University of - CINCINNATI ARTS AND SCIENCES Departmentof Chemistry
CHEMBOND2018
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I t t '.k I l I t: II ~ i HEALTH & I I I I l UC Chemistry sets sights on a new : I i l I ' I t SUSTAINABILITY mantra for its mission ' ~ . .~ I.I I ALSO FEATURED: •1 ,I
PAGE 6 PAGE 7 Michelmans talk New faculty scholarship funds spotlights CHEMBOND
~ ------i CREDITS From the Editor
EDITOR Hello again! alumni_community), as well as, any suggestions you may have about ways Allan Pinhasߐ I am excited to bring you our 2018 your Department can improve, grow, Professorߐ
[email protected]ߐ issue of ChemBond, filled with the and excel. ¬ 513-556-9255 accomplishments of the Department of Chemistry from the past academic Thank you for your continued interest DEPARTMENT HEAD year. ¬The 2017-2018 school year was in the Department of Chemistry and
Thomas Beckߐ both a great one and a very sad one the University of Cincinnati.
Professor and Head, Chemistryߐ for the Department. Inside this issue, [email protected] ߐ you will read about many of our Sincerely, 513-556-4886 accomplishments. Our faculty and students have received numerous DEVELOPMENT accolades, as well as funding for Jessica Wiles Assistant Director of Constituent research from government agencies Development such as the National Science College of Arts and Sciences Foundation and the National Institutes [email protected]¬ of Health. ¬In addition, you will read 513-556-1217 about the retirements of a large number of faculty members. On a sad RECRUITMENT note, you also will read about the Lisa A. Holstrom, EdD untimely deaths of some of our Senior Assistant Dean ߐ colleagues. We extend our deepest Academic Services sympathies to their families. College of Arts and Sciences [email protected] ߐ A an Pinhas 513.556.9172 The main focus of this issue of ChemBond is sustainability, and in it Allan Pinhas DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY you will learn about the introduction Professor & Editor of CHEMBOND College of Arts and Sciences of sustainability into our [email protected] University of Cincinnatiߐ undergraduate and graduate courses. 513-556-9255 404 Crosley Tower You will also learn about our new
PO Box 210172ߐ department head, and meet our three I wish to thank Anne Bowling and Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172-9239 John(na) Jackson in the A&S ߐ newest faculty members. Phone: 513-556-9200 MarComm Office for all their hard ߐ work making this issue possible.
Fax: 513-556-9239ߐ I invite you to share your alumni news [email protected]ߐ artsci.uc.edu/chemistry with us on the department’s website (www.che.uc.edu/ 1 CHEMBOND CONTENTS ߐ ߐ ------, FEATURES NEWS & AWARDS
3 On The Cover 5: Tom Beck on the New department head Tom Beck discusses Future of UC Chemistry computational chemistry, comedy and saving the planet with people-centric science.
12: Ralph & Helen Oesper Award 6 2018 Michelman Scholarship Award
The Michelmans establish a new research 12: Hans & Marlies fellowship for students in green chemistry. Zimmer International Scholars
7 New Faculty Spotlights 13: Undergraduate Meet the newest additions to the Awards Chemistry Department.
14: Graduate Awards
10 In Memoriam 14: Undergraduate University, College & Remembrances of our recently departed faculty members. Departmental Recognition
Alumni & Friends: Thanks to Our 13 Generous Donors l______.
Learn how our donors’ generosity has impacted the lives of Chemistry students.
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New chemistry department head Tom Beck focuses on theoretical and computational chemistry. New Department Head Endorses Eco Initiatives
After 29 years with University of Cincinnati Chemistry, Tom Beck discusses research, inspiration and “one of the most important subjects facing humanity.” By: John(na) Jackson “The planet isn’t going anywhere,” been through really catastrophic Carlin jokes. “We are.” impacts.” Tom Beck understands the urgency of being a part of an environmental movement, despite the difficulties. As a According to Beck, these words were “If we continue down this path we may field, energy and climate studies tend influential in driving him to his be in a lot of difficulty. The planet will not to be the most uplifting of subjects achievements in the field of energy get along in the long term, however,” in which to delve. Studying human studies. A self-identified pragmatist, says Beck. “That’s my message to the impact on dwindling natural resources Beck is dedicated not only to research, people: Don’t assume that we’re the comes with its gloom and doom but to also bridging the knowledge gap end all be all.” baggage. So it is lucky for Beck that he that exists between the heights of the also has a great sense of humor. ivory tower and the bottom of the poisoned well. “Old Timer” Teaches New Tricks
Inspired in his earlier years by comedian “I’m great at catastrophic thinking,” “Shocked” at one day finding himself a George Carlin, Beck can recount the chemistry department “old timer,” Beck impact of Carlin’s scathing criticism of says Beck. “But, on the other side, you look at the lifespan of the earth, so far. has shared his talents with the contemporary environmentalism and University of Cincinnati chemistry the way it contextualized his Say you drew a line across a room – you could not draw with a pencil a line that department for the past 29 years as a relationship to areas of eco-based professor; and, now serves as the research. gives you the lifetime of humans on earth, let alone only the last 200 years newest head of the department. of burning fossil fuels. The earth has
3 CHEMBOND For Beck, time flew as he was having fun teaching the basics of physical chemistry, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Around five years ago Beck proposed to lead a course on sustainability. He considers sustainability to be “one of the most important subjects facing humanity,” yet at the time he realized he knew very little about it.
