Future Chemist Workshop

The Future Chemist Workshop was created to give university students and young professionals insight on how to become a Cosmetic Chemist through a tutorial and practical workshop. This workshop will be led by a Cosmetic Industry Expert who is skilled in their area of formulation development. We are currently working with NYSCC’s University partners and SCC Chapter partners to invite students who are currently enrolled in science programs that are related to or are associated with future cosmetic chemist careers.
We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Future Chemists Workshop. APPLY HERE 

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Student Testimonials

Sofia Iglesia

Wow! The NYSCC has far beyond exceeded my expectations. It is the right place to learn about the cosmetic industry regarding different formulation strategies, hands on formulation experience, innovations in skin care and cosmetics, as well as all the different roles that come together to form this incredible industry. Thank you NYSCC and FLSCC chapters for this incredible experience to learn and meet brilliant powerful cosmetic professionals within the mentoring program who shared their experience and knowledge with me. I cannot wait to come back next year!

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Anushka Nadkarni

I am Anushka Nadkarni, a MS graduate from Fairleigh Dickinson University. My major was Cosmetic Science which introduced me to the wonderful world of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. Last year was my first year as an attendee at the NYSCC held in May. During registration, I came across this workshop called the Future Chemists Workshop and it instantly caught my eye.

As future Cosmetic Chemists, I strongly feel that it is important for all of us to know and understand the various aspects of formulation, and the FCW was a one stop answer to it. It was conducted in 2 sessions and that gave us the liberty to choose the times we preferred. It was roughly a 3-hour session which began with talks from various Scientists from the Beauty Industry and their take on formulations. Later, we were guided through the entire process of making Shampoos, Conditioners and creams and were allowed to conduct our own experiments.

I would especially like to throw some light on the efforts put forth my Mr. John Carola and Mr. Thomas Drwiega for their efforts in making the FCW such a hit both times!

Big Congratulations to the team and we look forward to similar workshops in the near future.

Good luck!

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Ashley Reid

For some time, I was somewhat apprehensive toward entering the field of cosmetic science. The Future Chemist Workshop gave me the push that I never knew I needed. And I am glad to say that is was a push towards the right direction. Being able to meet with some of the industry’s top chemist while gaining insight on the structure of the industry, left a lasting impact on my mindset and goals. And there is nothing like the satisfaction that you receive from being able to formulate your own product. The FCW gave me that satisfaction. And most importantly it left no doubt in my mind this is the right career path for me. To only say that I’m excited for the next event would be a major understatement.

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Katherine Lezcano

Gerard Brew is a Partner at McCarter & English where he represents clients in disputed matters involving estates, trusts, fiduciaries, guardianships, family issues, and closely held family businesses.

Mr. Brew has handled numerous litigated and non-litigated family disputes in New Jersey and New York involving estates, trusts and guardianships, including estates as large as one billion dollars. He also counsels charitable and non-profit organizations (including universities, hospitals and national organizations) in matters involving fiduciary decisions—such as mergers, affiliation, and the disposition of charitable gifts—and, when necessary, in related litigated proceedings. He also advises on claims to enforce charitable provisions made by will, trust or gift, and handles regulatory matters involving such agencies as the Office of the Attorney General and State Banking or Insurance regulators.

Mr. Brew devotes substantial time to advancing legal issues, legal education and pro bono work. He is the author of the New Jersey Probate Probate Procedures Manual—Navigating a New Jersey Estate Administration. He is a contributing editor to The New Jersey Estate Litigation Manual and The New Jersey Estate Planning Manual.

Mr. Brew is an adjunct Professor of Law at New York Law School and has lectured and written extensively on estate and trust matters. He has been recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyer and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in every one of its 2006-2017 editions, including as Best Lawyers’ 2012 Newark Litigation-Trusts & Estates “Lawyer of the Year.”

Mr. Brew is the New Jersey State Chair and Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is a member of the Governing Council of the American Bar Association Section on Real Property Trust and Estate Law.

In 2013, Mr. Brew was awarded the New Jersey State Bar Association Pro Bono Award for his work in representing victims of domestic violence.

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Mariya Onatsko

Gerard Brew is a Partner at McCarter & English where he represents clients in disputed matters involving estates, trusts, fiduciaries, guardianships, family issues, and closely held family businesses.

