Rutgers University Chemistry News
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The Rutgers University chemistry department is advancing sustainable energy solutions through research on spinel catalysts for electrolyzers, potentially making them more cost-effective. The department is seeing growth in research funding and recognition, including significant NIH grants and honors for faculty members. Furthermore, a new student exchange program with Jilin University in China is fostering international collaboration and interest in graduate studies in the U.S.
Rutgers University Chemistry News
- 1. R U TG E R S , T H E S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W J E R S E Y • P I S C ATA W AY Chemistry & Chemical Biology News Dismukes, Greenblatt Research Moves Sustainable Energy Forward or years, scientists and Nick Romanenko F researchers worldwide have confronted the daunt- ing challenge of making sustain- able energy sufficiently cost effective to be mass produced. Recent testing at the U.S. Department of Energy’s research center on artificial fuels may indicate a solution has been found in the lab of Chemistry Professors Charles Dismukes and Martha Greenblatt. WINTER 2013 “Developing chemical VOLUME 13 processes that will facilitate mass production of economical, This newsletter is published for environment-friendly solar and Professors Martha Greenblatt and Charles Dismukes alumni and friends by the Department of Chemistry wind electricity is one of the and Chemical Biology biggest challenges of the en- Rutgers, The State University The Rutgers spinel catalyst, “In theory,” Dismukes said, of New Jersey ergy crisis,” said Dismukes. “The LiCoO2 (lithium cobalt oxide), “we will be able to build elec- 610 Taylor Road noble metal catalysts that are has been licensed to a large in- trolyzers that will be much more Piscataway, NJ 08854 presently used in electrolyzers, ternational corporation seeking to energy efficient because the For questions or suggestions, the devices that convert direct use the catalyst to replace IrO2 spinel catalysts can be used at please contact: electric current harnessed by (iridium oxide), the most widely much higher concentrations, Roger A. Jones, Chair solar panels into fuels, are very used commercial catalyst, said thus reducing the amount of Phone: 732/445-1554 expensive. We have synthe- Email: chemchair@rutgers.edu Greenblatt, Rutgers Board of electricity consumed and waste Web: chem.rutgers.edu sized, patented and licensed a Governors Professor in the heat generated. We envision catalyst process that will be Department of Chemistry and electrolyzers that will be so cost- Coordinators: Karen Fowler and Kristina Wetter nearly as efficient as the current Chemical Biology. Electrolyzers effective they are disposable. Faculty Liaisons: Kathryn Uhrich standard and is comprised of are used to separate hydrogen Capital and operating expenses and Eric Garfunkel elements that are up to 10 and oxygen from water via elec- will decrease significantly Writer/Editor: Fred Feiner million times more abundant trolysis, consuming electricity to because electrolyzer design in nature, and much less make fuels. can be greatly simplified.” expensive.” continued on page 9
- 2. Chemistry & Chemical Biology P I SC ATAWAY An Action Packed Year for Rutgers & CCB W elcome to the Winter 2013 edition of Chem- istry & Chemical Biology (CCB) News! It has been an exciting start to the school year for both the department and reorganization of New Jersey’s university system in decades. For Rutgers, the addition of a medical school is an historic milestone that will result in enhanced pres- tige, greater access to federal grants include: Associate Professor Daniel Seidel, “Development of Strategies for the Functionalization of Amines,” NIH, $1.4 million over 5 years; Professor Jean Baum, “NMR Studies of Collagen Model the university. research funding, much closer Peptides and their Interactions The university has welcomed coordination of CCB’s researchers with Collagen Receptors,” NIH, a new President, Robert L. with life science translational and $1.2 million over 4 years; Profes- Barchi—a renowned neuroscien- clinical efforts. sor Charles Dismukes, “Photo- tist, respected educator and aca- Speaking of funding, we are assembly and Efficiency of Photo- demic innovator, and successful proud to announce that CCB synthetic Water and Oxidases: fundraiser. Prior to joining moved into the number one Probing the Catalytic Core Atom Rutgers, Dr. Barchi served as position nationally in federal by Atom,” National Science president of Thomas Jefferson research grant support for Foundation (NSF), $350,000 over University, and previously as chemistry departments as pub- 3 years; and Professor Gregory provost of the University of lished in a recent Chemical & Herzog, “Studies of Argon Dating Pennsylvania. We wish Dr. Barchi Engineering News article (see and Cosmogenic Nuclides in great success as the university’s table on page 8). The continued Extra-terrestrial Materials,” National 20th president and look forward excellence of CCB in gaining Aeronautics and Space Adminis- to working together as we federal support for research is tration (NASA), $140,000 over advance the CCB research and a tribute to the superb science 1 year. CCB moved into