“I’m sitting here thinking - I know the basic science, but I don’t really know anything about energy science,” recalls Beck. “And most citizens do not. Even educated people – I’m a physical scientist and really don’t know the basic issues involved in world energy. So I proposed to teach a class on sustainable energy.” Tom Beck shakes hands with some of his favorite chemistry technology.
more theoretical and computational “Theory matters and I love theory,” In his classes, Beck encourages students than it is Bunsen burners and beakers. remarks Beck. “But Americans are very to “do problem solving every day.” He suspicious of theory. That’s a good thing walks students through understanding and a bad thing. Because you can’t just embodied costs of energy usage and Using mathematics and the ride on theory, and Americans are ‘can- alternatives, as well as the potential fundamentals of physics, Beck works to do’ people. I do believe that humanity pitfalls. “If we got rid of all fossil fuels, understand molecules and their has a way to be innovative.” what would it take to run this country?” structures, and how they interact to asks Beck. create solids, liquids and surfaces. Beck’s current research group focuses To make sustainable practices more on water and ions. By understanding compelling, Beck encourages people to Beck cites the famous Fermi Problem as more about ion movement and changes consider their finances along with their his pedagogical inspiration – an in their properties, Beck is getting air quality. “Without obsessing, make it estimation process created by Enrico closer to one of his ultimate sustainable a game,” says Beck. “Make energy Fermi that is notable for correctly goals: building a better battery. consumption a challenge, not just to (within a margin of error) calculating save the planet, but to save yourself the amount of piano tuners working in money.” Chicago. It is these kind of “practical According to Beck, many in the field are mental games” that Beck wants his looking towards energy storage as the students to practice. key to the future of housing sustainable Making Certain the Kids Will Be Alright energy – making more efficient batteries to power storage centers – a “I think sustainability is important potential game-changer in cutting back He also believes that the future of the globally. It’s one of – if not the most – our use of fossil fuels. environmental movement may lie in important issues facing humanity,” says sharing these tactics with large Beck. “I think it’s important for young corporations by appealing to their self- people, especially, not to tell them how “There’s no doubt we’re going to run interest and desire for longevity. Beck to think about it, but to know out of our energy sources, that’s not proposes approaching companies with something about it, because it will really questionable,” says Beck. “What suggestions like, “You might want to affect their lives more than my life.” are we going to do? We might as well consider your heating techniques here, get on it. To change infrastructure, or how you get your energy there, looking at history, it doesn’t happen in because these changes are coming, and “One of the Most Important Subjects five years. It takes several decades for this may work out for you better Facing Humanity” a major energy transition to happen.” economically.’”
In regards to achieving these Outside of the classroom, Beck’s While Beck foresees this transition as milestones, Beck claims it is, “not research is considered non-traditional being “rocky” in nature, he is also simple, and not completely impossible.” chemical work – meaning his focus is optimistic. 4 CHEMBOND
He suggests taking a personal inventory doesn’t work. But, if you say, cut your his time and research in ecologically of your own energy consumption: How meat consumption by 80 percent that sound alternatives. much do you drive? Is it expensive to would be a radical change.” heat your home? Do you eat a lot of meat? “I don’t like to be a missionary,” he While sustainability might not have says, “but I have young kids now. And, it been on Beck’s radar all along, he is really does make you think about the According to Beck, “Pushing the hard deeply committed to reducing our future more.” line at the limit, in a practical sense, dependence on fossil fuels by investing
Beck will lead the UC Chemistry Department as interest in sustainability continues to attract new students /ŶŚŝƐŶĞǁƌŽůĞ͕ĞĐŬǁŝůůƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƐƚƌĂƚĞŐŝĐĚŝƌĞĐƟŽŶĂƐƚŚĞĚĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚĨƵƌƚŚĞƌƐŝƚƐĨŽĐƵƐŽŶƐƵƐƚĂŝŶĂďŝůŝƚLJĂŶĚŚĞĂůƚŚƐĐŝĞŶĐĞƐ By: Lindsey Carr
The newly appointed head of the discussed in freshman chemistry group of people to run this Department of Chemistry, Tom Beck, courses. ¬ department,” he says. The expertise of has been a professor of chemistry at previous heads—whether they’ve been the University of Cincinnati since 1989. As for the future, the department’s excellent strategists, prominent ¬For the past 29 years, he’s taught overarching vision will focus on researchers or a combination of the two several undergraduate and graduate sustainability and health. “I would like —will serve useful as he leads the courses, from basic to computational to see more [student] involvement in department. Faculty members also chemistry. His responsibilities now the community at large,” Beck says. “I serve as valuable advisors for include teaching, financial and think the students need to [get involved overcoming obstacles and defining strategic planning, new-faculty hires in] these basic issues.” goals, he says. and more. The role of department head is not a Beck’s research on sustainable, green one-person job, says Beck. “It takes a chemistry got him noticed for the role. He says growing numbers of students are interested in the topic, and that student enrollment in the department has nearly doubled in the past ten years. Beck’s interest in green chemistry stems from his disapproval of Ohio’s energy policy and production, where he notes a lack of progress. “I think we need research going on in Ohio,” he says. “You don’t have to be way on the left to support clean energy.”
