Alpen Alliance Ambassador - Lisa M. Balbes, Ph.D.

Dr. Lisa M. Balbes is a distinguished chemist, freelance technical writer, and editor with a profound commitment to both the scientific community and the Boy Scouts of America. She earned her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and psychology from Washington University in St. Louis and her Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Balbes began her career conducting molecular modeling studies on proteins and small molecules at the Research Triangle Institute. In 1992, she founded Balbes Consultants LLC, where she has since provided technical writing and editing services for scientific software, medical devices, reports, journal articles, and grant proposals. Her clients include renowned companies such as Bausch and Lomb Surgical, Pine Instrumentation, Sigma-Aldrich, Stereotaxis, and the US FDA.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Balbes has been an active volunteer with the American Chemical Society (ACS) since 1993, serving as a career consultant, master facilitator, and internationally invited speaker on career management for scientists. She has authored the book "Nontraditional Careers for Chemists," published by Oxford University Press in 2007.

Dr. Balbes's dedication to the Boy Scouts of America is equally impressive. She has served as the Scout Clinic Coordinator for the St. Louis Section of the ACS since 2004, organizing and leading clinics that introduce Scouts to the wonders of chemistry. Her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Silver Beaver Award in 2014 and the Silver Antelope Award in 2024, recognizing her exceptional service to Scouting at both the local and regional levels.

In addition to her work with the Scouts, Dr. Balbes has been a member of the Greater St. Louis Area Council BSA STEM Committee since 2012 and the National BSA STEM in Scouting Committee from 2014 to 2022. Her contributions have helped inspire countless young minds to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Dr. Lisa M. Balbes's remarkable career and unwavering commitment to both the scientific community and the Boy Scouts of America make her a true role model and an inspiration to all who know her.

Links:

• Lisa Balbes - American Chemical Society
• Silver Antelope, recognizing "Scouters of exceptional character in their territory for their distinguished service to youth", Boy Scouts of America, 2024.  
• ACS BMGT Nexus Award, 2024.  
• Fellow, AAAS, 2023
  For distinguished contributions to advancing the discipline of chemistry through technical writing and consulting, career development, and advancing and communicating STEM for Scouting and the public.
• Eagle Board of Reviewer of the Year, New Horizons District, GLSAC, 2023.  
• Vigil Member, Order of the Arrow, Boy Scouts of America,  2019.
• Fellow, American Chemical Society, 2017.
• Cosmos Award, STEM programs of the Greater St Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2016
• Local Section Outreach Volunteer of the Year, 2016
  Presented by the St Louis Section of the American Chemical Society
  Citation
• Howard and Sally Peters Award, 2015
  Presented by the ACS Division of Chemistry & the Law in recognizing achievements addressing nontraditional careers for chemists.
• Best Local Section Career Program, ChemLuminary Award, 2014
• Silver Beaver, Greater St Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, 2014
  "The highest recognition a Boy Scout council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader, awarded for outstanding contributions to the Scouting program."
• Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013.
• E. Ann Nalley Midwest Regional Award for Volunteer Service to the American Chemical Society, 2012
• Speaker's Knot, 2012 April 03
• Expert Trainer, 2013 Aug 28
  Proficient Trainer, 2012 Feb 07
• District Committee Key, 2011 Dec 13
• Best Local Section Career Program, ChemLuminary Award, 2011
• District Award of Merit, New Horizons district, GSLAC, 2010
  presented at District Dinner, January 27, 2011 "for outstanding service to youth beyond the expectations of the position, both inside and outside of scouting."
• Distinguished Service Award, 2010
  presented at Recognition Night banquet, March 12, 2011
  Presented by the St Louis Section of the American Chemical Society, for Exemplary Service to the section over a significant period of time.
• Member Appreciation Award, 2007
  Presented by the American Chemical Society Department of Career Management and Development, for "all the times when we were in a tight jam and needed help, and you stepped up. You rarely complain and you give a 110% of your effort in everything you do."
• Special Achiever/Spark Plug Award, New Horizons District, 2006
  Presented by Boy Scout Troop 352, as outstanding parent volunteer.
• Best Local Section Career Program, ChemLuminary Award, 2004
• Salute to Excellence Award
  16 November 2004
  Presented by the St Louis Section of the American Chemical Society, it recognizes the positive impact on everyday life made by a product of chemistry, a practitioner of chemistry, or a place of importance in chemistry.
• Best Local Section Career Program, ChemLuminary Award, 2003
• President's Award
  23 April 2003
  Presented by St Louis Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication
  For outstanding dedication and volunteerism on the Chapter Corporate Sponsor Committee
• Outstanding Performance by a Local Section, 2002
  Presented by the national American Chemical Society for activities during my term as Chair.