Professor James (Jim) D. Martin is the recipient of the 2025 Herty Medal as awarded by the Georgia Section of the American Chemical Society, recognizing outstanding research and service by a chemist in the Southeast. As a Professor of Chemistry at North Carolina State University, Dr. Martin’s research is focused on physical properties and processes of materials at the interface of molecular and solid-state chemistry. His pioneering discoveries articulate the role of cooperativity in condensed matter, revolutionizing thermodynamic and kinetic understandings that control processes such as crystal growth and the behavior of concentrated solutions. This insight is critical for addressing grand challenges of climate, energy, and health. Heeding Charles Herty’s exhortation to “use your chemistry to do something for your state or country,” Professor Martin is actively engaged in science and education policy, including being elected to, and serving, four terms on the Wake County (NC) Board of Education.

The gold Herty Medal will be presented at the 91st Herty Award Celebration in September 2025. Prof. Martin will also be a keynote speaker at the Annual Herty Medalist Undergraduate Research Symposium (HMURS).

The Georgia Section of the ACS is sad to announce the death of Dr. Attila E. Pavlath who passed away on November 22, 2024. Dr. Pavlath served as President of the ACS in 2001 and received many honors in recognition of his service to chemistry and for his contributions to food and agricultural chemistry. Dr Pavlath relocated to the Atlanta area several years ago to be closer to his daughter Dr. Grace Pavlath, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology of the Emory School of Medicine. He actively attended meetings of our section and Dr. Pavlath deeply appreciated the way that the local section embraced him. Our section is grateful we were able to provide him with a community when he relocated. His full obituary was recently published in C&E News.   

Important USNCO Dates

For further information about the 2025 Chemistry Olympiad, please contact Ram Sabnis, ACS Chemistry Olympiad Coordinator at ramsabnis@yahoo.com.