Beck says that chemistry, as a core science, deals with a lot of sustainability issues. His goal is to address them in all the department’s courses as he steps into his new role. “The concepts in these courses are not changing, but the applications are,” he says, noting recent media coverage of plastic pollution in the environment. Studying the chemistry of these types of plastics is vital in implementing change, and that’s why Beck says it’s Beck’s pastime is playing music in the Cincinnati Dancing Pigs jug band. Beck, far right.
5 CHEMBOND The Michelmans establish a new research fellowship for students, especially in green chemistry
By: Maggie Stacey explained Rick. “This is a case where processes involved with we found our experiences to be mechanochemistry,” explained Bruce rewarding and we wish that upon Ault, head of the awards committee. others.” “The proposal...demonstrated the enthusiasm for research we would like The call for mentorship to see in all of our students.”
John noted that “UC was life changing Brunemann’s summer research sought for me, the experience was good,” he to change a chemistry norm. Chemical said. “UC showed me the value of being reactions have been done in solution for an achiever.” Both John and Rick decades, but these solutions are often completed undergraduate summer toxic when disposed of. A main goal of research at UC, and both reported green chemistry is to minimize the use positive experiences with faculty during of toxic solvents. Explained Brunemann: those times. Even after Harvard “This research is meaningful because graduate school, John said he found his we are finding completely new ways to favorite professor, Thomas Cameron, at do chemistry, while also minimizing The father-son pair Drs. John and Rick UC. Rick spoke fondly of his research risks to human health and the Michelman are supporting advances in mentor, Milton Orchin, as well. “He environment.” green chemistry while acknowledging really gave me a great foundation and the positive experiences they had as cared about me as a person, not just The success and honor students at UC by establishing The Drs. about the work that I accomplished.” John and Richard Michelman John emphasized the importance of Undergraduate Fellowship: A Fund Mentorship is important to the understanding the hard work that goes Established to Support the Research of Michelmans. Rick explained that into earning the fellowship. “I think it’s Exceptional Undergraduate Chemistry professors embedded in research are an honor to earn this – it doesn’t just go Majors at the University of Cincinnati. great, but don’t often have time to to somebody who happens to be an spend with students. Whereas graduate undergrad, it goes to somebody who is The fellowship provides financial aid for students are more like undergraduate very talented and interested in summer research opportunities to junior partners. “I think the theme of following a chemical career,” he said. and senior chemistry students and to mentorship makes a difference,” noted “And by the way, it looks really good on chemistry graduate students and post- Rick. He said mentors offer daily a resume for graduate school.”ߐ doctoral persons to act as mentors. communication, guidance with Special consideration is given to those research, and insight about what “We’re mostly interested that the whose research focuses on green graduate student life will be like. students are successful and learn how chemistry. Overall, he said, mentors provide to do great research and development – students the tools they need to be that’s what’s most important to us,” The Michelmans both have PhDs in successful. added Rick. chemistry. John is retired from Michelman Inc., the Cincinnati-based The 2018 recipient The Michelmans would like to extend company which makes sustainable and their thanks to Dean Ken Petren, Shelly environmentally friendly coatings, The Michelman’s fellowship is awarded Deavy, and Jessica Wiles for their additives for industrial manufacturing to students and mentors whose research assistance in completing the fellowship materials for enhanced performance, preferably focuses on green and/or establishment process and and chemistry for printing and sustainable chemistry. James implementation with ease. packages. Rick remains the Chief Brunemann, the 2018 recipient, Growth and Technology Officer. Both proposed research done in professor Michelmans had positive experiences in James Mack’s laboratory that combined undergraduate research at UC, and mechanochemistry (research on solvent- established this fellowship to recognize free reactions) with professor Anne the part UC played in those Vonderheide’s analytical tools. experiences. “This combination of approaches is “This is our way of saying thanks to UC unique and will enable a better for what it helped us become,” understanding of the chemical
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In-Kwon Kim — Closing in on Cancer Treatment As part of UC’s Cancer Cluster Initiative, recent faculty hire In-Kwon Kim works to design more precise methods of cancer treatment.
By: Lindsey Carr
The work of In-Kwon Kim, assistant professor of chemistry, and his team could significantly improve the field of cancer research, putting UC and UC affiliates at the forefront of next-level cancer prevention and treatment.
Kim joined the chemistry department in August of 2016 as part of UC’s Cancer Cluster Initiative.