education programs that are so that takes place in the depart- The exciting grant news would the number one vital to the future of New Jer- ment every day. not be possible without the sup- position nationally sey’s economy and some of In terms of recent research port of our stellar CCB administra- in federal the region’s largest and most support, Eddy Arnold spear- tive team led by Donna Kohl; see research grant important companies. headed an effort with Ronald story on page 7). In this issue you support. On Election Day, New Jersey Levy, Joseph Marcotrigiano and can also read about: voters approved a $750 million myself to win a five-year National • Prestigious national awards bond issue that will help fund Institutes of Health grant with an presented to Jing Li from the capital improvements at New anticipated allocation of $6.3 mil- Department of Energy C3E Jersey’s colleges and universities. lion. The project is entitled “HIV Program, and to Alan Goldman We anticipate that part of those Macromolecular Interactions and from the American Chemical funds will be dedicated to a Impact on Viral Evolution of Society’s Catalysis Lectureship signature science building that Drug Resistance” and involves for the Advancement of Catalytic will become CCB’s new home. researchers from Scripps, Har- Science. The university and donors are vard, Pitt, Ohio State, and the • The department’s first multi- required to fund at least 25 NIH. Eddy has also been notified student foreign exchange percent of the planned $115 that his NIH Method to Extend program with Jilin University million building. Donations are Research in Time (MERIT) Award in China. essential for us to bring the has been extended for a second • Our new Graduate Student building to life, to continue to five-year period (2014-2019). Association President Michelle create scientific and technologi- The project title is “HIV-1 reverse Ouimet. cal breakthroughs in chemistry, transcriptase structure: function, • An impressive energy catalyst and to educate both the industry inhibition, and resistance,” with a developed by Martha Greenblatt leaders and technical workforce total expected award of $3.8 and Charles Dismukes. that are vital to the future of the million. NIH MERIT Awards are an These are exciting times for region. honor bestowed on fewer than our department. We thank all of Another major New Jersey 5 percent of investigators. you for your support and look state undertaking that will affect CCB’s reputation as a national forward to a great year for the us is the integration of Rutgers leader in cutting-edge grant- university and CCB. with the University of Medicine funded research continues to and Dentistry of New Jersey, grow stronger. Just a few of the Sincerely, 2 which will result in the largest many other recent noteworthy Roger A. Jones Professor and Chair
- 3. P I SC ATAWAY Chemistry & Chemical Biology Chinese Students from Jilin University Participate in CCB Exchange Program W hen chemistry Nick Romanenko student Xin Zhang left her home in Heilongjang Province, China to come to Rutgers for six months she was looking forward to her first trip abroad even if her parents were hesitant. Three months into her American adventure Zhang and many of her 19 classmates from Jilin University in Changchun, the first chemistry students to participate in a special student exchange program, were greatly impressed. Many are now considering coming back in the Jilin student Qiuju Liang observes Rutgers Chemistry graduate student mentor future for graduate study at Rut- Nick Stebbins drawing the structure of the salicylic adipic diacid on the glass of gers or elsewhere in the U.S. the fume hood. “I would like to study and live here, but I would have to interested in the New Jersey The 20 Chinese students convince my parents to come beachfront. “I was impressed by have been brought to the U.S. visit to see what life is like the beach,” said Li, who had as a result of an agreement here,” Zhang said. “My mother never seen an ocean or a beach between the Chemistry depart- was very worried about me. before a faculty-sponsored trip to ment, the Rutgers Program in She thinks I’m not eating right the Jersey Shore in August. American Language Studies, and dressing warm enough.” “Everyone seemed to enjoy the and Jilin University’s College of Bo Li, a student from Hubei sunshine and I certainly did too.” Chemistry. Province, is hoping to complete “And there were a lot of Their first eight weeks at his chemistry graduate studies in pretty girls,” Zhang added. “He Rutgers focused on developing the U.S., but seemed equally liked that too.” continued on page 10 Joseph Potenza Named ACS Fellow C hemistry Professor Joseph an Assistant Professor of Chem- Andrea Kane Anthony Potenza has been istry in 1968 and culminating named a Fellow of the Ameri- with his retirement as University can Chemical Society (ACS), Professor Emeritus in July. The recognizing over 44 years of Piscataway resident also held service to the advancement of multiple positions in the Rutgers chemistry and the education of administration over the years, students. The honor was an- including Provost and Dean of nounced during the organization’s the Graduate School, Associate Fall Meeting in Philadelphia. Provost for Academic Affairs in Potenza’s career at Rutgers the Sciences, and Chairman of spanned six decades, starting as the Department of Chemistry. Janet and Joseph Potenza 3
