Advancing Chemistry. Improving Life.

ANNUAL REPORT

2018

ROBERT A. WELCH

The Welch Foundation is a legacy to the world from Robert Alonzo Welch, a self-made man with a strong sense of responsibility to humankind, an enthusiastic respect for chemistry and a deep love for the state of Texas.

Born in South Carolina to a prominent family that fell on hard economic times, Mr. Welch came to Houston as a youth and later made his fortune in oil and minerals. Over the course of his career and life, he became convinced of the importance of chemistry for the betterment of the world.

Scientists, geologists and petroleum engineers were among his close friends and associates as were the civic and business leaders of the day. From these associations and his own study, Mr. Welch determined that the pursuit of chemistry and chemical research held great potential for vast good and would continue to have a valuable impact on business, industry, global leadership and the human condition.

Mr. Welch gave serious thought to the disposition of his estate. His decisions reflected his belief in science and the role it would play in the future. In his will, Mr. Welch stated: “I have long been impressed with the great possibilities for the betterment of mankind that lay in the field of research in the domain of chemistry.” With his death in 1952, Mr. Welch left a generous portion of his estate to his employees and their families. The balance began what is now The Welch Foundation.

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Table of Contents 3 2018 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS 4 THE WELCH FOUNDATION 6 THE WELCH AWARD 8 THE HACKERMAN AWARD 10 CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL RESEARCH 12 PROGRAMS 14 FOUNDATION GRANTS 18 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS 32 DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH GRANTS 33 ENDOWED CHAIRS 34 FINANCIALS

2 2018 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS Advancing Basic Research in Chemistry, Improving Lives

Fiscal year 2018 saw the Foundation’s endowment reach $725 million. From inception through the end of the year, the Foundation has provided some $898 million in actual-dollar support for basic research in chemistry. “I am continually amazed at the quality of the research happening in Texas,” said Welch President Norbert Dittrich. “The grants, awards and our annual chemical conference highlight the value of funda- mental research. I salute the many scien- tists whose creativity, intellect and hard SAB Chair Peter Dervan (left) with Board Chair Carin Barth work help advance chemistry to improve and President Norbert Dittrich. our world.” The Welch Foundation named Jeffrey D. concern – including desalination, recycling Rimer of the University of Houston as the 2018 wastewater, and converting seawater to fresh “rising star” recipient of the Norman Hacker- water and clean energy. Welch Scientific Advi- man Award in Chemical Research. His work in sory Board member James L. Skinner chaired the crystallization has led to improved catalysts for conference. energy production and new treatments for kidney Adriaan Bax of the National Institutes of stones and malaria. Health was honored for his contributions to sci- The annual research conference in Octo- ence with the 2018 Robert A. Welch Award in ber, “Water: Science and Technology,’’ explored Chemistry. Dr. Bax reinvented nuclear magnetic research focused on understanding the behavior resonance spectroscopy to enable the study of of water in a wide range of complex systems. large biological molecules for a better understand- Presenters also reviewed technology advances to ing of disease. His current work is focused on address water availability – a key issue of global showing protein folding in real time with impli- cations for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and other maladies. Wilhelmina E. (Beth) Robertson retired from the board of directors in April 2018. Her 15 years of service, including as former board chair, helped advance the Foundation’s mission. Wil- liam F. McKeon began serving on the auxiliary advisory board January 1, 2018, and became a director in June. Two new scientific leaders were named to the Scientific Advisory Board, effective January 1, 2019: Catherine J. Murphy, Larry R. Faulkner En- dowed Chair in Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Melanie S. Sanford, Moses Gomberg Distinguished University Welch board members and spouses visit at the Welch Award banquet, from left: Doug and Sarah Foshee, Todd and Carin Barth, and Fred and Professor and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Jessica Brazelton. Chemistry, University of Michigan.

3 THE WELCH FOUNDATION Fullfilling Founder’s Vision

Created from an endowment by Texas oilman and philanthropist Robert Alonzo Welch, The Welch Foundation is one of the nation’s largest sources of private funding for basic research in chemistry. For more than 60 years, the Foundation has supported chemistry in Texas through research grants and a variety of other programs. Following the dictates of Mr. Welch’s will, the Foundation remains true to its mission of supporting fundamental scientific exploration that ultimately helps improve our world. The Foundation’s endeavors are guided by a Board of Directors, Scientific Advisory Board and professional staff, all committed to building a robust scientific community in Texas that advances basic knowledge.

Board of Directors and Officers The Board of Directors serves as stewards of The Welch Foundation, overseeing its financial health, operational direction and support for chemistry.

Carin Marcy Barth Frederick W. Brazelton Chair and Director Secretary and Director

Douglas L. Foshee William F. McKeon Vice Chair and Director Director

Gina A. Luna Norbert Dittrich Treasurer and Director President

4 Scientific Advisory Board Peter B. Dervan, Chair Richard R. Schrock California Institute Massachusetts Institute The Scientific Advisory Board advises of Technology of Technology the Board of Directors on scientific issues related to the Foundation’s mission. The board is composed of renowned leaders in chemistry and the related sciences who Jennifer A. Doudna Peter G. Schultz evaluate proposals for research grants, University of California, The Scripps Research review and recommend finalists for the Berkeley Institute Welch and Hackerman Awards, and help oversee the other Foundation programs to promote chemistry in Texas. Each year, one member presides over the annual Joseph L. Goldstein James L. Skinner Conference on Chemical Research. The University of Texas University of Chicago Southwestern Medical Center

Roger D. Kornberg Xiaowei Zhuang Stanford University Harvard University Medical School

W. E. Moerner Stanford University

Foundation Staff Led by Norbert Dittrich, president and chief operating officer, the staff oversees and implements the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.

Norbert Dittrich Reena Cegielski Linda Molina President Senior Accountant Administrative Assistant/ Coordinator

Carla J. Atmar Carolyn Kahlich Ron Page Grant Programs Senior Accountant Controller Coordinator

Colette Bleasdale Kathy Kirk Sherry White Executive Assistant Administrative Assistant Staff Accountant (Retired May 31, 2018)

5 WELCH AWARD Reinventing NMR to ‘See’ Biological Macromolecules in Action

Dr. Bax has taken what was originally a breakthrough two-dimensional tool and cre- ated numerous new methods so scientists now can use NMR to “see” much larger proteins in 3D. This has allowed him, and labs across the world, to explore increasingly complex aspects of biology. His research has shed new light on molecules that play important roles in AIDS, influenza and other diseases. Most recently, the NIH Distinguished Inves- tigator and his colleagues have developed novel NMR equipment and methods to study protein folding in real-time. Protein misfolding is at the core of diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and many other maladies. This breakthrough will increase understanding of Ingrid Pufahl and husband Ad Bax, 2018 Welch Award recipient, visit how the process can go wrong and guide the with Norbert and Rebecca Dittrich at the Foundation’s October banquet. development of new treatments. “Dr. Bax introduced many of the NMR The 2018 Welch Award in Chemistry celebrates advances that are now used in thousands of chemistry and biology laboratories on a daily Adriaan (Ad) Bax’s transformation of nuclear basis,” said Carin Barth, Welch Foundation magnetic resonance spectroscopy into a powerful board chair. “His ideas have transformed NMR, structural biology and molecular biophysics.” tool to study the structure, function and His advances in NMR spectroscopy are dynamics of biological macromolecules. many and powerful, including multi-dimension- al heteronuclear spectroscopy, dipolar coupling experiments and structure interpretation of chemical shift data. He also extended the use of NMR in organic chemistry, developing the stan- dard techniques now used to detail the structure of natural products. In addition to these major breakthroughs, Dr. Bax has made hundreds of smaller im- provements in NMR technology to extend its functionality and enhance overall performance. Together, his advances have made possible many important studies of macromolecules. His work extends well beyond his own discoveries to research findings in basically every branch of molecular and cell biology. “Ad Bax made it possible to move the field from static structures to movies of biomolecules in functional action,” said Peter B. Dervan, chair, Welch’s Scientific Advisory Board. “The

6 methodology makes it possible to determine he developed the so-called triple-resonance, high-resolution structures of folding intermedi- multidimensional technology – perhaps his ates and to study disease-related events such most impactful contribution to date – which as protein aggregation and fibril formation. dramatically simplified the NMR analysis of The importance of the work to human health larger proteins. is clear when one considers the significance of The work also highlighted the functional protein misfolding diseases and the importance importance of flexibility in protein structures of developing techniques capable of dissecting and introduced a systematic and now uni- misfolding pathways.” versally adopted protocol to quantify protein Dr. Bax got involved in the early days internal motions. This became a cornerstone of NMR development while in college in the of virtually all NMR structural analyses. Dr. Netherlands, continuing this work as a gradu- Bax subsequently extended 3D techniques to a ate student at Oxford and then as a postdoctoral fourth frequency dimension, making analysis of fellow at the National Solid State NMR Facility at even larger molecules and protein membranes Colorado State. Several of the advances he devel- possible. oped then are used today, including pulsed field Early on, Dr. Bax also had the vision to gradients in NMR spectroscopy. It was while he see that it should be possible to extract the rich was a postdoc that he first used NMR to explore chemical information encoded in the NMR biological questions. chemical shifts, arguably the most sensitive After moving to NIH, he transformed NMR measure of electronic structure available to technology from one used to study very small chemists. By integrating this chemical shift proteins into one of the leading research meth- information into a pre-existing sophisticated ods in structural biology. This is significant as molecular modeling program, he transformed protein structure determination is critical to scientists’ ability to more quickly and easily our understanding of biochemistry, biology and determine protein structures. ultimately disease. Dr. Bax was able to extend While traditional NMR focused on mea- the capabilities of solution NMR spectroscopy surement of distances, Dr. Bax’s ingenious idea – the only technique that can provide high to measure orientational constraints once again resolution pictures of biomolecules in solution transformed NMR, structural biology and mo- – to much larger biomolecules. While exploiting lecular biophysics. The approach made it pos- advances in molecular biology that permitted sible to measure the orientation of bond vectors incorporation of stable isotopes into proteins, in biomolecules with unprecedented precision. It also opened the door to visualizing 3D dy- namic ensembles of biomolecules – moving the field from static structures to dynamic movies of biomolecules in functional states. “Probably the key to my research success is that I don’t know much so I don’t get absorbed in any particular area,” Dr. Bax said. “With my background in physics and my interest in technology, I get excited when we see an op- portunity to do new kinds of experiments. I love to collaborate with experts in biochemistry, biology, pharmacology and organic chemistry to find solutions to real-life problems.” Joining the NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in 1983, Dr. Bax has published more than 400 widely cited papers, received numerous Board Chair Carin Barth presents Ad Bax with the 2018 Welch Award in Chemistry for his breakthrough contributions to NMR spectroscopy. awards and served in an editorial capacity for 18 scientific journals. Dr. Bax and his wife, Dr. Ingrid Pufahl, have two children, Nicolas and Christina.

