The History and Chemistry of Beer Brewing
 
Speaker: Dr. Mark S. Konings
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M)
Topic:   The Art of the Brew: The History of Beer Brewing

Abstract:   The history of beer brewing will be discussed, from its first recorded history with the ancient Sumerians, to its refinement to beer as we know it by the Germans in the 15-16th centuries, to its importance and role in the development of modern US society, and to the latest trends in microbreweries, brew pubs, and home brewing. We will discuss briefly the chemistry of the fermentation process including the role of the catalyst (yeast), the types of sugars present in malt, and the chemical constituents of hops. We will learn about the different types and styles of beer, how beer is made, who makes it, who drinks it, and which countries drink the most beer. Several popular misconceptions will be dispelled.

Speaker:     Mark Konings was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from Calvin College in 1983 with a B.S. with honors in chemistry. He received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1987 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Subsequently, he spent three years in Berkeley, CA, first performing postdoctoral research at the University of California and then at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories. He has been employed in 3M's Dental Products Division since 1990 in a variety of product development and management functions. Currently he leads the laboratory's efforts to develop new dental cement technologies and products. He went back to school in 1998 and received an MBA from the University of Minnesota in 2000. He began making home-brewed beer in 1988 and in 1992 he won the 1st Annual Minnesota Homebrew competition. In his spare time he enjoys running, reading, camping, investing, and playing with his new daughter.

Date:  Friday, January 19, 2001

Location:   Steven's Steak House
476 N. York Road
Elmhurst, IL


Topical Group Presentation

Ms. Ena Castro, Manager of the American Chemical Society (ACS) Member Insurance Program and Secretary to the Board of Insurance Trustees, will be providing an ACS Member Insurance Presentation


Topical Group Meeting: 5:30 PM
Social Hour: 6:00 PM
Dinner: 7:00 PM
Meeting: 8:00 PM

Cost:  $27.00 for members of ACS/ $29.00 for non-members

Reservations:   (847) 647-8405
                    by noon, Tuesday, January 16.

or,   REGISTER ON LINE !
Please honor your reservations. We must pay for all dinners ordered. No-shows will be billed.
Directions:
From Downtown Chicago:
Take Eisenhower Expressway (290) west to York Road. Turn right on York Road (south) to Steven's, which is on the right side of street, at Lake Street.

From the North or South:
Take the TriState Tollway, 294, to 290 West Rockford. Exit York Road and turn right (south). Proceed to Steven's.


Dinner:
clam chowder
tossed salad with choice of three dressings
beef filet brochette
wild rice
fresh vegetables
rolls and butter
butter pecan ice cream
fish entrée (Tilapia Piccata) or vegetarian entrée (Portabella Mushroom) upon request at the time of reservation.




Updated 12/29/00