Southeast Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists

The Southeast Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists was formed in 1978 and is one of 19 Chapters within the National Society. We regularly conduct chapter meetings throughout the Southeast area featuring industry speakers presenting the latest innovations and topics within the cosmetic industry.

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Hello members of the Southeast Chapter, I hope everyone had a happy and healthy start to their new years.   To our new members, welcome to the family. We have a great group of members in the Southeast chapter and we are excited to meet you and introduce you into our society. I am honored to be your Chair this year and I am looking forward to an amazing 2025! I know I have big shoes to fill replacing Ericka Bennett as chair and I will do my best to continue her improvements on our chapter. I would also like to extend a congratulations to our new board members, Erica Bell and Jessica Wright. They have hit the ground running and are already making big contributions to our chapter. 

I would also like to take the time to give a big THANK YOU to our sponsors. The amount of support we have received over the past couple of months have made a gigantic impact on our chapter and put us on the path to success. If you haven’t had a chance to go onto our new(ish) website or our social media, please do. Sharae Gipson has been doing a great job bringing our chapter into the 21^st century. 

A big congratulations are in order for Cathy Anlin. Cathy was recognized during the National meeting in December for being an outstanding advocate for the SCC. She was Awarded a well deserved Merit Award. Cathy does a lot of behind the scenes work for the chapter, she is also responsible for the newsletter that you are currently reading and if you are new to the chapter she is a great person to introduce yourself to.  

Over the past few years our chapter has been focusing on, as our former Chair Stephen Baldwin would say, “FUN” and through Ericka’s work reaching out to future members with scholarships. This year we look to continue those goals with new meeting types and outreach programs. Our first meeting of the year will be held at Top Golf in Chattanooga. This should be a fun way to start the year with a buffet dinner, presentation and finally networking / playing Top Golf.  We have a fantastic speaker lined up for this event and we look forward to seeing everyone in Chattanooga!

 

Southeast's own Caty Anglin was given the Merit Award at the SCC 78th Annual Scientific Meeting and Showcase. 

“Cathy Anglin has been an outstanding advocate for [the] SCC during the course of her nearly 40 year membership in SCC,” O’Grady expressed. “On behalf of the national organization and the Southeast Chapter, we thank Cathy for her unwavering passion and service.” 

During her membership, Anglin has served on the SCC Constitution and Bylaws Committee, Committee on Chapter Affairs, the Nominations and Elections Committee and as an Area IV Director. An engaged and active member since day one, she has also served the Southeast Chapter in its elected roles from secretary to chair various times throughout the years and currently serves as the newsletter editor. Anglin retired in early 2022 from her position as research director at J. Strickland & Co. and still consults for the company on quality and regulatory issues.

The Southwast Chapter would like to Thank Cathy for everything that she does for the Chapter. 

 

Congratulations to the Winner of the Southeast Chapter’s 2024 Scholarship, Ms. Michelle Outten. Michelle is a student in the graduate cosmetic science program at Long Island University. Below is the personal statement included with her scholarship application.
“Growing up in The Bahamas, a small island nation, it is difficult to deviate from the social norm. Creativity in your career choice, be it anything other than medicine, law or engineering, is met with puzzled looks and tiresome questions. Due to the different challenges and lack of opportunities in a country with a small presence in this field, leaving my country for further education was hard for me. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of The Bahamas, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry on a full scholarship. Soon after, I was accepted into Long Island University's graduate cosmetic science program. In addition, I also received The Government of the Bahamas National Tuition Scholarship to assist me in my graduate studies. I have currently completed the first year of my program with a cumulative GPA of 3.78, which I am very proud of. I achieved this feat while also being involved in extracurriculars on and off campus such as the cosmeceuticals club, spearheading the social media committee for my program and a junior member of the NYSCC.
I am now setting my goals upon my ongoing research and thesis, “Exploring Bahamian Botanicals: Unveiling the Cosmetic and Skincare Potential of Indigenous Flora”, which I plan to complete and defend with high marks. Professional experience is something that I work toward to achieve as I step into the industry. I am currently striving to secure an internship or co-op experience for the upcoming spring semester. Once I have graduated and obtained my master’s degree, I am particularly interested in working with ingredient suppliers and contract manufacturers, as they offer extensive opportunities to gain hands-on experience while encouraging creativity within the field.
Intrigued by the idea of creating products that improve people's lives by improving their appearance and confidence. I have decided I want to explore this further in my career with product development and research. I am particularly interested in the development and research of natural products made from native flora and working on novel cosmetic ingredients that prioritize safety and efficacy. Due to my interest in natural products and ingredients, I want to promote and participate in initiatives that make the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry more environmentally responsible and socially conscious.
Through my studies in cosmetic science, I seek to not only contribute to the growth and development of the cosmetic industry in The Bahamas but also to empower individuals with knowledge and opportunities for personal and professional advancement within this field. I believe my character, goals and aspirations completely align with the recipients of this prestigious scholarship. This scholarship would help me in achieving my goals by assisting me in tuition payment of my education, as I come from a single parent household with two other siblings. This scholarship would help lighten some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing tertiary education.”