ACPA

🎓 Just Graduated with a Chemistry Degree?

Your education is only the beginning.

As a recent graduate, you can start your journey toward becoming a Professional Chemist by joining ACPA as a Chemist-in-Training (C.I.T.).

The C.I.T. pathway helps you:
✔ Build professional credibility
✔ Gain recognition within the profession
✔ Connect with a network of chemistry professionals
✔ Work toward your P.Chem. designation

Build your career today. Learn more.
https://tinyurl.com/nhedcxx8

“Chemistry is far more than a subject or profession, it is a way of thinking. It teaches curiosity, problem-solving, critical analysis, and continuous learning."

In the latest feature from the Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA), Board Member Maria Marcos-Mendoza shares her incredible journey, from her roots at the University of Alberta and professional milestones at EPCOR and the Government of Alberta, to serving on the boards of ACPA and CALA.

Maria’s career shows us that a chemistry background is a foundation for leadership, adaptability, and lifelong learning across diverse fields. Dive into the full article to read her invaluable advice for aspiring chemists on embracing opportunities.

👉 Read her story here: https://www.pchem.ca/i-am-a-chemist-maria-marcos-mendoza/

We’d like to introduce our two new Board members, Prem Pal & Alsayed Mostafa!

Prem is a scientist and technology leader with over 30 years of experience translating industrial chemistry and environmental research into scalable, commercial solutions. Recently, his work has focused on advancing renewable and low-carbon technologies, including biosurfactants, bioethanol, biomethane, and sustainable aviation fuels. Known for bridging the gap between laboratory science and market deployment, Prem integrates chemistry, engineering, and business strategy to drive practical decarbonization and circular economy solutions across Canada.

Alsayed is a multidisciplinary environmental scientist with over a decade of international experience scaling waste-to-value solutions. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow and project lead at the University of Alberta, he heads work under the Alberta Biojet Initiative to convert spent oil into bio-jet fuel. Alsayed excels at bridging bench-scale science with industrial implementation through close collaboration with municipal and industry stakeholders. Alongside his research, he is a dedicated leader in professional governance, advocating for postdoctoral scholars and the chemistry profession across Canada.

We look forward to their insight, guidance, and leadership on the ACPA Board!

Introducing Abraham Finny, the next chemist to be featured in our 'I Am A Chemist' series.

Why the P.Chem. Designation Matters to Me

The P.Chem. designation means a lot to me. It signifies more than just technical skill. It also reflects accountability, professional judgment, and a dedication to standards that go beyond the laboratory. I especially appreciated ACPA’s Jurisprudence Course and Professional Ethics for Chemists because they clarified these responsibilities in a practical way. They link technical work to scope of practice, ongoing competence, due diligence, trust, integrity, and ethical decision-making, all of which are directly relevant to professional life. That perspective resonates with me because I view the professional side of chemistry as integrated with the scientific side—not separate from it, but essential to maintaining science’s credibility and trustworthiness.

Read more about Abraham's journey with chemistry: https://www.pchem.ca/i-am-a-chemist-abraham-finny/

Introducing Catalina Romero, the next chemist to be featured in our 'I Am A Chemist' series.

My journey as a chemist began back in high school, where an inspiring teacher sparked my curiosity and helped me discover how chemistry forms the foundation of all sciences. I loved the idea that chemistry is everywhere, woven into everything we do. This early fascination first led me into chemical engineering when I began university, but I soon realized that engineering wasn’t the right path for me. Wanting to understand the science more deeply, I shifted my focus to pure chemistry, where my passion truly belonged.

Read more about Catalina and her journey here: https://www.pchem.ca/i-am-a-chemist-catalina-romero/

We are excited to announce the launch of ACPA’s new website!

Our updated site is designed to better serve our members with a cleaner layout, improved navigation, and easier access to key information, resources, and updates. Whether you’re looking for member information, industry news, or upcoming events, everything is now easier to find and use.

View our new website: https://www.pchem.ca/

Next up in the 'I Am A Chemist' series: Chris Swyngedouw; ACPA Executive Director.

Why did you choose to study chemistry?

My curiosity of nature as a child was satisfied by learning chemistry, as chemistry helped explain things around us. I came from a family where art and especially music was appreciated and practiced. I learned to look at a vase or a painting, and similarly at things in nature, and experienced how the colours, the symmetry and all their attributes fit, work and supported each other.

Read more about Chris' journey with chemistry: https://www.pchem.ca/posts/i-am-a-chemist-chris-swyngedouw

Have you registered for the next ACPA Seminar Series: Anti-Fouling Surface Chemistry for Biocompatible Medical Device Materials and Sensors for Early-Stage Cancer Detection yet?

presented by Professor Michael Thompson, as he shares insights on anti-fouling materials that reduce bacterial adhesion, improve biocompatibility, and enhance biosensor performance.

Taking place April 28th 2026 this seminar is eligible for 1 PDC credit and free to attend.

Learn more and register today: https://www.pchem.ca/.../acpa-seminar-series-anti-fouling...

Our next chemist in the I Am a Chemist: My Journey as a Professional Chemist series is Sean Mercer.

Both my parents were pharmacists, so I was exposed to the value of chemistry very early on. I had an excellent pair of high school chemistry teachers which really solidified that chemistry was where I wanted to focus during my secondary studies.

Learn more about Sean and how he found an interest in chemistry: https://www.pchem.ca/posts/i-am-a-chemist-sean-mercer?category=news