BADGER CHEMISTUniversity of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Chemistry Established 1953, No. 63 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

CHEMISTS take on SARS-CoV-2

RESEARCH & INSTRUCTION go virtual

BADGERS find ways to CONNECT

ALSO INSIDE

SEE OUR NEW Alumni Profiles FEATURE LETTER FROM THE CHAIR CONTENTS JUDITH N. BURSTYN This year has been filled with challenges, yet the Department of Chemistry students, faculty, staff and alumni are keeping the Badger Chemist spirit alive at 4 New Badger Chemists 15 The Benzine the forefront of research and education. The department continues to deliver its Congratulations to the 2019-2020 graduates! Graduate students created an art and literature mission to conduct world-class, groundbreaking research in the chemical sciences, publication where chemists share their talents. while offering the highest quality education and training to undergraduate students, 6 New Faculty & Staff graduate students, and postdoctoral associates. This year we welcomed a new professor and 15 What Would a Microbe Say? In this issue of Badger Chemist magazine, you will get to meet researchers who eight new staff members. Art and science exhibit goes virtual, as creators are working to find solutions to the SARS-CoV-2 crisis and graduate students who draw connections to coronavirus. Climate Survey 4 continue to make a difference in the lives and education of others. You will learn 7 Graduate students conduct survey to assess 16 Research During the Pandemic about outreach efforts that are educating the public, to better connect scientific department needs. We share three stories of researchers who research to the goal of improving life in our community and our world. spent the early days of the pandemic Throughout 2020 we have risen to meet the challenges and continued to push our 8 NOBCChE Chapter working on ideas for prevention or treatment department forward as a leader in the chemical sciences. Our new building construc- The UW–Madison chapter of the National of SARS-CoV-2. tion continues. Next year, the site that once housed outdated lecture halls will hold a newly revitalized chemistry education Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and 19 www.OrganicChemistryData.org facility, with state-of-the-art instructional laboratories, classrooms, an interactive learning studio and flexible spaces for Chemical Engineers is back on campus. ACS Organic Division launches new data large classes. The teaching and learning opportunities enabled by these new spaces will allow future generations of stu- site as they honor Prof. Emeritus dents, across numerous majors, to understand the relevance of chemistry in everyday life. The new facility will support our 9 Department Book Club Hans Reich, who first assembled much chemistry majors as they embark on their careers as confident, well-trained Badger Chemists. New book club offers opportunity for students, of the content online. 11 In closing, I want to thank the donors and friends who support our drive to conduct high-quality research and to educate faculty and staff to read and learn through students. Your gifts make a difference in the work that we do and in the futures of numerous Badger Chemists. important conversations. 20 Classes Go Virtual Transition teams and instructors scrambled to 10 Virtual Chemistry Camps quickly move courses online as the pandemic The Institute for Chemical Education moved started. The hard work paid off as many its summer chemistry camps online with students respond positively. experiments safe for home. 21 Collaboration, Research, Travel & More 11 Connecting Science & Society Catch up with students, faculty and staff as The Science is Fun team promotes literacy in they share research updates, presentation 16 Professor Judith Burstyn science, mathematics and technology through experiences and more. Irving Shain Chair of Chemistry and Department Chair outreach in the community - and in this issue, [email protected] Bucky Badger poses a trivia question. 24 Alumni Updates Alumni share awards, present critical research 12 New Chemistry Instructional Tower and show just how far one can go with a Designed to promote interactive learning, Badger Chemist education. the new undergraduate education facility prepares to open in mid-2021. 27 Award Winning Department Members Department of Chemistry students, faculty and 13 Undergraduate Researchers Find Ways staff win numerous awards each year, thanks to 17 to be Productive at Home their hard work and dedication, and thanks to Aadhishre Kasat shares her experience and the generosity of donors. Executive Editor speaks to other undergraduate Matthew Sanders Send news and events to Badger Chemist is published yearly researchers about staying productive while 32 In Memoriam [email protected] [email protected] for alumni and friends of the home following COVID-19 restrictions. We honor the memory of our Badger Chemist UW–Madison Department of Chemistry. alumni and friends who died over the past year Managing Editor Update contact information at 14 Postdoc Starts Literature Discussion Forum and share several stories about how they lived. Tatum Lyles Flick uwalumni.com/services/update-info View the magazine and newest content Morgan Howe started a literature discussion [email protected] online, and submit alumni profiles at group, filling a need for chemists across the Department of Chemistry BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu world to connect and learn virtually. Communications Team University of Wisconsin–Madison 23 Mason Braasch, Caroline Cole 1101 University Ave. ©2019 Board of Regents of the & Aadhishre Kasat Madison, WI 53706 University of Wisconsin System ON THE COVER: Using a classroom simulation set-up in Mechanical Engineering, the Bertram Group assessed the spatial variability in respiratory aerosol emitted from mannequins equipped to disperse aerosol particles into the room. 2 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry Photo by Prof. Tim Bertram 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 3 CONGRATULATIONS NEW BADGER CHEMISTS! This year we celebrated graduating students online with memories, messages of congratulation and photos. View Celebrating Student Success 2020 at BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu/celebrating-student-success/ Bachelor’s Degrees SUMMER 2019 Ryan Saari Natalie Feider Charlotte Michelle O’Sullivan** Alberto Aranda Lucas Schult Isaac Fine Nichole Sabin Peterson Phoenix Higgins Ching To So Hadley Fischer Helena Pliszka** Danny Lee Matthew Szymski** Juan Israel Flores Christopher Six Andrew Fuchs (Cavagnero) Yang Liu (Li) Joshua Viggo Ricci (Ediger) Riley Luettgen Isabelle Tigges-Green* Kirsten Elizabeth Gasser Calvin Nicholas Spolar** Degree in Biophysics Mass Spectrometry-based Neuropeptidomic Comparing Linear Stress Relaxation and Cody Retzlaff David John Wesolowski Eric Paul Geunes** Nathaniel Balink Tankel Interaction of nascent proteins with the bac- Study and Functional Discovery of Signaling Fluorescence Recovery: Measuring Segmen- Jamie Schuberth Aikaterini Zampetaki Shaybriana Ruth Groth Janell Elizabeth Voves terial ribosome Peptide tal Dynamics during the Aging of Polymer Glasses Justin Twardowski Elizabeth Alice Haberland-Ervin Christopher John Walter Yasmin Alvarez Garcia (Beebe) Margaret Lumley (Choi) Lauren Van Hoof SPRING 2020 Olivia Grace Hassinger Josef Daniel Wilkinson Device Fabrication for Micro-scale Study of Development of Electrode Materials for Leah V. Schaffer (Smith) Kushagra Beniwal Rachel Hoel Mengcheng Windy Wu** Human Cells and Microbes Electrochemical Water Desalination and Development of Integrated Proteomic FALL 2019 Noah Berg Emily Elizabeth Holzmann** Tianlei Yan** Solar Water Splitting Strategies to Identify, Quantify, and Visualize Daniel Glazier (Tang) Aziz A Hamid Peyton Beyer Rachel Lauren Hunjadi Xinyu Ye* Proteoform Families Michael Aguilar John Brunn* Kaylee Marie Hustad Yuchen Ying* Site- and Stereo-selective Functionalization Daniel Evan Manson (Blackwell) Mitchell Coston Chavin Buasakdi* Sean William Huth** of Carbohydrate Hydroxyl Groups Using Non-native small molecules that modulate Evan Michael Sherbrook (Yoon) Kaylin Flesch* Jorge Calderin Ethan Emanuel Hyland* SUMMER 2020 Chiral Catalysts quorum sensing in gram negative bacteria The Development of Stereoselective Photo- cycloadditions via Lewis and Bronsted Acid Danielle Grubb Yinting Chiu Talaidh Lake Stone Isaacs Carmen Ibrahim Daoud** Erik Horak (Goldsmith) Hillary Mitchell Warden (Fredrickson) Sarah Gruber* Loran Cipala Dylan Cole Keane Benjamin Ivan Fordyce* Optical Microresonators as Single-Particle Maps to Structural Chemistry: Phase Transi- Catalysts Yeon Jung Kim** Carley Delong Ziyuan Li** Jacqueline Danelle Hammond Photothermal Absorption tions, Superstructures, and Incommensurabili- Tom Sobyra (Nathanson) Miranda Koby Corbin DeSautell* Franco Alfonso Llamas III Diego Lamela Hernandez ty Explained Through the FAST Principle The Uptake and Reactivity of Organic and Minxue Huang (Schomaker) Scott Lee* Anna Doebele Joshua Allen Logsdon Aditya Narayan Singh* Atmospheric Gases in Salty and Surfac- Tunalbe, Selective C(sp3)-H Aminations via Darien James Morrow (Wright) Eowyn Yangyang Liu Megan Doty Kaining Mao** Emily G Tomashek** tant-Coated Water Microjets Phillip Michael Nowak Christopher Ebert** Buruj Wali Mohammed Cassandra “Cassie” Zimdars Silver-Catalyzed Nitrene Transfer Reactions: Development of multidimensional spec- Jocelyn Ruiz Nicholas Ebert** Jacob Donald O’Hearn** Mechanism Study and Method Development troscopies to investigate transition metal Sarah Specht (Hermans) dichalcogenide and lead halide perovskite Fundamental Studies of Selective Oxidations Kyeong-Jun Jeong (Yethiraj) Multiscale Modeling of Self-Assembly and semiconductors by Green Oxidants over Heterogeneous Catalysts Trevor Bennin (Ediger) Joshua Robert Corbin (Schomaker) Phase Behavior of Complex Fluids Mainak Mustafi (Weisshaar) Master’s Degrees Segmental dynamics of polymer glasses Development of Metal-Catalyzed Nitrene Dynamics of EF-Tu/ternary complex in live E. Amanda Marie Spiewak (Weix) during deformation: poly(lactic acid) and Transfer for Streamlining Amine Synthesis Minsoo Ju (Schomaker) Development of silver-catalyzed chemo-, coli using superresolution imaging In Amide Solvents: A True Account of Mul- Alina K Dao cyclic loading/unloading tiple Metals for Catalysis and Their Conse- Eric Steven Cueny (Landis) enantio- and site-selective nitrene transfer Gordon Anderson Novak (Bertram) Maggie McEwan quences Keyu Zeng Naomi Biok (Gellman) Mechanistic Studies of the Hafnium-Pyridyl reactions through rational catalyst design Water Interfaces as a Source and Sink of Matthew James Griffin Assessing the Effect of Ammonium and Amido-Catalyzed Allene Polymerization Reactive Trace Gases in the Atmosphere Sean Staudt (Bertram) Guanidinium Groups on the Stability of Hyuntae Jung (Yethiraj) Zichuan Tian Matthew Dalphin (Cavagnero) Heterogeneous Reactions of Nocturnal Helical Peptides Simulation Methods for the Phase Behavior Gordon Peterson (Fredrickson) Ruochen Lin Degree in Biophysics of Complex Fluids The Design of Complex Intermetallic Struc- Nitrogen Oxides at Atmospherically Relevant Angela Ablaberdieva Camille Elizabeth Bishop (Ediger) The Earliest Stages of a Protein’s Life Influ- tore or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Aqueous Interfaces Clayton Thompson Vapor deposition rate modifies order in highly ence Its Long-Term Solubility and Structural Elizabeth Dina Laudadio (Hamers) Chemical transformations of lithium cobalt Love Chemical Frustration Trisha M. Tucholski (Ge) Dan Yin structured glasses Accuracy Defining the Human Heart Proteoform oxide nanoparticles in model environmental Megan Kathryn Petti (Zanni) Stephanie Ann Blaszczyk (Tang) Josephine Eshon (Schomaker) systems Development of Novel Surface Sensitive and Landscape with Top-down Proteomics Discovery of S-Adamantyl Group Directed Adventures in Rh catalysis: hydroformylation Surface Specific Two-Dimensional Spectros- (Li) Wenjie Li (Jin) Pingli Wei Doctoral Degrees Site-Selective Acylation and Its Applications and aziridinium ylide reactivity copies Method Development and Application of in the Synthesis of Oligosaccharides Design Principles and Developments of Taylor Ashton Evans (Choi) (Goldsmith) Mass Spectrometry-based Omics Analyses Ariel Martelle Alperstein (Zanni) Integrated Solar Flow Batteries Morgan Rea Dain Brademan (Coon) Development of antimony-containing Absorption Spectroscopy of Single Polymers Gary M. Wilson (Coon) Identifying Amyloid in Cataract Lens Tissue The Development of Computational Strat- catalysts and semiconductors for (photo) Vanessa Linke (Coon) using Two-dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy and Nanoparticles Using Whispering Gallery Application and development of mass spec- egies for the Improved Interpretation and electrochemical fuel production Improved Mass Spectrometry Methods for Mode Microesonators trometry technologies to enable biological Kushal Bagchi (Ediger) Dissemination of Multi-Omic Mass Spec- Studying the Various Biological Roles of investigations Kaitlyn C. Fischer (Garand) Nicholas Lawrence Reed (Yoon) X-ray Scattering Characterization of Va- trometry Data Using Cryogenic Ion Vibrational Spectrosco- Lipids por-Deposited Glasses of Organic Semicon- Copper(II) Salts as Terminal Oxidants in Zhijie “Abe” Wu (Ge) Kyle Alexander Brown (Ge) py to Investigate the Microsolvation of Amino Lu Liu (Schomaker) ductors Photoredox Catalysis Investigations on Protein Phosphorylation Novel Proteomic Approaches to Characterize Acids and Small Peptides Visible-Light-Assisted Intramolecular Amida- and Its Regulators by Top-down Mass Spec- (Ediger) Membrane Proteins tion of Allenes Ryan D. Reeves (Schomaker) Madeleine Sara Beasley Jessi Flach (Zanni) trometry In Situ Characterization of Vapor-Deposited Part I. Transition Metal Catalyzed Cycloisom- Emily Caudill (Pedersen) Ultrafast 2D White-Light Spectroscopy of Shi Liu (Gellman) Organic Glasses erizations of Allenes. Part II. Synthetic Small Yongqian “Kelly” Zhang (Hamers) Interactions of Nanoparticles and Polymers Semiconducting Materials for Photovoltaics Modulating Signaling Selectivity and Dynam- Molecule Ionophores. Functionalization and Characterization of with Bacterial and Eukaryotic Cell Surface ics of Parathyroid Hormone Receptor with Carbon Nanomaterials: Understanding Structures Unnatural Peptidic Ligands Mechanistic Molecular Interactions in Biolog- ical Systems 4 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry * Honors Candidate ** Candidate for Distinctive Scholastic Achievement 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 5 Names missing from the list may appear in the 2019 or 2021 issues of Badger Chemist. Department welcomes new faculty & staff Climate Survey helps department address concerns By Mason Braasch and Caroline Cole climate survey, said. The four main lems seen in the UW–Madison De- Prof. Susanna Widicus Weaver brings a love of chemistry and expertise in astronomy Department Communications themes that arose from the respons- partment of Chemistry. For example,