- 4. Chemistry & Chemical Biology P I SC ATAWAY Professor Jing Li Honored by U.S. Department of Energy Program C hemistry Professor Jing Li was honored by the U.S. Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) women’s initiative in September with the developing and advancing rare- earth free white light phosphors, which have the potential to be used as an alternative low-cost and energy-efficient general The U.S. C3E Awards are intended to recognize rising women in clean energy who have demonstrated leadership and high achievement within 2012 U.S. C3E Award for out- lighting source. one of the six award categories standing contribution to scien- “The ever-increasing energy and have the potential for signif- tific research in innovation and demands and the concerns icant future contribution. The technology development. Li was about global warming have awards were administered by one of six women to be hon- underscored the importance of the MIT Energy Initiative, which ored by the U.S. Department of developing high-efficiency light recognized each of the Energy led program. sources to reduce consump- awardees with a $10,000 cash tion,” said Li, a Cranbury resident prize. The Clean Energy Educa- and mother of two. “Solid-state tion and Empowerment (C3E) Chris Pedota lighting (SSL) technology in the program, led by the U.S. Depart- form of light-emitting diodes ment of Energy, is designed to (LEDs) can convert electricity help increase the number of into light much more efficiently women engaged in clean en- than conventional lighting ergy disciplines, from science sources. It has been predicted and academia, to industry, to that a nationwide move toward policy, to advocacy. SSL for general illumination in Li is a member of the Ameri- the U.S. would reduce electric can Chemical Society, the energy consumption for lighting American Association for the by roughly 25 percent, saving Advancement of Science, the $120 billion in energy expenses, Materials Research Society, and and reduce CO2 emissions by Sigma Xi. She has received a 246 million metric tons over the number of awards, including next 20 years. Low-cost and the Presidential Faculty Fellow high-efficiency LEDs are being Award; National Science Foun- intensely explored, especially dation CAREER Award; Cheung Chemistry Professor Jing Li white LEDs (WLEDs), which are Kong Guest Chair Professor considered a potential light Award from the Ministry of Edu- source to replace conventional cation of China; Outstanding Li was also recently elected a incandescent or fluorescent Achievement Award from the Fellow of the American Associa- lighting.” Chinese Association of Science tion for the Advancement of Sci- Li’s most recent research on and Technology; and the Board ence, a prestigious peer honor. hybrid white light phosphors of Trustees Fellowship for Schol- Li’s research interests and was published in the January arly Excellence from Rutgers activities are primarily in the 2012 issue of Angewandte University. She is currently an areas of solid-state inorganic Chemie International Edition Associate Editor for the Journal and inorganic-organic hybrid and April issue of Chemistry of of Solid State Chemistry and a materials that possess interest- Materials. She has published member of the Editorial Advi- ing and useful properties for over 220 scientific papers, in- sory Board of Crystal Growth clean energy applications. She cluding 12 invited reviews. and Design. has led extensive research on 4
- 5. P I SC ATAWAY Chemistry & Chemical Biology GSA Features New Energy, Programs I f Organic Chemistry Sabrina Snyder Ph.D. candidate Michelle Ouimet pursues her poly- mer research with the enthusi- asm and energy of a cheerleader, there’s a good reason: before coming to Rutgers three years ago, she could be found on the sidelines as an undergrad at Clemson University. Today, Ouimet is bringing that energy to the table as the new President of the Chemistry Grad- uate Student Association (GSA). Ouimet is hoping to reinvigorate the GSA with new programs such as an industrial lecture series with Rutgers’ Chemistry alumni. Former GSA President Eric Klauber, a CCB alumnus who GSA leadership (from left) are Co-Vice President Allison Faig, President Michelle works at BASF, started the lecture Ouimet, Treasuer Matt Richers and Co-Vice President Katie Field. series in November, discussing the transition from graduate tions—literally. She had an in- and Dean of Mathematical and school to industry. ternship with Kraft Foods New Physical Sciences at Rutgers, This past summer GSA Technology Group in Whippany, which focuses on the synthesis brought in a career consultant N.J., which is an integral part of and characterization of biocom- who volunteered his time to the company’s $15 billion gum patible polymers for medical meet with students. GSA also and candy product portfolio and dental applications such held its first tailgate event at the with brands such as Trident, as drug delivery and tissue recent homecoming football Halls, Stride, Dentyne, Swedish engineering. game that attracted 35 current Fish, and Sour Patch Kids. “My research focuses on and former students. Ouimet