Russ Phifer

Member Since 1986

My story is not typical, but does show the width and breadth of the Chemical Enterprise. As a high school senior, I attended my first ACS meeting in 1970 as a guest of my father, an analytical chemist. I’ve been working around chemicals for all of my adult life, but an inability to grasp the concepts of calculus halted any hopes I might have had of a chemistry degree. My background in hazardous materials, however, meant there was still a path to ACS membership and involvement. I suspect I am the first history major to Chair an ACS Committee, an ACS Division, and enough ad hoc committees and task forces to earn entry into the second class of ACS Fellows in 2010. I often wonder how I have reached these heights within ACS without a degree in chemistry…. My only conclusion is that my other skills and willingness to work hard have been recognized, and that there is a place in the chemical enterprise for anyone willing to learn, dedicate their time, and pass on knowledge. I often describe myself as a “Professional ACS Voluntee,” and can confirm there is a place for me here.