ACPA

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

Next up in the ACPA Seminar Series: Anti-Fouling Surface Chemistry for Biocompatible Medical Device Materials and Sensors for Early-Stage Cancer Detection

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/posts/acpa-seminar-series-anti-fouling-surface-chemistry-for-biocompatible-medical-device-materials-and-sensors-for-early-stage-cancer-detection?category=events

Get your application in today! Today's the last day to apply for two incredible scholarship opportunities.

ACPA Undergraduate Scholarship in Chemistry – $1,000
For full-time undergraduate chemistry students at Alberta universities. - Learn More & Apply: https://bit.ly/4s4xbmO

Arthur Bollo-Kamara Graduate Scholarship – $1,000
For graduate chemistry students in Alberta, in memory of Arthur Bollo-Kamara, Ph.D., P.Chem. - Learn More & Apply: https://bit.ly/4sGsP5j

Next up in the I Am a Chemist: My Journey as a Professional Chemist series: Sara Schneidmiller

The PChem designation is important to me because it represents recognition that I have met the requirements to operate as a professional chemist in Alberta. There are very few professional chemists in my industry, which makes it a unique and meaningful title. It often sparks interest and discussion, giving me the opportunity to talk about the intent and importance of ACPA in Alberta. ACPA also provides a place to connect with like-minded chemists who take their roles and responsibilities for maintaining good chemical practice seriously.

Read more about Sara's journey with chemistry: https://www.pchem.ca/posts/i-am-a-chemist-sara-schneidmiller?category=news

Great news! Applications are still open for two incredible scholarship opportunities—but don’t wait too long! The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.

ACPA Undergraduate Scholarship in Chemistry – $1,000
For full-time undergraduate chemistry students at Alberta universities. - Learn More & Apply: https://bit.ly/4s4xbmO

Arthur Bollo-Kamara Graduate Scholarship – $1,000
For graduate chemistry students in Alberta, in memory of Arthur Bollo-Kamara, Ph.D., P.Chem. - Learn More & Apply: https://bit.ly/4sGsP5j