By Caroline Cole es were clarity of advisor/PI expecta- the conclusions demonstrated a vari- Department Communications The Department of Chemistry tions, mentorship, diversity and bias, ability in graduate student experience at UW–Madison is a leader in the and teaching. dependent on one’s identity, which Vozza Professor of Chemistry country for undergraduate education, In 2017, the survey was revised by an can be addressed by providing doc- Susanna Widicus Weaver ar- graduate research, and teaching pro- eight-person team to ask about both uments with detailed expectations rived at UW–Madison in May grams. However, with success comes the negative and positive aspects of for each PI’s research environment to conduct research in pre- hard work, and hard work can have the department in contrast to the pri- and group dynamics. Although this biotic astrochemistry and on mental health impacts. or survey to ensure more accurate re- is not a department requirement, how life may form with the “Nationwide statistics indicate that sults. The 2019 survey was revised to the survey hopes to encourage PIs evolution of stars and planets. Horwitz Photo by Jessica graduate students are at a higher risk encompass feedback received for the to create such a document for their Weaver received a bachelor’s Susanna L. Widicus Weaver for exhibiting symptoms of mental 2017 survey. groups. The findings also brought in- degree in chemistry at Illinois Wes- health disorders than the general “We paid special attention to the creased awareness to the importance leyan University (2000) and her Ph.D. in chemistry at Cal- population,” said Tesia of diversity, equity and ifornia Institute of Technology (2005). She most recently Janicki, a co-leader of Nationwide statistics indicate that graduate inclusion, as those who was a professor of chemistry at Emory University. the 2019 climate survey. students are at a higher risk for exhibiting identify with historical- “This is certainly true for “ ly marginalized groups From left: Katarina Yocum, Connor Wright, Hayley Bunn and Chase Schultz symptoms of mental health disorders than What made you pursue science and research? stand on the platform of the Green Bank Telescope, with the Green Bank UW–Madison, as well as may find some mentor- Observatory 140 Foot Telescope in the background. the general population. I’ve been interested in science since I was a small child. I chemistry - one of the ship styles and support largest chemistry Ph.D. was always fascinated by space. I was thrilled in high school Who else will be working in your lab? Tesia Janicki structures less effective. when I discovered that you could combine chemistry and programs.” ” The CST’s survey has Co-leader 2019 Climate Survey astronomy. My entire career path since then has been • Hayley Bunn (4th-year graduate student) studies ox- To combat this cycle, gone beyond the De- guided by this passion. ygen insertion reactions into small organic molecules the Graduate Student dynamic between PIs and postdocs, partment of Chemistry and inspired to make molecules of astrochemical interest. Faculty Liaison Committee’s (GS- PIs and students, and the demo- other departments on and off campus What drives your passion for teaching? FLC) Climate Survey Team (CST) • Connor Wright (4th-year graduate student) studies graphics,” Janicki said. “The demo- to initiate their own surveys. implemented the third iteration of its Anyone who has a degree in chemistry can tell you that small organic ions and radicals of astrochemical interest. graphics are important for us so we “Our graduate students are amaz- most students fear physical chemistry. ACS used to hand biennial climate survey. Through the can understand how different groups, ing,” said Judith Burstyn, department out “Honk if you passed pchem” bumper stickers. My • Katarina Yocum (4th-year graduate student) has survey, they probe graduate students’ especially minoritized populations chair. “They talked to other depart- teaching goal is to make pchem less scary for students. developed a new experimental technique to study the and postdocs’ attitudes regarding in the STEM field including women, ments and to graduate school leaders. gas above an interstellar or cometary ice analog. stress, mental health and the depart- BIPOC, LGBTQ, may feel in our de- They published their work and they What excites you most about coming to Madison? ment’s work environment. • Chase Schultz (3rd-year graduate student) studies partment in comparison to the major- also shared their survey with people “We chose questions that we I am a Midwest farm girl who studies astrochemistry. I’m biological precursor molecules of astrochemical interest. ity population.” around the country who want to em- so thrilled to be back in the Midwest with such an amazing thought would encompass the grad- The survey conclusions support ulate what they have done - I think opportunity to advance my research. uate student experience,” Rebeca requests to implement solutions to that level of hard work and influence Fernandez, a co-leader of the 2019 common graduate program prob- is impressive.” CLIMATE SURVEY TEAM • Emily Bennin • Mike Malone Financial Specialist Financial Specialist • Alisa Gradney • Pubali Mandal (Zanni) Welcome Administrative Assistant Coordinating Editor/Lab Manager New Staff • Christopher Holland (Stahl) • Taylor Mathewson Researcher Graduate Student Coordinator • Arianna Imperl • Jeremy Weaver Administrative Assistant Faculty Associate Michelle Akana Laura Elmendorf Rebeca Fernandez Tesia Janicki Grace Lutovsky Marshall Padilla Brett Schneider

6 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 7 Graduate students recreate NOBCChE chapter Book club fosters important conversations By Gina C. Roesch (Garand) & Coty Weathersby (T. McMahon) By Mason Braasch Although the individual groups are Department Communications all reading the same books, they are Tough times call for tough peo- free to explore other activities and ple. One of them is Olga Riusech When Desiree Bates, a computa- grow as a group as well. Bates ex- (Garand). Balancing her first year of tional chemistry leader, AJ Boydston, plained that the group she belongs graduate school, the pandemic and a professor in the department, and to also incorporates personality ques- racial unrest throughout the country, Cathy Clewett, a senior instrument tions within their discussions, in order she still took action to make change technologist, came up with the idea to understand and connect with each happen. of a Chemistry Book Club that would other on a deeper level. After the death of George Floyd tackle hard, but relevant topics, they “I like how the personality of each and resulting protests, Riusech saw an had no idea of the interest that it group is coming out” Bates said. opportunity to facilitate change in her would gauge. More than 100 people As the groups dived into the first immediate community: the chemistry Chemistry graduate students Danica Gressel (Fredrickson) and Beau Schweitzer (Goldsmith) were fea- have joined. tured in an ACS Twitter campaign for #BlackInChem week to showcase diversity within the department chapters of the books, Bates, Boyd- department. As a member of the Lat- as well as participation in the ACS Bridge Program. “It was an exciting and overwhelm- ston, and Clewett shared that their inx Cultural Center on campus, she ing amount of interest,” Boydston ex- hope for the club is that it continues life-cycle of their careers.” The UW reemergence of NOBCChE on cam- noticed the lack of such a community claimed. to foster conversation and change chapter aims to embody every ele- pus is needed now more than ever. for Black scientists. With a few vol- Faculty members, staff, and stu- throughout the department. ment of this mission through profes- unteers, she organized a Juneteenth “With the recent violence by law dents were dispersed into nine small Artwork by Danica Gressel (Fredrickson) “My hope is that people learn some- sional, social, and outreach-oriented event to acknowledge the holiday enforcement on unarmed Black peo- groups to foster meaningful discus- thing,” Boydston said. “I hope that programming - in part as a response and celebrate the impact of Black ple, many Black and Indigenous peo- sions and experiences. While basic an active role in educating our com- they learn something about them- to the events of the summer and in chemists. The event featured a his- ple of color (BIPOC) are seeking a ground rules were put into place to munity,” Bates said. “I think that edu- selves, something about their own part because a NOBCChE chapter tory of Juneteenth, a Black Chemist strong source of academic support ensure safe spaces for all participants, cating ourselves about how systemic perspectives, and something about existed five years ago on campus but Spotlight, and a reading of a poem by and affirmation here at UW–Mad- members are free of any preexisting issues are built into society is import- the perspectives of others. I also did not survive a lack of membership. Maya Angelou. ison, a predominantly white institu- academic structure. ant. Learning about these issues is key hope that this conversation becomes With increasing awareness and ac- The event also served to promote tion,” she said. “It’s definitely not a course,” Boyd- to creating a better environment.” normalized and doesn’t become an tivism around the country and world, ston said. “We want people to feel the establishment of a new commu- Weathersby believes NOBCChE Along with providing the book rec- isolated topic. I hope it becomes an NOBCChE is a step toward ac- like they’re discussing as peers, and nity center for Black chemists and has the potential to advocate for and ommendations and discussion ques- integrated part of everything that we knowledging the department’s need that they all have the same sense of engineers. The second half of the uplift the voices of BIPOC scientists tions, Bates and Boydston are making are trying to do to improve.” to recruit and support a more diverse agency within their book club group.” event featured the who, what, where, and engineers. With more traction sure that everyone has access to the As the book club continues, Bates student body. The book club groups will all be when and why of that community -- a and student town halls, the chapter book, regardless of any issues or cir- emphasizes the importance of the reading three books; How to be an space where members and allies sup- Fortunately for Riusech, Coty has more members than ever - 25 cumstances that may cause an indi- conversations that are happening Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi, White port racial justice in STEM disciplines. Weathersby (T. McMahon), a mem- and counting - and is planning for the vidual difficulty in acquiring it. within each group, and the impact Fragility by Robin DiAngelo, and With more than Badger Chemists in ber of the original UW–Madison future. The Executive Board, led by Bates said “if they need a book, we that they could have on the Depart- Feminism is For Everybody by bell attendance, this was the first success- chapter, studies on campus as an En- chemistry graduate student Jamori- provide it.” ment of Chemistry’s community. hooks. Bates, Boyd- ful event from the newly-reformed gineering masters student. During her ous Smith (Buller), will lead informa- “This book club is a ston, and Clewett were National Organization for the Profes- undergraduate career, Weathersby tional and social events that promote direct way of giving ev- inspired to choose sional Advancement of Black Chem- found a strong source of community racial justice and equality in academia eryone the control of these books based on ists and Chemical Engineers (NOB- with the former NOBCChE chapter. and the community. changing our system the events they saw and being educated CChE) chapter at UW–Madison. “My NOBCChE family helped me Most importantly, the events will happening in society, on how to do that,” she The NOBCChE mission is, “to to feel comfortable owning my space create a community. Want to learn and the impacts that said, “we want to ac- build an eminent cadre of successful on this campus,” she said. “The com- more or support the UW–Madison these books seemed knowledge and say to diverse global leaders in STEM and munity I built through NOBCChE NOBCChE Chapter? Email Jam- to have in creating our students of color; advance their professional endeavors has given me the confidence and orious Smith or Danica Gressel at conversations. it’s not just your issue by adding value to their academic, support to earn my engineering de- [email protected] and gressel@wisc. “We wanted to take to fight, it’s all of ours.” development, leadership, and phil- gree.” edu, respectively. Desiree Bates AJ Boydston Cathy Clewett anthropic endeavors throughout the Moreover, Weathersby believes the 8 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 9 Institute for Chemical Education Connecting Science and Society: Science is Fun takes chemistry camps online By Bassam Z. Shakhashiri Cora Marrett, Harold McGee, Chad By Mason Braasch & Caroline Cole for which you could find the materi- Moore points out. To provide a sim- Professor of Chemistry & William T. Evjue Department Communications Mirkin, William Moomaw, Elliott So- als around the house, and do them ilar experience, students can find a Distinguished Chair for the Wisconsin Idea ber, Amanda Turek and Richard Zare with either some or minimal parental series of troubleshooting questions were among the guests. The Department of Chemistry’s guidance,” Tigges-Green said. in case they come across challenges Our public engagement programs Institute for Chemical Education of- Our mission is to promote literacy Most experiments require com- carrying out their experiments. reach large audiences in person, on in science, mathematics and tech- fered free summer chemistry camps mon items such as plastic bottles, “At the camps, the campers are the radio, in print, via television, social online, continuing a four-decade- nology among the general public aluminum cans or popsicle sticks. usually able to talk with the group media and the internet. The Science and to attract future generations to long tradition of education, despite But the lessons and the experiences leaders about the activity,” Tigg- is Fun truck traveled to schools, librar- disruptions caused by the pandemic. careers in research, teaching and provided are close to what the tradi- es-Green said. “We’ve added learn- ies, farmers markets, public parks and public service. The virtual camps are available to tional camps offer. ing objectives so that they can learn other community centers. children and families with computer, Science literacy enlightens and “These virtual camps provide an more from the activity.” The 50th Annual Once Upon enables people to make informed tablet or smartphone access to the experience similar to what we would The virtual format allows children a Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Institute’s website. Two groups of choices, to be skeptical, and to reject have given them at the in-person to think independently within their Shakhashiri was held at the Middle- shams, quackery, unproven conjec- virtual activities are online: one for camps, but for free. It’s not the same experiments or collaborate with ton Performing Arts Center and is children entering grades K–4 in the ture, and to avoid being bamboozled as in-person, but for quite a few of family members at home. available to watch online. We salut- into making foolish decisions where fall and another for children entering the things that we do in the camps, “Families can try it out — and ed the Wisconsin Academy of Sci- provides inspiration as we adjust grades 5–8. matters of science and technology students could do almost the same their siblings or their cousins or their ences, Arts, and Letters on its 150th and adapt to the rapid changes and are concerned. Science literacy is for Activities cover a range of scien- thing at home,” said John Moore, grandparents can try it out as well,” anniversary with bubbly cheers and uncertainty that society faces. Bibi tific topics including chemical re- everyone—scientists, artists, human- Institute director. Tigges-Green said. “It can become colorful experiments. Our last in-per- Campos-Seijo, Nadia Drake, Thomas ists, all professionals, the general pub- actions, engineering, physics and Each activity offers a science more a family activity or more a son event was on March 10, 2020 at Friedrich, Roald Hoffmann, Thom- learning how to do and troubleshoot lic, youth and adults alike. background that encourages camp- group activity with people in the Huegel School. as Holme, Neal Lane, Alan Leshner, Long live the Wisconsin Idea! experiments. The Institute worked ers to observe, think and draw scien- home.” Our emphasis is on connecting sci- to make the experiments safe, in- tific conclusions they may not reach Activities are available online at ence and society as we feature hands- expensive and easy to do at home, on their own. https://go.wisc.edu/90laby on/minds-on activities and a variety says Iszie Tigges-Green, the Insti- At in-person camps, there is one The Institute for Chemical Educa- of topics such as: Creativity Links Art tute outreach specialist. group leader for every three or four tion encourages families to provide and Science and Science and Music: “We’ve eliminated all activities children, which allows campers to feedback about the experiments Creative Cousins. Climate science Bucky Badger joins in that need to be done in a lab or re- interact with scientists — some- and send photos of the activities to workshops for faculty and teachers marking my 51st year as a quire supervision by trained staff, thing that is hard to replicate online, [email protected]. continue to be offered virtually across UW–Madison chemistry and we focused only on the activities the country. faculty member by mix- I am especially pleased with the in- ing two clear and colorless creasing number of Wisconsin Ph.D. solutions to form a bright candidates who are including in their yellow solid. Note Bucky’s theses a chapter in which they explain goggles—safety is para- their scholarly research to non-sci- mount in everything that I ence audiences. and my group do. Since March 10, my group has ex- panded our research and develop- ment work with new Experiments You Can Do at Home, new Learn What ingredients did Bucky use? Abouts, videos of home experiments The first five people to correctly identify both components and the name and entries on our YouTube channel. of the solid will receive autographed copies of Volume 5 in the Chemical Everyone is working virtually. Our Demonstrations Book Series. Send responses to [email protected]

