The following students performing undergraduate research with chemistry faculty were recognized with Randall Outstanding Undergraduate Research Awards for their work.

Yuliya Birman: “Investigation of Charged Residues in the Active Site of Isopropylmalate Synthase in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis.” Mentor: Dr. Patrick Frantom

Kyle Glisson: “Calorimetric investigation of the interaction of hyperbranched polyelectrolytes with small organic molecules in water.” Mentor: Dr. Marco Bonizzoni

Sean Miller: “Gas-Phase Acidities of Phosphorylated Amino Acids and Their Corresponding Amides.” Mentor: Dr. David Dixon

Meredith Rickard: “From Waste to Fuels and Feedstocks: Reduction of CO2 Using Main-Group Catalysts.” Mentor: Dr. David Dixon

Erin Nicole West: “Characterization of active site variants of isopropylmalate synthase.” Mentor: Dr. Patrick A. Frantom

Shuwen Yue: “Computational Studies of Catalytic Processes for Conversion of Biofuels and Controlling Organic Reactivity.” Mentor: Dr. David Dixon

Congratulations to the Chemistry Department students who received awards at the UA Undergraduate Research Conference

• A&S Science and Math Division, Oral Presentations
  • Shuwen Yue (Dr. Dixon): 2nd place; Theoretical Study of Ligand Steric Effects in Homogeneous Catalysis
  • Ryan Hacherl (Dr. Cassady): 4th place; Mass Spectrometry of Biological Peptides
  • Sean Miller (Dr. Dixon): Honorable Mention; Computational Studies of Phosphorylated Amino Acids and Corresponding Amides
• A&S Science and Math Division, Poster Presentations
  • Kindle Williams (Dr. Woski): 3rd place; Synthesis of Molecular Electronic Components for Self‐Assembly onto Metal Electrodes
  • Lynda Truong (Dr. Woski): Honorable Mention: Investigation of Cyanocarbazole Derivatives as Universal Base Candidates

The Department of Chemistry hosted the Southeastern Undergraduate Research conference.  Congratulations to the winning presentations.

• Biochemistry/Organic talks
  • 1st Place:  Anthony Abshire (University of Southern Miss)
  • 2nd Place: Katheryn Adam (University of Alabama)
• Organic/Inorganic talks
  • 1st Place: Megan Johnston (University of Alabama)
  • 2nd Place: Taylor Farmer (Auburn University)
• Physical/Analytical talks
  • 1st Place: Shuwen Yue (University of Alabama)
  • 2nd Place: Keri Dowling (UNC-Charlotte)
• Posters Winners:
  • Nicholas Boyle (UAB)
  • Anthony Curto (University of Alabama)
  • Sydney Marchi (Tennessee Tech)
  • Julia Murphy (University of Alabama)
  • Sarah Newell (Mississippi College)

Dr. David A. Dixon, Robert Ramsay Chair, was awarded the ACS Division of Fluorine Distinguished Service Award on January 15, 2015. This award is given biannually at the Winter Fluorine Conference. The 2015 Winter Fluorine Conference was co-chaired by Dr. Dixon.

The University of Alabama will host the 47th Southeastern Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) on February 6-7th, 2015.  The Southeastern Undergraduate Research Conference is a unique opportunity for students in the region to present their undergraduate research work to other students and faculty members. Both oral and poster presentations will be given. Students will also network with graduate school recruiters and meet other students and faculty members engaged in chemistry research.  Prizes are given for the best posters and oral presentations. The conference allows students to present their work in a friendly environment and obtain feedback and ideas related to their work.  Prof. Oleg Ozerov from Texas A&M University will present the keynote lecture.

The Department of Chemistry seeks outstanding applications for two assistant professor positions in the areas of chemical biology and materials science.  More information on these positions and application instructions can be found here.

Michele Stover, a graduate student in Dr. David Dixon’s group, received a second place prize at the Southeast Theoretical Chemistry Associate meeting graduate poster competition.

A method for 3-D printing of molecular models published by Dr. Thomas Vaid and Dr. Vincent Scalfani (UA Libraries) in the Journal of Chemical Education was highlighted in the May 19th issue of Chemical Engineering News.

Photo Credit: Vincent Scalfani

Ashley Jolly, a PhD candidate in Dr. Marco Bonizzoni’s group, is one of approximately 50 students chosen nationwide to participate in the Division of Organic Chemistry’s Graduate Research Symposium.  The symposium is held annually and is open to roughly 50 students each year.  Students are chosen on the basis of their research contributions in the area of organic chemistry. The symposium gives participants the opportunity to present their research at a prestigious national venue, and to network amongst themselves and with established leaders in the field, who are invited in to act as mentors. The symposium will take place at the University of California – Irvine on July 24-27, 2014. 

Congratulations to the Chemistry winners at the UA Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference

A&S Science and Math Division, Oral Presentations

2nd Place: Megan Johnson, “Palladium-Catalyzed Direct Intramolecular Arylations Using Water-Soluble Phosphine Ligand.” Advised by Dr. Kevin Shaughnessy
4th Place: Shuwen Yue, “Computational Studies of the Conversion of Biomass to Biofuels.” Advised by Dr. David Dixon
Honorable Mention: Travis Atchley, “Donor-Acceptor Cocrystallization for Molecular Assembly.” Advised by Dr. Silas Blackstock

A&S Science and Math Division, Poster Presentations

1st Place: Morgan Whitaker, “Polymer Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: Formation and Usage for Cancer Therapy.” Advised by Dr. David Nikles
3rd Place: Sarah McFann, “Characterization of Picolinium Quinodimethane under Electro-Optic Device Conditions.” Advised by Dr. Anthony Arduengo
Honorable Mention: Amanda Volk, “Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticles.” Advised by Dr. David Nikles

Emerging Scholars, Sciences, Mathematics & Engineering

1st Place:  Erin Hein, “The Effects of Mutation on Frataxin Metal Binding and Iron-Sulfur Cluster Synthesis.” Advised by Dr. Laura Busenlehner