interned with a group synthesizing, characterizing, and “The career consultant was that drives product innovation formulating bioactive-containing really valuable for many be- with developments such as polymers for cosmetic, personal cause he coached us on how to long lasting taste and flavor care, wound-care, and food- network as we get closer to en- changing technologies. based applications,” said tering the business world,” said “I was very interested in Ouimet. “I came to Rutgers be- Ouimet, a Mount Olive resident. learning more about rheology, cause I wanted to learn from a As for GSA activities: “We want or the flow of matter, and how world renowned polymer scien- to try new and different pro- I could implement that knowl- tist like Kathryn and the experi- grams to get a better level of edge within my research at Rut- ence has just been outstanding interaction with the graduate gers,” said Ouimet, who worked in every possible way. My goal student community. A lot of on refining a gum with longer has always been to continue graduate students don’t realize lasting taste. “The Kraft experi- learning and to consider new what a great school we have ence was great because it approaches and possibilities and one of the real advantages opened me up to the possibili- and our group really fosters that is the access to industry we are ties of working in the food in- type of environment.”Ouimet, a provided through our alumni as dustry. I also picked up some fellow of both the U.S. Depart- well as research collaborations.” new experiences and skills that I ment of Education and the Rut- This summer, Ouimet got a could bring back to my team.” gers’ Predoctoral Leadership great taste for those connec- Ouimet is part of the group led by Kathryn Uhrich, Professor continued on page 6 5
- 6. Chemistry & Chemical Biology P I SC ATAWAY GSA based poly (anhydride-ester) terested in speaking at GSA continued from page 5 matrices using small molecule events. To learn more about the admixtures,” recently published GSA, please contact her at Development Institute, has co- in the Journal of Bioactive and mouimet@rci.rutgers.edu. authored several journal Compatible Polymers. articles, including “Tunable drug Ouimet is particularly inter- release profiles from salicylate- ested in hearing from alumni in- Alan Goldman Receives First ACS Catalysis Lectureship C hemistry Professor Alan Goldman was recently awarded the first American Chemical Society (ACS) Catal- ysis Lectureship for the Ad- cleaner energy. Goldman has conducted extensive research during his 25-year career focused on the conversion of hydrocarbons—organic com- Goldman received his Ph.D. from Columbia University and was an IBM Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Chicago. During his career, he has re- vancement of Catalytic Science, pounds found in fossil fuels— ceived many other awards and recognizing Goldman’s ground- and other small molecules. honors for his research achieve- breaking research on the Goldman has developed a ments and dedication to science manipulation of hydrocarbons process to use low value education, including the: Camille focused on the development byproducts that may be ob- and Henry Dreyfus Distin- of cleaner, more efficient fuels. tained from coal, natural gas or guished New Faculty Award; Goldman’s work is particu- plants, into a synthetic diesel Union Carbide Innovation larly important in the search for fuel that is more environmen- Recognition Award; Alfred P. tally friendly than traditional Sloan Fellowship; Camille and diesel fuel. Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Fellowship; Rutgers Board of Nick Romanenko “We hope to one day eliminate our dependence Trustees Fellowship for Scholarly on foreign fuels,” said Excellence; DuPont Aid-to-Edu- Goldman. “The U.S. has cation Award; and New Jersey 40-times more coal energy Section of the American Chemi- than oil, large reserves of cal Society Pro Bono Award. natural gas, and many The lectureship is co-sponsored sources of biomass includ- by the ACS Division of Catalysis ing agricultural byproducts, Science & Technology and the so if we are successful, ACS Publications journal ACS the impact could be quite Catalysis. The ACS Catalysis Lec- significant. Obviously, a tureship for the Advancement of cleaner, more cost-effective Catalytic Science honors current fuel supply would produce groundbreaking research that tremendous economic and enables better understanding of environmental benefits.” the links among the various sub- Goldman’s research has disciplines of catalysis and also contributed to the develop- advances the field of catalysis as ment of novel catalytic a whole. The lectureship may be methods for hydrocarbon awarded to an individual or a conversions, which are collaborative research team. required to use fossil fuels The inaugural ACS Catalysis more efficiently and create Lectureship for the Advance- sustainable fuel resources. ment of Catalytic Science was His research has also pro- presented at the Fall 2012 ACS vided important insights National Meeting in Philadelphia. into the fundamental steps A symposium was held in the underlying hydrocarbon Goldman’s honor and he processes, vital to advanc- received a monetary award. 6 Chemistry Professor Alan Goldman ing the technology.