Photos by Andrew Greenberg Photos by Andrew weekly group meetings feature a Faculty associate Andrew Greenberg’s daughter Maddyn Hilt-Greenberg creates the Gliding Car from Recycled Materials, a virtual camp activity. guest who shares perspectives and

10 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 11 Stuck at home under COVID-19 restrictions, undergraduate researchers find silver lining

By Aadhishre Kasat Department Communications & Student Researcher (Buller)

In early March, I was sitting in the Union eating stir-fry, browsing through the multitude of COVID-19 articles. I spent the next hour con- cerned by something strange in my bowl when I really should have been concerned by the rising number of cases. The next day, I went to the Buller Aadhishre Kasat works on her winning poster for the virtual Chemistry Undergraduate Research lab to review spring break plans with Symposium from home. my mentor, still unalarmed by the in- remote research plan. Although it was must be persistent. Dr. Cheri Bar- creasing numbers. Instead of going difficult, it also led to rewarding expe- ta, undergraduate research director, to Florida and spending hours at the riences, not just for me, but for almost encourages undergraduates to learn ocean, I decided to stay back and dive every undergraduate researcher. poster-making and refine their pre- into the waters of protein engineer- Natalie Feider, a class of 2020 sentation skills by participating in vir- ing. I was thrilled to spend a whole graduate and former member of the tual symposiums or lab meetings. She Photo by Prof. John Moore John Photo by Prof. week in my lab-coat and goggles! But Cavagnero lab, worked on a group lit- also encourages them to ask their alas, the excitement was fleeting. erature review by finding relevant pa- mentors to set up some experiments Chemistry instructional tower takes shape The atmosphere on campus pers and writing detailed summaries. for them or give them access to pre- By Prof. John Moore changed drastically from one of dis- She said, “Before when I read papers, viously collected data. This way, they Chemistry Facilities Committee tant possibilities to extreme caution. I read them to find something, I read can analyze the data remotely and Later, while cleaning LC-MS vials, ac- them briskly, and often didn’t finish continue being involved in experi- The long-awaited, much-needed new chemistry tower, etone made me sneeze. It felt like ev- reading them at all. Now I have devel- mentation. which will serve a growing population of undergraduate ery head turned toward me, but be- oped the practice of reading papers “Students can cultivate their com- chemistry students, is rapidly nearing completion. fore I could explain what caused the properly. I have been able to find the munication skills by practicing grant Scheduled to open in the middle of 2021, the facility sneeze, the department’s closing was gap in knowledge and connect the and proposal writing or prepare for is poised to support advanced learning techniques with announced. Suddenly, I was bleach- dots much more easily.” the GRE, for students will definite- state-of-the-art lecture rooms, modern laboratories (each ing cultures and quenching reactions, Kevin England and Anna Allen, ly be asked during graduate school with adjacent write-up rooms), a multi-purpose learning David Photo by Gerald preparing to shut down the lab. The rising seniors at the Cavagnero lab, interviews how they used this time,” TOP PHOTO: The north side of the new building is seen from the UW– studio for interactive small-group work, an information Madison Botanical Garden on University Avenue. BOTTOM PHOTO: The day originally reserved for research worked on a manuscript. Kevin said, Barta said. “How did they make prog- commons (library), an advanced synthesis lab, an under- new 360-seat lecture hall is being prepared with desks and seating. was instead spent on a flight back to “During this time, I have been able to ress in research? What skills did they graduate research project lab, informal instruction areas, hanced education and reduced time-to-degree for chem- India. plan my future experiments and think challenge themselves to learn? Stu- and offices and support spaces. istry majors and students in many other degree programs Coming back home mid-semester, of contingency plans, as well as learn dents should be prepared to answer When renovation of the basement, first, and second such as engineering, biological sciences, and physical sci- especially to the opposite time zone, kinetic and structural modeling using such questions.” floors of the Daniels building is complete in summer 2022, ences. meant a lot of changes. It meant be- software such as Pymol and Copasi!” Now more than ever, it’s important the department’s facilities supporting chemistry learning Look for a more extensive feature and photo gallery in ing unable to attend lab meetings Samantha Ausman, a rising senior, to celebrate the small accomplish- will be second to none—commensurate with our traditional the 2021 Badger Chemist or follow our progress online. because they were too early in the as part of her REU program, learned ments and stay connected. These are strong commitment to chemistry education. morning. It meant having to reorient computational chemistry and coding. challenging times, but just like dia- Each year the Department of Chemistry teaches more MORE >> my entire life while keeping up with Although summer has ended, and monds, we too need a little pressure than 13,000 undergraduate students from a wide array classes, being quarantined in my bed- to some extent, our motivation to before we can shine. of majors. The Chemistry Building Project promises en- VIEW PHOTO GALLERY & UPDATES ONLINE AT: room, and coming up with a feasible stare at computer screens too, we www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu 12 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 13 Postdoc starts world-wide literature discussions By Aadhishre Kasat Ottawa, and the University Chemists get creative in The Benzine Department Communications & Student Researcher (Buller) of New Hampshire were in- By Tatum Lyles Flick and chemist identities together, was vited to join, expanding the Department Communications well worth the time and effort. Morgan Howe, a new addition to Sam Pazicni’s group at meeting of five to 25. Gaz- The Benzine took shape over a year the UW–Madison chemistry department, began her post- ing at her computer screen, The Benzine is a newly developed of planning, as the team met with doctoral fellowship with a bang! She initiated a popular on- somehow trying to fathom art and literary magazine published department leadership and created line literature discussion group, filling a need for chemists the appearance of 20 new each fall and spring by a group of a solid foundation and project plan. across the world to connect and learn virtually. faces, Howe thought that chemistry graduate students. The ed- The first issue, which received more As a Ph.D. student pursuing organic chemistry at the perhaps there were others itorial team includes Philip Lampkin submissions than the team could print University of California-Los Angeles, Howe participated in yearning for a communi- (Gellman), Danica Gressel (Fredrick- and which has been read more than a local ACS meeting which led to the beginning of some- ty. After seeing research- son), Robin Morgenstern (Pazicni), 1250 times as of November 8, offers a thing quite extraordinary. During the session, she attended ers from Canada join, she Howe Rachel Czerwinski (Goldsmith), Jairo wide array of original art pieces. a presentation on chemistry education research and was thought that there may be others around the world who Villalona (Buller), and Sophya Ala- In the future, the editorial team fascinated by the depth of the field. The prospect of ex- would be interested in being part of the chemistry liter- mudun (advisor TBD, first year). hopes to expand the zine to include ploring teaching methods and understanding how students ature discussion initiative. She could already envision the Lampkin came up with the idea to audio and video submissions, and to learn intrigued her to such an extent that she switched her platform becoming global. help his fellow chemists share their build collaborations with libraries and path to chemistry education. She tweeted about her initiative and was taken aback by artistic abilities, but the editorial team professional organizations to expand “Applications of a chemistry degree have changed sig- the overwhelming response. Scholars from Germany and also honed their skills in project man- readership. nificantly over the past couple of decades,” she explained. Australia started joining the meetings. agement, collaboration, organization, Morgenstern and Robin Gressel art by Danica Cover “However, the way we teach the subject hasn’t evolved. In “This is truly a unique opportunity where geographi- graphic design and technology along diately on board. I have always been order to recommend cal boundaries don’t the way. passionate about Chemistry and Art MORE >> changes to the current Getting the chance to speak to such amazing matter,” Howe said. “When Philip approached me with but have never truly combined the two,” Gressel said, adding that The FIND A LINK TO THE BENZINE AT structure, several large people, coming from diverse backgrounds, led to “This experience has the idea of The Benzine I was imme- www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu questions need to be “ Benzine, which helped meld her artist some brilliant discussions. allowed me to look answered. Such as, outside my bubble. Morgan Howe how do experts versus Getting the chance to amateurs understand ”Postdoctoral Scientist Art & science exhibit goes virtual speak to such amaz- By Caroline Cole certain chemistry con- has become ever more important to an online format in April. ing people, coming from diverse backgrounds, led to some Department Communications cepts, or, how well are tests designed.” Since her switch to with the onset of the novel coronavi- “We are all well aware of viruses brilliant discussions. Although this started as a forum for rus. these days,” Blackwell said. “Giving this domain is recent, Howe has been in a constant practice discussing literature, it is also now a place of networking.” COVID-19 has universally dis- of educating herself. She has been doing so by indulging in Originally developed as a per- the viewer an appreciation of bacte- Originally the plan was to have single time slots twice a rupted the way humans interact with formative showcase in Germany at ria was our initial motivation, but now years of published peer-reviewed literature. week, but since international researchers also wanted to be other humans and the environment. Before the department closed in March to prevent Frankfurter Kunstverein that debuted we are starting to explore a broader part of the discussion, multiple time slots were organized With stricter enforcement of face in October 2019, dancers symbolized swath of microbes you cannot see but COVID-19, Howe enjoyed meeting with members from with rotations. Slowly, independent scholars from research coverings, handwashing and physical other groups to discuss literature. These meetings pro- the movement of bacterial communi- have dramatic impacts on us and how institutions also became a part of the forum. The scope of distancing, individuals and microbes cation. we interact.” vided a platform for sharing unique perspectives and a discussions broadened to education research in other dis- are interacting differently. chance to learn from other’s experiences. However, the “The performance seeks to point Their book of the exhibit is set to ciplines. Initially, Howe picked the papers, devised discus- Nearly three years ago, Artist Sonja out that a living being cannot be re- release in early 2021 and it will explore doors to such collaborative opportunities seemed to snap sion questions, and led the meetings, then other members Bäumel and UW–Madison Prof. Hel- shut with the doors to the chemistry building. After being duced to its DNA and that its explo- Blackwell and Bäumel’s three-year- stepped up and led discussions too. The forum became an en Blackwell teamed up to research ration of social relationships requires, long collaboration and their online cooped up at home, Howe longed for a community more overflowing cup of leadership opportunities. microbial communication. Now, their than anything else. She reestablished the biweekly forum among other things, an artistic and exhibit. In the future, Howe hopes to strengthen the discussion exhibit, “What would a microbe say?” philosophical extension of scientific The “What would a microbe say?” for discussing chemistry education literature with fellow by inviting authors of each paper being discussed. She department members by adapting it to a virtual form. All tools,” the exhibit’s online exhibit will be available until believes that their addition to the group could lead to in- description states. December 31, 2020. invited members were thrilled by this opportunity and ea- sightful conversations about the standards and the direc- ger to reconnect, once again highlighting how research of With the onset tion of the field. Presently, the literature discussion club is of COVID-19 and every form, on every level, can be a collaborative process. taking a break while members manage fall term responsi- MORE >> Something that started as a local effort grew rapidly. regulations for bilities, but Howe hopes to resume sessions next summer FIND A LINK TO THE EXHIBIT AT During one of the Pazicni group meetings, students and in-person events, and invites all interested readers to reach her via email at the exhibit moved www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu faculty from the University of Michigan, University of [email protected] to be added to the mailing list. Montalti Photo by Maurizio 14 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 15 Atmospheric chemists join battle against COVID-19 Gellman lab works on ways to

