William J. Poehlman Service Award

Recognizing the section of the society, which has contributed the most towards accomplishing the goals and ideals of the society during the preceding year.

2026 Award Recipient

New York / New Jersey Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy
The New York Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy (SAS) is the first and oldest spectroscopy networking organization in the United States. We were formed during World War II, before the parent organization of SAS. The name “Society for Applied Spectroscopy” was donated to the national organization by the New York group as was the journal, Applied Spectroscopy, that began as the newsletter Bulletin of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy in 1945. Our first Gold Medal Award recipient was Dr. William F. Meggers in 1952. The mission of our organization is to “advance and disseminate knowledge and information concerning the art and science of spectroscopy and other allied sciences”. The local section provides a forum for practicing spectroscopists to interact and share insights through monthly meetings and research presentations from academia, government, and industrial investigators. The NY/NJ Regional section was also instrumental in creating the Student Slam event, a forum held once a year for students ranging from STEM High School age through early-career graduates and postdocs. This on-line Zoom meeting features three minute “elevator-pitch” presentations by students about their research. Each year the section recognizes significant contributions of spectroscopists through the Gold Medal Award and associated symposium, presented at the Eastern Analytical Symposium.

2025 Award Recipient

The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP)
The Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP) is a philanthropic, educational organization dedicated to enriching the study and practice of spectroscopy. We thrive thanks to our vibrant and enthusiastic volunteers, now numbering about 170 members.

Since 1946, the SSP’s aim has been to promote scientific endeavors among spectroscopists at all professional levels. This is achieved through meetings, educational lectures and courses, mentorships, and access to a collaborative network of member-scientists.

Volunteers chosen from the Spectroscopy Society of Pittsburgh (SSP), together with our sister organization, the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP), organize the annual Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, better known transnationally as Pittcon.

It is from this annual conference and exposition that the SSP raises funds for its philanthropic efforts. Through Pittcon, the SSP and SACP donate approximately one million dollars each year to support various science outreach activities, including scholarships and internships, educator and scientific achievement awards, member and community educational programming, equipment grants, research grants, and grants to public science centers, libraries, and museums. (See: chemistryoutreach.org for more information.)