Earth Week Event
2026 ‘Chemists Celebrate Earth Week’ Student Poetry Contest & Live Event Open to the Public at Princeton Public Library
The Princeton Section will celebrate Earth Week 2026 with a live event in Princeton and a poetry contest for area students. National ACS varies the topic for its April earth week activities. This year’s theme is Trees: Into the Woods with Chemistry.
For the live programming, the Section is partnering with Princeton Public Library, where the event will take place on Saturday, April 18th. The live event is true and open the public, but registration is required.
Through an illustrated poem contest in April, students will use poetry and art to increase their awareness and share their understanding of the role of trees in our lives. All grade levels K-12 from local schools are eligible for this Princeton Section of ACS-sponsored illustrated poem contest. Electronic entries will be due at the end of April. For requirements and information, local area teachers may contact the Section’s CCEW 2026 coordinator at princetonacs258@gmail.com.
In addition to local recognition, winners of the local contest will be entered into the national-level contest.
From Fiber Chemistry to Innovation Gaps
Princeton American Chemical Society Section Presents:
Ernesta Malinauskyte, Ph.D.
TRI Princeton | Director – Hair Research
From Fiber Chemistry to Innovation Gaps: Rethinking Hair Science for Diverse Hair Types
Frick Chemistry Laboratory
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Mixer and refreshments 6:00 - 6:30 pm
Seminar and Discussion 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Abstract
Human hair is often treated as a simple cosmetic substrate, yet from a chemical perspective, it is a highly complex, hierarchical biomaterial whose performance depends on the interplay of proteins, lipids, water, and external stressors.
This lecture will present an overview of hair science through the lens of its key constituents - proteins, lipids, pigments, and water, and how they govern fiber structure, properties, and performance. This talk will examine how chemical, thermal, and environmental stresses alter these components, leading to changes in mechanical behavior, surface properties, and perceived hair “quality,” as well as the protection strategies currently used to mitigate such damage.
Finally, the lecture will outline several opportunity spaces where chemists - particularly those with backgrounds in polymers, protein design, lipids, and interfaces - may find compelling avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship aimed at improving hair quality and longevity across diverse populations.
Bio Sketch
Dr. Ernesta Malinauskyte earned her PhD in Chemical Engineering at Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania). Currently, at TRI Princeton, in the role of Hair Research Director, Ernesta leads a team of results-driven, and passionate researchers investigating how hair chemistry influences hair mechanical properties and fiber interactions with hair care, chemical & physical treatments, and environmental insults. In the ever-evolving landscape of hair care technology, hair research team pushes boundaries, developing claims substantiation methods that set new standards for the industry. The aspirations of the team also extend into diverse domains, such as analytical sciences, textiles, and even venturing into nail and skin cosmetics.
Ernesta is an active research community member via publishing and giving presentations on research and hair science topics in academic environment, industry, and hairdresser communities. She also serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Reservations required. The event is free and open to the public.
PACS Meeting - Jan 8th
Princeton American Chemical Society Section Presents:
Forward Thinking PFAS Solutions: From Waste Remediation to Safer Alternatives
Open to public, Advance registration required
Taylor Auditorium, Frick Chemistry Laboratory
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Mixer and refreshments 6:30 - 7:00 pm
Seminar and Discussion 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Moha Ateia Ibrahim, Ph.D.
AECOM | Environmental Consultant & Scientist, Emerging Contaminants Solutions & Innovation
Rice University | Adj. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
University of Washington | Affiliate Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Separating PFAS from water and ultimately degrading them into products that lack carbon-fluorine bonds will be important for decontaminating our water resources. Yet conventional treatment methods have critical deficiencies, such as low affinity toward short-chain PFAS, and are impacted by background organic and inorganic constituents. This talk will cover some of the emerging technologies that show promise to solve some of challenges measuring and treating PFAS.
Meanwhile, new chemical formulations are being tested to replace PFAS-containing fire-fighting foams in several applications. Investigating the impacts of novel PFAS-free foams on environmental and human health is necessary to ensure they are safer than PFAS foams and prevent a potential global widespread contamination in the future. This talk will also highlight the proactive approaches that we are proposing to allow making evidence-based decisions regarding the safe implementation of the new alternative chemicals.
Bio Sketch
Dr. Mohamed (Moha) Ateia Ibrahim is a globally recognized environmental engineer and strategist driving high-impact, scalable solutions in water treatment, sustainable chemistry, and emerging contaminant management. He leads multidisciplinary teams to develop technology-driven, economically viable, and policy-shaping solutions that optimize resource efficiency and mitigate global environmental risks. With deep expertise at the intersection of science, policy, and business strategy, Moha has influenced corporate sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and industrial best practices, ensuring scientific breakthroughs translate into real-world, scalable impact. He has authored 100+ peer-reviewed publications, earned prestigious honors including The Honda Young-Engineers-Scientists (Y-E-S) First Place Prize, and was named to the “40 Under 40” list by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. A proven leader in problem-solving and decision-making, Moha combines data-driven insights, cross-sector collaborations, and innovation strategy to help organizations navigate environmental challenges, unlock opportunities, and drive long-term resilience.
Reservations required. The event is free and open to the public.
