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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Happy November! I still cannot believe it is November. It seems like only yesterday it was 90 degrees in Atlanta, now I am sitting at my desk writing my final Letter from the Chair. It has been a very fun year in the Southeast Chapter.

            Last month, we had our 4^th meeting of the year postponed until 2026. There were several reasons as to why the meeting was postponed. One of them was the fact that the U.S. Space and Rocket Center is operated by NASA. Unfortunately, when the government shuts down, it includes the entire government…including NASA.  We tried everything we could to have the meeting, but we decided to postpone the event so we could have the best event possible. Be on the lookout for the rescheduling date soon. 

            For our next meeting we return to our home city, Memphis!!! Well right around the corner from Memphis, Collierville. We are returning to Jim’s Place Grille for a night of celebration and welcoming our newest Board Members. Jessica Wright will be returning (by popular demand) as our Secretary and Angie Sanders will be joining a very talented Board as Treasurer-Elect. We invite you to join us for a fantastic meal and meet the new Board members.

            Finally, I would like to take a minute during my final Letter to give a “State of the Union” of the Southeast Chapter and some much deserved thank yous. This year I had the nerve-racking honor of proposing a much larger budget to my board than the previous year’s. This was a task that I didn’t take lightly, and I am so thankful for the supportive Board members that agreed to take the risk with me. Thankfully, that risk paid off. Our venues were upgraded, locations changed, and our bank account grew. While we are a non-profit and not trying to make money, my goal for the year was to have at least two years budget in the bank account. This takes a lot of risk and pressure off of our Board members in the future. I want to end my last letter thanking my Board: Erica, Jessica and Dexter. Thank you for all of your hard work and dealing with me as your Chair. I would like to thank the members

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.”