By Aadhishre Kasat Department Communications & block SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells Student Researcher (Buller) By Tatum Lyles Flick “Because we had the right collabo- peptide much faster. We synthesize Department Communications rators and because we had a strategy a peptide derived from a specific do- When COVID-19 first hit, many that can map onto this problem, we main on the spike protein of SARS- people hastily adopted work-from- Prof. Samuel Gellman and his group had to try this,” Gellman said. “How- CoV-2, which binds once the fusion home protocols. Trips outside were have been working on strategies to ever, we understand that it is very protein activates, preventing entry limited to grocery runs; suddenly, prevent infection by pathogenic vi- difficult to develop new therapeutic into the cell.” fruits and vegetables became synon- ruses for several years. They are now agents, even for very large compa- using that work as a launching pad for Long peptides are rapidly degrad- ymous with ramen and ready-to-eat nies.” ed in biological environments, so the food choices. Social lives compressed research on SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Due to their previous work on RSV Gellman lab modifies the peptide to the six inches of mobile phone backbone to slow that screens. Facetime Fridays with steam- This work, led by post- We synthesize a peptide derived from a specific degradation. Creating ing cups of coffee, arguably with three Bertram Tim Photo by Prof. doctoral scientist Victor Using a classroom simulation set-up in Mechanical Engineering, the Bertram Group assessed the spatial domain on the spike protein of SARS-CoV- , such peptides requires too many shots of espresso, became Outlaw, includes collab- 2 variability in respiratory aerosol emitted from mannequins equipped to disperse aerosol particles into the room. “ a lot of work; however, routine. Today, even with the pan- orations with virologists which binds once the fusion protein activates, the Gellman lab has a demic running rampant, things are is because indoor environments, in us assess the amount of buffer time from Columbia Universi- preventing entry into the cell. head start because of very different. Slowly people are par- comparison, are not as thoroughly required between consecutive class- ty Medical Center (Anne their experience creat- ticipating in more in-person activities; ventilated. To understand the risks es,” Bertram said. Matteo and Matteo Victor Outlaw ing inhibitors for other however, often without a complete associated with sitting in such spaces, “From a research perspective, I want ”Postdoctoral Scientist Porotto) and a group in viruses. understanding of the risks. the relationship between actions such to track particulates and the viruses Galveston, TX. The Columbia-Wis- and HPIV3, the Gellman lab and According to the National Acad- as laughing, singing, and the diameter they may carry as they are being ex- consin team has previously designed “Working on something that has a their collaborators were able to make potential direct application in the clin- emies of Science, there is growing and the number of the aerosol par- hausted out into the room,” Bertram peptides intended to block the fusion significant progress over the past six evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can also ticles ejected needs to be resolved, said. “This is challenging because of HPIV3 and RSV, enveloped viruses ic has been one of the hallmarks of my months. The first paper from this col- time here,” Outlaw said. “It definitely spread through airborne transmission; as well as what percentages of those there are pieces of the puzzle that we that target the respiratory system and laboration recently appeared in the viral particles evaporate, instead of particles contain active forms of the simply do not know. We do not know are particularly dangerous to young makes you feel like you might actu- journal mBio. The research efforts ally make a difference in somebody’s depositing to a surface, and enter the virus. Answering this question will how many viruses are in an individual children and the elderly. continue. room’s circulation to spread beyond health – in human health.” help evaluate how effective physical aerosol particle as a function of size. SARS-CoV-2 is also an enveloped the six-foot radius. The long-term goal distancing strategies are and at what We do not know the dose-response virus, which means that its viral parti- To prevent airborne transmission, is to develop mole- rate particles are lost from circulation curve for SARS-CoV-2. But we have cles are surrounded by a membrane Tim Bertram, professor of chemistry cules that can be in- through physical processes. not had this information for calculat- that must fuse with a human cell mem- and affiliate professor of Atmospher- haled to block fusion In collaboration with Prof. David ing risk for other types of airborne brane to cause infection. In the 1980s, ic and Oceanic Sciences, explained and protect frontline Rothamer and Prof. Scott Sanders, diseases, so the best we can do is set scientists learned that blocking enve- the importance of understanding how care providers and from the mechanical engineering policies in place to control variables lope-membrane fusion could prevent air moves inside and outside closed susceptible popula- department, and Johnson Controls, we understand.” infection by HIV. A decade ago, the spaces and how airborne particulates tions from infection. Bertram’s team found that viral parti- Bertram explained that the key Gellman lab began developing a new can carry the virus. Bertram, along Later they plan to cles ejected in rooms with four times principles are clear: physical distanc- approach to fusion inhibitors by work- with assistant scientist Joe Gord and see if the same com- higher ventilation rates have a 10-15 ing while wearing masks, even though ing on anti-HIV compounds. graduate student Stephanie Richards, percent lower initial concentration, they are not 100 percent efficient, pounds could be used has been trying to determine trans- reach a steady-state faster, and decay makes a difference. Limiting the time Their experience with other vi- to treat those who are mission pathways and vectors in a faster. Bertram’s team also found that spent indoors, increasing ventilation, ruses enabled the Gellman lab and already infected. typical indoor environment and engi- wearing a mask reduces the ejected and clean air delivery rates also make their collaborators to pivot to SARS- “We learned a lot neering controls that can be utilized particle concentration by at least 20- a difference. CoV-2 as the pandemic was looming. from my initial project to mitigate associated risks. 30 percent in the near-field region. Since March, this trans-national team that we could apply Bertram explained that there is “These experiments help us under- MORE >> has been developing long, synthetic directly to Coronavi- peptides and asking if those peptides greater evidence for airborne trans- stand what is occurring in a room af- rus,” Outlaw said. “It Liu (Gellman) Photo by Lei mission in indoor environments than ter it has been vacated, which is valu- FIND THE FULL STORY AND VIDEO AT: can stop the virus from infecting hu- allowed us to identi- Postdoctoral researcher Victor Outlaw synthesizes amino acids for the outdoors or between rooms. This able information because it will help www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu man cells. fy a fusion inhibitory incorporation into peptides. 16 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 17 Collaboration goes viral tackling COVID-19 ACS Organic Division launches new data site By Rachel M. Miller of a collaborator capable of safely lation of receptor molecules for other Abridged version of a news release from Graduate Student (Smith) growing SARS-CoV-2, and infect- viruses. the ACS Division of Organic Chemistry & Rachel A. Knoener ing human cells. Yoshihiro Kawaoka, The team has identified a human Postdoctoral Scientist (Smith, Sherer) professor of pathobiological sciences, lung cell line, Calu-3 2B4, which can be The American Chemical Society and virologist Peter Halfmann began reliably infected with SARS-CoV-2. Organic Division released a new re- The onset of the COVID-19 pan- researching SARS-CoV-2 early in the HyPR-MS. Analysis using these hu- source for organic chemists: demic has been a call to action for pandemic and were willing to gener- man cells is just beginning, but the OrganicChemistryData.org many within the scientific commu- ate and provide infected cell cultures team is excited about what they will to the Smith and Sherer groups. find. Once a list of human proteins The idea and majority of the cur- nity. Long-time collaborators, Lloyd rent content (~1500 html pages + 650 Smith, professor of chemistry, and Initial HyPR-MS experiments used that interact with the SARS-CoV-2 Vero cells (African green monkey) viral RNAs is finalized, it will be made PDF files) is from the late emeritus Nathan Sherer, associate professor of Prof. Hans J. Reich (see feature on molecular virology and oncology with infected with SARS-CoV-2, while available to other research groups, the groups investigated which hu- and the team will begin biological page 34), a pioneer in distribution the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer of educational content via the world The home page of the new Organic Chemistry Data website offers content and resources to help man lung cell lines were susceptible studies investigating the importance students and researchers. Research and Institute for Molecu- wide web, who served his entire pro- lar Virology, set out, along with their to infection. The pilot experiments of the RNA-binding host proteins in Organic Division assistant webmas- Hans Reich’s wife, and her family for demonstrated efficient capture of the the viral replication process. fessional academic career at UW– students, to contribute to the global Madison. ter, with initial oversight, support and supporting this project, where we are understanding of SARS-CoV-2 by SARS-CoV-2 RNAs and provided Members of the Smith Lab are direction from Brian Myers, Organ- able to honor his 25+ years of website adapting the Smith group’s Hybrid- preliminary candidates for protein pleased to have the opportunity to Upon his untimely death in 2020, ic Division webmaster, and Joseph efforts in support of the broader or- ization Purification of RNA-protein interactors. Particularly promising is contribute to the growing body of the division offered to assist in main- Ward, Organic Division head web- ganic chemistry community. complexes followed by Mass Spec- an RNA-activated antiviral enzyme knowledge on SARS-CoV-2, and taining Reich’s extensive online re- master. called OAS3 that interacts with the for the opportunity to work with such sources, which impact the organic trometry (HyPR-MS) technology to We are grateful to the University the study of SARS-CoV-2. viral genomic RNA and a protein wonderful collaborators. They are chemistry community worldwide. called SNX27 which interacts with the thankful to the Sherer and Kawaoka This new website contains a list of of Wisconsin–Madison (especially MORE >> Rachel Knoener, a joint postdoc the Department of Chemistry) for between the labs, developed HyPR- RNA that encodes the viral spike pro- laboratories for making this exciting about 300 web-based resources on READ THE FULL NEWS RELEASE AT: tein and has been implicated in regu- work possible. organic chemistry for quick access to their support in this project. We also www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu MS as a graduate student with Smith. graciously thank Dr. Ieva L. Reich, HyPR-MS enables the identification high-quality information. of host proteins that interact with spe- The linked pages have been select- cific RNAs. These protein interactors ed for ease of use, broad applicabil- Reich Collection Highlights are likely to have important roles in vi- ity, and quality of coverage. Topics ral replication, making them potential include: • Comprehensive topics in NMR database drug targets. The Smith and Sherer • Reaction Info groups will emulate the strategy de- • Chemical Data • NMR Spectral Database with approximately 650 high quality NMR vised by Nevan Krogan, professor • Spectroscopy Resources spectra, which are searchable and grouped by functional group, of cellular and molecular pharmacol- • Organic Compound Info molecular formula, NMR spin systems, techniques, multinuclear, ogy at the University of California • Safety and spectral level San Francisco (https://www.nytimes. • Chemical Societies & Portals com/2020/03/17/science/corona • Literature Sources • Information on some of the fundamentals of organic chemistry. e.g. virus-treatment.html) to identify FDA • Laboratory Techniques pKa tables, electron pushing, A-values, nomenclature, organome- approved drugs which may disrupt • Useful Software tallic chemistry (esp. organolithium reagents), pericyclic reactions, reduction and oxidation viral RNA and host protein interac- • Resources for Educators & Students tions, providing promising candidates • Organic Chemistry Videos for a safe and readily available SARS- • Approximately 700 total syntheses, searchable and categorized by CoV-2 treatment. Website set-up and content con- compound name, named reactions used, chemoselectivity, rings This work required the participation version for use on a wide range of formed, reaction types, reagents used and year of publication. Graphic depicting the experimental process of HyPS-MS that is being utilized to study SARS-CoV-2 electronic devices was completed by the following volunteers: Khoi Van,