Mr. Brew has handled numerous litigated and non-litigated family disputes in New Jersey and New York involving estates, trusts and guardianships, including estates as large as one billion dollars. He also counsels charitable and non-profit organizations (including universities, hospitals and national organizations) in matters involving fiduciary decisions—such as mergers, affiliation, and the disposition of charitable gifts—and, when necessary, in related litigated proceedings. He also advises on claims to enforce charitable provisions made by will, trust or gift, and handles regulatory matters involving such agencies as the Office of the Attorney General and State Banking or Insurance regulators.

Mr. Brew devotes substantial time to advancing legal issues, legal education and pro bono work. He is the author of the New Jersey Probate Probate Procedures Manual—Navigating a New Jersey Estate Administration. He is a contributing editor to The New Jersey Estate Litigation Manual and The New Jersey Estate Planning Manual.

Mr. Brew is an adjunct Professor of Law at New York Law School and has lectured and written extensively on estate and trust matters. He has been recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyer and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in every one of its 2006-2017 editions, including as Best Lawyers’ 2012 Newark Litigation-Trusts & Estates “Lawyer of the Year.”

Mr. Brew is the New Jersey State Chair and Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is a member of the Governing Council of the American Bar Association Section on Real Property Trust and Estate Law.

In 2013, Mr. Brew was awarded the New Jersey State Bar Association Pro Bono Award for his work in representing victims of domestic violence.

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Konstantina Tzialla

Gerard Brew is a Partner at McCarter & English where he represents clients in disputed matters involving estates, trusts, fiduciaries, guardianships, family issues, and closely held family businesses.

Mr. Brew has handled numerous litigated and non-litigated family disputes in New Jersey and New York involving estates, trusts and guardianships, including estates as large as one billion dollars. He also counsels charitable and non-profit organizations (including universities, hospitals and national organizations) in matters involving fiduciary decisions—such as mergers, affiliation, and the disposition of charitable gifts—and, when necessary, in related litigated proceedings. He also advises on claims to enforce charitable provisions made by will, trust or gift, and handles regulatory matters involving such agencies as the Office of the Attorney General and State Banking or Insurance regulators.

Mr. Brew devotes substantial time to advancing legal issues, legal education and pro bono work. He is the author of the New Jersey Probate Probate Procedures Manual—Navigating a New Jersey Estate Administration. He is a contributing editor to The New Jersey Estate Litigation Manual and The New Jersey Estate Planning Manual.

Mr. Brew is an adjunct Professor of Law at New York Law School and has lectured and written extensively on estate and trust matters. He has been recognized as a New Jersey Super Lawyer and has been listed in Best Lawyers in America in every one of its 2006-2017 editions, including as Best Lawyers’ 2012 Newark Litigation-Trusts & Estates “Lawyer of the Year.”

Mr. Brew is the New Jersey State Chair and Mid-Atlantic Regional Chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is a member of the Governing Council of the American Bar Association Section on Real Property Trust and Estate Law.

In 2013, Mr. Brew was awarded the New Jersey State Bar Association Pro Bono Award for his work in representing victims of domestic violence.

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2025 Instructor

Ava Perkins

Ava Perkins is a cosmetic chemist, science communicator, and PhD student in Biomembrane Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. With a degree in Cosmetic Science and Formulation Design from the University of Toledo, she has experience working in research & development, technical marketing, and social media marketing for contract manufacturers and raw material suppliers. Passionate about cosmetic science education, she strives to bridge the gap between industry knowledge and consumer understanding in the cosmetic space by educating about the science behind cosmetic and personal care products through her social media platforms.

2025 Instructor

Christian Merkovsky

Christian Merkovsky is a Formulation Chemist and Technical Services Specialist who has been in the industry for 7 years.  He got a job in the cosmetic industry after getting his Masters in Bioengineering and has worked for ingredient and finished goods manufacturers and formulation labs. Now, he works for Studio Green Chemists, a boutique formulation lab that specializes in all-natural products. He loves being in the lab and is always happy to help anyone who is interested in formulating.

Committee Members

Thomas Drwiega

Sub Committee Chair (Course Assist)

Susanna Fernandes

Student Liaison

Alexis Skidmore

Student Travel Liaison

Tania Viana

Raw Materials

Daleen Zakaib

Social Media / Raw Materials

Christian Merkovsky

Course Assist / Student Paperwork

Future Chemists Workshop Survival Guide

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