California Section. Retired, US Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Academic record: California State University, Hayward, BS, 1980; University of California, Davis, PhD, 1987.
Professional positions: Retired, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Chemist, 1987-2019; Consultant, Agricultural Research, and Public Outreach, 2019-present.
ACS local section and division offices: Division of Agrochemicals: Councilor, 2009-2023; Chair, 2003, 1990; Chair-Elect, 2002; Program Chair, 2001; Agrochemicals Division 50th Celebration, Co-Chair, 2019-2023; Executive Committee Member, 2000-present. Western Regional Meeting 2025, Agricultural Tour Organizer. Southern Nevada Section: Chair, 2011, 1998-99, 1995, 1989; Chair-Elect, 1997, 1994, 1988; Women Chemists Committee, Chair, 2012-15. ACS Western Region: Chair, 2012-14; 43rd Western Regional Meeting, Co-Chair, 2007-08. 13th International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Pesticide Chemistry Congress, Organizing Committee Member, 2011-14.
ACS national service: District Director, District VI and AGRO Ex Officio Councilor, 2024-present; Advisory Board for the ACS Green Chemistry Institute, Committee Associate, 2026-present; Committee on Public Affairs and Public Relations, Member, 2024-present; Committee on Strategic Alignment, Member, 2025; Council Policy Committee, Member, 2021-23; Committee on Meetings and Expositions, Member, 2018-2020, Committee Associate, 2017; Committee on Divisional Activities, Member, 2010-16, Committee Associate, 2009; Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2006-2016; Editorial Advisory Board for Analytical Chemistry, 1997-2000.
Member: Member of ACS since 1983. Women in Science & Engineering (WISE). ACS Divisions: Agricultural and Food Chemistry; Agrochemicals; Analytical Chemistry.
Related activities and honors: US EPA appointee, North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Dioxin/Furan/HCB Task Force, 2010–14; US Centers for Disease Control Appointee, National Nanotechnology Coordination Office, Environmental Health and Safety Research Strategy Writing Team, 2010-14; Member, Interagency Committee on Analytical Methods for Homeland Security, 2012-15; Advisor, United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria, 1999-2003; US EPA Office of Research and Development Appointee, National Science Foundation, Chemical Sciences Roundtable Member, 1999–2002; 1999 Statesman.
Van Emon’s statement
I’m here for you
I am eager to continue forward with another term as your advocate on the American Chemical Society Board of Directors. My eagerness is based on several reasons, one of which is to build upon progress being made in tackling issues of members, trust in science and scientists, and the sustainability of the national science programs.
ACS Board members have the responsibility to guide and direct the society in fulfilling its vision and mission and supporting our core values of passion for science, lifelong learning, inclusion and belonging, and sustainability. I take this responsibility seriously as these are my values. In speaking with many of you, I know these are your values too. Working within the board and alongside ACS staff, to foster a thriving, robust, and welcoming society with worldwide importance has been most rewarding.
The experience and knowledge we need on the board
My initial involvement with ACS began in graduate school. I still remember nervously waiting to present my first paper and getting wonderful support from more experienced ACS members. This spirit of inclusion has guided me to mentor and support new members and encourage others to join our great society. I enjoy taking advantage of unexpected opportunities to advocate for ACS, relaying its value to not just chemists but everyone. During my career as an Environmental Protection Agency research group leader, my students and post doctoral researchers participated in ACS events, planned symposia, and presented many papers at ACS meetings.
My history in developing symposia and planning programs for national and regional meetings enabled me to become quite familiar with the technical part of the ACS. Becoming a councilor for the AGRO Division was a foray for me into the intricacies of ACS governance. I truly enjoyed being part of this aspect of ACS which instilled in me a desire to become even more involved. I was delighted to be elected as District VI director.
As your advocate, I will continue to focus on member retention; employment for chemists; global interactions; science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) outreach; inclusion for all members; ethics, and the potential impacts of artificial intelligence. I serve on the Board Committee on Public Affairs and Public Relations (PA&PR). PA&PR is the authoritative voice to review and approve policy statements. We reviewed and updated several statements last year. More are up for review this year including the topics of sustainability, environmental health, and environmental justice, which are important to me being on the Green Chemistry Institute Advisory Board. I served on the Strategic Planning Committee. The strategic plan defines our core values and is based on our critical goals of elevating the reputation of science and empowering scientists. These two issues are critical for ACS, the science community, and global health.
An advocate for science, and an advocate for you
Public and congressional advocacy to promote the everyday importance of chemistry are key ACS activities. ACS must continue to be a strong non-partisan voice to effectively work with policymakers and other stakeholders. I was part of the ACS Board Congressional visit in June 2025 briefing members of the Congressional Chemistry Caucus and congressional staffers. Our advocacy message encouraged sustaining federal investment in research and development to foster scientific innovation; the strengthening of STEM education at every level including the critical K-8 levels; and supporting the STEM workforce pipeline. A key talking point was describing the economic impact of such activities. I designed a presentation for nonscientific audiences to illustrate our message. Chemistry is everywhere and we must share our message to everyone to bolster trust in science and scientists.
A history of serving ACS
My ACS involvement includes both local section and divisional activities. I have firsthand knowledge of problems that can occur within each type of organization. I stand ready to assist, particularly when hands-on assistance is needed, which I have done and will continue to do.
My ACS tenure ranges from graduate student to working mom and now having a son who is an ACS member and committee participant. ACS is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026. This is a great time for members to familiarize themselves with all the amazing resources ACS offers to you! It is gratifying that an organization that has been a large part of my life is still going strong after 150 years. My time with ACS has been fulfilling and well-spent, especially as your director. I hope your vote allows me to continue to be your advocate and partner.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