18 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 19 Instructors, students find benefits in virtual learning By Tatum Lyles Flick Department Updates on Collaboration, Department Communications

This year’s pandemic-induced on- Research, Travel & Other Activities line instruction did not stop students from enrolling in chemistry courses, but it did give instructors and teach- ing assistants (TAs) experience using a different instructional medium. “Teaching CHEM 344 online was definitely a unique experience,” said TA Maggie McEwan. “Teaching on-

line requires a different set of skills Technology Academic DoIT Herreid, Photo by Alyson compared to teaching in a classroom Cameras are set up to record laboratory components of general chemistry for instructional videos. or lab, so I think I learned a lot this efit to the online environment is more Starting with the addition of reagents summer right along with the stu- direct and meaningful exchanges to a flask, students observed all steps dents.”

with students in large problem-solv- in the experimental and chemical dis- Cheri Barta Photo by Dr. Photo by Steph Adams, University of Illinois UC of Illinois University Photo by Steph Adams, McEwan added that she missed ing/Q&A sessions (whole-class/ posal procedure. They also focused face-to-face interactions, but appre- lecture) where it is easier to interact on finding authentic and meaningful Blackwell Group Ediger Group ciated how students were engaged individually with students via BBCol- ways to assess student learning of Three undergraduate students in the Blackwell group In November, Mark Ediger presented the Birnbaum with the material and discussions. laborate video and chat, respond to hands-on material taught by video. (pictured above), Michael Kuehne, Rebecca Gillis, and Award Lecture at the University of Illinois (pictured Two chemistry courses made the their questions, and identify where “The instructors heavily empha- Akshith Mandepally, participated in the 17th annual Re- above). The graphic on the award plaque illustrates vapor top ten list, based on number of en- they might be struggling with con- sized the development of skills which search in the Rotunda, hosted by the University of Wis- deposition. rolled students over the summer. cepts,” Pesavento said, adding that enable students to make coherent consin System. Claire Evensen (not pictured) from the Introductory Organic Chemistry students agreed, citing positive inter- arguments about a chemical reac- Record group also participated. During the event they Ge & Jin Group Collaboration Lab had the highest enrollment of actions and a sense of community. tion based on experimental data,” presented posters and their research to visitors and mem- any class and Intermediate Organ- The organic chemistry instructional Hill said. “Maintaining these learning bers of the state legislature. Researchers in the Ge and Jin labs developed a meth- ic Chemistry had the second high- team, comprised of organic lab di- outcomes in an online course en- od, called nanoproteomics, to capture and measure dif- est. General chemistry courses also rector Dr. Nick Hill and assistant lab tailed significant changes in the type Cavagnero Group ferent forms of cardiac troponin I, a biomarker of heart maintained pre-pandemic enrollment directors Dr. Aubrey Ellison and Dr. of questions included in the lab report Graduate student news: Hanming Yang gave an oral damage currently used to help diagnose heart attacks numbers. Brian Esselman, decided that their for each experiment and the course presentation at the Chicago Area NMR Discussion and other heart diseases. The scientists hope it will lead The general chemistry instruction program should focus on videoed ex- exams.” Group Conference in November 2019. Miranda Mecha to more accurate diagnostic tests. The research was pub- team, which used videos, pre-class periments and opportunities for stu- “I saw TAs and instructors go above received a Robert C. Doban Mentorship Award for men- lished in Nature Communications. Read the full story here: readings and quizzes to increase stu- dents and TAs to connect. and beyond to do much more than toring Natalie Feider on molecular chaperone research. https://go.wisc.edu/n3028z dent engagement, focused on syn- “Transforming the CHEM 344 or- what was required,” said one of the Meranda Masse received the 2020 Straka Award, which chronous instruction. ganic laboratory course to remote students. “The organic lab was one of is given annually to one graduate student at UW–Madi- Gilbert Group “Most of these elements were al- instruction was an immense logisti- the best run courses I have taken at son, a travel award by the Biophysical Society to present ready created during the REACH cal and pedagogical challenge,” Hill this university!” her research at the annual meeting in February 2020 in The Gilbert group was recently featured at news.wisc. curriculum revision,” explained Dr. said. “How do you convert a practi- Most large organic chemistry San Diego, CA and a research poster presentation award edu for research on coral reef formation. The researchers Theresa Pesavento, director of teach- cal course that relies on students re- courses were mainly asynchronous by the Biophysical Society. Rachel Hutchinson received observed reef-forming corals to identify how they create ing and learning. The REACH initia- cording observations, performing lab with some synchronous elements, en- a Graduate Research Fellowship from the UW–Madison their skeletons. The results suggest that corals can resist tive, which started in 2016, focused on techniques, and generating and ana- abling each student to work through TEAM Science Training Program. Justin Dang joined ocean acidification caused by rising carbon dioxide lev- interactive and inclusive learning with lyzing their own data into an entirely material at their own pace, while stay- the Cavagnero group as a graduate student in Novem- els, and that controlling water temperature, not acidity, is increased student engagement. online experience yet maintain au- ing connected through virtual office ber 2019. In other news, visiting scientist Valeria Guzman crucial to mitigating loss and restoring reefs. Read the full Though online instruction presents thenticity and a sense of discovery?” hours and group review sessions. Luna gave an oral presentation at the 25th Annual Stress article at: https://go.wisc.edu/i7288r challenges, many students responded Hill performed and narrated each Both programs plan to use the vid- Response and Molecular Chaperone Meeting at North- positively. experiment, as if leading a group eos in future semesters as preparation western University in January 2020. Find our other award “Instructors reported that one ben- of students through the procedure. material for students and TAs. winners in the awards listing on page 29. 20 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 21 Graduate Student istry. She is currently the John Gam- Faculty Liaison Committee ble Kirkwood Professor of Chemistry COSTUME CONTEST at Yale University. TCI at UW–Mad- The GSFLC Community Building ison established the award in 1991 in Subcommittee held a Halloween cos- response to a generous bequest from tume contest through which partici- Prof. Joseph O. Hirschfelder (1911- pants submitted photos from home. 90) and his widow, Dr. Elizabeth S. The winners, chosen by a department Hirschfelder. Over the course of his vote, are John Wright, Katie Kruszyns- 40-year career, Prof. Hirschfelder es- ki and Alicia Tripp, and AJ Boydston. tablished himself as a leader in teach- The GSFLC Climate Survey Team ing, research, and public service at the (CST) implemented the third iteration university and in the broader research 1ST of its biennial climate survey Decem- PLACE! community. The award commemo- ber 2019 to January 2020 for graduate rates his role as a pioneering member students and postdocs. The CST pre- of the theoretical chemistry field, be- sented results of the survey in a depart- ginning in the late 1930s. Photo submitted by Ginger Ann Contreras The Wickens group worked with local artists as part of the Science to Street Art project. The mural is ment-wide virtual seminar in July. 96 being installed near a bike path and school on a wall at the Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and staff attended to listen to the re- Weix Group that collaboration is being installed at made it clear that John would seek a sults and recommendations reported Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment position in chemistry. Seeking an op- The Weix and Yoon groups have during the event. Four major themes Plant, near a bike path and school. tical analogue of NMR formed the each secured $50,000 in funding emerged from survey responses: Clar- Wickens and his students worked with basis for his research program. He has RD from ACS Green Chemistry Institute ity of PI/Advisor Expectations; Men- 3 2ND local artists on the project theme - a worked on that goal throughout his PLACE! PLACE! Pharmaceutical Roundtable awards. torship and Other Training; Diversity Photos submitted by contestants Molecular Structure Mural, which in- career and just now, it is becoming a UW–Madison was the only institution and Bias; Teaching. Learn more in the cludes how water interacts with nature. reality. John intends to push this tech- Winners of the GSFLC Community Building Subcommittee’s socially distant Halloween costume contest with two projects funded. The Weix story on page 7. are: John Wright (1st Place), Katie Kruszynski and Alicia Tripp (2nd Place) and AJ Boydston (3rd Place) nology as far as it will go into all the group received the award for Met- “ areas of science where spectroscopy is al-Mediated Electrochemistry: A New Wright Group used so it can attain the original prom- Frontier for Surfactants,” which aims to Jin & Wright Group Collaboration nanoscale. Read the full story here: ganic-electrochemistry-virtual-course ise of a true optical analogue of NMR decrease the environmental impact of The Jin group published an article https://go.wisc.edu/715ijc We hope you will be able to join us. After 48 years at Wisconsin, John that is useful to all chemists. on twisting two-dimensional (2D) ma- Graduate student Chase Salazar synthetic electrochemistry by running Wright became an emeritus profes- the reactions in water/surfactant mix- sor in May, but John is not retiring. He terials research in the journal Science. Stahl Group led a team of researchers to develop They discovered a way to directly palladium catalysts for “C–H oxida- tures instead of pure organic solvents. will become a full-time researcher. He Yoon Group grow twisting, microscopic spirals of Shannon Stahl and Mohammad tion reactions” that can streamline While great advancements have been expects that his research program will made in electrochemistry recent- expand, not contract. John’s research The Yoon and Weix groups have 2D materials on curved surfaces. The Rafiee will teach an Organic Electro- the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and each secured $50,000 in funding ability to rationally control the interlay- chemistry Short Course, from January agrochemicals. This work, recently re- ly, there is usually a need for dipolar program was motivated by attending aprotic solvents that are less desirable a symposium on lasers in 1972 that from ACS Green Chemistry Institute er twists in 2D layers can allow scien- 13-15, 2021. With the pandemic con- ported in Science (https://science.sci- Pharmaceutical Roundtable awards. tists to study quantum physics on the tinuing to limit in-person contact, the encemag.org/content/early/recent), to use on a larger scale. This grant included all of the most famous laser leverages the expertise of UW–Mad- scientists. There was great excitement UW–Madison was the only institution course will be offered in a virtual for- significantly reduces the amount of with two projects funded. The Yoon mat. The presentations will take place palladium catalyst needed and allows ison in electrochemistry with the Weix over all the things that a laser could do group received the award for “Oxida- from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. CST each day, and oxygen gas to be used as the oxidant. group’s expertise in transition-metal because of its coherence. It was seen catalysis. as the key to an optical analogue of tive C–N Cross-Coupling Enabled by will be followed by a one hour ques- Iron Photochemistry”. The central goal tion-and-answer/discussion session NMR. The panel discussion that fol- Theoretical Chemistry Institute lowed concluded with the presenters of this project is to develop an inno- each day of lectures. There will be short vative and sustainable new paradigm lab tutorial videos included in some of Wickens Group answering the final question, “What is TCI awarded Prof. Sharon Hammes- the most important application of la- for oxidative C–N, C–C, and C–O the lectures. More information about The Wickens group collaborated Schiffer the 2020-21 Joseph O. sers?” The answer from each of them cross-coupling reactions. This con- the topics to be covered in the course with artists Ingrid Kallick and Peter Hirschfelder Prize in Theoretical was, “Chemistry.” The follow-up ques- ceptually novel strategy uses non-tox- and a link to the registration website Krsko as part of the Science to Street Chemistry. Hammes-Schiffer is a tion was, “Why aren’t chemists using ic, earth-abundant iron salts as both may be accessed on the course web- Art project through the Wisconsin In- physical chemist who contributed to lasers?” The answer was, “They don’t photocatalysts and terminal oxidants. site: https://stahl.chem.wisc.edu/or- stitutes of Discovery - and the result of Graphic submitted by Song Jin Graphic theoretical and computational chem- know how to use lasers.” That answer 22 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 23 Alumni Updates: Catch up with fellow Badger Chemists Kenneth T. Gillen (Ph.D. 1970, Noggle) at UW. Their two year old son and four year old daughter Here we share some of the Alumni Profile updates submitted online. See them all atBadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu Gillen was honored for technical competency and contri- can’t wait to visit the campus and see the Badgers play at Camp Randall. Jonathan Bohmann (Ph.D. 1996, Weinhold/Farrar) Peter K. Dorhout (Ph.D. 1989, Ellis) butions to rubber technology as winner of the 2020 Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award. Gillen worked Bohmann, who works for the Southwest Research Institute Peter K. Dorhout from Kansas State University has been for the Sandia National Laboratories as a polymer chemist in San Antonio, TX, is a staff scientist for a COVID-19 named vice president for research (VPR) at Iowa State until retirement in 2004, and now serves as a consultant. drug discovery project in partnership with the Department University. Dorhout, a fellow of the American Association of Defense. The project is using DoD supercomputers to for the Advancement of Science and former president of quickly screen drug compounds that may treat COVID-19. the American Chemical Society, currently serves as VPR Kathy Gisser (Ph.D. 1992, Ellis) The work is funded by a one-year $1.9 million contract from and professor of chemistry at Kansas State. He will begin Gisser, a staff scientist at Sherwin-Williams Co., Cleveland, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of his tenure in Ames by Jan. 25, 2021. Ohio, was featured in the book Find Your Path: Unconven- Military Medicine, and makes use of a 3D drug screening Adam Dunkelberger (Ph.D. 2013, Crim) tional Lessons from 36 Leading Scientists and Engineers software tool that Bohmann authored, Rhodium™, which (The MIT Press). In the book scientists offer personal predicts how protein structures in infectious diseases bind Dunkelberger, who works as a Research Chemist for the accounts of the challenges, struggles, successes, U-turns, with drug compounds. U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, was awarded the Presi- and satisfactions encountered in their careers in industry, dential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Kristin Briney (Ph.D. 2010, Crim) academia, and government. (mitpress.mit.edu/books/find- (Treichel) 1975 Ph.D. Shaw, Photo submitted by David your-path) Briney is the Biology Librarian at Caltech. She and husband Adam Garske (Ph.D. 2008, Denu) Andy Schmitt (Ph.D. 2009, Jin) moved from Wisconsin to Leslie M. Klevay (B.S. 1956, Meloche; MD 1960) Treichel Group Los Angeles in 2019. She authored the book “Data Man- Garske works in the Nutrition and Biosciences division of DuPont, and has been there for the last nine years. At Du- agement for Researchers: Organize, Maintain and Share Klevay has been married for 53 years and has three chil- Alumni of Paul Treichel’s Inorganic Chemistry group (pic- Pont, Garske engineers enzymes for industrial applications Your Data for Research Success.” dren and six grandchildren. One son and daughter-in-law tured above), David Shaw (Ph.D. 1975) and Rick Wong such as use in laundry detergents (highlighted in the TED are graduates of the UW Medical School. He climbed (Ph.D. 1977) had a reunion in Hong Kong in January. Da- talk). This involves altering the amino acid sequence of the Bruce Bursten (Ph.D. 1978, Fenske) Mt. Fuji and traveled the upper 85 miles of the Mississip- vid and his wife Marsha completed a Singapore to Hong enzyme from what is found in nature to maximize perfor- pi River by canoe. Last year he achieved the equivalent of Kong cruise in early January, and had dinner with Rick and mance in the given application. For the last several years, Bursten received the 2020 ACS Award for Distinguished three equatorial trips around the world on his bicycle. His his wife Annie at a restaurant on Hong Kong island. Da- Garske has been working on proteases—enzymes that Service in the Advancement of Inorganic Chemistry. See 1973 MGB-GT has the license KUPFER in honor of his vid is retired from many years of teaching at Madison Area catalyze the degradation of other proteins. The goal is to the story on page 26. theory that most heart disease is caused by copper defi- Technical College, in addition to collaborating on several create proteases that are highly active in laundry, stable and ciency (Nutr Res Rev 29:172, 2016). He received valuable Chemical Education projects with the department. Rick Tess Carlson (BS 2019, Cavagnero; MA Stanford 2020) manufacturable. Ultimately, these enzymes enable laun- experience as a teaching assistant in quantitative analysis was vice-president of research and now continues as pro- dry to be done without heating, which results in significant Carlson, who teaches chemistry at Raoul Wallenberg Tra- (with Leussing and Blaedal) during his senior year. He has fessor of chemistry at Hong Kong Baptist University. He energy savings. View the TED talk called How designing ditional High School in San Francisco, California, was se- published more than 250 publications in 95 different jour- sent several of his students to Madison for their graduate brand-new enzymes could change the world here: lected as a 2020 teaching fellow by the Knowles Teacher www.ted. nals and in 30+ books. He was awarded the Klaus Schwarz degrees over the years. The meal and the conversations Initiative, a program which supports early career high school com/talks/adam_garske_how_designing_brand_new_ Commemorative Medal of the International Association of were wonderful. The Shaws left Hong Kong a few days af- mathematics and science teachers. enzymes_could_change_the_world Bioinorganic Scientists and Medical Alumni Citation from ter the dinner, just as the authorities were starting to realize the UW Medical Alumni Association. He is a Fellow of the that the virus coming out of Wuhan did have human-to-hu- American Society for Nutrition in honor of a distinguished man transmission. career in the science of nutrition and of the American As- sociation for the Advancement of Science for distinguished Thomas Welter (Ph.D. 1977, Zimmerman) WE CREATED A NEW FEATURE contributions to the field of copper nutrition in humans. TO HELP YOU STAY CONNECTED! Welter retired after 35 years with Eastman Kodak Compa- Brian Parker (MS 2010, Gellman) ny and two years with Novomer Inc. Alumni Profiles Parker is an assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, an assistant program director of SEE MORE ALUMNI UPDATES & SHARE YOURS AT residency and researches how to optimize the delivery of MORE >> BADGERCHEMISTNEWS.CHEM.WISC.EDU critical and emergency care to morbidly obese patients. He and his wife celebrated their 11th anniversary, and look FIND & SHARE ALUMNI PROFILES AT: www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu. back fondly on their first year of marriage, when they were

