DECEMBER 2014

CHEM news DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue… Diverse, multi-disciplinary

collaboratives key to If today’s researchers Instrumentation 3 are going to successfully Facility successful research tackle some of society’s most complex and 10National Historic important human Chemical Landmark health, energy and Celebration environmental problems, they need to draw on diverse expertise by Student Honors 12 collaborating with other university researchers Long-Time Employees and leading industrial 16 partners. Professor Erin Carlson explains her research during the departmental tours for the National Historic Chemical Landmark celebration in September. Promotions 18 Researchers in the Department of Chemistry Critical to the success of the centers is the unique have recently been extraordinarily successful in collegial and highly collaborative culture and obtaining national funding for such collabora- climate fostered in the College of Science & Faculty & Staff Honors tions through the establishment of major research Engineering (CSE), which supports and facilitates 20 centers. departments working and growing together. “Some of the very best science is done when Over the past two years, Department of Chemistry Donors researchers with diverse backgrounds and perspec- researchers have received more than $63 million 22 tives work together to tackle the most challenging from the Department of Energy (DOE) and problems,” said Professor William Tolman, chair National Science Foundation (NSF) for major re- of the Department of Chemistry. search centers that involve University of Minnesota

continued on page 6 message from the CHAIR

CHEM news Building upon our history

DECEMBER 2014 We stand on the shoulders of others DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY CHAIR in our work, dreams, and aspirations, William Tolman and sometimes it’s important to EDITOR Eileen Harvala recognize this in a way that is both Department of Chemistry fitting and inspirational. College of Science & Engineering Chair William Tolman University of Minnesota Smith Hall In an exciting special event this fall, the the central science as well as the outstanding per- 207 Pleasant St. S.E. American Chemical Society and the University formance of our instructors. Notably, last year, Minneapolis, MN 55455 of Minnesota recognized the contributions of approximately 6,800 students in 138 undergrad- The Department of Chemistry is dedicated to Izaak Maurits “Piet” Kolthoff to the field of ana- uate majors enrolled in 17 chemistry labora- providing a world-class education through its classroom and laboratory teaching; and creating lytical chemistry as a National Historic Chemical tory courses in 111 individual sections. These new scientific knowledge through research aimed Landmark, and the centennial of Smith Hall, students came from across a wide swath of the at solving some of society’s most important human which was erected in 1913, and named after Lee University, including the College of Liberal Arts health, energy, and environmental problems. Irvin Smith. Huge crowds enjoyed the festivities, (35 percent), College of Science & Engineering This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to Eileen Harvala which included tours of the department, a sym- (26 percent), College of Biological Sciences (18 at 612-624-0831 or [email protected]. posium by distinguished scientists from widely percent), and College of Food, Agricultural and The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity disparate backgrounds, and a memorable per- Natural Resource Sciences (10 percent), with the educator and employer. The University’s mission, sonal recollection of Piet by Professor Pete Carr. remaining distributed in smaller numbers from carried out on multiple campuses and throughout the state, is threefold: research and discovery, These events reinforced the notion that through eight other colleges. teaching and learning, and outreach and recognition and understanding of our shared public service. Recognizing the significance of the experiential history, we best position ourselves to shape the learning that occurs in our laboratory courses © 2014 Regents of the University of Minnesota. future of our society through scientific research All rights reserved. and the need to improve the quality of our and educating the leaders of tomorrow. facilities, the Board of Regents approved the As you will see in this issue of our annual establishment of a Teaching Laboratory Building newsletter, the future of the Department of in the latest six-year capital plan. This will Chemistry is looking ever brighter. A paradigm allow us to modernize and relocate the current shift in the way that research is organized and teaching laboratories to the new building as well funded is underway, in which multi-investigator as provide much needed renovation and critical teams funded through large center grants work safety improvements to research laboratories Stay in Touch to solve challenging, multi-faceted problems. and associated facilities in 100-year-old Smith The uniquely collaborative environment at the Hall. In addition, we will be able to increase Visit our website at University of Minnesota has been key to the re- our number of faculty in order to teach the very www.chem.umn.edu cent establishment of several such centers, which large and growing number of undergraduate have secured an astounding amount of federal students enrolling in our courses and to lead our funding (more than $60 million). In addition, cutting-edge research efforts. We look forward improvements to our instrumentation infra- with great excitement to these major changes. Join our Facebook group structure are critical for research success, and As we embark on future efforts, we cannot help we are fortunate to have top-notch facilities led but be inspired by those who came before us. by outstanding scientists. The stories about our The legacy of predecessors Kolthoff and Smith new centers and our facilities in this issue paint a that we just celebrated is a superb foundation on Follow us at Twitter picture of exciting growth and dynamic activity. which to grow. Student enrollments in our classes have reached new highs, attesting to the role of chemistry as