Before coming to UC, Kim was an assistant professor and researcher of biochemistry and molecular biophysics at Washington University’s School of Medicine. His work focused primarily on DNA repair, for breast cancer he says. “She crystallized this protein the structures and mechanisms of treatment. These inhibitors are actively with ligand in a week or so. It was enzymes involved in metabolism and being tested in clinical trials, and amazing, [and] totally unexpected. Her DNA repair, ultimately leading to his although the results are mostly positive, work changed the direction of research interest in protein mechanics for drug the work isn’t done, says Kim. “Instead in my lab.” discovery and development. of just killing everything, we’re trying to specifically kill breast cancer cells.” Kim says he appreciates the UC’s Cancer Cluster Hiring Initiative If successful, these new drugs could collaborative opportunities he receives significantly improve the accuracy in as a faculty member. He discusses his As Precision Cancer Medicine is one of which cancer is detected and treated, research regularly with other research UC’s primary investigative clusters, says Kim. scientists from UC’s College of Medicine Kim’s research group focuses primarily and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in an on cancer research. Their ultimate goal: Student Involvement effort to strengthen UC’s relationship to design new cancer treatment drugs with neighboring community partners. ¬¬ that specifically target and repair Last month, Kim’s study was published genetic mutations caused by cancer in the Journal for Biological Chemistry. cells with more precision than those ¬The article lists two members of his currently on the market. research team, Yasin Pourfarjam, a graduate student, and Jessica Ventura, Kim serves on the department’s an undergraduate student, as co-first Graduate Research Program Admissions authors. Pourfarjam is pursuing his PhD Committee and teaches biochemistry in Chemistry, and has been a member of courses to graduate and undergraduate Kim’s group since 2017. students. He emphasizes protein interaction to his students as a crucial Ventura joined Kim’s group last year as topic of study. “The most important a member of the College of thing is to have students understand Engineering’s Women in Science and how we develop drugs based on known Engineering (WISE) program. Kim says [protein] structures,” he says. her work dramatically impacted the trajectory of his research. She Right now, Kim’s research group is experimented with protein working with PARP inhibitors, drugs crystallization, which is an incredibly designed to target enzymes that aid in difficult and time-consuming process,
7 CHEMBOND Noe Alvarez — The Nano Frontier Res earc her c ombi nes c hemistr y fundamentals and state-of-the-art engineering instruments for nanomaterials research to study carbon nanotubes (CNTs).
By: Stuart Lindle
Over a decade ago, when Noe Alvarez was in graduate school, CNTs — thin, spaghetti-like tubes made out of carbon — were his favorite molecules. Even today, many of the potential applications are still unknown. But Alvarez remains optimistic that this material will be indispensable in finding sustainable solutions to global issues. “Carbon-carbon bonds are one of the strongest in nature,” said Alvarez. “Besides its mechanical strength, [CNTs] also have the potential — depending on the tube — to be more electrically conductive than copper or gold.”
Alvarez and his lab are currently exploring the potential for fibers made from CNTs to be used in the detection After graduating from Rice, he spent 6 have had the chance to learn about a of metals, such as lead, in water, months working on nanotube synthesis rapidly developing area of chemistry because of their electrical conductivity at the National Institute of Advanced and engineering. and their fineness—about a quarter of Industrial Science and Technology, a the width of a human hair. Japanese research facility “I still think we have many things to headquartered in Tokyo. learn about CNTs,” said Alvarez. “And I Last fall, Alvarez served as a committee still think that Smalley's prediction … member during the sustainable faculty In 2011, Alvarez received a NASA tech has not happened yet. But when that search. He hopes to collaborate with award for his contribution to the occurs, the tiny tubes face a big incoming faculty members to find new development of scientific and technical future." applications for CNTs. innovation. Alvarez received his PhD in Chemistry When he first came to from Rice University where he worked UC, he knew he was . '" '\ on multiple aspects of single-walled interested in working CNTs at the Richard Smalley Institute ·1·I I ... .> ..\ .·. \ . \ \ with carbon to create .·, . ;· ,\ . \ \ \ . for Nanoscale Science and Technology something tangible. “I • . .\ \\.,1... ·. ... \. I .• •\ • \ under supervision of James M. Tour and • , • ,, • • • I ' was interested in using Robert H. Hauge. i these molecules to create :\'{"< , , ,· , '. something, assemble \ He spoke at length with Richard Smalley them so I could physically —co-discoverer of buckyballs— who handle, test and .·\\ 0~\t
would let me do the research I want to do.”
“The ability to look at how chemicals are actually dictating either behavior or disease progression is, I think, a really useful additive to what they are already doing.”
Ross first discovered her love for electrochemistry during a summer rotation in graduate school. It was then that she learned how it can be applied to study the chemistry of the brain.
“I thought that was a really neat application,” she said. “I didn’t think going into graduate school I’d be anywhere near studying brain chemistry, but I found it really fascinating.”