7 HACKERMAN AWARD ‘Rising Star’ Explores Crystals to Advance Energy, Medicine

“As the Foundation is based in Houston, this is a special opportunity to recognize a researcher who lives and works in our hometown,” said Carin Barth, Foundation board chair. “Dr. Rimer’s vast achievements are further proof that some of the brightest minds in chemistry are in Texas.” One of Dr. Rimer’s early milestones was developing the tools, techniques and software to use atomic force microscopy to study zeolites in situ for the first time. After unraveling how these aluminosilicate compounds grow and de- veloping new methods to selectively tailor their properties, he is applying similar approaches to craft synthetic compounds for specific tasks or to inhibit crystal formation to treat diseases. Dr. Rimer also has been instrumental in promoting the newly named field of non-clas- Welch Foundation leaders Norbert Dittrich (left), Carin Barth and Peter sical crystallization. Only recently have scien- Dervan congratulate Jeff Rimer (second from left) upon receiving the 2018 tists begun to classify how an expanding list Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research. of materials grows by these complex processes – zeolites being one example – and Dr. Rimer Jeffrey D. Rimer’s fundamental work in crystal predicts the field will explode in coming years. In energy production, zeolites are important engineering – exploring how zeolites and as catalysts driving petrochemical processes. A biomaterials form – is making an impact in more detailed understanding of their structures and processes is allowing Dr. Rimer and his two very different areas: energy and drug collaborators to selectively tailor them to better development. Working with collaborators, the perform their tasks. Even small improvements in the functionality can enhance production, University of Houston associate professor’s lower costs and produce less waste – all impor- research is leading to potential new treatments tant goals. In addition, his research is prov- ing instrumental in creating the potential for for kidney stones and malaria as well as helping commercial production of less-polluting fuels and other materials from methane, the primary craft lower cost, more effective catalysts used component of natural gas. to manufacture chemicals, reduce NOx and Dr. Rimer next turned his attention to biomineralization. As a postdoc, he had discov- produce lower-emitting fuels. His groundbreaking ered molecules with remarkable efficiency for work earned him the 2018 Norman Hackerman inhibiting the formation of the L-cystine crystals involved in a rare genetic disorder causing Award in Chemical Research. kidney stones. He began applying his knowl- edge of crystallization to inhibit calcium oxalate monohydrate, the most common constituent of kidney stones. The work resulted in a new drug that is twice as effective as current therapies

8 using an over-the-counter supplement that can be taken orally. Dr. Rimer is now leading a team of researchers at four universities and two com- panies to conduct studies to develop new drugs to treat this painful condition. Finally, he is using his ability to understand and manipulate crystallization to tackle malaria, the third most widespread disease globally. With malaria developing growing resistance to current treatments, this research is vitally urgent. He recently determined how to inhibit a defensive crystallization response the disease uses to evade the body’s immune system. This knowledge is providing a paradigm for drug screening to reduce the time and cost for devel- oping new anti-malarial drugs. “Welch funding gives us the opportunity Board Chair Carin Barth presents the Hackerman to study fundamental problems, delving into Award to Jeff Rimer. the details and developing creative approaches to solve them,” Dr. Rimer said. “Then, if we can in his lab,” said Peter B. Dervan, Scientific Advi- leverage this new understanding to applications sory Board chair. “He has become a leader in the that really make a difference and impact people’s emerging field of non-classical crystallization.” lives, that’s the best of both worlds.” Combining chemistry with engineering The importance of his science is under- and energy with medicine, Dr. Rimer built his scored by much-cited papers in such high- multidisciplinary approach on a diverse education. impact journals as Science, Nature and PNAS. With a B.S. in chemistry from Allegheny College, He also is a sought-after conference speaker and he went on to earn a B.S. in chemical engineer- seminar leader, outstanding teacher and mentor, ing from Washington University in St. Louis and generous collaborator. He holds 12 patents. and a Ph.D. in the same field at the University of “Dr. Rimer is widely recognized as an out- Delaware. He worked as a postdoctoral fellow at standing teacher and mentor, as evidenced by New York University’s Molecular Design Institute the deep scholarship and innovation produced in the chemistry department before joining the UH faculty. In his current research, he finds that the cross integration of tools and techniques helps produce innovative outcomes. Named to the endowed Ernest J. and Barbara M. Henley Professorship in Chemical Engineering in 2012, Dr. Rimer has received numerous awards and honors, and published 58 papers. An enthusiastic and dedicated teacher and mentor, he has earned teaching excellence awards and his students have garnered some 70 fellowships, dissertation and research awards. The Hackerman Award is named in honor of Norman Hackerman, a noted scientist and long-time chair of the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board. It is presented annually when Current and former board members from left: Bill McKeon, Beth Robertson, warranted to scientists who are early in their Carin Barth, Gina Luna and Fred Brazelton with Jeff Rimer (third from right) careers and conducting basic research in chem- at the Hackerman Award luncheon. istry in Texas. It includes $100,000, a sculpture and a certificate.

9 62ND ANNUAL Latest Advances in Water CONFERENCE ON CHEMICAL RESEARCH Research, Technologies

The Foundation’s 62nd Welch Conference on Chemical Research brought together many of the world’s leading scientists to explore the lat- est research on water. Their presentations out- lined our growing understanding of how water behaves and explored the emerging technologies that can help address water issues. Held in October, “Water: Science and Technology” was chaired by James L. Skinner, member of The Welch Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Crown Family Professor, Deputy Director for Faculty Affairs, and Director of the Water Research Initiative at the University of Chicago. “Water couldn’t be more important,” said Dr. Skinner. “Scientists are working to better un- SAB Chair Peter Dervan (left), conference chair Jim Skinner, Board Chair derstand water in many complex systems where Carin Barth and President Norbert Dittrich as the 62nd annual research conference. it is difficult to measure: in biology, in solution and at interfaces. Experts shared their latest breakthroughs from experimental, theoretical Water is critical to life, covering 71 percent of the and computational research, and explored new globe and making up approximately 60 percent technologies that are helping us tackle critical of our bodies. Many of this century’s most press- water challenges.” The conference was divided into four ses- ing global problems involve water, including fresh sions, covering various aspects of water research. water availability for human use and agriculture, The first morning session was led by Franz M. Geiger, Northwestern University, and wastewater treatment and the creation of carbon- examined water structure, looking at water neutral energy sources. clusters and interfaces to shed light on water’s behavior in such circumstances as aerosols and biomolecule hydration. Presenters were Mark A. Johnson, Yale University; Geraldine L. Richmond, University of Oregon; and James T. Hynes, University of Colorado at Boulder and École Normale Supérieure. In the afternoon, with discussion leader Nancy E. Levinger, Colorado State University, scientists explained how water moves, using spectroscopy to explore its dynamics, includ- ing in pure water, water around ions and in membranes. Giulia Galli, University of Chicago; Michael D. Fayer, Stanford University; and Peter J. Rossky, Rice University shared their insights.

10 Stockholm University; and Valeria Molinero, The University of Utah. The conference wrapped up with presenters sharing advances in water technology, includ- ing desalination, new approaches to treating and recycling wastewater, and breakthroughs in the effort to turn seawater into both fresh water and clean fuel. Discussion leader J. R. Schmidt of the University of Wisconsin-Madison welcomed Dan- iel G. Nocera, Harvard University; Junhong Chen, University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Benny D. Freeman, The University of Texas at Austin. “We use water as if it is an inexhaustible resource. It isn’t,” Dr. Skinner said. “In fact, almost one billion people don’t have access to fresh water today – a situation expected to significantly worsen in coming decades. How can technology help meet fresh water needs? Jim Skinner chaired this year’s conference exploring Our presenters discussed desalination, new ap- advances in water-related research. proaches to water treatment and recycling water. Day two began with a session on metastable The session also looked at the latest develop- water – non-equilibrium states of water such as ments in water-related catalysis for solar fuels supercooled water and amorphous ices. Led with the goal of addressing our climate, energy by Barbara Wyslouzil of Ohio State University, and water crises.” presenters examined metastable phases and The almost 400 conference attendees also non-equilibrium processes that can help scien- had an opportunity to hear from the 2018 Welch tists better understand water in the natural en- Award recipient Adriaan Bax, who presented vironment. They included Pablo G. Debenedetti, “Protein Structure and Dynamics Derived from Princeton University; Anders R. Nilsson, Whispering Nuclear Spins.”

SAB members W. E. Moerner (left) and Jim Skinner (right) with 2018 Welch Award recipient Ad Bax. Dr. Bax shared the latest developments in his research into protein structure and dynamics with conference attendees.

11 PROGRAMS Spurring Research, Educational Initiatives

Research Grants

The Welch Foundation awarded $28.7 million toward the research grant program. Support included funding 32 new proposals and renewing 80 projects (112 total) at 21 Texas institutions in 2018. Overall, 349 principal investigators received Welch funding. The Foun- dation’s support for chemical research since its inception in 1954 now totals approximately $898 million through August 31, 2018. Each research grant provides a minimum of $65,000 a year for a three-year grant period and may be renewed based on the proposal sub- mitted by the principal investigator. The grant supports research in chemistry by a full-time faculty member with tenure or on tenure track at institutions of higher education in Texas. UT Dallas WSSP program participants experience college life. A list of principal investigators receiving Welch Foundation grants during its 2018 fiscal year, September 1, 2017, to August 31, 2018, be- “Over the years, Foundation programs have helped gins on page 18. The listing includes researchers’ institutions and the titles of their research proj- build a robust research culture in institutions across ects. Some grants are highlighted starting on page the state,” said Welch President Norbert Dittrich. 14. More information is available in the annual “With the thoughtful guidance of our board of report supplement online at www.welch1.org. directors and Scientific Advisory Board, we have Departmental Research Grants invested in scientists, teachers and students as well Small- and medium-size colleges and as research and academic programs to advance our universities across the state play an important understanding of how the world works. Each year, our role in educating students in the sciences in general and chemistry in particular. However, body of knowledge grows larger – and opens the door the resources needed to provide a robust research to new questions and areas to explore.” experience can be limited at smaller campuses. So for much of its history, The Welch Foundation has provided funding to many of these schools to help build and strengthen their chemistry programs and provide opportunities to more students to take part in hands-on research. In 2018, 39 Texas colleges and universities received Welch support. Descriptions of how two of them, Jarvis Christian College and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, have put those funds to good use can be found in the