- 7. P I SC ATAWAY Chemistry & Chemical Biology ‘Tis the Season, to be Shopping for Grants Karen Fowler f Black Friday in the re- nates grants for I tail world is the busiest shopping day of the year, the days leading up to the busy national grants deadlines in September and the faculty of the Earth and Plane- tary Sciences Department (formerly Geol- October probably deserve a ogy). “Every grants name of their own. program has dif- Donna Kohl, Chemistry and ferent rules and Chemical Biology Executive some proposals Director of Administration, and will get rejected Bonnie Emigholz, Chemistry immediately for Associate Director, don’t exactly reasons that bog- have customers lining up at gle the mind— their doors in the wee hours of for example the the morning, but the grants wrong typeface process would not be a success or the wrong without an all hands on deck margins! Our CCB administrative staff (from left): Bonnie Emigholz, approach similar to the day after department is Lydia Haynes, Cynthia Howell, Kristina Wetter and Thanksgiving. working on very Donna Kohl. “CCB now ranks number important issues one nationally in federal grants such as curing until the last day, we encourage received—over $30 million disease or enabling sustainable them to contact us early with all annually—and while the inspira- energy. We want to make sure the other information so we can tional work of our faculty drives the faculty get the resources be proposal ready when the sci- “We had a that process, we are very fortu- they need.” ence is finalized.” nate to have a very dedicated The most recent grants Proposals can be anywhere record-setting and knowledgeable administra- season was a challenge since from 10 to 200 pages in length, grants season last tive staff coordinating the Emigholz had been on maternity with the administrative and process,” said Chemistry Chair- leave until recently with the birth budgeting components usually year and a large man and Professor Roger A. of her third child. As with many more than 50% of the pro- Jones. “We had a record-setting CCB projects, the whole depart- posal. part of that success grants season last year and a ment pitched in to ensure a Kohl notes that the adminis- goes to Donna, large part of that success goes smooth process, particularly Pur- trative staff’s work doesn’t end to Donna, Bonnie and the chasing Manager Lydia Haynes, when the proposal is filed or Bonnie and the administrative team.” Business Specialist Cynthia even when the grant award is Kohl has been with CCB for Howell and Senior Administrative received. With many of CCB’s administrative over 10 years and was directly Assistant Kristina Wetter. approximately 300 employees team.” responsible for the grants Kohl and Emigholz advise paid from the resources of process before taking over her faculty to plan early for the grants, the staff has extensive current responsibilities in 2007. grants deadline by contacting post-award responsibilities. Emigholz has been with the them at least 30 days before a “Ten years ago our depart- department for over seven proposal is due. ment received about $8 million years. Their combined expertise “Our goal is to make the annually in grants and now that is put to good use when nearly process seamless for the fac- number is more than $30 mil- every faculty member is submit- ulty,” said Kohl. “CCB staff take lion,” Kohl said. “As the saying ting grant requests to the Na- care of all the administrative goes, ‘the devil is in the details,’ tional Science Foundation or work for the faculty because we and we want to make sure the the National Institute of Health are a full-service department. department maximizes the re- in September and October. The researchers should only sources provided through the “Chemistry submits about concern themselves with the grants. From coordinating the 80 grant requests to NSF and science of any proposal and payroll to communicating with other agencies every year so leave us to worry about the rest. Purchasing and other depart- the volume of proposals can be Even if faculty members don’t ments, it’s a rather large under- significant,” said Emigholz, who have all the creative scientific taking to ensure the most noted that the staff also coordi- ideas of a proposal worked out efficient use of resources.” 7
- 8. Chemistry & Chemical Biology P I SC ATAWAY “Reprinted with permission from Chem. Eng. News, October 22, 2012, 90(43), pp 30-36. Copyright 2012 American Chemical Society.” 8
