“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” – J. R. R. Tolkien in The Lord of the Rings
Welcome to the 55th Eastern Analytical Symposium and Exposition (EAS). Our theme this year, “Analytical Chemistry Opens Doors,” was chosen as I mused on the varied career paths that the Governing Board members have taken. We all have analytical chemistry backgrounds but have ended up in everything from academic researchers to pharmaceutical executives. From crime solvers to troubleshooters. From the lab bench to the C-suite. Like Frodo, we walked through the door that our analytical chemistry backgrounds had opened for us. And I’d bet that many of you reading this have followed even more interesting roads.
“Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” – George Washington Carver
But it’s not just doors to interesting careers that analytical chemistry opens. More importantly, it opens doors to solutions to some of society’s knottiest problems. Problems like how to ensure the authenticity of consumer products (Monday a.m.). Like how to preserve our cultural art heritage (Tuesday and Wednesday). Like how to provide defense and security (Tuesday p.m.). I encourage you to attend these oral sessions or any of the scores of interesting topics available in our technical program over the next three days.
A highlight of the 55th EAS will certainly be the Plenary Session to be held 4:30 p.m. Monday in the Doubletree Hotel Ballroom. We will have the honor and privilege of hearing from former US Congressman and current Chief Executive Officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Dr. Rush Holt. All are welcome. You won’t want to miss this event!
Also not to be missed is our Exposition. Our most loyal supporters are back (although some with new merged names). And we welcome a bunch of new exhibitors. You’ll want to set aside some time to walk the aisles. There’s always something new and interesting.
I extend my congratulations to all of the EAS award winners. These scientists are truly inspiring. I am especially inspired by the undergraduate and graduate student award winners. These young scientists are the future of analytical chemistry.
And, finally, some news. It has been an honor to preside over the 55th EAS. This year has been bittersweet, as it is our last year here in Somerset. Yes, next year we are moving to our new home at the Crowne Plaza Princeton – Conference Center in nearby Plainsboro, NJ. As we are saddened to say goodbye to all of our friends at the GSEC, the Holiday Inn, and the Doubletree, we are also excited about the move. The Crowne Plaza will allow us to finally hold all of our events (Short Courses, Technical Program, and Exposition) under one roof. This promises that the 56th EAS will be even better than the 55th.
Enjoy this week and keep on opening those doors.
Daryl Cobranchi
2016 EAS President