24 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 25 FEATURED BADGER CHEMIST Department wins Regents’ Diversity Award By Tatum Lyles Flick Bruce Bursten, Ph.D. 1978 (Fenske) Department Communications By Aadhishre Kasat The University of Wisconsin–Mad- Department Communications & ison Department of Chemistry re- Student Researcher (Buller) ceived a 2020 Diversity Award from the University of Wisconsin System Prof. Bruce Bursten received his Board of Regents. The award rec- Ph.D. in chemistry from UW–Madi- ognizes the department’s efforts to son in 1978. He was recently honored enhance underrepresented students’ with the 2020 ACS Award for Distin-

access to and success in the chemis- Bryce Richter /UW–Madison guished Service in the Advancement try graduate program. of Inorganic Chemistry. “This award celebrates a key point Members of the UW–Madison chemistry department receive a Diversity Award at the Board of Bursten’s journey toward the ACS Regents meeting held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Feb. 7, 2020. award has been profoundly guided Bruce Bursten Photo submitted by Prof. in our progress toward fostering Prof. Bruce Bursten (center) stands with Emeritus Professors Paul Treichel (left) and Larry Dahl (right), greater diversity in our discipline and by his experiences. His story begins in portunities (CHOPs), which brings who he considers important mentors during his time as a graduate student at UW. is just the beginning of our efforts” by completing a research-based high school, as a curious student in a in students from minority-serving in- master’s degree, with the benefit of cided to take both organic and physi- provost later in my career.” said Judith Burstyn, department math summer program. stitutions, and Research Experiences well-coordinated mentorship. cal chemistry as a sophomore and fig- For his postdoctoral fellowship, chair. “These achievements are the With hands covered in chalk, gaz- for Undergraduates both facilitate ured if I survived that, I was going to Bursten worked with Prof. F. Albert result of everyone in the department “Consistent with UW–Madison’s ing at complex equations, within the undergraduate exploration of the be a chemist. Needless to say, I loved Cotton at Texas A&M University. who works tirelessly to build diversity commitment to recruit, retain and sunlit, tall white walls of Berkeley, the department’s doctoral program. For it and pursued the opportunity of be- “He was a very demanding guy who through the creation of key programs graduate a diverse student body, the professor within Bruce Bursten was graduate students, the department coming a professor.” became a very good friend; working and mentorship of students.” Department of Chemistry embraced kindled for the very first time. It was offers Catalyst, a supportive mento- Bursten’s quest in inorganic re- with him showed me different ways of their role in supporting diversity by something about being on a college The field of chemistry has long ring program for underrepresented campus, surrounded by passion and search began with Prof. Virgil Goed- thinking.” lacked diversity. Accord- creating highly effective initiatives to intellect, that as a junior in high school ken, with whom he worked during Bursten went on to serve as secre- ing to the American increase representa- Bursten already knew his future. college. “I quickly learned that I have tary of the inorganic chemistry divi- Chemical Society (ACS), This award celebrates a key point in tion within their large He carried his love for numbers to the hands of a mathematician, not an sion and eventually president of the the number of females our progress toward fostering greater graduate program,” the University of Chicago and start- experimental chemist, and so I began American Chemical Society, where receiving bachelor’s de- “ said Gloria Mari Beffa, ed as a math major. “I took first-year exploring chemistry using comput- he started the ACS Fellows program grees in the discipline is diversity in our discipline and is just the associate dean in the chemistry because my mom wanted ers,” Bursten said. These interests to celebrate service, professional ex- increasing, but the num- beginning of our efforts. Colleges of Letters & me to consider premed and because continued when he attended UW for cellence, and increased efforts to en- ber of doctoral recipients, Science, in her nomi- nation letter. I enjoyed the problem-solving aspect graduate school and worked under hance diversity. postdoctoral scientists, Judith N. Burstyn the direction of the late Prof. Richard As he considered the path that led ” of it,” Bursten said. “I eventually de- and professional chem- Department Chair The Board of Re- Fenske. to his ACS award, he shared what ists who stem from other gents awards the “He was a phenomenal mentor!” drives him to make a difference in traditionally underrepresented popu- minority and first-generation stu- winners $7,500, which the chemistry Bursten said. “It was almost like having the lives of other scientists, “The path lations is still low. dents. department will use to support its a parent figure who was also a friend. I have taken has been tremendously “Everyone benefits from diverse programs. The Diversity Awards are At the time he was department chair; shaped by the people I interacted The strength and effectiveness of administered by the UW System Of- watching him be such an integral part with, and I have taken that lesson to perspectives,” Burstyn said. “We rec- the first three programs led the ACS ognized that need in our department, fice of Academic and Student Affairs. of running the university significantly heart in trying to help shape the ca- to select the department as its first The other recipients are Associate affected my choice of accepting posi- reers of my students as well as being and have worked to find effective partner for a Chemistry Bridge to solutions.” Prof. Arijit Sen, from the UW–Mil- tions as a department chair, dean and committed to giving back to my field.” the Doctorate program, which aims waukee School of Architecture and The Department of Chemistry has to increase the number of doctoral Urban Planning, and UW–Stout’s WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU IN BADGER CHEMIST! created several programs aimed at degrees completed by underrepre- Fostering Success program. The increasing diversity in the field and sented minorities. A select group of three winners were recognized at the Email us at [email protected] to at supporting students who pursue students bolster their experience and share your story or suggest someone to feature. February meeting of the Board of Re- a graduate degree. Chemistry Op- applications to top Ph.D. programs gents in Madison. 26 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 27 Chemistry students win numerous awards Department of Chemistry Awardees Did we miss an award? Let us know about all of your accomplishments at [email protected]! By Caroline Cole final year here at UW–Madison.” FACULTY AND STAFF Flores, Brandon (Fredrickson) Pei Wang Fellowship Department Communications Hoffman plans to apply to grad- Bates, Desiree Outstanding Women of Color Award Campbell, Meghan (Buller) 2019-20 TA Award uate programs this fall, in hopes of Blackwell, Helen STAR Award for Cottrell Scholars Candelaria, Froylan Omar Fernandez (Burstyn) Pei Wang Fellowship It was a busy year for awards, de- teaching on the collegiate level. Brunold, Thomas 2019-20 WARF Kellett Mid-Career Award Cendejas, Melissa (Hermans) Hay Fellowship spite the constraints of a pandemic. Matthew McGill is a junior major- In May, the Department of Chem- Buller, Andrew GSFLC Mentorship Award Cary, Brian (Gellman) Hartl Excellence in Research Award- Chemical Biology ing in chemistry, and he was award- NIH New Innovators Award Morton Research Award, Graduate Mentor istry celebrated students, faculty ed the Ralph B. Abrams Scholarship Casperson, Kurtis University Staff Excellence Award Chen, Si-Jie (Stahl) Dickinson Fellowship in Organic Chemistry and staff with an online awards and from L&S. This award is given to ex- University Staff Recognition Award Chmiel, Alyah (Wickens) Pei Wang Fellowship graduation event called Celebrating ceptional students in the College of Choi, Kyoung-Shin Vilas Faculty Mid-Career Investigator Award Corbin, Joshua (Schomaker) PPG Summer Fellowship Student Success. Baldwin Wisconsin Idea Award Letters and Sciences (L&S). Cribari, Mario (Martell) Three Minute Thesis Competition, 3rd Because of generous donors, the Coon, Josh 2020 Kellett Mid-Career Award “Aside from the generous financial Czerwinski, Rachel (Goldsmith) NSF Graduate Fellowship department was able to give almost aid, the award carries more meaning Doolittle, Pam Dept. Academic Staff Excellence Award 2019-20 Teaching Assistant Award $500,000 in student support. See to me,” McGill said. “It shows that Ediger, Mark 2019 Kavli Lecturer (APS March Meeting) Deglopper, Kimberly (Stowe) 2019-20 Teaching Assistant Award the winners of department and other 2019 Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award the UW–Madison chemistry depart- 2019 Birnbaum Award (University of Illinois) Delaney, Kellen (Li) Schrag Analytical Chemistry Outstanding Peer Award awards starting on the next page. Berk Award for Excellence in Chemistry Research ment believes in me as a student and Fredrickson, Danny James W. Taylor Teaching Award The College of Letters and Sci- fledgling scientist. In my time in the 2020-20201 Vilas Associate Dorman, Matisha (McMahon) Chosen for Graduate School Student Advisory Board ence also announced scholarship Elected to Physical Sciences Divisional Committee Elmendorf, Laura (Brunold) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention chemistry building, I have seen first- Lydia Hoffman winners in 2020 and honor society hand the care and dedication that Garand, Etienne 2020-20201 Vilas Associate Evensen, Claire 2020 Rhodes Scholar Phi Beta Kappa announced new the lecturers, advisors, graduate stu- women students in the biological or Ge, Ying American Society for Mass Spectrometry Biemann Medal Fellows, Madison (McMahon) 2019-20 Teaching Assistant Award members. dents, and support staff have for stu- physical sciences field that are re- Gellman, Sam Vilas Research Professorship Foote, Alex (Goldsmith) Carlson Graduate Award The Wisconsin Scholarship Hub search-oriented. Honorary Member, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Garcia, Kevin (Weix) Goering Organic Chemistry Fellowship dent success. The Herculean efforts Meienhofer Award, Boulder Peptide Society (WiSH) provides information about Nine chemistry students were in- Selected to attend AbbVie Scholar Symposium that were put forth this past spring to Gockel, Sam GSFLC Mentorship Award awards and funding for high-achiev- ducted into Phi Beta Kappa, one of Genzink, Matt (Yoon) NSF Graduate Fellowship finish the semester online are one of Mattei, Michael GSFLC Mentorship Award 2019-20 Teaching Assistant Award ing students. The review teams look many examples of this dedication.” the oldest and most prestigious hon- ors societies in the country. Some Schueneman, Susan Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Girvin, Zeb (Gellman) Casey Excellence in Research Award-Organic for creativity, community service, McGill was involved in research Reaxys Ph.D. Prize, Finalist of those students include Brendan Stahl, Shannon 2019 WARF Innovation Award, finalist leadership, strength of character, and for a semester with the Buller lab 2020 ACS Catalysis Lectureship Goes, Shannon (Stahl) PPG Summer Fellowship Anderson, Sean Huth, Calvin Spolar, more, WiSH stated. with his mentor, Meghan Campbell. Stephens, Karen