- 9. P I SC ATAWAY Chemistry & Chemical Biology Alumni Join Chemistry in Philadelphia at ACS T he Chemistry and Chemical Biology Department sponsored an alumni reception at the 2012 Fall National Meeting of the alumni event held at the ACS 2012 Winter Meeting in Denver, organized by one of our lead- ing alumni, Suresh Damle, a retiree of PPG Industries. Suresh members Kathryn Uhrich (also Rutgers Dean of Mathematical & Physical Sciences) and Eric Garfunkel. Attendees learned about the department’s plans American Chemical Society and his colleagues also joined for a new state-of-the-art (ACS), attracting graduates us in Philadelphia. Suresh’s chemistry building to be built from across the country, some commitment to the future of on the Busch Campus. who travelled to the confer- CCB and to strengthening the To learn about the fundrais- ence just for the Rutgers relationships between alumni, ing campaign CCB has program. faculty and students was self- launched to support the new The event, held at the posh evident. building, please send us an Le Meridien Hotel in Philadel- Alumni had the opportunity email at chemchair@rutgers.edu phia, was a successful follow- to hear department and univer- or call (732) 445-1554. up to the department’s first sity updates from CCB faculty DISMUKES, GREENBLATT green, and highly efficient The recent licensure of the continued from page 1 catalysts for splitting water into LiCoO2 catalyst is Dismukes’ and oxygen and hydrogen.” Greenblatt’s latest opportunity to Earlier this year, the LiCoO2 “We are very encouraged by translate their fundamental re- catalyst for oxygen evolution re- the research because it has the search into a commercial appli- action (OER) was described in potential to change the way elec- cation in collaboration with an an article published in Ange- trical energy is stored and recov- industrial sponsor. The re- wandte Chemie International ered—in covalent chemical searchers have also worked with by Dismukes, Greenblatt and bonds rather than charged ions other corporate partners such as or batteries,” said Dismukes, BASF to explore other applica- LiCoO2 is arguably colleagues. The catalyst was recently tested at the Joint Cen- a Rutgers faculty member in tions of these materials. Addition- one of the most ter for Artificial Photosynthesis Chemistry and Chemical Biology, ally, Dismukes said Rutgers is a the Waksman Institute of Micro- founding member of a new effective, if not the (JCAP), the nation’s largest research program dedicated to biology, and Biochemistry and investigator consortium called best OER catalyst the development of an artificial Microbiology. “This step will re- the Solar Fuels Institute (SOFI), quire a new design of a low-cost which hopes to accelerate the presently. solar-fuel generation technology. Established in 2010 by the U.S. electrolyzer that can work with pace of technological advances Department of Energy, JCAP is these catalysts. This advance needed to transition to solar led by the California Institute of could be applied to both elec- produced fuels. Technology and aims to find a trolytic energy storage—using “Solar energy has become cost-effective method to produce solar or wind electricity—and more attainable for property fuels using only sunlight, water, renewable hydrogen generation. owners, but the challenge is and carbon dioxide as inputs. For example, as a replacement producing a cost-effective “LiCoO2 is arguably one of for batteries, this technology process that results in mass pro- the most effective, if not the best could help solve the energy duction of renewable electricity,” OER catalyst presently,” said storage problem that limits the said Dismukes. “We are commit- Greenblatt. “Nevertheless, we adoption of solar panels. Also, ted to working with colleagues continue our research to discover hydrogen derived from water worldwide to find solutions that new materials that are abundant, means a source of clean fuel ensure cleaner energy for future inexpensive and environmentally that is both renewable and generations.” sustainable.” 9
- 10. Chemistry & Chemical Biology P I SC ATAWAY STUDENT AWARDS Major, Excellence in Organic Chem- Precious O. Tabansi received The istry, Brian A. Chang and Meera P. Roger Sweet Award for Excellence SPRING 2012 Trivedi; for Outstanding Junior, in Organic Chemistry. Undergraduate Awards Excellence in Organic Chemistry Jessalyn A. Devine received The Laboratory, Jimmy Patel. CRODA AWARDS: Presented for Phyllis Dunbar Award for Excellence outstanding undergraduate activities. COURSEWORK AWARDS: Mark in Physical Chemistry. For excellence in General Chemistry, Leste V. Quilon and Justin W. Sarah A. Goodman received the Victor Hernandez, David Rehe, Marson received The Rufus ACS Inorganic Division Award for Kelley Steitz, and Jeffrey Yang; for Kleinhans