12 foundation grants section starting on page 14. goal is to encourage students to pursue higher Research in chemistry can inspire in education and potentially a career in the sciences. students a sense of discovery and passion for “It truly is an eye-opening experience for so scientific inquiry – enthusiasm and excitement many of the students,” said Lauren J. Webb, pro- that is difficult to create through book learning gram director and associate professor of chem- alone. Many of the students these programs reach istry at The University of Texas at Austin. “I love have never had an opportunity to experience to see participants get excited about working in research for themselves. In many cases, these the lab. Often, you can almost see the light bulb young men and women go on to seek advanced go on when they begin to understand how to degrees and careers in science and medicine. use research as a tool to unlock the door to new Departmental grants allow the schools to knowledge. Over the course of the program, offer research opportunities to students, support you see them grow both as budding scientists faculty work and enhance chemistry programs. and as people.” The departments typically use Welch funding to She reports that the program’s efforts to ex- provide scholarships or stipends for undergradu- pand its recruitment across the state continues, ates and graduates, purchase laboratory supplies with approximately 15 percent of applications and equipment, and underwrite student travel coming from outside the major metropolitan to participate in industry conferences. areas. WSSP also continues to build its social media presence. Welch Chairs Students are enthusiastic. “Welch was truly a valuable, unforgettable The Welch Foundation endows 47 chairs at experience,” said one Texas Tech University par- 21 Texas universities. This support is designed ticipant. “Over the span of five weeks, not only to recruit and retain talented chemical research- did I have the opportunity to learn about chem- ers and teachers to Texas universities as well as istry in the lab under the meticulous guidance strengthen the quality of higher education pro- of postdocs and grad students, I also learned grams across the state. The Foundation provides the importance of stepping out of my comfort ongoing research funding for chairholders, help- zone to develop chemistry with my fellow ing support graduate students and postdoctoral Welch scholars.” fellows working with the professors. A Welch scholar at UT Austin noted, “Welch provided me with an unforgettable experience Welch Summer Scholar Program that exceeded all expectations. Throughout the five weeks, I not only greatly expanded my The Welch Summer Scholar Program interest, knowledge and passion for biochemistry celebrated its 35th class in 2018, hosting 40 high (more specifically the topic of peptides), but I was school students on five Texas campuses. Each also given the opportunity to experience living student worked on a research project under the on a college campus.” direction of a faculty member during the five- “The last five weeks have been an amazing week session. The program includes room and experience,” said a third student who took part board on campus to provide participants with a at The University of Texas at Dallas. “The most true college experience. important lesson I learned from WSSP was actu- This year’s students took part in a wide range ally from the failures in the lab: Only through hard of research projects exploring environmental work and perseverance can you turn mistakes into chemistry, radio chemistry, protein engineering, successes and accomplish the goals ahead of you.” synthetic biology, RNA biochemistry, com- Already planning for the 2019 program, Dr. WSSP participant putational chemistry, and the synthesis and Webb added: “This is such a unique and extraor- conducts research at characterization of novel organic, inorganic and dinary program – one that the participants never UT Arlington. polymeric materials. WSSP also endeavors to forget. Our goal is to ignite a lifelong passion for teach such broader lessons as how to translate learning and for science, and we hear consistently textbook knowledge into new understanding, from students and our alumni that WSSP does how to work safely in a research environment, just that.” how to properly record and disseminate work, and how to communicate results. The ultimate

13 FOUNDATION GRANTS Welch Funding Supports New Science Across Texas

Glendora Carter “The Welch Foundation has given me the Departmental Research Grant rare opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge Jarvis Christian College research for over two years now,” said one of the Jarvis Christian College is a small historically paper’s authors. “I am extremely grateful and I black liberal arts institution in deep East Texas. have so much hope for the future. The Welch With an enrollment of less than 1,000 students, Foundation has prepared me for a bright future in the school nevertheless boasts a robust under- medical research.” graduate chemistry program, thanks in part to Dr. Carter herself has a long history at Jarvis, Welch Foundation funding. initially teaching biology there for a decade. She “Over the past 20 years, Welch Foundation returned to campus as a chemistry professor in Glendora Carter support has made a huge difference to our educa- 1998 after completing her doctorate and she im- tional mission by enhancing and deepening the mediately applied for a Welch departmental grant. experience we can offer students,” said Glendora “Welch helps us step outside the classroom Carter, department chair. “It touches all of our and gives us freedom to deliver material in a less faculty and chemistry students, not just those that structured way,” she explained. “Over the years, participate directly in research.” the support has also let us leverage other grants The most recent academic year saw a 60 to further expand our capabilities. It has been percent increase in the number of chemistry tremendous boon to our department.” majors and a 67 percent increase in the number of students participating in hands-on research. Charles P. France The summer 2017 eight-week research program Welch Distinguished University Chair in included five students, with three continuing the Chemistry work through the academic year. The University of Texas Health Science Center Students have been exploring varied ap- at San Antonio proaches to the cytotoxic inhibition of specific Long fascinated by addiction, Charles France cancer cell lines when treated with natural al- focuses his research on the interplay between ternatives. They synthesized nanoparticles from behavior and pharmacology in substance abuse. vegetables, such as spinach, ginger and garlic, Drawing upon his background in pharmacol- and then studied how they may inhibit growth of ogy, psychology and chemistry, the researcher breast cancer cells. Another project worked with explores how drugs work in the brain and how gold nanoparticles. long-term use can have adverse effects. Using “The idea of potentially contributing to our receptor theory, he studies the efficacy and knowledge of how to tackle cancer is so exciting selectively among addictive drugs and potential for our students,” she said, “This is experience treatment compounds. that normally wouldn’t happen until graduate While Dr. France works with many classes school and it definitely expands their horizons as of drugs, he started this research with opioids to future careers.” more than 30 years ago. Given the current opioid Charles France The students presented their work at several epidemic, his lab has moved into more applied conferences, most recently traveling to the Emerg- research and he is excited about what he believes ing Research National Conference in Washington, will be a better treatment than naloxone, now D.C. The story of the students’ research and meet- widely used to reverse overdose, and naltrexone, ing participation made the front page of the local used to treat opioid use disorder. Tyler newspaper while a research paper detailing “Methocinnamox, or MCAM, is an opioid the gold nanoparticle project was published in receptor antagonist, originally synthesized by Applied Nanoscience. S. M. Husbands and J. W. Lewis, that can reverse

14 and prevent the effects of opioids on the brain for In search of those answers, Dr. Landes is fol- seven days with a single injection vs. the several lowing in the footsteps of some of her scientific hours’ duration of naloxone and naltrexone,” he heroes. She is harnessing today’s imaging tech- said, “and without adverse consequences.” nology and computational power to finally create Because naloxone is only effective for a few a theoretical framework that can predict how to hours and the effects of most abused opioids last separate a given molecule out of a mixture. Her longer than that, a rescued individual may ex- success would have enormous implications for perience a second overdose if they take more of both the energy industry and for medicine. the drug. MCAM’s week-long duration also can “This has long been a Holy Grail of physi- be a useful tool in preventing relapse for those cal chemistry, but a goal that has stymied some in recovery. of the best scientific minds because the tools to “MCAM could be an effective safety mea- achieve it just weren’t there yet,” she said. Con- sure for law enforcement, military and health sequently, separation science hasn’t matured as professionals who may inadvertently come into much as other fields in almost a century, despite contact with the fentanyl derivatives so potent its centrality in many critical endeavors. that tiny amounts can kill,” he added, “as well as For example, Dr. Landes explained, the pet- in combating potential weaponization of these rochemical industry is all about separating and lethal compounds.” purifying specific molecules out of a mixture – He is coordinating with the Southwest a process that requires expensive infrastructure Research Institute to develop a sustained-release, and lots of energy. Fracking, or cracking rock to long-acting formulation of MCAM to test in non- extract oil and gas, takes brute force using water human primates and is hoping to accelerate the and chemicals at high pressure. move into Phase I human clinical trials. “Drug creation – especially the biologics – “The Welch Foundation has played a hugely also is a problem involving separation,” Dr. Landes important role in my research,” Dr. France said. said. “Instead of building a drug bond-by-bond, “Its support allowed us to do the initial proof- you can trick yeast into making it, but then you of-concept research that led to MCAM and more need to be able to separate out the molecules you recently helped us create our Addiction Research want. Moving separation from trial-and-error to Treatment and Training Center of Excellence, a scientific approach will save billions of dollars, which is fast becoming the umbrella organization produce fuels and drugs more quickly and cheaply, for all addiction work on campus.” and reduce environmental impacts.” Dr. France’s lab also is exploring a range She reports that Welch funding supported her of other, more fundamental studies, including experimental methods to quantify and measure monoamine systems’ roles in modifying the abuse pieces of the separation problem, including ab- and therapeutic effects of opioids; dietary impacts sorption/desorption and the folding and unfolding on the abuse and therapeutic effects of drugs act- of proteins to measure how the fleeting changes in ing on serotonin or dopamine systems; the role of structure affect function. Dr. Landes believes she insulin receptor pathways in regulating dopamine now has all the pieces in place to allow her lab to transporter activity and sensitivity to stimulants; make progress on the big picture problem. drug mixtures for treating pain; and the influence “We would not have been able to get to of physical dependence on the reinforcing effects this point without Welch’s sustained support,” of opioids. she said. “It took many years of fundamental research – a really huge effort – to set the stage. Christy Landes And if we succeed in creating a working predic- Principal Investigator tive framework for separation, the benefits will Rice University be truly amazing.” Chemists, Christy Landes says, either want to make, measure or model. For her, the ability to T. Randall Lee measure inspired her to become a spectroscopist. Principal Investigator “Nothing is more exciting than being able to University of Houston ask questions about the universe and then design Randy Lee’s connection with The Welch apparatuses and experiments to get an answer,” Foundation dates back almost 40 years. As a Christy Landes she said. high school student living on a small farm in

