George Rodriguez is a visionary chemical engineer, entrepreneur, and recognized STEM leader whose life’s work unites humanity in solving our greatest challenges while pioneering space exploration for the new millennium. At the forefront of innovation, he advances quantum AI, life sciences, energy, and advanced materials. He has held leadership roles at Pfizer, Asahi Glass, Dow, and Nagase, directing Nano & Biotechnology programs and building green supply chains. A top graduate in both Chemical Engineering (B.S.) and Industrial Management (M.S.), Rodriguez has spent over two decades bridging industry, academia, government, and philanthropy. Since joining the American Chemical Society in 2002, he has helped forge landmark collaborations with NASA, the International Space Station, the American Chemistry Council, leading universities and laboratories, advancing initiatives across disciplines and reinforcing vital connections between fundamental research, applied innovation, and sustainable industries. A member of CME’s leadership since 2009, he founded the CME STEM Leadership Awards, CME NASA Symposia, and Student & Mentor Awards; mentored rising leaders; and established the ACS Peru International Chapter. Rodriguez has been recognized with the ACS Fellow distinction and honors from Peru’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and the Peruvian Congress. Guided by a collaborative spirit, he continues to inspire future generations to pursue bold advances in STEM, sustainability, and humanity’s exploration of the universe—driving progress toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

2026 CME NASA Symposium Abstract – CME Lectures with STEM Leadership Awards Presentation to Nobel Laureate Jack Szostack, and Harriet Kung, Department of Energy Office of Science Deputy Director

During the CME Lectures Session at the POLY CME NASA Symposium, we are honored to feature an exceptional lineup of distinguished speakers: Nobel Laureate Jack Szostak, Professor at the University of Chicago (awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine); Harriet Kung, Deputy Director for Science Programs at the Department of Energy’s Office of Science; and Paul Alivisatos, renowned chemist and President of the University of Chicago. This inspiring session will also include the presentation of the CME STEM Leadership Awards™ honoring visionary leaders who advance STEM innovation. These lectures and awards form part of a dynamic two-day symposium program in which over half of the speakers have an h-index over 100, including five near or over 200. On August 24 (PM), we will celebrate the ACS Global Outstanding Student & Mentor Awards in Polymer Science and Engineering, honoring the University of Michigan team—David Kitto (student) and Jovan Kamcev (mentor)—along with the University of Manchester team—Lei Chen (student) and Guillaume de Bo (mentor). On August 25 (PM), the Earth & Space Sustainability Summit will convene expert panels from industry, academia, and government to explore the vital implementation of large-scale sustainability solutions both on Earth and in space. For the most up-to-date symposium schedule, speaker biographies, and registration details, please visit CME-STEM.org. ACS members and the broader scientific community are welcome to join us in this forward-thinking symposium, where cutting-edge research and collaborative dialogue will shape the future of chemistry, sustainability, and space exploration.

CME NASA Symposium: Earth Sustainability Panel Discussion

The CME NASA Symposium Earth & Space Sustainability Summit will convene expert panels from industry, academia, and government to explore the vital implementation of large-scale sustainability solutions in space. Moderated by UChicago/Argonne Juhong Chen and CME Co-Chair Shah Karim, the Earth Sustainability panel includes Eric Jankowski (Boise State), Nils Averesch (University of Florida), and Karen McDonald (UC Davis), whose collaborations with NASA will provide valuable insights on research in this field. During the symposium’s CME Lectures Session, we are honored to feature an exceptional lineup of distinguished speakers: Nobel Laureate Jack Szostak, Professor at the University of Chicago (awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine); Harriet Kung, Deputy Director for Science Programs at the Department of Energy’s Office of Science; and Paul Alivisatos, renowned chemist and President of the University of Chicago. This inspiring session will also include the presentation of the CME STEM Leadership Awards™ honoring visionary leaders who advance STEM innovation. These lectures and awards form part of a dynamic two-day symposium program in which over half of the speakers have an h-index over 100, including five near or over 200. We will also celebrate the ACS Global Outstanding Student & Mentor Awards in Polymer Science and Engineering, honoring the University of Michigan team— David Kitto (student) and Jovan Kamcev (mentor)—along with the University of Manchester team—Lei Chen (student) and Guillaume de Bo (mentor). For the most up-to-date symposium schedule, speaker biographies, and registration details, please visit CME-STEM.org. ACS members and the broader scientific community are welcome to join us in this forward-thinking symposium, where cutting-edge research and collaborative dialogue will shape the future of chemistry, sustainability, and space exploration.