North Carolina A&T State University

Dorothy J. Phillips retired from Waters Corporation in 2013 as Director, Strategic Marketing. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in 1967 and her Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati in 1974. She began her forty-year industrial career at Dow Chemical Company and later joined the Waters Corporation. She has been a member of the American Chemical Society since 1973.

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.

Dr. Shengmin Sang is a Distinguished Professor of Functional Foods and Human Health at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University/North Carolina Research Campus. He is a full faculty member of the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC Chapel Hill, and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. His laboratory studies food as medicine through an integrated research program to: (1) isolate and identify bioactive compounds from functional foods and herbal medicines; (2) determine their biotransformation and bioavailability in rodents and humans; (3) develop targeted and untargeted metabolomic approaches to identify dietary intake, disease, and gut microbiome-derived biomarkers; and (4) investigate the interactions among bioactive food components, the gut microbiome, and host metabolism to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying their health benefits, with a particular focus on gut health and metabolic diseases. Dr. Sang has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 82) and holds nine U.S. patents. His research has been continuously supported by the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other federal agencies and foundations. He has received multiple honors from the American Chemical Society, including the Advancement of Application of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Award (2022), the AGFD Fellow Award (2011), and the AGFD Young Scientist Award (2007), as well as recognition from the American Society for Nutrition, including election as an Excellence in Nutrition Fellow (2026) and the Mary Swartz Rose Investigator Award (2025).

Dr. Lori Ana Valentín is an analytical chemist and ACS Career consultant whose professional experience has spanned industry, government and higher education. She served the New York State Police Crime Laboratory System for seven years as a forensic scientist where she performed criminal casework before moving into laboratory management.  She now applies her analytical skills to her favorite element – people – full time in training and talent development. She has a BS in Biochemistry from SUNY Fredonia and earned her MS and PhD in analytical chemistry at Binghamton University.  She resides in Albany, NY with her son Isaac, partner Renaldo (a Trooper with NYSP), and their giant dog Chico.

Sederra Ross is a Program Manager at the ACS Green Chemistry Institute®. She has dedicated her career to solving environmental injustices and researching methods to remove hazardous contaminants and chemicals contributing to global heating. Her research has covered various topics, including creating biodegradable composites that divert solid waste from landfills, developing programs to galvanize environmental grassroots activists, and employing molecular spectroscopy to identify and characterize gas-phase progenitors that give rise to soot, a PM 2.5 climate pollutant. Sederra holds a Ph.D. in Green Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a B.S. in Chemistry from Clark Atlanta University. In her role, she strives to inculcate green chemistry and engineering across the global chemistry enterprise to provide present and future generations with the knowledge and resources they need for a clean, sustainable environment and an equitable future.

Dr. Devin J. Swiner is currently an Associate Principal Scientist in Pharmaceutical Analytical Sciences at Merck & Co. She received her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh before obtaining her PhD from The Ohio State University under the mentorship of Dr. Abraham Badu-Tawiah. Her dissertation research was focused on developing a new ionization source for mass spectrometry using cellulose materials for applications in clinical diagnostics. Dr. Swiner published seven peer-reviewed manuscripts, was awarded OSU’s 2020 Next Generation Innovator of the Year award and a U.S. patent for her contributions to the field of ambient ionization mass spectrometry. Her current role at Merck is focused on preclinical and late stage oral and sterile drug product development for infectious diseases and various cancers. She is responsible for using a robust set of analytical methods to enable innovative and data-driven research. Outside of her scientific expertise, Dr. Swiner is an advocate for scientists of marginalized backgrounds. She’s been an active member of NOBCChE since undergrad, has served on the Board of Directors, and is currently the Chair for the NOBCChE Leadership Academy. The impact that NOBCChE has made on her career inspired Dr. Swiner to seek out opportunities to bridge the connection between the organization and Merck. She has been working across various departments to design, drive, and implement strategies to increase the recruitment of scientists to the pharmaceutical industry, both nationally and within the Northeast region. Dr. Swiner believes that it is important to equip scientists with the tools to not only define their next steps, but to also excel when they get there

Dr. Juana Mendenhall is a visionary leader who excels at analyzing, planning, and implementing strategic initiatives by effectively connecting enterprises across diverse departments, programs, and institutes—guiding concepts from inception to institutional integration. As dedicated researcher, Dr. Mendenhall is passionate about transforming academia through innovation, education and emerging technologies, comprehensive training (for faculty and students), and personalized mentorship for students. As a results-driven academic administrator, she demonstrates exceptional skill in forging new partnerships that yield multi-directional returns on investment and collaborating with senior leadership to execute innovative initiatives. Dr. Mendenhall possesses the interpersonal skills to inspire, energize, and unify faculty and staff in the collective pursuit of organizational goals and meaningful outcomes.

Dr. Marsha Roberson is a Senior Forensic Chemist where she analyzes drug evidence and supports public safety, education, and the criminal justice community. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Grambling State University and a doctorate in chemistry from Louisiana State University.  A former university chemistry instructor and NASA Student Ambassador, Dr. Roberson has co-authored more than 45 scientific publications, developed two analytical methods, and received numerous national and international honors. For nearly two decades, she has also mentored students from kindergarten through college, helping them access STEM opportunities, scholarships, internships, and professional development.  Dr. Roberson is a dedicated wife, mother, community volunteer, and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

Tonya Lane is the founder and CEO of Curly Chemistry, a science-driven platform empowering the natural hair community through education and expertise. She holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry from North Carolina Central University and has over ten years of experience as a cosmetic chemist. Through her website and YouTube channel—now with 25+ million views—Tonya simplifies the science of hair care ingredients into practical, easy-to-understand education. She also helps aspiring entrepreneurs develop and launch their own hair care lines through cosmetic formulation consulting. Curly Chemistry is a trusted resource for both hair care enthusiasts and beauty founders.

Dr. Dawn Holt serves as the Portfolio Manager for the ACS Bridge Program, where she combines her strong background in science and education to support student success. With a Ph.D. in Medical Pathology and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, she is passionate about helping students excel academically and reach their full potential. In her role, Dr. Holt leads the strategic growth of the Bridge Program while also providing guidance and mentorship to students. She is committed to removing barriers that can make graduate school challenging and works to create a welcoming, supportive environment where all students can thrive. A key part of her work involves developing and overseeing career and professional development programs that help students build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to achieve their academic and career goals. Through her leadership, dedication, and broad expertise, Dr. Holt helps students succeed and contributes to strengthening the future of the chemical sciences.

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.