15 East Texas, he excelled in math and science, support; 44 doctoral graduates, seven master’s competing in state University Interscholastic degrees and 12 current Ph.D. candidates; League finals twice. This qualified him for and mentoring of 92 undergraduates, 18 high a Welch scholarship if he would major in school students, 25 postdocs and 35 visiting chemistry at a Texas college and consider scientists/scholars. graduate school. “The scholarship was critical for a poor Yuanbing Mao farm boy,” he said, “and chemistry was one of Departmental Research Grant my favorite subjects.” So he headed to Rice for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley undergraduate work and then to Harvard for his “Welch’s grant has a magnifying effect T. Randall Lee Ph.D. and the California Institute of Technology on our program above and beyond the ac- for his postdoc. tual monetary support,” said Yuanbing Mao, Eager to return to Texas, he joined the chemistry department interim chair, UT Texas University of Houston faculty where Welch sup- Rio Grande Valley. “The research Welch makes port once again proved instrumental, helping possible leads to additional grants, which, him build his lab and then providing ongoing in turn, support more research and let more support for his work. The Cullen Distinguished students gain this invaluable experience.” University Chair in Chemistry today also serves He notes the university is in one of the as the Associate Dean for Research in the UH state’s poorest areas and most of its students College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. are first-generation college attendees from eco- Dr. Lee is interested in applied nanomateri- nomically challenged backgrounds. als with the goal of creating solutions to chal- The opportunity to conduct research lenging problems. For example, one of his proj- “opens their eyes and excites them about science,” ects is focused on developing anti-adhesive or Dr. Mao said. “I’ve personally seen many such “non-sticky” nanoscale coatings. Such a material moments when work in the lab changes the would be useful in many areas, such as prevent- way they think about their future.” ing the build-up of plaque in heart stents and Last year, the Welch grant directly sup- improving the efficiency of rooftop solar panels ported the research of 15 graduate students by keeping bird droppings and other debris from and five undergraduates, with some 50 other accumulating. chemistry majors otherwise taking part in Other research interests involve magnetic research at the school. Investigations include and optical nanoparticles. In one collabora- research in analytical, bio, environmental, tive project, Dr. Lee’s group is hoping to create inorganic, materials, organic and physical nanomaterials with magnetic properties that can chemistry. The Welch-supported work led be trained to stretch and contract the substrate of to 25 peer-reviewed journal articles and 50 artificial heart tissue in three dimensions, signifi- presentations at international, national and cantly improving its performance. In another regional conferences. collaboration with a scientist in Taiwan, Dr. Lee Welch grant dollars help defray travel costs is working to combine the optical properties of for program participants to attend conferences. nanomaterials – surface-modified hollow gold- “For many students, this may well be their silver nanoshells – with a catalyst to make solar first time on an airplane and the first time they energy conversion more efficient by capturing a travel any distance from home,” Dr. Mao said. broader range of the sun’s wavelengths to pro- “So we truly are expanding horizons – both duce more energy. intellectually and geographically – opening the “I get excited about marrying fundamental door to a wealth of opportunities they couldn’t research with end-use applications,” he said. previously imagine.” Yuanbing Mao “Welch funding has been critical in letting my Today, the chemistry program boasts 20 lab pursue new ideas and new research direc- tenured and tenure-track faculty members, 350 tions that ultimately can make a major impact.” undergraduate majors and 38 in the master’s In his 25 years at UH, Dr. Lee said his program. The school recently completed a new Welch funding has been put to good use: 195 science building with 67,700 assignable square publications acknowledging Welch Foundation feet of research space on its Edinburg campus

16 as well as a new academic building with five His work has led to the formation of two chemistry teaching labs on the Brownsville biotech companies both of which were set up campus. The new facilities are making it pos- with the goal of translating fundamental chemis- sible for more students to take part in research try advances into drugs. He holds more than as well as for the university to propose a new 75 patents and was named UT’s Inventor of the doctoral program around 2022. Year in 2016. Dr. Sessler’s interdisciplinary Growing up in China, Dr. Mao appreciates research brings in elements of inorganic chemistry, how difficult it can be for some to pursue an biochemistry, spectroscopy and synthetic education and he relishes the opportunity to organic chemistry. guide first-generation students on the journey. In other work, the Sessler lab is using mo- An inorganic chemist, Dr. Mao’s research group lecular assembly to construct a potential drug includes undergraduates, graduates, postdocs delivery system, as well as to create self-healing and visiting professors focusing on inorganic materials for chemical signaling and waste and materials chemistry and nanoscience. remediation. “In my area, it is easy to find ways to relate “The freedom Welch funding gives me the science to real-life examples, and that can allows me to try a variety of new and different be particularly exciting for younger students ideas and test them in the lab. And their support in their first interactions with chemistry and was the kiss of life to my early career, letting me scientific research,” he said. “I love the science, hold my own with the best and brightest in my but my biggest contribution as a faculty mem- field,” he said. ber is in teaching and mentoring of our eager “The Foundation levels the playing field students.” for early-career researchers at a time when they are often producing their most creative work,” Jonathan Sessler Dr. Sessler added. “Thanks go to Robert A. Welch The R. P. Doherty, Jr. – Welch Regents Chair for his foresight. His gift truly has been instru- in Chemistry mental in putting Texas on the map in terms of The University of Texas at Austin research creativity and scientific leadership.” A two-time cancer survivor, Jonathan Sessler has spent much of his research career looking for a cure. He works primarily in medicinal and supramolecular chemistry, focusing on porphy- rins, a biological pigment molecule that makes blood red and grass green. His goal is to make the compounds bigger while retaining their biological features. Jonathan Sessler “Our group’s main focus is the design and construction of molecules tailored to accomplish specific objectives,” he explained, “either to better understand complex biochemical processes or perhaps to eventually find application as thera- peutic or diagnostic agents.” In the late 1980s, he created a new class of molecules he called texaphyrins – so named because they resemble the Texas star – which are a larger version of normal blood pigments. Texaphyrins accumulate in cancer cells, making them the perfect vehicle to deliver cancer-specific medicine. The larger size allows him to insert heavy metals such as platinum in their core. This causes them to disrupt the self-repair process of cancer cells.

17 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

John M. Abrams The University of Texas Apoptosome Caspase Control by Tango7 Southwestern Medical Center

Girish S. Agarwal Texas A&M University Correlated Superresolution Microscopy with Tailored Deep- Subwavelength Illumination via Nano and Plasmonic Structures

Jung-Mo Ahn The University of Texas at Dallas Tailoring Small Molecules to Mimic Protein Helical Surfaces

Neal M. Alto The University of Texas Post-Translational Modification of Host Enzymes by Bacterial Southwestern Medical Center Effector Proteins

Andrea Alù The University of Texas at Austin Giant Sensitivity and Broadband Circular Dichroism in Plasmonic Metamaterials

Meigan Aronson Texas A&M University Accelerating the Search for New Topological Materials Using in-situ X-ray Diffraction Measurements and Electronic Structure Calculations

Vaibhav Bahadur The University of Texas at Austin Role of Surface Chemistry and Interfacial Charge on Methane Hydrate Nucleation

Xiao-chen Bai The University of Texas Molecular Mechanisms of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, Southwestern Medical Center Insulin Receptor and RET Receptor Activation from High- Resolution Cryo-EM Analysis

Carlos R. Baiz The University of Texas at Austin Studies in Biophysical Chemistry: Applications of Ultrafast Infrared Spectroscopy

Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr. The University of Texas at Dallas Zeolite Encapsulated Metal Complexes

Zachary T. Ball Rice University New Strategies for Catalytic Bond Formations

Laura Banaszynski The University of Texas Role of Chromatin Remodeling in ALT-Positive Cancers Southwestern Medical Center

Jiming Bao University of Houston Distinguishing Photocatalytic Activity of Different Cobalt Oxides Through Controlled Material Synthesis and Systematic Photoelectrochemical Investigation

David P. Barondeau Texas A&M University Evolving Metallocofactor Chemistry Through Second Shell Interactions

Jeffrey E. Barrick The University of Texas at Austin Comparing the Chemical Utility of Alternative Genetic Codes

Bonnie Bartel Rice University Novel Peroxisomal Processes in Plants

Mikhail A. Belkin The University of Texas at Austin Mid-Infrared Vibrational Nanospectroscopy in Liquid Environment

Matthew R. Bennett Rice University The Role of Protein/DNA Interactions in the Kinetics of Biochemical Networks

David E. Bergbreiter Texas A&M University Multiphase Multicomponent Systems for Synthesis and Catalysis

Ricardo A. Bernal The University of Texas at El Paso Deciphering the Structural and Functional Basis for Ring Separation in Chaperonins

Eric R. Bittner University of Houston Theoretical Studies of Ultrafast and Coherent Charge- Separation Dynamics in Organic Photovoltaic Systems

18 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Paul Blount The University of Texas Determining Protein-Lipid and Protein-Protein Interactions for Southwestern Medical Center a Channel Involved in Mechanosensing

Joan F. Brennecke The University of Texas at Austin Molecular Design of Ionic Liquids for Liquid Separations: Combined Modeling and Experimentation

Jennifer S. Brodbelt The University of Texas at Austin Impact of Charges on Protein Fragmentation

Maurice Brookhart University of Houston New Pd(II) and Ni(II) Catalysts for Olefin Polymerizations and Copolymerizations

Richard K. Bruick The University of Texas Isoform-Selective Regulation of HIF-Alpha by Isoprenoids Southwestern Medical Center

Kevin Burgess Texas A&M University Ladder-Rung Mimics for Perturbing Protein-Protein Interactions

Shawn C. Burgess The University of Texas Dysregulation of Intermediary Metabolism During Disease Southwestern Medical Center

Maria Chahrour The University of Texas Forward Genomics to Identify Social Communication Genes Southwestern Medical Center

Walter G. Chapman Rice University Structure and Properties of Complex Fluids in the Bulk and Interfacial Regions

James R. Chelikowsky The University of Texas at Austin Simulating Direct Images of the Covalent Bond from Atomic Force Microscopy

Banglin Chen The University of Texas at San Antonio Functional Porous Metal-Organic Frameworks for Recognition of Small Molecules

Chuo Chen The University of Texas Development of Anticancer Immunotherapeutic Agents Southwestern Medical Center

Tai-Yen Chen University of Houston Interplay of Redox Status and Cu Homeostasis in Live Neurons at the Single-Molecule Level

Zheng Chen The University of Texas Molecular Mechanisms of a Clock-Enhancing Natural Product Health Science Center at Houston

Zhijian J. Chen The University of Texas Biochemical Mechanism of MAVS Activation by Prion-Like Southwestern Medical Center Polymerization

Cheng-Ming Chiang The University of Texas Mechanistic Action of BET Compound Inhibitors in Cancer Southwestern Medical Center Therapeutics

Yuh Min Chook The University of Texas Mechanisms of Importin 8-Mediated Nuclear Import Southwestern Medical Center

David T. Chuang The University of Texas Mitochondrial Signaling by Reversible Phosphorylation Southwestern Medical Center

Abraham Clearfield Texas A&M University Surface Functionalization of Zirconium Phosphate and Phosphonate for Drug Delivery, Lubrication and Catalysis

Cecilia Clementi Rice University Mapping the Free Energy Landscape of Proteins by Combining Theory and Experiment

Melanie H. Cobb The University of Texas Regulatory and Catalytic Properties of MAP Kinase Cascades Southwestern Medical Center

19 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Jeffery L. Coffer Texas Christian University Probing New Confined Nanostructures and Associated Interfaces within Tunable Silicon Nanotubes

James J. Collins III The University of Texas Characterization of an Essential Parasite Kinase Southwestern Medical Center

Don M. Coltart University of Houston Asymmetric Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation from Functionalized Azoalkenes

Maralice Conacci-Sorrell The University of Texas Non-Canonical Functions of Myc in Protein Acetylation and Southwestern Medical Center Chemoresistance

Jacinta C. Conrad University of Houston Structure and Dynamics of Attractive Nanoparticle Glasses

Nicholas K. Conrad The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Biochemical Analysis of a Novel S-adenosylmethionine Sensor

Lydia M. Contreras The University of Texas at Austin In vivo Structural Characterization of Catalytic and Regulatory RNAs

David R. Corey The University of Texas Recognition of Cellular Nucleic Acids by Synthetic Oligomers Southwestern Medical Center

Luis G. Cuello Texas Tech University Crystallographic and Functional Studies on the Novel Role of Health Sciences Center Water Molecules in K+ Channel C-Type Inactivation Gating

