Texas Southern University

Dr. Ashley Marie Taylor‑Jackson serves as a Principal Scientist in the RCD department at Revision Skincare, where she drives scientific innovation, formulates evidence‑based product strategy, and leads cross-functional research efforts advancing the company’s clinical skincare technologies. Dr. Taylor‑Jackson earned her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Winston‑Salem State University before completing both her master’s degree and PhD in analytical chemistry at Louisiana State University, specializing in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Her career began at Johnson & Johnson, where she formulated dermatological and anti-aging products for NeoStrata, Exuviance, and Neutrogena. She later shifted into Revenue Growth Management, supporting the development of promotional analytics, insights, and strategic recommendations to optimize growth across J&J brand portfolios. She went on to join Procter & Gamble as a Senior Scientist supporting Mielle, where she managed scientific communications, educational program development, and consumer-facing science translation. During her tenure, she also supported scientific storytelling and product education for broader P&G haircare brands including My Black is Beautiful, Pantene Gold Series, Aussie, Head & Shoulders, and Herbal Essences.

Aaron-Albert M. Hargrove, PharmD, is a highly accomplished pharmacist with extensive expertise in clinical research, project management, and clinical supply systems. Based in North Texas, he holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Morehouse College. Aaron currently serves as Associate Director – Clinical Research Lead (CRL) at Eli Lilly and Company, where he leads metabolic studies, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular outcomes. He manages strategic sites, engages institutions, and ensures timely trial recruitment and database lock delivery. Prior to this, he held positions at Eli Lilly, spearheading initiatives in telemedicine, virtual orchestration, and Alzheimer’s therapeutic development. Aaron is recognized for his leadership, attention to detail, and mentoring of clinical operations teams. He has contributed to international research projects in France and published in esteemed journals like the American Chemistry Society. His commitment to advancing clinical research and enhancing patient outcomes aligns with his professional mission. Outside of work, Aaron is an avid traveler who appreciates diverse global cultures. His passion for exploring new destinations and engaging with multicultural communities enriches his perspective and ignites his curiosity and innovation.

Saderrick is a student affairs practitioner with 18+ years of experience in student engagement & outreach, leadership development, and career development. In his current role at ACS, he is responsible for recruiting and engaging undergraduate and graduate students globally to become active members of the society. He leads the ACS Student Communities team in strategic development related to engaging student chapters and graduate student organizations, developing new outreach programs, and connecting students to resources and leaders throughout the society’s global community. Saderrick holds a B.A In Mass Communications and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Nicholls State University. He sees education as a transformative experience and uses his talents to enhance and elevate the student experience beyond the traditional campus classroom. Through building purposeful connections and innovative programs, he uses his skillset to mentor students, enhance their academic careers,  and to help them launch successful professional careers.

Dr. Good has participated in groundbreaking and/or novel research that consist of electrochemistry, environmental science and life science research. Her research involved 1) investigating the conduction of nanosized metals adhered to modified solid supports, 2) developing nanoscopic electrodes with detection capabilities at trace levels and improve water and soil quality utilizing nanocomposites and 3) modifying solid supports such as textiles and polymers where its functional groups interact with selective biological components.  Since, 1994, her research provided experience in analytical chemistry, electrochemistry, surface science, material science, nanoparticles, textile chemistry, agricultural chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, polymer chemistry and peptide synthesis.

Dr. ChaMarra Saner is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Catawba College whose work integrates innovative research, student-centered scholarship, and national scientific leadership. She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Louisiana State University and has developed a research program spanning nanomaterials, surface chemistry, and applied analytical techniques, with publications in peer-reviewed journals such as ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Journal of Chemical Education, and Nanotechnology Reviews. Her scholarly contributions also include a book focused on mentoring underrepresented populations in STEM, reflecting her commitment to broadening participation in science. Dr. Saner is an active leader within the American Chemical Society (ACS), where she has contributed extensively at both the local and national levels. Her roles include Faculty Advisor for a student chapter, National Meeting Undergraduate Programming Chair, and National Student Chapter Report Reviewer. She has mentored numerous undergraduate researchers whose work has been presented at national ACS meetings, advancing both scientific inquiry and student professional development. In addition to her research and ACS engagement, Dr. Saner’s work emphasizes experiential learning and community-connected science, including outreach initiatives, service-learning projects, and applied research addressing real-world challenges. Her contributions to chemistry education and scientific leadership have been recognized through multiple awards, including national ACS travel grants and institutional honors for teaching, service, and leadership.