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2 CHEM news December 2014 LeClaire-Dow Instrumentation Facility critical to university researchers Nestled on the first floor of Kolthoff Hall is one of the most sophisticated, specialized instrumentation facilities on the University of Minnesota campus.

The LeClaire-Dow Instrumentation their research groups use the facility, Facility houses the Mass Spectrometry and 50 researchers from other depart- Laboratory (MSL), the Nuclear Magnetic ments such as Biochemistry, Molecular Resonance (NMR) laboratory, and the X-Ray Biology and Biophysics, Food Science Crystallographic Laboratory (XCL). These and Nutrition, Biomedical Engineering, laboratories annually support hundreds of Chemical Engineering & Materials Victor Young Jr., Ph.D. researchers in the Department of Chemistry, Science, Medicinal Chemistry, across the university, and from other institu- Pharmaceutics, and Veterinary Medicine, and Victor Young Jr., Ph.D. tions and industries. Most of the equipment is the Medical School employ the facility for Education: Doctorate from Arizona state-of-the-art and some recent infrastructure analysis or research collaboration. State University, bachelor’s degree from grants will replace aging equipment. Working with Dalluge, these research collab- Spring Arbor College in Michigan orations have resulted in eight peer-reviewed Post-Doctoral Research: Arizona State articles published the past year. In addition, University more than 20 industrial clients use the instru- Each of these facilities are Employment: Development and mentation. directed by highly trained, Testing Engineer II for Chrysler Since Dalluge started with the department Corporation; Visiting Scientist at the doctorate-holding chemists in 2009, he has expanded the breadth of Los Alamos National Laboratory; Staff equipment and services provided by the MSL, who are specialists in their Crystallographer in the Department of making it one of the premier facilities of its Chemistry at Iowa State University; and fields. kind in the country. Its capabilities range from Research Associate, Senior Research classical chemical characterization techniques Associate and, since 1995, Director of to leading edge MS and 2D imaging and the X-Ray Crystallographic Laboratory advanced metabolite profiling. since 1995 Each of these facilities are directed by highly trained, doctorate-holding chemists who are The recent acquisition of two mass spectrome- Professional affiliations: American specialists in their fields. Joseph Dalluge is ters was made possible through grants awarded Crystallographic Association, and director of the MSL, Letitia Yao is director of in 2013. The first is an Applied Biosystems- Neutron Scattering Society of America the NMR lab, and Victor Young Jr. is director Sciex 5800 MALDI-TOF/TOF mass Publications/Presentations/Patents: of the XCL. spectrometer funded by a National Science More than 40 presentations and 257 Foundation Major Research Instrumentation publications, workshops for local Mass Spectrometry Laboratory grant awarded to Professor Michael Bowser, university and college faculty members principal investigator, and Dalluge, co-prin- and their students to introduce them to The Mass Spectrometry Laboratory is highly cipal investigator. MALDI-MS is a powerful crystallographic theory and the modern used by faculty and student researchers at tool for analyzing a variety of different analytes instrumentation, and part of the Inter- the university and from other colleges and including small molecules (metabolites), national Year of Crystallography 2014 universities, and by industrial researchers. Forty lipids, nucleic acids, peptides, proteins, and Task Force that is organizing numerous Department of Chemistry faculty members and polymers. The second is a Fluidigm CyTOF2 educational and outreach activities through this year of celebration. continued on page 4

www.chem.umn.edu 3 LeClaire-Dow Instrumentation Facility continued from page 3

“Letitia Yao is the person Joseph Dalluge, Ph.D. that I absolutely admire Education: Doctorate in biochemistry from for her outstanding NMR the University of Utah, bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College service and attentive Post-Doctoral Research: National Research Council Post-Doctoral Associate, National help at all times” Institute of Standards and Technology, —Son Nguyen Gaithersburg, MD