Gregory Cuny University of Houston Synthesis of Conformational Restricted Natural Products

Pengcheng Dai Rice University Transport, Magnetic, and Neutron Scattering Studies of Quantum Materials

Kevin N. Dalby The University of Texas at Austin Targeting MELK for Cancer Therapy

Gaudenz Danuser The University of Texas Probing Oncogenic Functions of Vimentin Filaments by Small Southwestern Medical Center Molecule Screens

Donald J. Darensbourg Texas A&M University Design and Reactivity Studies of Metal Catalysts for the Production of Polycarbonates from Novel Oxiranes and Carbon Dioxide

Marcetta Y. Darensbourg Texas A&M University Fundamental Chemistry that Controls Nitric Oxide Release, Capture, or Retention in the Dinitrosyl Iron Unit

Bryan W. Davies The University of Texas at Austin High-Throughput Chemical Screening for the Discovery and Development of Antimicrobial Peptides

Jef K. De Brabander The University of Texas Synthesis and Chemical Biology of Bioactive Small Molecules Southwestern Medical Center

Ralph J. DeBerardinis The University of Texas Compartmentation of a Redox-Balancing Metabolic Activity in Southwestern Medical Center the Cancer Cell Peroxisome

Michael W. Deem Rice University Design of Novel Organic Structure Directing Agents for Zeolites

H. V. Rasika Dias The University of Texas at Arlington Metal Complexes of Highly Fluorinated Ligands

Loi H. Do University of Houston Site-Differentiated Platforms for Olefin Polymerization Catalysis

Sheel Dodani The University of Texas at Dallas Exploring the Negative (X-) Side of Biology: Molecular and Protein-Based Technologies for Imaging Cellular Chloride

Andreas Doncic The University of Texas Investigating Cell Fate Decisions During Yeast Sporulation Southwestern Medical Center Using Live Single Cell Metabolite Measurements

Ivan D’Orso The University of Texas Cooperative Assembly of HIV Transcription Elongation Southwestern Medical Center Complexes

Konstantin Doubrovinski The University of Texas Molecular Basis of Tissue Material Properties in the Early Southwestern Medical Center Drosophila Embryo

20 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Peter Douglas The University of Texas Stress-Mediated Actin Phosphorylation in Endocytosis and Southwestern Medical Center Intestinal Barrier Function

Michael C. Downer The University of Texas at Austin Femtosecond Optical Probes of Nano-Interface Chemistry

Michael P. Doyle The University of Texas at San Antonio Selective Chemical Oxidations

Rui-Rui Du Rice University Infrared and Microwave Spectroscopy of Atomically Layered Materials

Kim R. Dunbar Texas A&M University Magnetic and Electronic Properties of Molecular Materials

F. Barry Dunning Rice University Studies Involving Molecules in High Rydberg States

Ron Elber The University of Texas at Austin Bridging Temporal and Spatial Scales in Membrane Modeling

Andrew D. Ellington The University of Texas at Austin Kinetic and Structural Characterization of the First Error- Correcting Reverse Transcriptase

Jan P. Erzberger The University of Texas Structural and Biochemical Characterization of DEAD-Box Southwestern Medical Center ATPase Function and Regulation During Ribosome Biogenesis

Donglei L. Fan The University of Texas at Austin Innovative Mechanism for the Synthesis of 3-D Nano- Superstructures by Designed Catalysts

Lei Fang Texas A&M University Pi-Conjugated Macrocyclic Molecular Belts

Walter L. Fast The University of Texas at Austin Chemical Probes of Biological Catalysts

Shervin Fatehi The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Stochastic Methods for Highly Accurate Quantum Chemistry Extended to Nonadiabatic Molecular Dynamics

Michael Findlater Texas Tech University Base-Metal Catalyzed Transformations

Ilya J. Finkelstein The University of Texas at Austin Mapping the Proofreading Mechanisms of Cas9 Nuclease on a Hacked DNA Sequencer

Paul F. Fitzpatrick The University of Texas Mechanisms of Enzymes Health Science Center at San Antonio

Skye Fortier The University of Texas at El Paso New Vistas in Early Actinide Chemistry

Matthew S. Foster Rice University Quantum Coherence in Driven, Disordered and Topological Many-Body Systems

Kendra K. Frederick The University of Texas Protein-Mediated Trans Splicing for Polymorphic Amyloid Southwestern Medical Center Structure Determination

Benny D. Freeman The University of Texas at Austin Synthesis and Characterization of Water and Ion Transport in Novel Ion Exchange Membrane Polymers

Jonathan R. Friedman The University of Texas Mechanisms of Mitochondrial Inner Membrane Organization Southwestern Medical Center

François P. Gabbaï Texas A&M University Tuning the Electrophilic Properties of Group 10 Metal Complexes Using Non-Innocent Antimony Z-Ligands

Elyssia S. Gallagher Baylor University Can We Apply Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange – Mass Spectrometry to Elucidate Glycan Binding Interactions?

Venkat Ganesan The University of Texas at Austin Fundamental Studies of Self-Assembly in Mixtures of Organic and Inorganic Molecules

Xue Gao Rice University The Next Generation of Ribosomal Natural Products from Microbiome

Isaac Garcia-Bosch Southern Methodist University Efficient, Sustainable and Selective Catalytic Systems for the Direct C-N Functionalization of C-H and C=C Bonds Based on Iron-Nitrenoid/Imido Species

John A. Gladysz Texas A&M University Werner Complexes as “Organocatalysts”

21 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Vishal M. Gohil Texas A&M University Phospholipid Requirements for Mitochondrial Structure and Function

Ido Golding Baylor College of Medicine Gene Regulation by Transcription Factors: Single-Molecule Chemistry in the Cell

Elizabeth J. Goldsmith The University of Texas Kinetic and Chemistry of the p38 MAPK Cascade Southwestern Medical Center

John B. Goodenough The University of Texas at Austin Influence of Counter Cation in Mixed-Metal Oxides

Paolo Grigolini University of North Texas Emergence of Biological Complexity

Nick V. Grishin The University of Texas Discovering New Chemistries with Whole Genome Sequencing Southwestern Medical Center

Arnold M. Guloy University of Houston Chemical Bonding and Properties of Polar Intermetallics Along the Border Between Metals and Nonmetals

Jason H. Hafner Rice University Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy for Biomembrane Structure

Naomi J. Halas Rice University Chemical and Photophysical Properties of Electron- Delocalized Nanoparticles

P. Shiv Halasyamani University of Houston Synthesis, Crystal Growth, Characterization, and Structure- Property Relationships in New Deep Ultraviolet Non-Linear Optical Materials

Michael B. Hall Texas A&M University Computational Chemistry on Transition Metal Systems

John C. Hardy Texas A&M University Nuclear Decay Studies

Rasika M. Harshey The University of Texas at Austin A Radical Proposal for How Transmembrane Transit of H+- Ions Can Generate an Oscillating Electric Field for Driving Rotation of the Flagellar Motor

P. John Hart The University of Texas In silico Screening for Inhibitors of CARDS Toxin from M. Health Science Center at San Antonio pneumoniae

Jeffrey D. Hartgerink Rice University Synthesis of Nanostructured Organic Materials via Self-Assembly

Kaden Hazzard Rice University Ultracold Nonreactive Molecules: From Collision Complexes to Complex Materials

Adam Heller The University of Texas at Austin Electrochemical and Bioelectrochemical Applications of Metal Oxide Templated Carbon Electrodes

Graeme Henkelman The University of Texas at Austin Design of Materials for Energy Conversion and Storage

W. Mike Henne The University of Texas Novel Pathways of ER-Endolysosomal Inter-Organelle Southwestern Medical Center Communication

Ryan E. Hibbs The University of Texas Structural Principles of Inhibitory Neurotransmitter Receptor Southwestern Medical Center Modulation

Lea Hildebrandt Ruiz The University of Texas at Austin Effects of Chlorine Atoms on Tropospheric Oxidation Chemistry

Christian B. Hilty Texas A&M University Characterization of Olefin Metathesis Using Dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization

David M. Hoffman University of Houston Synthesis of Transition Metal Complexes with Di-Anionic Tridentate Pincer Ligands

Gary Chung Hon The University of Texas Epigenetic Control of Non-Coding Gene Regulation Southwestern Medical Center

Lora V. Hooper The University of Texas Engineering Antibacterial Lectins for Specific Targeting of Southwestern Medical Center Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Julia W.P. Hsu The University of Texas at Dallas Sulfur Poisoning of Complex Oxide Catalysts for Nitric Oxide (NO) Oxidation: Effect of Crystal Structure and Stoichiometry

22 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Bo Hu The University of Texas High-Resolution Structure Determination of Molecular Health Science Center at Houston Machines in situ by Cryo Electron Tomography

Randall G. Hulet Rice University Universal Triatomic Molecules by Association of Ultracold Atoms

Simon M. Humphrey The University of Texas at Austin Design and Synthesis of New Metalloligands for the Construction of Phosphine Coordination Materials with Advanced Solid-State Properties

Gyeong S. Hwang The University of Texas at Austin First-Principles Investigation of the Structure, Chemistry and Function of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

Tatyana I. Igumenova Texas A&M University Pin1 “bites” the Tail: Regulatory Role of the C-Terminal Domain of Protein Kinase C

Brent L. Iverson The University of Texas at Austin A New Family of Reporting Molecules

Khuloud Jaqaman The University of Texas In situ Measurement of Inter-Receptor Interaction Kinetics on Southwestern Medical Center the Cell Surface

Makkuni Jayaram The University of Texas at Austin Mechanistic Characterization and Functional Manipulation of Active Sites that Catalyze Nucleotidyl Transfer Reactions

Jenna Jewell The University of Texas Deciphering the Glutamine Signaling Pathway to mTORC1 Southwestern Medical Center

Jean X. Jiang The University of Texas Modulating Hemichannel Activities Using Targeting Antibodies Health Science Center at San Antonio

Jin Jiang The University of Texas Biochemical Study of Hh Signaling at the Primary Cilium Southwestern Medical Center

Ning Jiang The University of Texas at Austin Identify Therapeutic Antibodies and Vaccine Candidates by Mining Human Antibody Repertoire in Malaria

Youxing Jiang The University of Texas Structural and Functional Studies of Ligand-Gated Cation Southwestern Medical Center Channels

Lukasz A. Joachimiak The University of Texas Structural Basis for Chaperone Function in Polyglutamine Southwestern Medical Center Aggregation

Kenneth A. Johnson The University of Texas at Austin Dynamics of Structural Changes Governing DNA and RNA Replication

Keith P. Johnston The University of Texas at Austin Controlled Assembly of Inorganic and Organic Nanoparticle Clusters

Matthew Jones Rice University Dimensionally- and Toplogically-Constrained Nanoparticle Assembly

Richard A. Jones The University of Texas at Austin Molecular Precursors for New Functional Materials

Miguel Jose Yacaman The University of Texas at San Antonio Designing Highly Active Noble Metal Catalysts Using Ni, Co and Cu: A New Generation of Catalyst

