the employer allows N95 filtering facepiece respirators to be voluntarily used by employees in areas that have no chemical respiratory hazards, the employer is not required to include these employees in a written respiratory protection program. For the most part, lab managers will not bear the full weight of the responsibility for respirator use since a written respirator program with the program coordinator and physician approval is required. In most institutions, an EHS program manager will be familiar with the requirements.
Hand protection is to protect workers’ hands from absorption of hazardous substances, lacerations, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and extreme temperatures. For chemical use, either nitrile or neoprene gloves should be used. Nitrile gloves are sufficient for most chemicals; however, some call for neoprene gloves. For those workers who prepare chemical reagents or work with them in quantities larger than individual “lab procedure scale,” the selection of recommended gloves should be considered. A good way to know which gloves are recommended is to check the chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). There are also heat-resistant gloves which are good at protecting hands when handling hot objects. Cryogenic liquids require rated gloves as temperatures can easily drop into the range of -2380 to -4600 degrees Fahrenheit.
PPE may be “last” on the hierarchy of controls, but lab managers have the most autonomy when it comes to the purchase and training required to keep themselves and their workers safe. Much of it is common sense, but it is incumbent on lab managers to learn the rules, regulations, and tips to keep individuals safe. After all, common sense isn’t always “common”.
Navigating the New TSCA Landscape: Dichloromethane Regulations and Their Impact on Academic Laboratories
Submitted by Todd Wincek, Georgia Gwinnett College
In 2016, Congress passed the 21st Century Cures Act that authorized 1.8 billion dollars in spending over seven years with the goal of speeding up discovery in cancer research and prevention. Called the Cancer Moonshot, this program was reignited by the Biden administration in 2022 by broadening the program’s goals and specifically, to reduce cancer death rate by half within 25 years. Part of this new push was to protect communities and workers from toxic chemicals by expanding the EPA’s role by using the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This includes regulating, reducing, and banning certain chemicals identified as having significant cancer risks.
In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a significant ruling under the TSCA that places stringent regulations on the use of dichloromethane (DCM), also known as methylene chloride¹. This volatile chemical, commonly used in a variety of applications including adhesives, sealants, and paint removers, has been identified as posing an unreasonable risk to human health, prompting the EPA to take action.²
The new regulations prohibit the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of methylene chloride for all consumer uses and most industrial and commercial applications¹. However, certain uses are permitted to continue under a Workplace Chemical Protection Program (WCPP), which includes stringent workplace protections to ensure that workers are not harmed by DCM use.¹ Among the permitted uses under WCPP, is using DCM as a laboratory chemical which is particularly relevant for academic settings.¹
Impact on Academic Laboratories
Academic laboratories are unique environments where smallscale use of chemicals like DCM is common for teaching and research purposes. The American Chemical Society (ACS) has expressed concerns that the TSCA ruling does not adequately account for the use of DCM in these settings.⁶
The ACS argues that the proposed WCPP is challenging to implement in the diverse and heterogeneous landscape of academic laboratories, where exposure to DCM is typically low, infrequent, and well-managed with existing regulations and engineering controls.⁶
The ruling could potentially disrupt academic research and teaching since many institutions may lack the resources or expertise to comply with the new exposure monitoring and control requirements. The ACS has highlighted the need for regulations that are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of academic laboratories rather than applying broad industrial standards that may not be appropriate or feasible in an academic context.⁶
Looking Ahead
As the TSCA ruling on DCM begin to take effect, academic institutions will need to navigate the new regulatory landscape carefully. This may involve reassessing the use of DCM in laboratory procedures, exploring alternative chemicals or methods, and ensuring compliance with the WCPP where DCM use is necessary. It will also be important for academic institutions to communicate with regulatory bodies like the EPA to advocate for regulations that recognize the unique nature of academic laboratory work.
The EPA’s ruling on DCM under TSCA is a clear indication of the agency’s commitment to protecting public health. However, it also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue between regulators and the academic community to ensure that safety regulations enhance rather than hinder, the pursuit of scientific knowledge and education.
The TSCA ruling on dichloromethane represents a significant shift in how this chemical is managed in the United States with implications that extend into the realm of academic research and education. As academic laboratories adjust to these changes, it will be crucial to balance compliance with the continued advancement of scientific inquiry and learning.
