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Northwestern Chemistry

Recent News

 

Scientists Develop Low-Energy Method to Produce Ethylene from Waste Gas

Ted Sargent and Northwestern researchers developed an innovative electrolyzer that transforms plastic-derived syngas into ethylene using electricity and a novel catalyst. Designed for efficiency and compatibility with renewable energy, the system offers a promising path toward a lower-carbon, circular chemical supply chain.

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New Electron Microscopy Technique Reveals Zeolite Structure

A Northwestern team led by Vinayak Dravid and Omar Farha has developed a high-resolution approach to map delicate zeolite crystals at the nanoscale. Their work makes it possible to study these vital materials safely, unlocking improvements in fuels, water treatment, and sustainability technologies.

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HPV Cancer Vaccine Slows Tumor Growth, Extends Survival in Preclinical Model

Chad Mirkin and collaborators engineered an HPV cancer vaccine using precisely structured spherical nucleic acids. By optimizing nanoscale architecture, the team dramatically enhanced immune response, slowing tumor growth and extending survival in preclinical models of HPV-driven cancer.

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Announcements & Events

 

Faculty Honors

 
2026 IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry,

Rick Silverman received the 2026 IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry,

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Student Awards

 
Amani Alghamdi Ibn Rushd Fellow
Amani Alghamdi named a KAUST 2026 Ibn Rushd Fellow

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Upcoming Events

 

All Events

Community Spotlight

 

The faculty, students, alumni, and staff who comprise our department are dedicated to outstanding research and scholarship.

Fall Newsletter

 

With the start of a new academic year, I am delighted to welcome a new cohort of students to our department and to see the energy and enthusiasm they bring. The past year has been full of adventures, growth, and many successes across research, teaching, and service—from welcoming Jesse Gordon as a new faculty member, to celebrating the promotions of Todd Gingrich and Katie Gesmundo, to recognizing the many national ACS awards received by our faculty. These achievements reflect the dedication, creativity, and collaboration of our community, and they remind me how fortunate I am to serve as chair of such a remarkable department.

Looking ahead, I am confident that the future is bright—filled with opportunities to push the boundaries of discovery, strengthen our programs, and continue building an environment where every member can thrive. I look forward to seeing what we are capable of achieving together in the coming months and years. Let us remain committed to supporting one another, lifting each other up, and celebrating both individual and collective successes along the way. Go ’Cats!

 

Explore the Fall 2025 Newsletter

Our Research

 

Research at the Department of Chemistry is innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary by nature.

Cutting Edge Science

 

Watch our videos to learn more about the Chemistry at Northwestern.

Learn more about interdisciplinary training in the Department
Learn more about student leadership in the Department