Award for Excellence Excellence in Inorganic Chemistry. Outstanding Sophomore/Chemistry in General Chemistry. JILIN UNIVERSITY “I think it’s a great opportu- graduate, graduate and post- continued from page 3 nity for some of our leading doctoral levels.” students to study in a new envi- Since 1984, Garfunkel, the writing, speaking and listening ronment and to gain confidence immediate past Chair of Chem- skills in English, which many of while strengthening their scien- istry, has been visiting China, the students had been studying tific and language skills,” said where he has a long term rela- in China for the last 10 years. Pang. “The students will experi- tionship as a visiting professor The remaining time at Rutgers is ence a different academic at Fudan University in Shanghai. primarily focused on chemistry atmosphere and culture. It’s a Three Chemistry faculty mem- course and lab work. transformational learning experi- bers of Chinese descent— “Our English has improved ence that allows the students to Kuang-Yu Chen, Jing Li and greatly since we arrived,” said develop a fresh perspective Xumu Zhang—have also been Ling Ling Liu, a Jilin student both in science and on interna- actively involved in promoting from Heilongjang Province. “We tional issues.” student exchanges and joint met people from many different Over the last 18 months, research initiatives. They all countries in our English classes seven Rutgers faculty members emphasize the importance of and have learned about many have visited Jilin University to continuing to build a strong rela- different cultures.” help design the student ex- tionship with leading universities Starting with Professor John Brennan, change program. Former Jilin in China such as Jilin. Vice Chair of the CCB Under- this exchange of University President and Chem- “We hope to reciprocate by graduate Program, manages the istry Professor Tang Aoqing sending Rutgers students to Jilin students, we are students’ chemistry experience helped initiate a cooperative in the very near future,” Gar- with Professor Eric Garfunkel. opening a new era relationship with Rutgers some funkel said. “Jilin University is a “Colleges and universities 30 years ago, but the new pro- very strong partner for the Rut- for the relationship throughout the U.S. are globaliz- gram represents the first formal gers Chemistry Department and ing their educational programs,” between Rutgers chemistry student exchange together we can offer both said Brennan. “Jilin University is a between the universities. The Chinese and U.S. students an and Jilin. good match for us because they students, the top 20 among exceptional educational and are our primary ‘sister school’ in 250 senior chemistry under- cultural experience.” China, and are one of the five graduates at Jilin, are supported The partnership seems to strongest chemistry education both in China and the U.S. by a be producing results already. and research programs in China. fund established in China in “We understand chemistry, Our goals are to offer the stu- Prof. Tang’s memory. but Chinese people often have dents an excellent research and “Starting with this exchange of a different way of thinking about education experience, help them students, we are opening a new things,” said Qiuju Liang, a stu- develop their English skills, and era for the relationship between dent from Jilin Province. “We are open them up to the possibility Rutgers and Jilin,” said Pang. “We learning more about the scientific of studying or working abroad in look forward to strengthening our process and how to analyze the future.” collaboration on research initia- things from beginning to end, Jilin University’s Professor tives, and increasing opportuni- and at the same time we are Guangsheng Pang noted that the ties for the exchange of students becoming more independent.” program is valuable for both the in both directions at the under- 10 students and the universities.
- 11. P I SC ATAWAY Chemistry & Chemical Biology Byungkoo Park received the ACS CHEMICAL RESOURCES Agnesa Redere, Jennifer Redona, Analytical Division Award for AWARDS BY PAUL KEIMIG: Maria Riego, Bryant M. Ruano, Excellence in Instrumental Analysis. Jessalyn A. Devine, Sarah A. Melissa Valarezo, Samantha S. Goodman, Kareem J. Holligan, and Vidal, and Aileen Zaydel. Patrick L. Kramer received The Diana X. Sun received the Chemical Hypercube Award for Excellence CHEMISTRY 499 INTRODUCTION Resources Award for Distinction in in Chemical Physics. TO TEACHING CHEMISTRY LAB: Research. The following students were recog- Aaron X. Sun received The Ning Jon Ahn, Patrick L. Kramer, Albin nized for their