Karl M. Kadish University of Houston Electrochemistry and Spectroelectrochemistry of Compounds with Multiple Redox Centers

Craig D. Kaplan Texas A&M University Fundamental Mechanisms of RNA Polymerase II Transcription

Adrian T. Keatinge-Clay The University of Texas at Austin Preparative Biocatalytic Synthesis of Complex Polyketides

Ben Keitz The University of Texas at Austin Peptide Directed Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks

Ching-Hwa Kiang Rice University Single Molecule and Single Cell Studies of Biological Systems

Thomas C. Killian Rice University Pump-Probe Spectroscopy of Rydberg-Macromolecule Decay Pathways

Nayun Kim The University of Texas Locus-Specific Quantitation of Uracil Associated with Health Science Center at Houston Unscheduled DNA Synthesis

23 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Tae-Kyung Kim The University of Texas Biochemical Properties of Transcriptional Enhancers Southwestern Medical Center

Natasha Kirienko Rice University Structural Determinants of Pyoverdine Chemical Function

Steven A. Kliewer The University of Texas Mechanisms Underlying the Secretory Actions of FGF21 in Southwestern Medical Center Exocrine Pancreas

Che Ming Ko Texas A&M University Theoretical Studies of Heavy Ion Collisions

Jennifer J. Kohler The University of Texas Discovering the Glycoconjugate Receptors of Pertussis Toxin Southwestern Medical Center

Anatoly B. Kolomeisky Rice University Unraveling the Chemical Mechanisms of Selectivity in Channel-Facilitated Molecular Transport

Junichiro Kono Rice University Optical, Infrared and Terahertz Spectroscopy of Low- Dimensional Materials

Brian A. Korgel The University of Texas at Austin Nanocrystal Assemblies

László Kürti Rice University New Paradigms in Heterocyclic Chemistry

Jaan Laane Texas A&M University Molecular Structures and Vibrational Potential Energy Surfaces in Ground and Excited Electronic States

Keji Lai The University of Texas at Austin Noninvasive Electrical Mapping of Chemical Processes in 2D Materials

Alan M. Lambowitz The University of Texas at Austin Bacterial Reverse Transcriptases: Characterization and Biotechnological Applications

Christy F. Landes Rice University Identifying Hidden Conformations in Multi-State Bio-Molecules

Oleg V. Larionov The University of Texas at San Antonio New Catalytic Strategies for the Synthesis of Complex Heterocycles

Michael Latham Texas Tech University Methyl-Based NMR Investigation of a DNA Double Strand Break Repair Complex

Howard (Ho Wai) Lee Baylor University Chemical Sensing with Enhanced Raman and Coherent Anti- Stoke Raman Spectroscopy on Epsilon-Near-Zero Metasurfaces

Seongmin Lee The University of Texas at Austin Chemical, Biochemical and Structural Studies of Inflammation-Induced DNA Lesions

T. Randall Lee University of Houston Functionalized Xanthates, Dithiocarboxylates, and Dithiocarbamates for Coating Surfaces and Nanoparticles

Guigen Li Texas Tech University Group-Assisted Purification (GAP) Chemistry for Asymmetric Synthesis and Catalysis

Pingwei Li Texas A&M University The Structural Basis of RNA Synthesis by Zika Virus

Wei Li Rice University Exotic Collective Phenomena in Nuclear Chemistry at a Trillion Degrees

Wen-hong Li The University of Texas Fluorescent Probes for Cellular Imaging Southwestern Medical Center

Xiaochun Li The University of Texas Structure and Function of Sterol-Sensing Domains in Southwestern Medical Center Membrane Proteins

Xiaoqin (Elaine) Li The University of Texas at Austin Bio-Compatible Quantum Sensors

Erez Lieberman Aiden Baylor College of Medicine Mapping Chromatin Loop Dynamics in Differentiating Hematopoetic Cells

Milo M. Lin The University of Texas Accelerating Thermodynamic Sampling to Predict the Toxic Southwestern Medical Center Oligomer Structure of Abeta42 in Alzheimer’s Disease

24 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Paul A. Lindahl Texas A&M University Characterization of Low-Molecular-Mass Metal Complexes in Mitochondria and Blood

Stephan Link Rice University Observing Chemistry via Surface Plasmons

Jen Liou The University of Texas Novel Imaging Probes for Investigating ER Membrane Contact Southwestern Medical Center Sites

Hung-wen Liu The University of Texas at Austin Mechanistic Studies of Novel Enzymes

Qinghua Liu The University of Texas Chemosensing Mechanism of Thiazoline Odor-Evoked Innate Southwestern Medical Center Fear

Wenshe Liu Texas A&M University Novel Chemical Biology Tools for Investigating the Protein Ubiquitination System

Xin Liu The University of Texas Structural Basis and Chemical Modulation of Gene Silencing Southwestern Medical Center by Polycomb Repressive Complex 2

Yi Liu The University of Texas Biochemical Analysis of an RNA Interference Pathway Southwestern Medical Center

Yuanyue Liu The University of Texas at Austin Understanding and Designing Two-Dimensional Electrocatalysts Through Grand-Canonical Quantum- Mechanical Simulations

Steve W. Lockless Texas A&M University Membrane Protein Regulation Through the Lipid Bilayer

Jun Lou Rice University Developing Atomic Layer Enabled Tunable and Flexible Photodevices

Carl J. Lovely The University of Texas at Arlington Total Synthesis of Spirocyclic Marine Sponge-Derived Alkaloids

Vassiliy Lubchenko University of Houston Bonding and Structural Degeneracy in Incommensurate Phases and Quasicrystals

Robert R. Lucchese Texas A&M University Nuclear Motion Probed by Molecular-Frame Photoionization

Lloyd L. Lumata The University of Texas at Dallas Tracking Amino Acid Metabolism in Cancer in Real-Time Using Hyperpolarized 13C Magnetic Resonance

Weibo Luo The University of Texas Regulation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Transcriptional Southwestern Medical Center Activity by the Histone Modifier

Xuelian Luo The University of Texas Chemical Inhibition of the Hippo TEAD-YAP Transcription Southwestern Medical Center Factors for Cancer Therapy

Nathaniel A. Lynd The University of Texas at Austin Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Cooperatively Crystalline Block Copolymers

Jianpeng Ma Baylor College of Medicine Exploring the Chemical Forces Stabilizing Human Polycomb Repressive Complex 2

Allan H. MacDonald The University of Texas at Austin Spintronics in Two-Dimensional Materials

Frederick M. MacDonnell The University of Texas at Arlington Photothermochemical Liquid Hydrocarbon Synthesis from Water and Carbon Dioxide

Ram Madabhushi The University of Texas Elaborating the Roles of DNA Breaks in Stimulus-Dependent Southwestern Medical Center Gene Transcription in Neurons

Corina Maeder Trinity University Mechanism of a Small Protein at the Heart of Spliceosome Activation

Dmitrii E. Makarov The University of Texas at Austin Theory and Simulations of Single-Molecule Dynamics

David J. Mangelsdorf The University of Texas Ligand Binding Properties of Nematode Orphan Nuclear Southwestern Medical Center Receptors

Arumugam Manthiram The University of Texas at Austin Synthesis and Properties of Transition Metal Oxides with Unusual Valence States

25 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Edward M. Marcotte The University of Texas at Austin A Mass Spectrometry-Based Reference Map of Core Eukaryotic Protein Complexes

Caleb D. Martin Baylor University Heavy Element-Boron Systems: From Unusual Bonding to New Synthetic Tools

Stephen F. Martin The University of Texas at Austin Synthesis of Biologically Relevant Molecules

Elisabeth D. Martinez The University of Texas Small Molecule Inhibitors Selectively Targeting Malaria Southwestern Medical Center Epigenetic Enzymes

Andreas Matouschek The University of Texas at Austin Structure and Function of a Nano-Scale Biological Machine

Jeremy A. May University of Houston The Total Synthesis of Bioactive Natural Products via Novel Methods and Strategies

Jennifer A. Maynard The University of Texas at Austin Control of Protein Folding Quality: Portable Sequence Determinants of Antibody Stability

Julian Meeks The University of Texas Identifying New Mammalian Bile Acid Receptors Southwestern Medical Center

Gabriele Meloni The University of Texas at Dallas Transition Metal Selectivity and Translocation in Transmembrane Ion Pumps

Joshua T. Mendell The University of Texas Biochemical and Structural Analysis of the NORAD- Southwestern Medical Center PUMILIO Ribonucleoprotein Complex

Ognjen Š. Miljanic ´ University of Houston Robust Porosity in Molecular Crystals

Delia J. Milliron The University of Texas at Austin Plasmonic Transparent Conducting Oxide Nanocrystals: Dopant Chemistry and Heterogeneity

Saikat Mukhopadhyay The University of Texas Biochemical Characterization of Factors Regulating Southwestern Medical Center Subcellular Trafficking and Function of Membrane Adenylyl/Guanylyl Cyclases

Charles B. Mullins The University of Texas at Austin Nano-Structured Materials for Chemistry

Siegfried M. Musser Texas A&M University Physicochemical Properties of FUS Droplets: In vitro Models Health Science Center of Liquid-Like Membrane-Less Compartments in Cells

Yunsun Nam The University of Texas Structure and Function of microRNA Precursors Southwestern Medical Center

Douglas Natelson Rice University Novel Single- and Few-Molecule Vibrational Spectroscopies

Donald G. Naugle Texas A&M University The Influence of Reduced Dimensionality, Disorder, and Interfaces on the Properties of Solids

Andriy Nevidomskyy Rice University Multipolar Spin Orders in Correlated Electron Materials

Kyriacos C. Nicolaou Rice University Total Synthesis of Bioactive Natural and Designed Molecules

Deepak Nijhawan The University of Texas Expanding the Druggable Genome Southwestern Medical Center

Michael Nippe Texas A&M University Synthetic Strategies for the Preparation of Supramolecular and Covalent Cage Structures Containing Carborane Moieties

Qian Niu The University of Texas at Austin Properties and Their Inter-Couplings in 2D Materials

Peter J.A. Nordlander Rice University Theoretical Investigations of Chemical Properties of Nanosystems

Simon W. North Texas A&M University Fundamental Imaging Studies of Chemical Reactivity

Kathryn A. O’Donnell The University of Texas Dissecting Novel Mechanisms of Lung Cancer Pathogenesis Southwestern Medical Center

John S. Olson Rice University Chemical Mechanisms of Ligand Binding to Heme Proteins

26 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Mohammad A. Omary University of North Texas Dawn Rise Upon New Chemical Bonds Amidst Ground- and Excited-State Bonding Assortments in Luminescent Molecules/Excitons/Polarons

José Onuchic Rice University Integrating Structural and Co-Evolutionary Genomic Data to Determine the Energy Landscape of Biomolecular Complexes

Kim Orth The University of Texas Using Chemistry and Genetics with VopQ to Decipher Southwestern Medical Center Vacuolar Fusion Events

