Sterrett Environmental Symposium

PFAS – Forever Chemicals or Solvable Crisis? Detection Methods, Harmful Effects, and Cleanup Strategies for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

The Long Island Subection of the New York ACS is proud to present the 2025 Frances S. Sterrett Environmental Chemistry Symposium focused on forever chemicals, i.e. polyfluoroalykl substances. This hybrid event will bring together top scientists to discuss how to detect PFAS, their impact on human health, and mitigation strategies.

Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 9:00AM – 3:00PM
Place: Berliner Hall, Room 117
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549
or via Zoom

Registration is required for this FREE event. Please register here.

2024 Frances Sterrett Environmental Symposium Spotlighted Microplastics

The 2024 Annual Frances Sterrett Environmental Symposium, titled "Microplastics: Macro Problem" broke attendance records and captivated a diverse audience at Hofstra University on Saturday, November 9, 2024 from 9:00AM to 2:30PM. For the second year since 2010, the event combined in-person and virtual participation, drawing over 120 attendees, including 75 in-person and more than 45 via Zoom – far surpassing the 2023 record of 56 attendees. Participants hailed from across the U.S. including Mississippi, California, New Mexico, Update New York, New Jersey and Illinois.

Hofstra University's Chemistry Department generously provided parking, program materials, and venue support while the American Chemical Society (ACS) New York Section and Long Island Subsection funded breakfast and lunch. An ACS microgrant, co-written by Drs. Ping Furlan and Paris Svoronos, covered IT services, commemorative plaques for the seven speakers, and one-year ACS memberships for seven undergraduate volunteers who played a vital role in ensuring the symposium's success.

The program featured seven engaging 30-minute talks – four delivered in person and three via Zoom – spanning a range of topics related to the symposium's theme. Discussions explored the impact of microplastics on marine life, human dietary concerns, and cutting-edge methods for measuring microplastic contamination. Non-ACS members, local community members, chemists, students, and faculty from prominent institutions enriched the dialogue, creating a dynamic environment for exchanging ideas.

In recognition of its leadership in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting environmental sustainability, Hofstra University was presented with the ACS Salute to Excellence Award, highlighting their important role. in supporting the symposium. The event fostered meaningful connections between speakers and attendees, including undergraduate students and the public, further cementing its role as a vital platform for environmental science advocacy. Dr. Charles Riordan, Senoir Vice President for Academic Affairs at Hofstra University, highlighted the event with his welcoming remarks.

Special thank to the Symposium Committee members: Dr. Paris Svoronos (Chair), Dr. Ping Furlan, Dr. William Nirode, Dr. Ronald D'Amelia, Dr. Qi Wang, Dr. Kevin Bisceglia, Dr. Sujun Wein, Mr. Frank Romano, Dr. Neil Jespersen, Dr. Barbara Hillery, Dr. Carlos Sanchez and Mr. Rocco Di Stefano for their key contributions to this success. Additional thanks for Devarshi Jani for capturing the event photos and recording the 3.5 hour symposium.

View the symposium video by clicking here
Download the program here