contribution to the Moeller Award for Outstanding A. Mammen, Aaron L. Petronico, department in the teaching of a Academic Achievement for a and Chun M. Tong received the freshman chemistry lab: Monika A. Chemistry Major in the Junior Year. Chemical Resources Award for Hajduk, Alvin A. Mammen, Jimmy Monica A. Hajduk received The Highest Distinction in Research. Patel, Tejas U. Shah, and Aaron X. Merck Award for General Academic Sun. CHEMDOODLE AWARD Excellence and Research. DONATED BY KEVIN J.THEISEN: Timothy J. Susko received the James Huynh, Alex Lo, and GRADUATE AWARDS Bruce Garth Award for general Mohammed Malik received the WINTER 2011 academic excellence and Chemdoodle Award for Excellence REID AWARD research. in computational chemistry and Mingxi Chang informatics. Fuguo Jiang Kristen M. Reale received the Mojgan Roushan Van Dyke Award for Academic CHEMISTRY SOCIETY Junling Sun Excellence and Research in OUTREACH PROGRAM: The David Wang Chemistry. following students were recognized for their participation in the Outreach VAN DYKE AWARD FOR Gina S. Chang, Kevin Lu, Patrick Activities of the Rutgers University EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH Rogler, and Stephen L. Zieminski Chemistry Society: Mina Aknouk, Deepankar Das received the Chemistry and Chemi- Denisse Arevalo, Kristina Carney, Kexuan Huang cal Biology Department Undergrad- Walter R. Drake, Andrea Fawzy, Roselin Rosario-Meléndez uate Service Award presented to a David Figueroa, Frank P. Fumo, Chemistry major with a strong KRISHNAMURTHY AWARD Marielle Jamgochian, Prabhdeep record of participation, outreach, FOR OUTSTANDING PAPER OR Kaur, Jayswinder Kaur, Adam and departmental service. THESIS IN SYNTHETIC ORGANIC Kornmehl, Yung-Jae Lee, Helen Lopez, Kevin Lu, Sandra Ministro, CHEMISTRY Apexa Modi, Valerie S. O’Besso, Hiyun Kim continued on page 12 DEGREES CONFERRED OCTOBER 2011 JANUARY 2012 MAY 2012 Albin Mammen OCTOBER 2012 M.S. B.A. B.A. Zachary Maron M.S. Rebecca Allison Joseph Cioffi Jon Ahn Nicole Masiuk Sergey Buryachok Lynn Callison Amy Deighan Isita Amin Christopher Michals Shraboni Ghoshal Yu-Chu Chen Spandan Desai John Balaes Michael Moken Kevin A. Memoli Jennifer Inghrim Nicholas Ewankov Jinwhan Cha Emily Nering Laura A. O’Grady Katherine Koh Sohyung Choe Byungkyoo Park Nicholas Rue PH.D. Cristina Lattarulo Daniel Coiro Patrick Rogler Zhexun Sun Princy Abraham Michael Lee Benjamin Deibert Tejas Shah Sisi Zhang Joseph Cusick Xavier O'Connell Ashley Dye Rowena Simmons Chandrakanta De Christine Perez Christopher Esposito Timothy Susko PH.D. Roberto Delgado Aaron Petronico Lee Eunsol Chun Tong Erkan Z. Ciftlikli Tatiana Fadeeva Maia Saito Shanice Grant Craig Zelazny Sayantani Das Eric Klauber Nikolai Streltsov Gregory Guadagno Wojciech Jankowski Min Liu Shaotang Yuan Nancy Guillaume M.S. Lijuan Kang Sanhita Pramanik Monika Hajduk Matthew Laughland James J. Lallo Nirmala Shankar PH.D. Benjamin Ho Robin Lefkowitz Heather Y. Lee Xianglan He Matthew Hueston Kai Liu Hiyun Kim Kathleen Jillions Anna Michelson Maria Hanshella Kyle Kramer Alexander L. Magno Patrick Kramer Reznichenko Ilona Litvak Mojgan Roushan 11
- 12. Chemistry & Chemical Biology P I SC ATAWAY AWARDS WINTER 2012 RIEMAN AWARD FOR continued from page 11 REID AWARD OUTSTANDING Mu Chen ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A TA RIEMAN AWARD FOR Rafael da Silva Roselin Rosario-Melendez OUTSTANDING Michael C. Haibach Birju P. Shah ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS A TA Nisha Mittal Aniruddh P. Solanki James Lallo Rojita Sharma Nicholas D. Stebbins Nisha Mittal Haohan Wu Honorable Mention Prasad Subramaniam Hiep N. Nguyen THOMAS REID FELLOW Prasad Subramaniam CHEMISTRY 171 EXCELLENCE Michael C. Haibach Robert Young IN TEACHING AWARD VAN DYKE AWARD FOR Libing Yu Aleksandra Biedron EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH CHEMISTRY 171 EXCELLENCE CHEMISTRY SERVICE AWARD Graeme P. Gardner IN TEACHING AWARD David Laviska Jason D. Hackenberg Allison M. Faig Lijuan Kang SPRING 2012 Jacqueline R. Sikora DEAN’S RESEARCH AWARD KRISHNAMURTHY AWARD CHEMISTRY SERVICE AWARD Fuguo Jiang FOR OUTSTANDING PAPER OR Kathleen D. Field THESIS IN SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHINESE GOVERNMENT Michelle A. Ouimet CHEMISTRY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING Longle Ma SELF-FINANCED STUDENTS ABROAD IN 2011 STANLEY MANDELES Fuguo Jiang GRADUATE AWARD Mu Chen Anand Ramanthan Lijuan Kang Piscataway, NJ 08854 610 Taylor Road Permit No. 157 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick, NJ PAID Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology U.S. Postage Non-Profit Org.