ACS Presidential Candidate Willie E. May on #chemjobs issues

I recently sent an e-mail to Dr. Willie E. May, who is currently running for the ACS President-Elect position to see if he was interested in answering last year's questions for ACS presidential candidates.

He responded yesterday. His unedited response is below:

1. Which ACS program do you think best helps the job-seeking ACS member? How would you improve it?

Interview and resume review workshops for chemists at any stage of their careers as well as programs for aspiring entrepreneurs are among the many valuable ACS programs for job-seekers. ACS appears to have made considerable effort to address unemployment among chemists, which is important, especially if weak spots develop in the market ahead.

ACS should put more energy into assisting the young people – who we are encouraging to pursue chemical science careers – to find gainful employment.

I was informed just last week of a staff reorganization intended to strengthen ACS job and career programs for members. I would like to get additional details before commenting further; it is probably prudent to allow time to see the impact of these changes and I pledge to track these changes.

2. Is it ACS policy to get more students to study in STEM fields, specifically chemistry? If so, how do we reconcile the fact that wages for chemists are stagnant? Does this argue against the idea of a STEM shortage and the need for more STEM students?

ACS policies are based on a recognition that the contributions of chemical scientists and engineers are essential in solving many of the world's pressing challenges. So there always will be a need for the best and brightest who want to be part of global solutions to become chemists and other scientists at the interface of chemistry. Unemployment of ACS members is still below the national average and dropped to 2.6%. Unfortunately, the salaries of many professionals have been stagnant. As ACS President-Elect, I would work tirelessly to help chemists get the best possible training for the available jobs and I would seek additional opportunities to promote and sustain the livelihoods of chemical science and technology professionals. I consider this to be a primary area of responsibility for ACS and the ACS President-Elect.

3. In the past decade, what was the one action of any ACS President that has had the greatest influence - good or bad - on members' employment and careers? Other than working groups and reports, what tangible steps would you take to increase the number of chemistry jobs in the US, and is this something you think is really achievable?

ACS has come a long way over the past decade in seeking to boost employment and careers of chemists, and the Society’s members, in particular. That’s because all our Presidents have endeavored to strengthen our organization and move programs and policies forward with respect to career enhancements for chemical scientists, engineers, technologists and administrative professionals. ACS also has an opportunity, that I would pursue, to raise awareness of and appreciation for the contributions that chemists can make in solving our society’s problems and advancing growth through innovative approaches.  See my candidate statement at: http://cenm.ag/willie-e-may and my website at: williemayacs.com for my ideas about building on this past work.

 4. One of the chief roles of the ACS is to advocate for chemists in the US Congress. Which of the following options would you prioritize, and why? (increased grant funding, more training in entrepreneurship for students, shifting funding from academia to more SBIRs or retraining postdocs?)

If elected, I would work with the ACS Board Committee tasked with advocacy and ACS staff to advance these three goals while regularly re-examining our priorities.  

5. It has been 8 years since the official end of the Great Recession. What should ACS be doing to prepare our members for the next recession? 

It is very wise for ACS – and chemists, more broadly – to prepare for both economic growth as well as less favorable developments. ACS has worked with many groups to ensure chemists are flexible and well trained for the future. As noted above, I would work to further enhance those programs. 

Thanks to Dr. May for his responses. Dr. Charpentier will have her responses published within 24 to 48 hours after it has been received.