The Third Annual Chemagination contest of the New York Section of the American Chemical Society was hosted by New York Section of the American Chemical Society at St. John's University on May 15, 2006. Chemagination is a science essay and poster contest for high school chemistry students, grades 9-12, that asks them to address the question, “What innovation or breakthrough in the field of chemistry will be important in the lives of teenagers 25 years from now?” Students choose one of four categories: Alternative Energy Resources, Environment, Medicine/Healthcare, or New Materials and their entries are both written and presented as posters on the day of the contest. Approximately 100 students from 11 high schools participated in submitting 39 entries this year. The Third Annual Chemagination contest began with welcoming remarks by Dr. Korlipara, Chemagination Coordinator; Dr. Cesare, Chairman of St. John’s University Chemistry Department; and Dr. Trombetta, Chairman of St. John’s University Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Three scientists using criteria that included scientific thought, creativity, clarity, thoroughness, and teamwork judged the posters. The first and second place winners in each category were awarded trophies and all participants were given certificates of participation (prepared by Dr. Goldberg). The first place winner in each category represented the NYACS at the Regional level, MARM 2006, Hershey, PA on June 4th.The entry in the Medicine and Healthcare area received a first place and the New Materials entry received a second place at the MARM meeting. Congratulations to all the students who participated in Chemagination 2006 with great enthusiasm.

Drs. Terry Brack, Stephen Goldberg, Barbara Hillery, Alison Hyslop, Richard Rosso, and Ralph Stephani served as the judges and Dr. Goldberg and Dr. Stephani served as committee members. The event was covered by the St. John’s University’s web design department. Dr. Korlipara thanks them for their assistance.