Last January, Ross presented at the UC Sensor Community Retreat sponsored by the Office of Research, last fall, after working under Dr. “Sensor Advances, Networking and Rebecca Pompano as a post-doctoral Charting Our Future.” Along with Ashley Ross — Body scholar at the University of Virginia other UC faculty, she presented the (UVA) developing microfluidic wide breadth of applications for Talk methods to spatially resolved sensors — from basic science to Understanding how the brain and stimulation in the lymph node. During commercialization. immune system talk to one another her post-doc, she was awarded the opens doors to understanding American Association of “A lot of people in the neuroscience autoimmune disorders. ߐ Immunologists Careers in Immunology field can do mappings that look Fellowship. globally at what is going on in the By: Stuart Lindle brain, or they use electrophysiology At the UVA, Ross received her PhD in where they can look at specific cells, Recent faculty hire and bioanalytical but they can’t really get chemical chemist Ashley Ross is developing Analytical Chemistry under Dr. Jill Venton developing electrochemical information and signaling dynamics,” methods to probe brain-immune she said. “The ability to look at how communications utilizing methods to probe adenosine signaling the brain. chemicals are actually dictating electrochemistry, microfluidics and either behavior or disease progression fluorescence microscopy. Ross now combines microfluidics and is, I think, a really useful additive to what they are already doing.” “[These diseases] can be influenced electrochemistry to study the brain’s immune system. Using by how neurotransmitters are While her focus now is on developing communicating with cells in the brain electrochemistry and resources at UC — including the UC Sensors methodologies, in the future Ross and also outside the brain,” said hopes to collaborate more with the Ross. Community — Ross wants to develop new methods to understand brain- medical community to use chemistry in ways that haven’t been electrochemistry and microfluidics to The research conducted in the Ross possible before. study autoimmune disorders and Lab also is being used to collaborate neuroinflammation. with medical researchers at Children’s Hospital to study Attention The availability of resources and Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder potential for collaboration drew Ross (ADHD). to UC. “I was really interested in the sensors community they have here,” she said. “So I thought there would Ross joined the University of be a nice support system here that Cincinnati’s Department of Chemistry 9 CHEMBOND
the journal Polymer, and served on a “His ability to speak to us was James Mark number of journal editorial boards. phenomenal and the entire class He was also a Fellow of the New York would be riveted by his lectures,” (1934 – 2017): Academy of Sciences, the American recalls Vonderheide.¬“I’ve never seen In Memoriam Physical Society, and the American anything like it.¬ Back then professors Association for the Advancement of didn’t use fancy Power Points or “His ability to speak to us was Science. props.¬ It was just him.¬ And once in a phenomenal and the entire class while, he would bring in different would be riveted by his lectures.” “Professor Mark’s prolific scientific polymer samples to show us the contributions have come not only characteristic he was teaching.¬That from the combination of an is my fondest memory – his teaching By: John(na) Jackson imaginative mind and boundless us of his love of polymers and our energy but also from effective enjoying and savoring every word he collaborations. Hundreds of students, uttered.” James E. Mark is remembered for postdocs, colleagues and friends, being an internationally renowned including the editors of and Survived by his loving wife, Helen polymer chemist who has radically contributors to this issue, are the Jones, Mark is remembered by her as altered our understanding of rubber beneficiaries of his open an enthusiast of fine dining. She elasticity during his revered career. communications and cooperative describes him as an excellent cook character,” according to an honorary with an adventurous palate who loved issue of Polymer dedicated to Mark’s to explore new cuisine while Born on December 14, 1934 in Wilkes- career. traveling. The two were also Barre, PA, Mark received his B.S. from passionate advocates for homeless Wilkes College, and earned a Ph.D. in Anne Vonderheide, assistant animals and rescued many cats from physical chemistry from the professor, Director of Undergraduate shelters over the years together. University of Pennsylvania. Studies, remembers not just her time Jones affectionately remembers Mark with him within the department, but as “a most caring ‘foster dad’.” He was also given the opportunity to also participating in his classes during work under Nobel Prize Honoree Paul graduate school. Mark passed away on September 23, Flory during his time as a 2017 in St. Petersburg, FL with his postdoctoral fellow at Stanford family by his side. University. This led to his position as Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn.
In 1964, Mark was named a professor of chemistry at the University of Michigan before joining the University of Cincinnati in 1977 under the same title. He then became the UC’s first honoree to be named a Distinguished Research Professor. He remained in his position at UC until 2008 when he retired.
According to the scientific journal Polymer, “Professor Mark’s research interests pertain to the physical chemistry of polymers, including the elasticity of polymer networks, hybrid organic–inorganic composites, liquid– crystalline polymers, and a variety of computer simulations.”