Employment: Research Chemist at the National Institute of Standards and Technol- ogy; Senior Chemist with Cargill Incorpo- Joseph Dalluge, Ph.D. rated; Director of Department of Chemistry Mass Cytometer funded through a University Mass Spectrometry Laboratory since 2009 of Minnesota Office of the Vice President for Research Infrastructure Grant awarded to Professional affiliations: Editorial Board, Current Protein and Peptide Science, American Chemical Society, American Society for Mass Spectrometry, Past-President Professor Edgar Arriaga, principal investigator. and Board Member of the Minnesota Mass Spectrometry Discussion Group Mass cytometry combines the advantages of single cell high speed analysis common to Publications/Presentations/Patents: 37 publications, four abstracts, one patent, and conventional flow cytometry with the ability seven invited presentations to resolve more than 100 metal probes with minimal signal overlap common to atomic mass spectroscopy. This provides researchers Letitia Johnson Yao, Ph.D. with an unparalleled ability to phenotypically Education: Doctorate from the University and functionally profile cells from normal and of Minnesota, bachelor’s degree from the disease states. College of Wooster in Ohio Post-Doctoral Research: University of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance California in San Francisco Laboratory Employment: Temporary Department For Yao, NMR spectroscopy is an invaluable of Chemistry faculty, and NMR Research tool for researchers who make or structurally Associate since 1997, and now Laboratory characterize new organic, organometallic, me- Director dicinal, and polymeric compounds. Essential Professional affiliations: American Chemical to the productivity of these researchers is mod- Letitia Johnson Yao, Ph.D. Society, Minnesota Section of the American ern, sophisticated instrumentation capable of Chemical Society, Association of Managers providing high quality data in a user-friendly, of Magnetic Resonance Laboratories, Sigma XI, Phi Beta Kappa, Graduate Women walk-up or open-access environment, which is in Science, Department of Chemistry Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) team, offered in her laboratory. Minnesota NMR Users Group, National Academy of Sciences Committee on Science, Approximately 300 researchers from 42 Engineering and Public Policy different research groups on campus, span- Publications/Presentations/Patents: 18 publications, six presentations ning 10 different departments, including Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, the Masonic Cancer Center, Medicinal Chemistry, and Bioproducts and