Pringle Award Good, Gillian (Martell) Pei Wang Fellowship Morgan Gugger, Lydia Hoffman, Ja- Lydia Hoffman, the recipient of McGill’s lab work is centered around Swords, Wesley GSFLC Mentorship Award NSF Graduate Fellowship Honorable Mention cob O’Hearn and Kaining Mao. the 2020 Jane Goddard Scholarship engineering enzymatic catalysts to Weix, Dan ACS Cope Scholar Award Greenhalgh, Elizabeth (Brunold) Best Poster, Midwest Enzymes Chemistry Conf. Approximately 150 of the top un- award from L&S, is a rising senior make new amino acids. After college, ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharm Roundtable Grant Hassan, Mostafa (Sibert) 2020 Goldwater Scholar dergraduates at UW–Madison are studying chemistry and French. The he plans to go to graduate school so Wickens, Zachary GSFLC Mentorship Award Hautzinger, Matt (Jin) 2019-20 Teaching Assistant Award selected to join Phi Beta Kappa each scholarship supports exceptional ju- he can work in the field of medicinal Yethiraj, Arun GSFLC Mentorship Award Higgins, Peyton (Buller) NSF Graduate Fellowship year. To be selected for participation, niors or seniors studying in the hu- chemistry, specifically in drug design Yoon, Tehshik ACS Green Chemistry Institute Pharm Roundtable Grant Hutchinson, Rachel (Cavagnero) TEAM Science Training Grad Research Award students must be among the top in manities field. and synthesis. Zanni, Martin Elected to AAAS Ju, Minsoo (Schomaker) Dickinson Fellowship in Organic Chemistry their class, take a range of courses “I am truly humbled and honored Other winners include Chance 2019 UPenn Chemistry Distinguished Alumni Award Kidd, Jesse (Yoon) Slifkin Award in Chemistry to demonstrate a diverse liberal arts APS 2021 Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy & Dynamics to have been selected as a recipient Wilkinson-Johnson, who won the Kim, Min Ji (Wickens) Pei Wang Fellowship course load, and take a college-level Zweifel, Erynn University Staff Recognition Award of the Jane Goddard Scholarship,” Leo and Jean Besozzi Scholarship Kohn, Eric (Martell) Pei Wang Fellowship math, statistics or logic course. Hoffman said. “I am moved by the Award, and Ira Manthey, who won NSF Graduate Fellowship donor’s and UW–Madison’s support the Wirth Scholars Award. The Leo GRADUATE STUDENTS Kreisel, Joshua (Martell) Pei Wang Fellowship and commitment to my education and Jean Besozzi Scholarship is gift- Acosta, Milton (Berry) Pei Wang Fellowship Kurgan, Kathleen (Gellman) Hirschmann-Rich Fellowship in Bio-Organic Chemistry reflected by this award. Knowing that ed to high-achieving seniors in L&S, Alektiar, Sara (Wickens) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention Kuborn, Thomas Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award I have the support and encourage- and Wirth Scholars are high achiev- MORE >> Alperstein, Ariel Reddy Award in Physical Chemistry Lampkin, Philip (Gellman) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention ment of the University behind me, I Benware, Sarah (Pedersen) Pei Wang Fellowship Lee, Byung Joo (Wang) Goering Organic Chemistry Fellowship ing first-generation college students READ ABOUT DEPT. SCHOLARSHIPS AT: can persevere through this unprece- Bishop, Camille McCoy Memorial Scholarship Li, Miyang (Li) Hay Fellowship with an intended major in L&S or www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu National Research Council Postdoc Fellowship dented time and finish strongly in my Lim, Amber (Fredrickson) 2019-20 Teaching Assistant Award Brown, Kyle (Ge) Hartl Excellence in Research Award - Analytical Three Minute Thesis Competition, 1st Runner Up Linke, Vanessa (Coon) Hay Fellowship Bruns, David (Stahl) Goering Organic Chemistry Fellowship Lipinski, Karli (Hoskins) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention 28 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 29 Liu, Lei (Gellman) Mirviss Mentorship Award in Chemistry Trujillo, Anji (Coon) Hirschmann-Rich Fellowship in Bio-Organic Chemistry Ishikuri, Takahiro (Record) Ackerman Scholarship Onnuch, Paul Ackerman Scholarship Longley, Victoria (Weix) PPG Summer Fellowship Tucholski, Trisha Parr Memorial Award Hilldale Research Award Toy Scholarship Lumley, Margaret (Choi) Schrag Analytical Chemistry Outstanding Peer Award Vasilopoulos, Aris (Stahl) Dickinson Fellowship in Organic Chemistry Juntunen, Nicholas (Brunold) Ackerman Scholarship Palatnik, Benjamin Ackerman Scholarship Hay Fellowship Noland Research Fellowship Palof, George Krauskopf Memorial Award Vine, Logan (Schomaker) Goering Organic Chemistry Fellowship Tong Scholarship in Chemistry Lutovsky, Grace (Yoon) .3M Science & Technology Fellowship Vollbrecht, Cecilia (Goldsmith) QISE-Net award Morton Research Award, Undergrad Mentee Pederson, Corey Student Support in Chemistry NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention Warden, Hillary Mitchell (Fredrickson) Casey Excellence in Research Award-Inorganic Dept. Undergrad Research Poster, Honorable Mention Ragan, Abbey (Instructional Staff) Kreger Herscher Scholarship Machhi, Jasmin (Cavagnero) Taylor Scholarship Kaiser, Bridget (Rayment) Hilldale Research Award Rattanakornphan, Dan Moore Award for Excellence-109 NSF REU Fellowship (Summer 2020) Walsh, Shannon WISL Award for Communicating Ph.D. Research to the Public Weaver, Brian (Burstyn) Best Poster, Midwest Enzymes Chemistry Conf. Kasat, Aadhishre (Buller) Fischer Scholarship Raskopf, William (Schomaker) Ackerman Scholarship Manson, Daniel (Blackwell) Dickinson Fellowship in Organic Chemistry Dept. Undergrad. Research Poster Award Firminhac Chemistry Scholarship Wegner, Kyle WISL Award for Communicating Ph.D. Research to the Public Masse, Meranda (Cavagnero) 2020 Straka Award Kleman, Adam (Gellman) PPG Mentoring Award Rivard, Matthew Dempsky Chemistry Scholarship Biophysical Society Travel Award West, Korbin (Blackwell) Hirschmann-Rich Fellowship in Bio-Organic Chemistry Biophysical Society Research Poster Presentation Award Mirviss Mentorship Award in Chemistry Kressuk, Rebecca Dorsey Memorial Scholarship Rupanya, Anuchit Chemistry Department Scholarship Tong Scholarship in Chemistry Panek Memorial Scholarship Mattock, Dominic (Wang) Pei Wang Fellowship Wheaton, Amelia (Berry) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention Kyrvasilis, Andreas (Ge) Hilldale Research Award Sill, Alex (Demonstration Lab) Plank & Putze Memorial Scholarship McCarty, Bethany (Tang) NSF Graduate Fellowship Yang, Hanming (Cavagnero) Bender Memorial Award Presented at the CANMRDG NMR Conference Leisten, Eric (Tang) Hilldale Research Award Singh, Aditya (Yethiraj) WI ACS Undergrad. Award for Excellence in Chemistry Mecha, Miranda (Cavagnero) Doban Mentorship Award ACS P. Chem Undergrad. Award for Graduating Senior Xing, Enran (Ediger) PPG Summer Fellowship Lin, Yueai (Fredrickson) McLean Bender Scholarship Merenini, Princess (Choi) Pei Wang Fellowship Week Scholarship Snider, Dylan (Nathanson) Dempsky Chemistry Scholarship Melby, Jake (Ge) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention Zhang, Yongqian “Kelly” Hartl Excellence in Research Award-Materials Hilldale Research Award Hilldale Research Award Mihalyi-Koch, Willa (Jin) Pei Wang Fellowship Ma, Stella (Blackwell) Kreger Herscher Scholarship Sun, Yuqian Moore Award for Excellence-109 Mill, Jericha (Li) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention Duthey Reiner Scholarship Susilo, Nicholas Krauskopf Memorial Award 2020 Goldwater Scholar 2019-20 TA Award UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS Tankel, Nataniel WI ACS DUCK Exam Award Machhi, Jasmine (Cavagnero) Taylor Scholarship Moreno, David (Ge) Pei Wang Fellowship Akhetova, Sofya (Boydston) Herscher Scholarship NSF REU Fellowship Tigges-Green, Isabelle (Zanni) WI ACS Ugrad Award for Excellence in Chemistry Morris, Rylie (Gellman) Pei Wang Fellowship Allen, Anna (Cavagnero) Herscher Scholarship NSF Graduate Fellowship Mandepally, Akshith (Blackwell) Taylor Scholarship NSF Graduate Fellowship Hilldale Research Award Unger, Maxwell Boomer Student Support Fund Manthey, Ira Wirth Scholars Award Morrow, Darien Hartl Excellence in Research Award-Physical Anderson, Brendan Student Support in Chemistry Voigt, William Krauskopf Memorial Award McCann, Erin (Yu) Dept. Undergrad Research Poster Award Mustafi, Mainak WISL Award for Communicating Ph.D. Research to the Public Allen, Anna (Cavagnero) Herscher Scholarship Wei, Wanting (Cavagnero) UW–Madison Biochemistry Summer Research Awards Nicastri, Kate (Schomaker) Goering Organic Chemistry Fellowship Hilldale Research Award McGill, Matthew Student Support in Chemistry Ralph B. Abrams Scholarship Weidemann, Amelia Krauskopf Memorial Award Slifkin Award in Chemistry Ausman, Samantha (Dumesic) Dept. Undergrad Research Poster Award Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award Mehta. Moulik Moore Award for Excellence-109 Wilkinson-Johnson, Chance Paulick Undergrad Scholarship Bartels, Brenna Firminhac Chemistry Scholarship Saco Polymers Scholarship Minic, Marina (Bertram) Maeck Scholarship in Chemistry Nieszala, Megan (Landis) NSF Graduate Fellowship Beyer, Peyton WI ACS Undergrad. Award for Excellence in Chemistry Besozzi Scholarship Nguyen Kevin (Gellman) Hilldale Research Award Nutting, Jordan (Stahl) 2020 AAAS Mass Media Fellowship Bieser, Michael (Ediger) WI ACS DUCK Exam Award Winter, Casey (Wickens) Student Support in Chemistry Ni, Chi-Min (Nathanson) Dempsky Chemistry Scholarship Orr, Vanessa (McMahon) Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award Carlson, Grace (Buller) Student Support in Chemistry Witzig, Daniel Moore Award for Excellence-108 Owen, Andrew (McMahon) Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award Tong Scholarship in Chemistry Nguyen, Kevin Dinh (Gellman) Morton Research Award, Undergrad. Mentee Xistris, Lily Krauskopf Memorial Award Dept. Undergrad. Research Poster Award Pimentel, Edward (Martell) Slifkin Award in Chemistry Ye, Xinyu (Gellman) Dept. 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(Berry) Outstanding Chemistry Teaching Assistant Award Hunjadi, Rachel ACS-Hach Land Grant Undergrad Scholarship Tritt, Rachel (Boydston) NSF Graduate Fellowship, Honorable Mention 30 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 31 In Memoriam Phil Certain (Ph.D. 1969, Hirschfelder) Former department chair and L&S dean known for thoughtful leadership & innovation We remember friends, faculty & alumni below. If a name is missing from the list, you may find it in our 2019 issue or on our website. ence died in August at age 76. projects, including the 90,000-square- Trained as a theoretical chemist who foot Chemistry Building (dedicated in worked with quantum mechanics and 2000) as well as state-of-the-art fa- 2019 03/30 Connors, William, BS 1960, JD 1982 the structure of molecules, Certain cilities improvements for the Physics, 03/18 Clark, Bruce, Ph.D. 1974 (Evans) 04/01 Caufield, Craig, Ph.D. 1984 (Zimmerman) earned his Ph.D. at UW–Madison and Psychology and Astronomy depart- joined the faculty in 1970, receiving a ments and lecture hall renovations for 04/28 Mirviss, Stanley B., BS 1944, Ph.D. 1951 (McElvain) 04/10 Wiggert, Elizabeth, BA 1956, Guggenheim Fellowship in 1978. He improved instructional technology. 08/07 Heydinger Galante, Jenifer, Ph.D. MS 1961 (West) was a fellow of the American Associ- Upon his retirement, a fund was cre- ation for the Advancement of Science. ated in his honor. The Phillip R. Certain 1990 (Zimmerman) 04/16 Mirviss, Ina, MS 1949 Biochem, supporter Certain had a reputation as a careful and Gary D. Sandefur Distinguished 09/19 Stull, G. Alan, Donor 04/29 Berge, Lila, supporter listener, visionary problem-solver and Faculty Award is an annual award to