Keith Reed is a Global Business Manager for ExxonMobil’s solvents business, where he is responsible for business strategy development and execution, planning, and customer experience and service improvement initiatives. A Washington, D.C. native, Keith holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Over more than 16 years at ExxonMobil, he has held roles spanning research and development, manufacturing operations, commercial sales, and technical leadership. Most recently, he led a team of polymer technical experts supporting customers and sales teams through joint-application development and technical problem‑solving across global markets. Outside of his day‑to‑day role, Keith is actively involved in education and talent development, partnering with universities to improve academic lab safety culture, serving on Georgia Tech’s Materials Science and Engineering External Advisory Board, and supporting MIT recruitment as an Educational Counselor. He lives in the 3rd Ward with his wife and two children, who attend St. Mary’s just around the corner from TSU.

Dr. Dawn Holt leverages a rare combination of scientific depth and pedagogical acumen as the portfolio manager of the ACS Bridge Program. Holding a Ph.D. in Medical Pathology and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, she’s driven by a dual passion: nurturing academic rigor and empowering students to achieve their full potential. Her stewardship of the Bridge Program encompasses strategic development aimed at bolstering the chemical sciences landscape, alongside personalized mentorship for students. Her core mission is to eliminate obstacles faced by students in graduate programs, cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment conducive to success. This is realized through a comprehensive support framework, which includes the design and oversight of career and professional development opportunities. These initiatives are meticulously crafted to equip students with the tools necessary to realize their academic and professional ambitions. In essence, Dr. Holt’s multifaceted expertise and unwavering commitment to student success solidify her as a transformative leader, driving positive change within the chemical sciences and beyond.

Dr. Michael S. Wong is professor and chair of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Rice University. He is also professor in the Departments of Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Materials Science and NanoEngineering. He was educated and trained at Caltech, MIT, and UCSB before arriving at Rice in 2001. His research program broadly addresses chemical engineering problems using the tools of materials chemistry, with a particular interest in energy and environmental applications (“catalysis for clean water”). RESEARCH AREAS Dr. Wong’s research program broadly addresses chemical engineering problems using the tools of materials chemistry, with a particular interest in energy and environmental applications (“catalysis for clean water”) and an emphasis on understanding synthesis-structure-property relationships in heterogeneous catalysis. Current research activities and interests are (i) structure-property analysis of palladium-on-gold catalysts; (ii) metal-on-metal nanoparticle synthesis; (iii) treatment of dioxane, nitrate, fluorocarbons, and chlorocarbons from water; (iv) sugar upgrading chemistry, and (v) nanoparticle assembly.

Nicole completed her PhD in Molecular Physiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she also spent time as a postdoc. During her time as a researcher, Nicole organized career and professional development activities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, including events in partnership with industry associates. Now at ACS, Nicole designs career-exploration and professional development workshops, facilitates industry-partner career talks, leads mentor-training initiatives, and promotes effective science communication. Nicole is eager to continue to leverage her research background to support students and postdocs as they develop as mentors and pursue their professional careers.

Lo Williams-Thomas is a scientist, entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of Zenistry Labs, a multi-industry laboratory and manufacturing company serving cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sciences. A PhD candidate in Environmental Toxicology at Texas Southern University, her research focuses on 3D bioprinting and regenerative tissue models to advance inclusive clinical testing. Through her nonprofit, STEM Unlimited Global Impact, Lo has mentored over 100 students, building pipelines into science and manufacturing careers. She is also a national speaker and curator of experiences like the Essence Festival’s Legacy Lounge, where she merges culture, beauty, and science to drive innovation and representation.