Spring Events
STATE OF THE DEPARTMENT
During the annual State-of-the-Department Address on 21 April, Department faculty, staff, students, and researchers joined to hear a recap of another excellent year. Joined by over 350 Department members, Professor Teri Odom celebrated student achievements, honored faculty awards, and set the direction for the Department's future in 2023-24.
FRASER STODDART “AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 YEARS”
The Department was treated to "Around the World in 80 Years," Sir Fraser Stoddart's life story, on his 81st birthday. At his celebration lecture to the Department, in true Scottish style, he regaled over 600 guests with his academic and industrial experiences. Sir Fraser Stoddart's contribution to tomorrow's chemists demonstrates why he is considered a living legend in chemistry worldwide.
2023 GRADUATION CELEBRATION
Chemistry students and faculty members gathered on 11 June for a graduation celebration. This year's graduating class included 45 graduate students and 28 undergraduates. The Department celebrated the students with an awards ceremony and reception, wishing them success on their next venture. Congratulations to the 2023 class!
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less – Marie Curie
Full list of graduates and awards
SARGENT AND KELLEY INVESTITURE
Congratulations to Professors Shana O. Kelley and Ted Sargent, who were both recently honored during the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences investiture ceremony of endowed chairs on 18 April. Shana Kelley, the Neena B. Schwartz Professor of Chemistry, is an internationally renowned researcher that has developed innovative and translational methods for tracking molecular and cellular analytes with unprecedented sensitivity. Ted Sargent, the Lynn Hopton Davis and Greg Davis Professor of Chemistry, is a creative and innovative scholar known for his groundbreaking research in nanoscience. His research has contributed to fundamental advances in nanotechnology and materials chemistry.
2023 MARK A. RATNER SERIES OF SCHOLARS: ARMIN SCHULZ
The Department was pleased to host Professor Armin Schulz (University of Kansas) for the 2023 Mark A. Ratner Series of Scholars. His lecture, The Evolution of Distinctively Human Cognition, was followed by a reception for Ratner's family and friends. In addition to being a noted chemist, Mark Ratner, Emeritus Professor of Chemistry, has a passion for engaging scholars in non-chemistry subjects. This series aims to honor Mark by fostering similar interactions for graduate students and faculty.