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Calls for improving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) research and education with a goal for increasing STEM workforce, are heard from all segments of society. Scientific associations, such as the Council of Scientific Society Presidents, insist the need for more public dollars for research and development. Business entities demand a stronger STEM workforce. Parents, and society in general, ask for better STEM education in our schools and colleges. While no one is certain how to address these calls, there is consensus that STEM reform is critical to the survival of a nation’s economy, prosperity, infrastructure and defense. The lineup of articles in this issue of The Chemist samples STEM research, education and workforce. M. T. Ramesan and co-authors, report a research on surface modified fly ash (styrene butadiene) rubber composites as reinforcing fillers based on the cure, morphology and crystalline nature, thermal, flame and mechanical properties. Fly ash is a waste from thermal power stations and an environmental pollutant. Recent research sheds light on innovative ways of utilizing fly ash for applications in polymer composites, thus reducing their environmental impact. Ronald Persin presents an interesting approach to derive a set of differential equations contributing to the understanding of the formation of ozone layers in the stratosphere. While Susan Losh and Brandon Nzekwe examine how aspects of researcher identity and attitudes of STEM majors affect their awareness of university research opportunities, interest and involvement, Pramode Ranjan Bhattacharjee reports a novel algebraic approach to discovering infinite number of independent balanced forms of chemical equations. “The STEM Workforce” article reprinted with permission from the Department for Professional Employees of AFL-CIO is a fact sheet that presents an occupational overview of STEM. Margot Hall reviews the book Clinical Toxicology: Principles and Mechanisms (2nd Edition). The voluntary efforts of The Chemist reviewers who provided feedback are thankfully acknowledged. Thanks to Wade Berstler of Florida Atlantic University for serving as ad hoc editorial assistant on various tasks associated with editing this issue of The Chemist, and to Florida Atlantic University for serving as a home base for the editing of The Chemist, and enabling the re-establishment of this refereed scientific periodical. Thank you.
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