During his career, Mark published approximately 650 research papers and co-authored or co-edited 20 books. He was the founding editor of the Computational and Theoretical Polymer Science journal, an editor for
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of Dr. Harry Gray. He performed a Kreishman was born in Nuremberg, postdoctoral fellowship at the University Germany while his family attempted to of Rochester with Dr. Rich Eisenberg, immigrate to the US to avoid Soviet and then joined the faculty of the occupation in their home nation of University of Cincinnati in 1998. He Latvia. received a Beckman Young Investigator Award (2001-2004) from the Arnold and In 1949, the Kreishman family settled Mabel Beckman Foundation and a into life in Milwaukee, WI. Kreishman National Science Foundation CAREER would grow from helping to build their Award (2002-2007) for his research family home to eventually graduating focused on cooperative two-electron from the University of Wisconsin at transfer reactions. He was named an Milwaukee. IUPAC Young Observer in 2009, the Cincinnati Section of the American He continued his education at the Bill Connick Chemical Society Chemist of the Year in California Institute of Technology. For (1966 - 2018): In Memoriam 2014, and Visiting Scholar at the the entirety of his career Kreishman Université de Bordeaux in 2015.¬ maintained a heavy focus on chemistry By: Bruce Ault as his educational passion. He has taught Bill's research impacted diverse areas of chemistry classes at both the UC as well William "Bill" Connick, the youngest child science. He was a world expert in as the University of Latvia. After a long of Robert and Frances Connick, was born multielectron photophysics for energy and successful tenure at UC, Kreishman and raised in Berkeley, California. He sustainability. He also developed sensors moved on to teach at the University of was a Professor in the Department of for the measurement of different targets Latvia from which he ultimately retired. Chemistry and Director of the Center for such as pollutants in ground water and Biosensors and Chemical Sensors at the tracing the source of radioactive According to family and friends, University of Cincinnati. He was pollutants in nuclear forensics. Kreishman was a fan of playing golf, as regarded as an outstanding scientist, well as watching other televised sports, educator, mentor and colleague.¬ Bill's contributions to science, and the completing crossword puzzles, summers education that he provided to the on the water in Michigan and playing Bill was also the devoted father of Oliver students working with him on these with his two dogs. and George (9 and 6 years) and the projects, will continue to have an loving husband of Marcelle. It was impact on our world. Students regarded Kreishman is mostly remembered for the important to Bill to spend time with his Bill as an inspirational lecturer in the pride and joy he expressed towards his sons. He made up math problems for classroom - funny, enthusiastic, family. He was known for treasuring the Oliver and tutored George on his dedicated, and extremely time he had to spend with his children numbers and letters. Bill could be very knowledgeable. Bill was awarded a 2018 and grandchildren. silly as well as serious, and loved Faculty Excellence Award for playing, joking and goofing around with exceptional performance.¬ His memorial service was held in Marcelle and the boys.¬ Milwaukee. Donations to the University Bill is survived by his wife, Marcelle, his of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences In the summertime, Bill enjoyed sons, George and Oliver, his four sisters - Scholarship Fund were accepted in his camping with his extended family in Mary, Liz, Megan and Sarah - and his memory. Northern California. When he was in his brother, Arthur. 20s, he began a long-term project to plant redwood trees at the family campground, braving poison oak and black berry bushes to plant seedlings George Kreishman and nurturing them over many years. These trees have grown tall and broad, (1946 – 2018): In Memoriam providing shade for the camp and constitute a legacy that is cherished by By: John(na) Jackson his family. George Paul Kreishman, born January Bill earned his B.A. in Chemistry from 28, 1946, is a fondly remembered Williams College in 1988, M.A. in Emeritus Faculty member of the Chemistry from the University of University of Cincinnati Chemistry Cambridge in 1992 and Ph.D. in department. He passed May 12, 2018 in Chemistry from the California Institute Ogre, Latvia. of Technology in 1997 in the laboratory
11 DEPARTMENTAL AWARDS - 2018 CHEMBOND
------: Dave Thirumalai, professor at RALPH & HELEN University of Texas at Austin, will receive this year’s annual Ralph & OESPER AWARD Helen Oesper Award. The symposium will begin at 9 a.m. on Oesper’s bequest has been used Friday, November 9, 2018 in TUC not only to establish the annual 400. The poster session will be Oesper Symposium and Award, held from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. but to establish a faculty in TUC Great Hall, followed by the banquet at 7:00 p.m. Professor position in Chemical Education Eric Anslyn, University of Texas at and the History of Chemistry, to Austin, will speak after dinner at 8 support a yearly departmental p.m. colloquium on the History of Chemistry, to establish a Speakers at the symposium include scholarships for outstanding high professor Carlos Camacho, school chemistry students, and University of Pittsburgh; professor to purchase new additions for Riina Tehver, Denison University; the Oesper Collection of Books professor Changbong Hyeon, Korea and Prints. Institute for Advanced Study; professor Ed O’Brien, Penn State University; professor Greg Morrison, University of Houston; professor Margaret Cheung-Wyker, University of Houston; professor Mike Kinczewski, Case Western ·---- Reserve University.
