Message from the Outgoing 2011 Chair - Vincent Smentkowski

As I near the completion of my term as Chair of the ASSD, I wanted to thank our executive committee members for all of the time and effort they put into strengthening the ASSD; I would also like to thank our membership for providing feedback & suggestions, as well as attending many of our 2011 events . The main accomplishments for 2011 included: the launch of the new ASSD web page, surveying the ASSD membership and implementing some changes based upon the feedback, having a multi-year plan for our annual Surface Analysis meeting (chapters have expressed interest in hosting SA14 and 15 and are working on proposals), formation of a new committee to chair the future Quantitative Surface Analysis (QSA) meetings, and changing our student award process (and increasing the awards) with the objective of engaging new students. I am also glad to report that the ASSD made a profit in 2011. The ASSD technical program for AVS 59 (2012) is very strong with many new sessions. I am glad to see that ASSD is interacting more with other divisions such as Thin Film, Surface Science, and Nanometer-Scale Science/Technology (and continuing to have strong interactions with Biomaterial Interfaces Division). We also are engaging and growing our “sector based” population by championing two Focus Topic symposia (and helping with most of the other Focus Topic symposia).

Looking forward, we have plans to increase funding, engage students and young professionals, and to continue to add content to our web page (including, but not limited to more meet a member sketches, tutorials, testimonials on how surface analysis helped solve problems, etc). I am also glad to see that we have a very strong slate of future executive committee candidates. The division, with a clear strategy and a strong committee, is placed for future success. I am certain that ASSD will grow and remain vital under the leadership of Amy Walker in 2012 and Steve Pachuta in 2013!

It has been my pleasure to work with the ASSD executive committee members and to serve as the 2011 Chair of ASSD.

Best wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season and Happy New Year

Vin

Vincent Smentkowski
Surface Analyst/Chemist
General Electric Global Research Center
Chemical Technologies & Materials Characterization
T +1 518 387 5467
smentkow@ge.com
www.edisonsdesk.com