1: [EPA’s Risk Management for Methylene Chloride](https://www.epa.gov/ assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-methylene-chloride)
2: [Fact Sheet 2024 Final Risk Management Rule for Methylene Chloride under TSCA](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-06/mecl-factsheet_final_6-03-24.pdf)
3: [EPA Docket EPA-HQ-oppt-2020-0465 on Methylene Chloride](https://www. acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/ publications/epa-hq-oppt-2020-0465-2023-07-03.pdf)
Sources:
(1) Risk Management for Methylene Chloride | US EPA. https://www.epa. gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-management-methylene-chloride
(2) What is methylene chloride? Who is subject to the methylene chloride https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-06/mecl-fact-sheet_ final_6-03-24.pdf
(3) EPA Docket EPA-HQ-oppt-2020-0465 on Methylene Chloride. https://www. acs.org/content/dam/acsorg/about/governance/committees/chemicalsafety/ publications/epa-hq-oppt-2020-0465-2023-07-03.pdf
(4) Methylene Chloride; Regulation of Paint and Coating Removal for https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/03/27/2019-05666/ methylene-chloride-regulation-of-paint-and-coating-removal-for-consumer-use-under-tsca-section-6a
(5) EPA Issues Final Rule Prohibiting Uses of Methylene Chloride under TSCA https://www.ul.com/news/epa-issues-final-rule-prohibiting-uses-methylene-chloride-under-tsca
(6) Fact Sheet: Methylene Chloride or Dichloromethane (DCM). https://www. epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/fact-sheet-methylene-chloride-or-dichloromethane-dcm-0
(7) What the Dichloromethane Ban Means for University Labs. https://www. realclearscience.com/2024/05/28/what_the_dichloromethane_ban_means_for_ university_labs_1034231.html
(8) Laboratory Safety Guideline: Dichloromethane (Methylene Chloride) [CAS https://www.ehs.harvard.edu/node/9307
(9) undefined. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/part-751/subpart-B
Cryptogram Puzzle
Solve the code to reveal this famous quote by Albert Einstein.
Clues: Answer the science questions below and then use the first letter of each answer to solve the cryptogram.
A = This color has a wavelength of 570-590 nm.
B = DNA is stored in the _______ of eukaryotic cells.
C = What is the study of viruses?
D = NAOSMM is an organization for __________ managers.
E = PO 4 - 3
G = A starting material in a chemical reaction.
H = A substance with a pH value below 7 is an __________.
J = Na
L = What is the study of insects?
N = Single cell organisms are also called __________ organisms.
Q = This stage comes after anaphase in mitosis.
S = A combustible material should be stored in a __________ cabinet.
W = Artificial __________.
X = Organelle considered to be the post office of the cell.
Z = Element with the atomic number of 8.
NAOSMM 2023 – 2025 Officers and Committee Chairs
President
Mary Toth
Bowling Green State University Phone: 419-372-8307 president@naosmm.org
Secretary
Jodi Larson St. Olaf College secretary@naosmm.org
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Vice President
Allison Koster
Concordia College Phone: 218-299-3297 vicepresident@naosmm.org
Treasurer
Kandice Green University of North Texas treasurer@naosmm.org
2024 SITE
Palm Springs, CA
Daniel Guerra
Harvey Mudd College host@naosmm.org
AUDITORS
Laurie Lytle
Grove City College
Susan Geier
Colgate University auditors@naosmm.org
AWARDS
Eydiejo Kurchan Villanova University awards@naosmm.org
BY-LAWS AND CONSTITUTION
Lori Keen
Calvin University constitution@naosmm.org
CERTIFICATION
Jodi Larson
St. Olaf College certification@naosmm.org
FINANCE
Daniel Martin
Lawrence University finance@naosmm.org
HISTORY AND ARCHIVES
Kathryn Malody Hamline University history@naosmm.org
Past President
Amanda Luna
University of New Mexico Phone: 505-277-5116 pastpresident@naosmm.org
Past Treasurer
Deborah Wardach
The University of Scranton pasttreasurer@naosmm.org
COMMITTEES
HOSPITALITY
Amy Hopkins
Community College of Denver hospitality@naosmm.org
MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT
Kayleigh Delfino Keystone College marketing@naosmm.org
MEMBERSHIP DATABASE & DUES
Dave Ross
Calvin University membership@naosmm.org
NEWSLINE
Managing Editor
Lorilee Valientes
Florida International University newsline@naosmm.org
Content Manager
Andrea Williams
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis newsline@naosmm.org
Ad Manager
Kayleigh Delfino Keystone College admanager1@naosmm.org
NOMINATIONS
Penny Dobbins
University of Connecticut nominations@naosmm.org
PROGRAM
Aly Hearn
Illinois State University program@naosmm.org
SAFETY
Jo Wagoner
Butler University safety@naosmm.org
SITE SELECTION
Dustin Andert
University of Wisconsin – River Falls site.selection@naosmm.org
SUSTAINABILITY
Amanda Powell Meredith College sustainability@naosmm.org
TECHNOLOGY
Todd Wincek
Georgia Gwinnett College technology@naosmm.org
TRADE SHOW & SPONSORSHIP
Teresa Arnold
George Fox University tradeshow@naosmm.org