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' HANS & MARLIES ' ' ' ' ' ' ZIMMER ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' INTERNATIONAL ' ' ' ' ' ' SCHOLARS ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' The Zimmer Fund is an endowed ' ' fund that invites internationally ' :' ' ' recognized scholars to the ' : Department of Chemistry to ' Thierry Toupance holds a Mona Treguer-Delapierre is an ' ' : spend time with our faculty and : professorship in chemistry and a esteemed professor of chemistry at students. In the process, it is research position at the Institute of the University of Bordeaux and a ' ' Molecular Sciences at the University member of the French National ' felt that common grounds can ' ' be found for ongoing ' of Bordeaux. His research highlights Center for Scientific Research ' ' the use of hybrid nanomaterials for (CNRS). Her research focuses on the ' collaborations and exchange of ' environmental and technical application of ¬hybrid nanomaterials ' ideas and students. ' ' ' applications, such as gas-sensing, for biological and medical use. Dr. ' ' opto-electronics and energy Treguer-Delapierre spoke last July at ' ' th ' conversion. Dr. Toupance recently the 2 International Conference and ' ' ' participated in the 14th International Exhibition on Materials Science and ' ' ' Conference on Organic Electronics in Chemistry. ' ' ' June of 2018 as a member of the local ' ' ' ' organization committee. ' ' ·-----' ' 12 Alumni & Friends: Thanks to Our Generous Donors CHEMBOND By: Lindsey Carr
Thanks to our generous annual outstanding students with the resources to participate in donors, the chemistry department opportunity to engage in a stimulating exceptional programs to further their received more than $45,000 in research environment with some of educational pursuits. scholarship funding last year, 95 the college’s most seasoned percent of which has gone directly to researchers. Such experiential Our alumni and friends’ generous students. learning opportunities will prove to be donations impact more than our a monumental step in preparing A&S current chemistry students. They also These generous contributions enable students for the next step on their enable the department to better undergraduate and graduate students journey to success. These scholarships attract prospective students, faculty, in the Department of Chemistry to also enable some of our most gifted researchers and programs to the pursue their areas of study with some undergraduate students to continue college. With these gifts, the of UC’s finest faculty and programs. their pursuit of a STEM degree. chemistry department can continue its excellence and provide students Last year, more than $35,000 in The chemistry department’s graduate and faculty with the tools to thrive. scholarship funds were awarded to 29 students received over $90,000 to exemplary undergraduate students. pursue their studies and research. We would like to thank all who Our gracious donors made it possible This year, 27 graduate students contributed to the advancement of for these students to participate in benefitted from scholarships and the chemistry department. Your several programs, such as STEM departmental awards. Thanks to our generosity and kindness will continue Undergraduate Summer Research. charitable donors, A&S was able to to improve the success of our Experiences such as these provide provide these graduate students with students, faculty and programs.
Chemistry Awards 2018 Undergraduate Awards Hope Guthier: Student Affiliates of the Maya Radic: Kaplan Scholarship for the for a best undergraduate student in organic ChemCats: ACS Commendable Student American Chemical Society Award chemistry, who is a chemistry or Chapter Award in recognition for senior chemistry major who demonstrated commitment and achievement presented to excellence in the major field biochemistry major the University of Cincinnati Student Chapter Jordan Hill: Student Affiliates of the Hanna Sorensen: Stella Potter & Hoke S. Greene Scholarship for an outstanding Ananya Basu: Award for the Highest American Chemical Society Award for a sophomore chemistry major demonstrating Achievement in General Chemistry senior chemistry major who demonstrated excellence in the major field outstanding academic achievement Shivani Dighamber: Award for the Highest Grace Buckey: Lubrizol Scholarship for an Achievement in Organic Chemistry Alexander Wilson: Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society Award for outstanding sophomore or junior chemistry Nana Agyeman: Award for the Highest a senior chemistry major who demonstrated major with great potential Achievement in Organic Chemistry excellence in the major field Tristin Glossip: Lubrizol Scholarship for an David Stamper: American Chemical Society Jeremiah Allen: American Institute of outstanding sophomore or junior chemistry Division of Organic Chemistry Award for Chemists Award for a senior chemistry major with great potential the most outstanding senior organic student major showing great promise and potential Kyle Necamp: Lubrizol Scholarship for an Jessica Wedig: American Chemical Society in the field outstanding sophomore or junior chemistry Division of Analytical Chemistry Award for Taylor Beck: American Institute of major with great potential the highest achievement in analytical Chemists Award for a senior chemistry chemistry Pranita Dhungana: M. Brayton Graff major showing great promise and potential Scholarship for an outstanding junior Shiyuan “Phillip” Zhou: Division of in the field chemistry major showing great promise and Inorganic Chemistry Award for excellence Rachel Wright: American Institute of potential in the field in inorganic chemistry Chemists Award for a senior chemistry Nathan Ranly: M. Brayton Graff James Brunemann: American Chemical major showing great promise and potential Scholarship for an outstanding junior Society Division of Physical Chemistry in the field chemistry major showing great promise and Award for excellence in physical chemistry Weishi Li: Henry Storch Award for the potential in the fieldߐ based on research, coursework and plans senior chemistry major with the highest Beksultan Midinov: Department of that include a career in chemistry grade point average in subjects outside the Chemistry STEM Undergraduate Summer Niket Yadav: Biochemistry Prize for the major area Research Fellowship biochemistry