4 CHEM news December 2014 Biosystems Engineering, are trained operators of the spectrometers in the NMR laboratory. Together, they collect more than 40,000 spectra annually. These instruments also service the needs of about a dozen industrial clients, several The X-Ray Crystallographic Facility is nationally local colleges and community colleges, and the Department of Chemistry’s undergraduate recognized, providing its users with a variety of teaching mission. A critical distinction of the Department of Chemistry’s laboratory is the crystallographic instrumentation, expertise in diversity of experiments required by its users. crystallographic techniques, computers, and Thousands of new compounds are produced at the University of Minnesota each year. crystallographic software. “Letitia Yao is the person that I absolutely admire for her outstanding NMR service and attentive help at all times,” wrote Son Nguyen in his student dissertation, Synthesis of the ABCD and FGHI Domains of Azaspiracid. The new machines also will lower the use of In 2012, the XCL was awarded a National non-renewable consumables like liquid helium, Science Foundation Major Research The NMR laboratory houses three vintage and will be fully shielded from vibrations and Instrumentation Grant to purchase a Bruker- Varian spectrometers at 300 MHz and 500 electronic fields generated by the light rail line. AXS D8 Venture single crystal diffractom- MHz, which were acquired in the late 1980s, eter with Cu-KαIμS microfocus source, and two modern 500 MHz spectrometers, X-Ray Crystallographic PHOTON-100 CMOS detector, and an which were acquired in the 2010s. One of the Laboratory Oxford Cryostream 700-Plus Cryostat. This Bruker 500 MHz instruments, which sits on a joined an existing Bruker-AXS APEX-II CCD vibration isolation table, was purchased by the The X-Ray Crystallographic Facility is national- diffractometer. Additional equipment includes university so at least one spectrometer is pro- ly recognized, providing its users with a variety two area-detector single-crystal instruments, tected from the vibrations and electromagnetic of crystallographic instrumentation, expertise plus access to the Cambridge Structural interference generated by the nearby light rail in crystallographic techniques, computers, Database and the APEX-II software suite. trains. The second Bruker 500 MHz instru- and crystallographic software. The mission of ment was purchased with a National Institutes this facility it to provide the best molecular Since 1999, Young has taught the graduate of Health instrumentation grant with matched structure elucidation services to University of course CHEM 5755, which blends a tradi- funding from the university and Department Minnesota researchers and collaborators at tional theory curriculum with a laboratory of Chemistry. Professor William Pomerantz other institutions and industries. While the experience where the students learn to operate contributed a portion of his start-up funds to laboratory primarily offers single crystal modern single crystal diffractometers. equip one of the Brukers with a liquid-nitrogen diffraction services, expertise in most areas cooled Prodigy cryoprobe with enhanced sensi- of crystallography is available. tivity for F19 nuclei (and H1 and C13). About 300 projects were studied in 2013, and The NMR laboratory was recently awarded a most of those provided researchers with publi- $329,600 Research Infrastructure Reinvestment cation-ready crystallographic results. Program grant from the Office of the Vice Frequently, the research projects present ob- President for Research, which will be matched stacles that require expertise and innovation to with funds from the College of Science & overcome such as twinning, small crystal sizes, Engineering and the Department of Chemistry. or solvent loss, said Young. “For instance, our This will enable the laboratory to purchase two laboratory is recognized as being expert in the new 400 MHz spectrometers to replace the vin- solution and refinement of non-merohedrally tage ones, which require frequent repairs, once twinned materials,” he said. they reach the end of their useful lifetimes.

www.chem.umn.edu 5 Collaboratives key continued from page 1 researchers, researchers from universities and ❚❚Inorganometallic Catalyst Design Center Siepmann—$8.1 million over five years, colleges across the country, and industrial part- (ICDC), directed by Professor Laura funded in 2012; ners. Those centers include the: Gagliardi—$12 million over four years, ❚❚Scientific Discovery through Advanced funded in 2014; ❚❚Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP), Computing (SciDAC) partnership, the directed by Professor Marc Hillmyer—$20 ❚❚Nanoporous Materials Genome Center Center for the Study of Charge Transfer million over five years, funded in 2014; (NMGC), directed by Professor Ilja and Charge Transport in Photoactivated Systems, directed by Professor Christopher Cramer—$5 million over five years, fund- ed in 2012; and Center for Sustainable Polymers ❚❚Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), directed Researchers in the Department of by Professor Timothy Lodge—$16.8 Chemistry and the Department of million funding for the past six years, and Chemical Engineering & Materials funding for the next six years is pending Science (CEMS) have laid the official approval from the NSF. groundwork for producing poly- mers from sugar-derived building Center for Sustainable Polymers blocks. This break-through re- search could lead to the creation A major NSF-funded research center is the of biobased block polymers that Center for Sustainable Polymers, which draws mimic the performance of petro- together a remarkable group of scientists leum-based polyester plastics. that includes researchers at the University of Minnesota, Cornell University, and the This collaborative research University of California, Berkeley, along with involved CEMS Professor Kechun more than 32 companies from across the Zhang and Post-Doctoral The biosynthesis and polymer research team includes, nation. The center integrates the research of Associate Mingyong Xiong from left, Chemistry Professor Marc Hillmyer, Chemical experts in polymer, organic, biosynthetic, in- Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) Professor designing a biosynthetic route organic, computational, and materials chem- Kechun Zhang, CEMS Post-Doctoral Associate Mingyong to make a six-membered ring Xiong, CEMS Professor Frank Bates, and Chemistry Gradu- istry. Their research is aimed at transforming β-methyl-δ-valerolactone (MVL) ate Student Deborah Schneiderman. how plastics are made and unmade. The CSP as a new biobased monomer. is focused on reducing the national reliance Chemistry Professor Marc Hillmyer, on finite feedstocks by developing technolog- Chemistry Graduate Student Deborah K. Schneiderman, and CEMS Professor Frank Bates then ically competitive, environmentally friendly, controllably copolymerized MVL to make a soft, amorphous polyester. They demonstrated cost-effective plastics from natural, sustainable that additions of lactide, a biobased cyclic diester already used as a biodegradable polymer and renewable materials. building block, could be used to prepare block polymers. By varying the size and ratio of each component block, it is possible to control the mechanical properties of the material. CSP researchers from the CSE’s departments (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2014, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1404596111). of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & Materials Science include Professors Frank Bates, Christopher Cramer, Marc Hillmyer, Thomas Hoye, Chris Macosko, Theresa Reineke, William Tolman, Jane Wissinger, and Kechun Zhang. Professors Geoff Coates and Developing bio-based plastics that will compete Will Dichtel, and Anne LaPointe, Ph.D., are with or outperform those made from fossil resources leading the research at Cornell University. At the University of California, Berkeley, research is a complex scientific puzzle, the solution for collaborators are Professors Michelle Chang, John Hartwig and Dean Toste. Professor Mark which requires the diversity of expertise embodied Matsen from the University of Waterloo in Toronto, Canada, adds important research by the center’s researchers. expertise in self-consistent field theory.