Oleg V. Ozerov Texas A&M University Ligand Design Approaches to Coupling Catalysis with Group 9 Metal Complexes

Jeremy C. Palmer University of Houston Metastable Liquid-Liquid Phase Transitions in Molecular Models of Tetrahedral Fluids

Keith H. Pannell The University of Texas at El Paso SILOXYMETHYLAMINES: Masked Amination Reagents for New Metal Ligands

Matteo Pasquali Rice University Physical Chemistry of Nanorods and Nanoplates

Margaret A. Phillips The University of Texas Purine Salvage Pathways as Potential Drug Targets in Southwestern Medical Center Trypanosomatid Parasites

Lionel W. Poirier Texas Tech University New Methodologies for Accurate Quantum Calculations of the Dynamics of Atomic Nuclei

David C. Powers Texas A&M University PCET-Triggered Metal-Ligand Cooperation for Aerobic Oxidation Catalysis

B. V. Venkataram Prasad Baylor College of Medicine X-ray Crystallographic Studies on Viruses and Viral Proteins

Han Pu Rice University Synthetic P-Wave Interaction in Ultracold Atoms

Emily L. Que The University of Texas at Austin Exploring the Use of Cu(II) in 19F Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agents for Imaging Biological Redox

Arun Radhakrishnan The University of Texas Molecular Mechanisms of Cholesterol Sensors in Human Cells Southwestern Medical Center

Mark G. Raizen The University of Texas at Austin Imaging of Surface Chemistry with Neutral Atoms

Rama Ranganathan The University of Texas Evolutionary Dynamics and the Design of Natural Proteins Southwestern Medical Center

Frank M. Raushel Texas A&M University Elucidation of Enzyme Reaction Mechanisms

Joseph M. Ready The University of Texas New Directions in Asymmetric Synthesis Southwestern Medical Center

Michael Reese The University of Texas Unraveling the Non-Canonical Activation Mechanism of Southwestern Medical Center Toxoplasma Kinases

Linda E. Reichl The University of Texas at Austin Relaxation Processes in Ultracold Atomic Mixtures and Dissociated Molecules

Pengyu Ren The University of Texas at Austin Multiscale Modeling of RNA 3D Structure and Folding

Peter M. Rentzepis Texas A&M University Time and Space Resolved Chemical and Biological Reaction Intermediates

Luke M. Rice The University of Texas Structure and Biochemistry of a Microtubule Regulatory Protein Southwestern Medical Center

Michael G. Richmond University of North Texas Synthesis and Reactivity Studies of Polynuclear Clusters

Jeffrey D. Rimer University of Houston Physicochemical Factors Governing Protein Inhibition of Calcium Oxalate Monohydrate Crystallization

Jose Rizo Rey The University of Texas NMR Methods to Study Membrane Proteins in Lipid Bilayers Southwestern Medical Center

27 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Sean T. Roberts The University of Texas at Austin Mapping Singlet Exciton Fission and Energy Transport Pathways in Perylene Diimide Thin Films and Crystals with Femtosecond Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

Jacob T. Robinson Rice University Molecular Mechanisms for Magnetically Sensitive Ion Channels

Daniel Romo Baylor University Novel Strategies for β-Lactone Synthesis and Annulation to Impact Basic Cell Biology

Michael J. Rose The University of Texas at Austin Earth Abundant Metal Catalysts for Energy-Related Chemical Transformations

Michael K. Rosen The University of Texas 2D Phase Separated Protein Polymers: Interactions with Actin Southwestern Medical Center Filaments

Daniel M. Rosenbaum The University of Texas Capturing the Active Conformations of CNS GPCRs with Southwestern Medical Center Nanobodies

Joseph H. Ross, Jr. Texas A&M University Magnetic, Electronic and Dynamical Behavior of New Semiconducting Materials

Peter Rossky Rice University Understanding Conjugated Polymer Aggregation and Optoelectronic Properties via Multiscale Simulation

Rick Russell The University of Texas at Austin Investigation of RNA Misfolding from Altered Topology

Livia Schiavinato Eberlin The University of Texas at Austin Development of Ambient Ionization Ion Mobility Mass Spectroscopy Imaging for Spatial and Chemical Lipid Analysis in Biological Samples

Sandra L. Schmid The University of Texas Dissecting Dynamin Isoform-Specific Regulation of Clathrin Southwestern Medical Center Mediated Endocytosis

Hans A. Schuessler Texas A&M University Optical Studies of Atomic and Molecular Systems with Femtosecond, XUV and IR Laser Radiation

Marlan O. Scully Texas A&M University Experimental and Theoretical Research into Quantum Chemistry and Quantum Optics

Jonathan T. Sczepanski Texas A&M University Development of Cross-Chiral Nucleic Acid Biosensors for Detection of RNA Structure

Joachim Seemann The University of Texas Biochemical and Structural Analysis of Golgi-Based Spindle Southwestern Medical Center Assembly Activities

Laura Segatori Rice University Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles with Autophagy-Modulating Properties

Libo Shan Texas A&M University Biochemical and Regulatory Constraints of Immune Sensors

Bryan F. Shaw Baylor University The Dark Side of “Wild Type” Cu, Zn SOD1 in Motor Neuron Disease: Metal Snatcher or Prion Template?

Jason B. Shear The University of Texas at Austin Development of Micro-3D-Printed Optical Fiber Probes for Remote Characterization of Complex Bio-Environments

Matthew Sheldon Texas A&M University Hot Carrier Up-Conversion Luminescence in Nanocrystal Heterostructures

A. Dean Sherry The University of Texas at Dallas Shift Reagents for MRI Detection of Specific Metabolites

Xiaobing Shi The University of Texas Structure and Functions of a Novel Histone Acetylation Reader M. D. Anderson Cancer Center

Chih-Kang Shih The University of Texas at Austin Tailoring Electronic and Excitonic Structures of 2D Materials

Michael Shiloh The University of Texas Activation of Nociceptive Neurons by a Mycobacterial Southwestern Medical Center Bioactive Lipid

Qimiao Si Rice University Theoretical Studies of Electronic Dynamics and Correlations in Carbon-Based and Related Low Dimensional Structures

28 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Daniel J. Siegwart The University of Texas Design and Synthesis of Activatable pH-Responsive Water Southwestern Medical Center Soluble Dyes for Biomedical Imaging

Alexei V. Sokolov Texas A&M University Ultrafast Coherent Molecular Spectroscopy with Spatially and Temporally Shaped Electromagnetic Fields

Dong Hee Son Texas A&M University Hot Electrons Generated from Upconversion in Doped Quantum Dots

Zhou Songyang Baylor College of Medicine Biochemical Studies of Pathways and Compounds that Modulate Telomere Length

Mihaela C. Stefan The University of Texas at Dallas Semiconducting Block Copolymers Capable of Actuated Changes of Opto-Electronic Properties

Wu Pei Su University of Houston Direct Phasing in Macromolecular Crystallography

Ruhma Syeda The University of Texas Probing the Mechanism of SWELL Response to Osmotic Southwestern Medical Center Stress and Ionic Strength

Jeffrey J. Tabor Rice University Next-Generation Antibiotics: High Throughput Discovery of Inhibitors of Pathogenic Bacterial Two-Component Systems

Vincent S. Tagliabracci The University of Texas Novel Bacterial Spore Coat Protein Kinases Southwestern Medical Center

Uttam K. Tambar The University of Texas Stereoselective Transformations of Dienes Southwestern Medical Center

Yizhi Jane Tao Rice University Structural and Functional Studies of Viral Polymerases

David Taylor The University of Texas at Austin Chemical Insights into Substrate Cleavage by CRISPR-Cascade

Thomas S. Teets University of Houston Fine Tuning of Molecular Catalysts and Photosensitizers via Synthetic Allostery

Jonathan R. Terman The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Chemistry and Enzymology of MICAL Family Oxidoreductases

Randolph P. Thummel University of Houston Cyclotetrapyridines and Related 6-5 Chelators

Chin Sen Ting University of Houston Superconductivity in Fe-Pnictides and Other Electron- Correlated Materials

Frank K. Tittel Rice University Application of Mid-Infrared Quantum and Interband Cascade Lasers to High Precision Trace Gas Monitoring

Zachary J. Tonzetich The University of Texas at San Antonio Earth-Abundant Transition Metal Catalysts Supported by Pincer Ligands

Eszter Trufan University of Houston-Downtown Synthesis and Characterization of New Ball-Type Phthalocyanines

Thomas M. Truskett The University of Texas at Austin Liquids Near Interfaces: Single-Molecule and Collective Dynamics

Francis T.F. Tsai Baylor College of Medicine Structural and Mechanistic Studies of ATP-Driven Protein Machines

Benjamin P. Tu The University of Texas Selective Regulation of Metabolism by a Conserved Inhibitor Southwestern Medical Center of TORC1

Adam R. Urbach Trinity University Multivalent Cucurbit[n]urils for High-Affinity Reversible Binding

Kosaku Uyeda The University of Texas The Biochemical Mechanism of the Glucose Sensing and Southwestern Medical Center Regulation of ChREBP

Rafael Verduzco Rice University Charge Separation in Well-Defined Donor-Acceptor Block Copolymer Interfaces

29 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Eric J. Wagner The University of Texas Cryo-EM Analysis of the Integrator Complex Medical Branch

Yihong Wan The University of Texas Biochemical Characterization of How Maternal Milk Impacts Southwestern Medical Center Offspring Epigenome and Metabolism

Meng C. Wang Baylor College of Medicine Chemical Imaging of Glutathione Spatiotemporal Dynamics During Aging

Qinghua Wang Baylor College of Medicine Chemical Mechanisms of Muscle Contraction and Regulation

Yingfei Wang The University of Texas Biochemical Characterization of PAAN Southwestern Medical Center

Yuhong Wang University of Houston The Kinetics and Conformational Changes During the Peptidyl Transferase Reaction in Single Ribosomes

Zhao Wang Baylor College of Medicine Determining Chemical Interactions Mediating Biological Complex Formation by Cryo-EM

Zhigao Wang The University of Texas Regulation of Necroptosis by Casein Kinase 1 Southwestern Medical Center

Coran Watanabe Texas A&M University Streptomyces sahachiroi: A Rich Treasure Trove of Unique Biosynthetic Reactions

Lauren J. Webb The University of Texas at Austin Small Molecule Interactions with Protein Assemblies: “Drugging” the Protein-Protein Interface

R. Bruce Weisman Rice University Optical Studies of Nanocarbons

Alexander H. Weiss The University of Texas at Arlington New Method for the Chemical Characterization of the Internal Surfaces of Porous Materials

Kenneth D. Westover The University of Texas Development of Covalent TAK1 Inhibitors Southwestern Medical Center

Robert L. Whetten The University of Texas at San Antonio Fundamental Chemical Research on Larger Molecular Noble- Metal Clusters