Photo submitted by Matt Sanders Photo submitted by Matt people-focused leader who cultivated newly tenured faculty, outstanding in 09/22 Johns, William, Ph.D. 1955 (Johnson) 05/01 Reich, Hans, Emeritus Faculty Phillip R. Certain leadership in others. research, teaching and service to the 09/30 Yamamoto, Y. Stephen, BS 1965 05/13 Barg, Evelyn, BS 1949 (Ihde) “Phil was a wonderful leader and col- college and to the campus. By Mary Ellen Gabriel league. He cared passionately about 10/06 Hansen, Maryjane, supporter 07/01 Somsen, Roger, BS 1953 L&S Director of Communications UW–Madison and lived our highest 10/11 Licke, George, Ph.D. 1967 (Zimmerman) 07/01 Schooler, James, MS 1959, values,” said UW–Madison Provost MORE >> Phillip R. Certain, former chair of the Karl Scholz. 10/13 Kons, Hugo, BS 1972 (Woods) Ph.D. 1964 (Wilds) Department of Chemistry and former As L&S dean, Certain oversaw ma- READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE AT: www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu 10/17 Adams, James, BS 1943 (Klein) 07/05 Kropp, Paul, Ph.D. 1962 (Johnson) dean of the College of Letters & Sci- jor building and capital improvement 10/26 Saunders, Winifred, BS 1949 (Schuette) 07/07 Allen, Edward, supporter 10/28 Berman, David, BS 1948 (Ihde) 07/20 Yin, Fay, BA 1954, Ph.D. Biochem Marilyn Olmstead (Ph.D. 1969, Fenske) 11/01 Herreid, Richard, MS 1976 (O’ Leary) 1960 (Ferry) Alumna teacher and leader in X-ray crystallography pioneered key techniques in the field Becky Oskin, research communications 11/09 Van Holde, Kensal, BS 1948, 07/25 Morman, Joyce, BS Ecology 1957 theses of dozens of students co-ad- UC Davis College of Letters and Science vised by Balch and Olmstead. Ph.D. 1952 (Williams) 07/26 Mazurak, Peter, MS 1966 (Willard) Olmstead said that “X-ray crystal- Marilyn Olmstead, a leader in X-ray 12/09 Hindermann, David, Ph.D. 1967 (Cornwell) 08/11 Certain, Phillip, Ph.D. 1969 (Hirschfelder) lography is like listening to an orches- crystallography and teacher died in tra play.” From a young age, she was 12/10 Currier, Vernon, BS 1950 (Johnson) 08/23 Immke, Joshua, Ph.D. student September. She was 76. fascinated with symmetry, chirality and Olmstead had a broad range of 12/30 Fuhlbrigge, Armin, BA 1951, BS 1952, 08/28 Krahnke, Robert, BS 1955 (Daniels) repetitive motifs. She would stop and research interests, drawing from her peer at snowflakes, pinecones, insects, MD 1955 (Woyski) 08/31 Daines, Gary, BS 1966 focus on small molecule X-ray crystal- flowers and mosaics to search for hid- lography. She gained wide recognition 12/31 Ruka, Roswell, BS 1944; 09/10 Schellhas, Gordon, BS 1949 (Woyski) den symmetries. She devoted her life for her skill in crystal structure determi- to trying to understand Nature’s rules MS 1948 (McElvain) 09/19 Clemens, David, Ph.D. 1957 (McElvain) nation and was an expert in the crys- for the assembly of molecules and at- tallographic study of fullerenes — a 09/30 Olmstead, Marilyn, Ph.D. 1969 (Fenske) oms.

2020 of Chemistry Dept. Photo compliments of UC Davis spherical form of carbon discovered Olmstead earned a bachelor’s de- 01/03 Roth, Marie, Ph.D. 1952 (Johnson) 10/07 Bray, John, MAJ 1990 in 1985. With Alan Balch, UC Davis gree in chemistry at Reed College, Marilyn Olmstead distinguished professor of chemistry, 01/20 Zimmer, Joseph, MS 1970 (Evans) and was awarded a Woodrow Wilson Olmstead pioneered a technique to Fellowship to support her graduate MORE >> 03/26 Ver Ploeg, Dan, Ph.D. 1968 (Alberty) MORE >> “co-crystallize” fullerenes. This allowed studies at the University of Wiscon- them to retrieve better structural data READ THE FULL STORY ONLINE AT: 03/30 Linzmeier, Karen, BS 1985 (Harriman) FIND LINKS TO OBITUARIES AT: sin–Madison. She received her Ph.D. www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu. than standard crystallization methods. in chemistry in 1969. www.BadgerChemistNews.chem.wisc.edu The work was central to the doctoral

32 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 33 Remembering Hans Reich (Ph.D. 1968, Cram) Remembering Steve Yamamoto (B.S. 1965, Ph.D. PSU) Committed to students, colleagues and science, Reich leaves lasting legacy Family ties to Wisconsin and UW–Madison create enduring legacy By Aadhishre Kasat Department Communications & By Mason Braasch Steve unfortunately passed away in 2019 Student Researcher (Buller) Department Communications at the age of 76; however, his legacy, and the legacy of his family lives on at The Uni- Everyone who knew Hans Reich knew of his love for the At his 45th high school reunion, versity of Wisconsin-Madison. The Yama- chemistry department. For 43 years of his life, Reich distin- Steve Yamamoto said that he had moto Family Professorship recognizes the guished himself as an exceptional professor, a passionate “gone on to try just about everything,” significance of both the State of Wiscon- scientist, and above all, an inspiring colleague. He died May and looking at his life, this was not an sin and the University of Wisconsin to the 1, 2020, at age 76, from an injury sustained in a bicycle ac- exaggeration. Yamamoto family. cident. Steve grew up in Madison. His fa- “The Yamamoto Family Professorship “Hans was very committed to science, his students, and ther, Shinji Yamamoto, was a Wis- provides an enduring legacy of Steve and education,” said Prof. Sam Gellman. “His selflessness is consin state architect who managed his family,” McMahon said. “This endowed what distinguished him from many others of his caliber and construction of many familiar and McMahon Robert Photo submitted by Prof. professorship enables the department to Steve Yamamoto ambition.” important state and university build- recruit and retain outstanding faculty mem- Reich joined the chemistry department as an assistant Reich Photo submitted by Ieva ings. Robert J. McMahon, professor Ieva and Hans Reich bers.” professor in 1970. Soon after his arrival, he established what of chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, ex- Today, AJ Boydston, who joined the department in became a globally renowned research program in physical the research being conducted in my lab.” plained that Madison was an important place for the family, 2018, holds the role of the Yamamoto Family Professor of organic chemistry. The students he interacted with consid- Across the department, Reich was respected for his acu- especially for Steve. Chemistry. ered him a remarkable mentor. men and guidance. Ieva said, “Hans loved everyone in the “He was very proud of Wisconsin because it was the “The Yamamoto Family Professorship is a generous show Reich met his wife, Ieva, while they were both working department, and everyone loved him, which is why his roles place that offered his father a job after he was freed from a of support and faith in our department’s mission,” Boydston on their doctoral degrees in organic chemistry at UCLA. as the associate chair of the chemistry department and Japanese internment camp in Utah during World War II,” said. “It’s a way to carry on a legacy of excellence in science Ieva was very active in departmental life, serving as a senior chair of the organic chemistry division were very fitting.” McMahon said. as well as humanity. As I learn more about the history of the lecturer for twenty years. “Of course, Hans was very proud According to Ieva, his most significant accomplishment is Steve’s mother, Hifumi Yamamoto, was a familiar face on Yamamoto Family and their motivations for creating the of his research, but he took most pride in the accomplish- his website. She said, “Hans was an international superstar campus. Working for UW housing, she became a beloved professorship, it encourages me to take note of my roles ments of his graduate and undergraduate students,” she for his webpages. He worked on them till his very last day. figure, especially in her athletic activities such as volleyball, on campus, as a mentor, educator, and researcher, and how said. “He maintained All the resources tennis, line dancing, yoga, cross country skiing, and Senior I might be able to serve in the spirit of their name.” connections with There are many moments when I drew inspiration he has compiled Olympics. them even after their from Hans and his work; he was such a deep thinker over the years Steve and both of his siblings, Diane and JoAnn, re- graduation and con- “ have helped or- ceived their bachelor’s degrees in chemistry from the and always dealt with situations so calmly. tinued to be a pillar ganic chemistry University of Wisconsin-Madison before going on to get of support and en- students and sci- doctoral degrees in the field. Steve went to Penn State to Sam Gellman couragement in their ” entists all across earn his Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry lives.” the world. After Steve had a successful career in the chemical and chem- Reich’s research efforts were directed toward the study of his passing, I received several emails from people who used ical information science industries, working as a research organometallic and organometalloid compounds. Through his webpages; people he had never known or met.” chemist for Eastman Kodak Company, an associate pro- his extensive study, he deepened the understanding of “My first interaction with Hans took place much earli- fessor of chemistry and administrator of the cooperative these materials and broadened and improved their chemis- er,” Gellman said. “On my first day of graduate school at education program at Rochester Institute of Technology try. For his work, the American Chemical Society honored Columbia, I was assigned a desk, and right above it was a and senior editor of Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial him with the James Flack Norris Award in Physical-Organic table of pKa values. I stared at that table for all four years of Chemistry. He also helped develop chemical databases for Chemistry in 2012. graduate school, but it wasn’t until I came to UW that I real- DuPont Company and served as an internet consultant. “There are many moments when I drew inspiration from ized it was Hans’s table of pKa values. He diligently worked After retiring in 2003, Steve purchased an acre of fruit Hans and his work; he was such a deep thinker and always on updating these numbers on his website, and scientists trees and coconuts in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he dealt with situations so calmly,” Gellman explained. “Every and students all across the world have used them and will also worked as an adjunct professor of chemistry at com- Wednesday, we would have joint group meetings. Sitting continue to use them.” munity colleges in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Af- there, listening to him ask the most perceptive and critical Reich lived a full life. He was an invaluable member of ter he was diagnosed with cancer in 2006, he constructed Jaeger Photo by Nick questions, I would think to myself that I am so lucky to have the chemistry department and will be remembered for his and maintained a Japanese restorative garden to help with Prof. AJ Boydston and Steve Yamamoto one of the greatest minds in chemistry look so closely at all friendly smile and contagious passion. his own battle with cancer and to assist others. 34 | UW-Madison Department of Chemistry 2020 Badger Chemist Magazine | 35 NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID MADISON, WI 1101 University Avenue PERMIT NO. 658 Madison, WI 53706

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