Where Chemistry Touches Everything From Cars to Caring
In the heart of Arkansas, chemists explored everything from drug discovery to the science of human compassion.
Every scientific revolution begins with a simple act: researchers gathering to share ideas. In November 2018, the vibrant city of Little Rock, Arkansas, became the epicenter of chemical innovation as it hosted the 2018 Southwest Regional Meeting (SWRM). Under the theme "The Natural State of Chemistry," this conference brought together hundreds of scientists, educators, and students to explore how chemistry intersects with everything from nanotechnology and drug discovery to environmental science and even the philosophical foundations of caring 1 .
Whether you're a science enthusiast or simply curious about how chemical research shapes our world, prepare for an engaging journey into the multifaceted universe of modern chemistry.
Before diving into the science, let's look at the essential details that shaped this gathering. The 2018 Southwest Regional Meeting was hosted by the ACS Central Arkansas Local Section at the Little Rock Marriott and Statehouse Convention Center from November 7-10, 2018 1 . The event was co-chaired by Marty Perry of St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Grover Miller of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, who orchestrated a diverse program that balanced technical depth with accessible presentations 1 .
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 7-10, 2018 |
| Location | Little Rock Marriott and Statehouse Convention Center, Arkansas |
| Theme | "The Natural State of Chemistry" |
| Organizers | Marty Perry (St. Louis College of Pharmacy) and Grover Miller (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) |
| Keynote Speaker | John Wright, University of Wisconsin, Madison |
The strategic choice of Little Rock as host city placed participants in a thriving research hub, with the Clinton Presidential Center serving as the venue for the awards dinner—a testament to the connection between scientific advancement and public policy 1 .
of scientific exchange
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Arkansas location
The technical program featured specialized symposia that highlighted the most pressing research areas in modern chemistry. The Cope Scholars Symposium honored outstanding contributions to the field, while dedicated sessions on medicinal chemistry explored novel approaches to drug development 1 .
The inclusion of chemical toxicology sessions addressed growing public concern about environmental and product safety, demonstrating chemistry's role in protecting human health.
Nanotechnology Drug Discovery BioanalyticalStaying true to the "Natural State" theme, significant attention was given to natural products chemistry—the study of chemical compounds derived from natural sources like plants, marine organisms, and microorganisms.
This field has profound implications for developing new medicines, cosmetics, and agricultural products while emphasizing sustainable sourcing of these valuable compounds.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the 2018 SWRM was its recognition that chemistry extends beyond laboratories into human experiences. While not explicitly mentioned in the conference program, concepts like Watson's Caring Science represent the expanding boundaries of chemical applications, particularly in healthcare 4 .
Developed by nursing scholar Jean Watson, Caring Science is described as "an evolving philosophical-ethical-epistemic field of study" that grounds itself in the belief that true healing involves honoring the whole person—mind, body, and spirit 4 . For chemists working in pharmaceutical development or medical diagnostics, this theory serves as a powerful reminder that their work ultimately serves human beings with emotional and spiritual dimensions beyond their physical symptoms.
Honoring the whole person—mind, body, and spirit in healthcare applications.
At the heart of Watson's framework are the 10 Caritas Processes®, which include principles such as sustaining humanistic-altruistic values through loving-kindness, being authentically present to enable faith and hope, and creating a healing environment at all levels 4 . For the chemists in attendance, these concepts underscored how their research—whether developing new pain medications or more accurate diagnostic tests—fits into the broader ecosystem of human care.
The integration of Caring Science principles reminds researchers that behind every chemical formula and laboratory experiment, there are human lives that will be impacted by their work.
This perspective encourages the development of medications and treatments that not only address physical symptoms but also consider patients' emotional and psychological wellbeing.
Among the many technical tools discussed at the conference, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) stands out as particularly influential in modern chemical research. RSM is a collection of statistical and mathematical techniques that helps researchers optimize processes when multiple variables influence the outcomes 5 .
Think of it as a sophisticated navigation system for finding the best possible combination of ingredients and conditions in chemical processes—from developing more effective pharmaceuticals to creating efficient biofuels.
RSM works by establishing a mathematical relationship between input variables (like temperature, pressure, or chemical concentrations) and the desired output (such as product yield, purity, or performance). As one recent study noted, "RSM can analyze the effects of multiple factors and their interactions on more than one response variable," making it invaluable for complex chemical optimization scenarios 5 .
The implementation of Response Surface Methodology typically follows a systematic approach 5 :
Researchers determine which chemical process needs optimization and what variables might influence it.
Selecting an appropriate design strategy to efficiently explore how variables affect outcomes.