Christian P. Whitman The University of Texas at Austin Structure Function Relationships in Enzymes

C. Grant Willson The University of Texas at Austin Programmed Self-Assembly of Nanostructures

Lon J. Wilson Rice University Carbon Nanotube Capsules for Advanced Theranostic Applications

Sebastian E. Winter The University of Texas Respiration-Driven Changes in the Gut Microbiome During Southwestern Medical Center Inflammation

Jiang Wu The University of Texas Tumor Suppression Function of Brg1/SMARCA4 is Disrupted Southwestern Medical Center by DCLK1-Mediated Phosphorylation

Han Xiao Rice University Genetic Incorporation of Fluorogenic Amino Acids

Chong Xie The University of Texas at Austin Probing the in vivo Chemistry in the Behaving Brain

Jian Xu The University of Texas In Situ Analysis of the Structure-Function of Transcriptional Southwestern Medical Center Enhancers

Boris I. Yakobson Rice University Science of Nearly-1D Materials: From Nanotubes to Nanowires and Grain Boundaries

Nan Yan The University of Texas A Monogenic Immune Disorder Associated with Southwestern Medical Center Oligosaccharyltransferase Dysregulation

Ding-Shyue Yang University of Houston Ultrafast Electron Crystallography and Femtosecond Spectroscopy of Structural Transformation Dynamics in Transition Metal Systems

30 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR INSTITUTION TITLE OF RESEARCH

Jin Ye The University of Texas Biochemical Characterization of the Fatty Acid-UAS Domain Southwestern Medical Center Interaction

Danny L. Yeager Texas A&M University Some Accurate New Complex Scaled Multiconfigurational Methods for Electron-Atom/Molecule Scattering Resonances

Hsin-Chih Yeh The University of Texas at Austin NanoCluster Beacons for Highly Specific DNA Methylation Detection

Sherry J. Yennello Texas A&M University Investigating the Equation-of-State for a Two-Component Nuclear System

Seung-hee Yoo The University of Texas A FAD-Driven Biochemical Oscillation Governing Health Science Center at Houston CRYPTOCHROME Turnover

Guihua Yu The University of Texas at Austin Probing the Charge Storage Mechanisms of Molecularly- Assembled Two-Dimensional Inorganic Solids

Hongtao Yu The University of Texas Biochemical and Structural Analysis of Cohesion and Its Regulators Southwestern Medical Center

Yonghao Yu The University of Texas Targeting PARP1 for the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer Southwestern Medical Center

Anvar A. Zakhidov The University of Texas at Dallas Photochemistry of Nanoimprinted Hybrid Perovskites for Photovoltaics

Melissa L. Zastrow University of Houston Cofactor-Based Fluorescent Proteins as Platforms for New Zinc Ion Sensors

Chengcheng Zhang The University of Texas Identification of Potential Therapeutic Compounds for Southwestern Medical Center Hematopoietic Regeneration

Chun-Li Zhang The University of Texas Chemical Regulation of Human Motor Neurons Southwestern Medical Center

Junjie Zhang Texas A&M University Functions of Unique Structures in Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Translation

Renyi Zhang Texas A&M University Chemical Kinetics and Mechanism of Hydrocarbon Oxidation Reactions

Xiuren Zhang Texas A&M University Biochemical Basis of SWI/SNF ATPase in Remodeling RNA Complexes

Xuewu Zhang The University of Texas Structural and Functional Analyses of the BCCIPβ/RPL23 Southwestern Medical Center Complex

Yan Jessie Zhang The University of Texas at Austin Visualization of the Incorporation of Molecular Oxygen in Endoperoxide Bond Formation Using Time-Resolved X-ray Crystallography

John C.-G. Zhao The University of Texas at San Antonio Expeditious Modification of Organocatalyst Structures for Improved Stereoselectivities

Alexey M. Zheltikov Texas A&M University Optical Detection and Control of Ultrafast Electron Dynamics and Small-Scale Temperature Variations in Chemical Systems

Jie Zheng The University of Texas at Dallas Unravelling Charge Selectivity in the Glomerular Filtration of Ultrasmall Engineered Nanoparticles at the Chemical Level

Qing Zhong The University of Texas Identification of Autophagy-Specific Factors for Southwestern Medical Center Autophagosome-Lysosome Fusion

Yubin Zhou Texas A&M University Optical Rewiring of Epigenetic Landscapes to Reprogram Cell Health Science Center Fate

31 DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH GRANTS

Abilene Christian University Tarleton State University Angelo State University Texas A&M University-Commerce Austin College Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Hardin-Simmons University Texas A&M University-Kingsville Houston Baptist University Texas Lutheran University Huston-Tillotson University Texas Wesleyan University Jarvis Christian College Texas Woman’s University Lamar University Trinity University LeTourneau University University of Dallas Lubbock Christian University University of Houston-Clear Lake McMurry University University of Houston-Downtown Midwestern State University University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Our Lady of the Lake University University of St. Thomas Prairie View A&M University The University of Texas at Tyler St. Edward’s University The University of Texas of the Permian Basin St. Mary’s University The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Sam Houston State University University of the Incarnate Word Schreiner University Wayland Baptist University Southwestern University West Texas A&M University Stephen F. Austin State University

32 ENDOWED CHAIRS

INSTITUTION CHAIRHOLDER AND CHAIR NAME

Baylor College of Medicine David D. Moore, The R. P. Doherty, Jr.-Welch Chair in Science Baylor College of Medicine Theodore G. Wensel, Welch Chair in Chemistry Baylor College of Medicine Thomas Westbrook, Welch Chair in Chemistry Baylor University John L. Wood, Welch Chair in Chemistry Rice University Andrew R. Barron, The Charles W. Duncan, Jr.-Welch Chair in Chemistry Rice University Gustavo E. Scuseria, Welch Chair in Chemistry Rice University Peter Wolynes, The D. R. Bullard-Welch Chair in Science Texas A&M University Tadhg P. Begley, Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas A&M University James C. Sacchettini, The Roger J. Wolfe-Welch Chair in Science Texas A&M University Karen L. Wooley, The W. T. Doherty-Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas A&M University Hongcai Joe Zhou, Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas A&M University Health Science Center Vytas A. Bankaitis, The E. L. Wehner-Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas A&M University Health Science Center Thomas A. Kent, Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas A&M University Health Science Center Roderic I. Pettigrew, Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas Christian University Eric E. Simanek, Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas Tech University William L. Hase, Welch Chair in Chemistry Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Vadivel Ganapathy, Welch Chair in Biochemistry University of Houston Olafs Daugulis, Welch Chair in Chemistry University of Houston Jan-Åke Gustafsson, Welch Chair in Chemistry University of Houston Allan J. Jacobson, Welch Chair in Science University of North Texas* Welch Chair in Chemistry University of North Texas Health Science Center Laszlo Prokai, Welch Chair in Biochemistry The University of Texas at Arlington Daniel W. Armstrong, Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Eric V. Anslyn, Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Allen J. Bard, The Norman Hackerman-Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Richard M. Crooks, Welch Chair in Chemistry (Materials Chemistry) The University of Texas at Austin Michael J. Krische, Welch Chair in Science The University of Texas at Austin Jonathan L. Sessler, The R. P. Doherty, Jr.-Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Dave Thirumalai, The Marvin K. Collie-Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin Steven Weinberg, The Jack S. Josey-Welch Chair in Science The University of Texas at Austin* Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin* The Richard J.V. Johnson-Welch Regents Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Dallas Ray H. Baughman, Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at Dallas* Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at El Paso Luis Echegoyen, Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at San Antonio Kirk S. Schanze, Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas at San Antonio* Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Zhiqiang An, Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston John L. Spudich, Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Charles P. France, Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio* Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Andrew Futreal, Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center John A. Tainer, Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Medical Branch B. Montgomery Pettitt, Welch Distinguished University Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Medical Branch* Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center J. Russell Falck, Welch Chair in Chemistry The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Eric N. Olson, Welch Chair in Science

*Chair not filled

33 STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF AUGUST 31, 2018 AND 2017

2018 2017 ASSETS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ...... $ 2,062,641 $ 5,219,312

INVESTMENTS ...... 722,085,624 680,296,988

RECEIVABLES: Investment transactions ...... 387,203 477,157 Interest and dividends ...... 260,962 320,284 Other ...... 255,414 297,912

Total receivables...... 903,579 1,095,353

OTHER ASSETS ...... 585,399 994,220

TOTAL ...... $ 725,637,243 $ 687,605,873

LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

LIABILITIES: Unpaid grants ...... $ 21,218,753 $ 20,046,750 Deferred federal excise tax payable ...... 2,730,346 2,196,044 Accounts payable and other ...... 372,191 1,312,637

Total liabilities ...... 24,321,290 23,555,431

NET ASSETS...... 701,315,953 664,050,442

TOTAL ...... $ 725,637,243 $ 687,605,873

34 STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES AS OF AUGUST 31, 2018 AND 2017

. 2018 2017

REVENUES: Interest ...... $ 1,295,506 .$ 1,112,660 Dividends ...... 2,059,088 . 3,449,081 Oil and gas royalties and other ...... 1,800,546 . 1,343,632

Total revenues ...... 5,155,140 . 5,905,373

EXPENSES: Investment advisory and custodial fees ...... 3,388,626 . 3,541,561 General and administrative ...... 4,287,982 . 3,882,653 Federal excise tax provision on net investment income ...... 218,396 . 85,287 Property, production and state taxes ...... 178,574 . 122,191

Total expenses ...... 8,073,578 . 7,631,692

GRANTS APPROVED - Net ...... (31,576,749) . (28,333,693 )

GRANT PAYMENTS DISCOUNT ...... 611,747 . -

NET REALIZED GAINS ON SALES OF INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS ...... 51,417,249 . 29,526,776

UNREALIZED APPRECIATION OF INVESTMENTS ...... 20,718,012 . 51,270,061

CHANGE IN PENSION ...... 334,995 . 20,434

FEDERAL EXCISE TAX ON REALIZED CAPITAL GAINS ...... (796,165 ) (187,250 )

DEFERRED FEDERAL EXCISE TAX PROVISION ON UNREALIZED CAPITAL GAINS ...... (525,140 ) . (1,118,157 )

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS ...... 37,265,511 . 49,451,852

NET ASSETS, beginning of year ...... 664,050,442 . 614,598,590

NET ASSETS, end of year...... $ 701,315,953 $ 664,050,442

For the Foundation’s complete audited financial statements, please visit www.welch1.org.

35 36 2018 ANNUAL REPORT SUPPLEMENT

The Supplement to the 2018 Welch Foundation Annual Report is available online at www.welch1.org and includes: 62nd Conference on Chemical Research Program Welch Conference on Chemical Research 1957-2018 Welch Award Recipients 1972-2018 Hackerman Award Recipients 2002-2018 Principal Investigators Listed Alphabetically Abstracts of Current Investigations Publications by Principal Investigators Reported During 2017-2018 5555 San Felipe Suite 1900 Houston, Texas 77056-2730 713.961.9884 www.welch1.org