major showing great promise Kathryn Rost: Darl McDaniel Scholarship Clement Smith: Department of Chemistry and potential for an outstanding freshman chemistry STEM Undergraduate Summer Research Son Dong: Undergraduate Scholar Award major with great potential Fellowship for an outstanding senior showing great Alexander Beckes: Kaplan Scholarship for James Brunemann: Michelman potential for success in graduate school the best undergraduate student in organic Undergraduate Summer Research chemistry, who is a chemistry or Fellowship biochemistry major 13 Chemistry Awards 2018 CHEMBOND Graduate Awards Will Lum: Hillstrom Travel Award for an Undergraduate University, Emily Westbrook: Cassandra McGee outstanding graduate student to present College & Departmental their research at a national or international Service Award for a graduate student who Recognition demonstrates random acts of kindness, conference & University Research Council Phi Beta Kappa Electees: outstanding service to the department or Summer Graduate Student Fellowship overall excellence in humanitarian efforts DeVonna Gatlin: Ann P. Villalobos Pranita Dhungana Alexander Spencer Hendrickson: Thomas B. Cameron Fellowship for recognition of outstanding Jordan Hill Wilson Niket Prize for the graduate teaching assistant in research performance by a graduate student McMicken College GraduationYadav with freshman chemistry who represents the Joel Anderson: Shubert Fellowship for Distinction highest ideals and achievement in the recognition of outstanding research Summa cum performance by a graduate student showing teaching of chemistry laude: Weishi Li Dakota Lipps great potential in their career Yasin Pourfarjam: Robert M. Niket Yadov Son Dong Congliang Sun: Twitchell Fellowship for Koppenhoefer Research Associate Award Magna cum laude: for an outstanding second year graduate recognition of outstanding research Jordan Hall Hope Thomas Young student in biochemistry performance by a graduate student showing Guthier Jeremiah Allen Mario Perera: Dover Publishing Award for a great potential in their career graduate student who demonstrates Niranga Wijesiri, Mario Perera: Lange Alexander Wilson outstanding communication skills in organic Fellowship for recognition of outstanding Cum laude: Taylor chemistry research performance by a graduate student Beck Lan-Anh Ho Upasana Banerjee: Milton Orchin Award showing great potential in their career Rachel Wright C. Connor Boone for an outstanding second or third year Upasana Banerjee: Laws Fellowship for Departmental High Honors: graduate student in organic chemistry recognition of outstanding research Jeremiah Allen Taylor Weishi Li performance by a graduate student showing Mirelis Santos-Cancel: The William V. and Beck Alexander great potential in their career Mary L. Caruso Award for an outstanding Son Dong Wilson Rachel second or third year graduate student in Congliang Sun: Caruso Scholarship Award Hope Guthier Jordan Wright Niket analytical chemistry Haizhou Zhu: H. Brain Halsall Award Hill Departmental Yadav Henry Hochstetter Prize for excellent supports a graduate student in their third Honors: C. Connor performance as a graduate teaching year or beyond to promote & encourage Macie Pifer assistant: perseverance and dedication to the field of Boone Jessica Burke chemistry Casey Helmicki Bradley Scott Abernathy Paolo Guerini Lan-Anh Ho Sherman Matt Mohammad Avestan Melissa Kelley Ian Bruzas, Abdolreza Javidialesaadi: Hans H. Jaffe Award to an outstanding graduate Dakota Lipps Walsh Thomas Mariana Raj Merugu student majoring in physical chemistry Young Bonafim-Piveta Skyler Smith Mary Warmin: James O. Koehler Prize for Joel Collett Caroline Williams outstanding all-around contributions in Kiera Gazica research, teaching and service to the Doctoral Enhancement Fellowships department by a graduate student for research accomplishments to date Jessie Ringo: CGSA Graduate Student of and future research potential: the Year Award for outstanding all-around Upasana Banerjee Mary Warmin contributions to the Chemistry Graduate Andrew Eisenhart Zhao Yu Student Association and the Department of Chemistry
Department of Chemistry To continually update our some matching funds from the awarded significant funding instrumentation, the staff university, we were able to for instrumentation members and the Chemistry purchase a dual source single faculty have written proposals crystal X-ray diffractometer, a In the Spring 2014 issue of to the National Science 400MHz NMR spectrometer, and ChemBond, you met the Foundation Major Research MALDI Mass Spectrometer. These excellent staff members who Instrumentation Program (NSF- instruments greatly promote run our various instrumentation MRI). Through the hard work of our research efforts, and thus, facilities. Information about these individuals, in the past further the education of our these facilities may be found on three years, the Department graduate and our undergraduate the web on the Department’s has been awarded over one students. homepage under the subheading million dollars by the NSF-MRI Core Facilities. Program. With those funds and 14 Department of Chemistry Non-Profit Org. University of Cincinnati US Postage University of l(f PO Box 210172 PAID Cincinnati, OH 45221-0172 Cincinnati, OH CINCINNATI Permit No. 133 ARTS AND SCIENCES
Your generous gift to the Department of Chemistry affirms your commitment to the mission of academic excellence in teaching and research and helps strengthen the professional potential of students, faculty and staff. Gifts from alumni and friends support scholarships, cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art equipment, community outreach and other vitally needed resources addressing immediate and long-term needs. Whether you are a former undergraduate, post-doctoral fellow or educator, you play a critical role in an essential mission. Gifts of all amounts matter: From $1 to $1 million, your contributions directly benefit current and future members of the Department of Chemistry. Specific details on existing departmental funds and goals can be found online at artsci.uc.edu/departments/chemistry/giving.html. To make a gift, please contact: Jessica Wiles Assistant Director of Constituent Development, College of Arts & Sciences The University of Cincinnati Foundation PO Box 210367 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0367 513-556-1217 uc.edu/foundation