Using regression analysis to create a mathematical model that describes how the input variables influence the response.
Using the model to find the combination of variables that produces the optimal result.
| Design Type | Key Characteristics | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Central Composite Design (CCD) | Includes factorial points, axial points, and center points; allows for efficient estimation of quadratic models | Most popular RSM design; widely used in chemical process optimization |
| Box-Behnken Design | Requires only three levels for each factor; often fewer runs than CCD | Industrial research where running experiments is costly |
| 3^k Factorial Design | All possible combinations of k factors at three levels each | When curvature in response is expected; can require many runs |
| Plackett-Burman Design | Screens large numbers of factors with minimal runs; only two levels per factor | Initial screening to identify important factors before detailed optimization |
To understand how RSM works in practice, consider a chemist trying to optimize a reaction to maximize yield. The key factors might include temperature, reaction time, catalyst concentration, and pH level. Instead of randomly testing combinations (the classic "trial and error" approach), RSM uses carefully selected experimental runs to build a mathematical model that predicts how these factors interact to affect yield 7 .
The resulting equation might look something like this (simplified for demonstration):
Yield = 75 + 8.5×Temperature + 5.2×Time - 3.1×Catalyst - 2.3×Temperature² - 1.8×Time×Catalyst
This model would allow the chemist to predict that yield increases with temperature up to a point (as indicated by the negative quadratic term Temperature²), and that time and catalyst concentration have an interactive effect 7 .
Behind every chemical innovation lies a suite of specialized materials and reagents that enable discovery. Here's a look at some essential tools that would have been discussed in the technical sessions at SWRM 2018:
| Reagent/Material | Function/Application | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Chromatography Solvents | Separation of complex mixtures | Enable purification and analysis of chemical compounds |
| Enzyme Inhibitors | Study of biochemical pathways | Help identify new drug targets and understand disease mechanisms |
| Fluorescent Dyes | Detection and visualization of molecules | Allow tracking of chemical reactions and biological processes |
| Catalysts | Accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed | Increase efficiency of chemical processes; crucial for green chemistry |
| Buffer Solutions | Maintain stable pH conditions | Ensure consistent results in biochemical experiments |
| Reference Standards | Calibration of instruments | Ensure accuracy and reproducibility of measurements |
Modern chemical research relies on a sophisticated array of tools and materials that enable precise measurement, analysis, and synthesis of compounds.
Analytical
Tools
Reaction
Control
Precision
Measurement
Analysis
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The development and refinement of research reagents directly impacts the pace of chemical discovery and innovation across multiple industries.
The 2018 SWRM extended beyond traditional presentations to offer valuable professional development opportunities. The Reaxys Education workshop provided faculty from primarily undergraduate institutions with open educational resources to enhance their teaching 1 .
Meanwhile, the ACS Division of Chemical Health & Safety hosted a workshop identifying key educational objectives for laboratory workers, emphasizing that advances in chemistry must be paired with rigorous safety protocols.
The meeting dedicated significant attention to nurturing the next generation of chemists. Undergraduate programming included a graduate school fair, poster sessions, and a keynote by Thomas E. Goodwin, the Elbert L. Fausett Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Hendrix College 1 .
The Chem Demo Exchange on Saturday morning offered engaging visual demonstrations of chemical principles—a reminder that wonder and curiosity remain at the heart of scientific discovery.
Precollege programming extended the meeting's impact to secondary science teachers, who participated in professional development featuring University of Tennessee chemistry professor Al Hazari's "Magic of Chemistry" show 1 . These initiatives recognized that inspiring young minds is as crucial as advancing current research.
Graduate school fairs and poster sessions for emerging scientists
Professional development for secondary science educators
Opportunities for collaboration and professional connections
The 2018 Southwest Regional Meeting exemplified how scientific progress depends not only on individual brilliance but also on collective exchange. By bringing together researchers from diverse subdisciplines—from hardcore analytical chemists to educational theorists—the conference created the cross-pollination of ideas that drives innovation.
The "Natural State of Chemistry" proved to be a fitting theme—reminding us that chemistry exists not in isolation but as an integral part of our natural world and human experience.
Whether through optimizing chemical processes with sophisticated statistical tools like RSM or recognizing the human dimension of chemical applications in healthcare, the 2018 SWRM showcased a field that is both rigorously technical and profoundly connected to human wellbeing. As subsequent meetings build on this foundation, the legacy of such gatherings continues to shape how we understand and apply chemical knowledge to improve our world.
The 2018 SWRM continues to influence chemical education, research collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex scientific challenges.
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