6 CHEM news December 2014 Inorganometallic “Our research could lead to new opportunities for Catalyst Design energy efficiency and resource conservation.” Center —Laura Gagliardi

Developing bio-based plastics that will a new class of energy-science-relevant catalytic compete with or outperform those made materials for energy- and atom-efficient con- from fossil resources is a complex scientif- version of shale-gas components. ic puzzle, the solution for which requires “Our research could lead to new oppor- the diversity of expertise embodied by the tunities for energy efficiency and resource the center’s researchers. For example, CSP conservation,” Gagliardi said. “Our ultimate researchers at the University of Minnesota goal is to design and produce catalysts for recently used biosynthesis, chemical engi- reactions that will yield significant energy neering, metabolic pathway engineering, savings and environmental benefits compared Researchers are defining the proton materials science, and polymer chemistry to existing alternatives. A more immediate topology of the Zr6-based metal-organ- to build new biobased block copolymers, a outcome of the research will be what we learn ic frameworks, which will have wide class of high-performance materials, from about structure-function relationships for new ranging implications in defining their purely sugar-derived building blocks. This catalysts in a size range spanning the nano- chemical reactivity, acid/based char- patented, breakthrough technology is being and meso-scales.” acteristics, conductivity, and chemical marketed to industries that can translate this catalysis. These Zr -based metal-organic Gagliardi is developing theories to model 6 discovery into innovative products. frameworks have exceptional thermal, chemical processes relevant to the energy chemical and mechanical stability. needs of modern society. For example, she Department of Energy However, their structural diversity makes guides research aimed at designing new Research Centers it difficult to assign where protons, which materials to remove carbon dioxide from the are needed for charge balance, reside atmosphere and, through her participation on some Zr -based nodes. A combined in a second EFRC headquartered at the 6 quantum mechanical and experimental University of Notre Dame, new processes approach is indicating that a mixed to recycle spent nuclear fuel from nuclear node topology, [Zr6(μ3–O)4(μ3–OH)4(OH)4 power reactors. 8+ (OH2)4] , is preferred. In addition to Gagliardi, five other profes- Professor Laura This collaborative research involved Gagliardi is director sors from the Department of Chemistry are Professors Joseph T. Hupp, and Omar of the Inorgano- involved in the center, including Christopher K. Farha from the Department of metallic Catalyst Cramer, Connie Lu, Lee Penn, Andreas Stein, Chemistry Northwestern University who Design Center. and Donald Truhlar. These researchers are all synthesized the Zr6-based MOFs. Then, leaders in theoretical chemistry and inorganic Department of Chemistry Professors chemistry—two fields in which the University The Department of Chemistry has three Laura Gagliardi and Christopher Cramer of Minnesota excels. Other partners include national research centers funded by the with chemistry Graduate Student Northwestern University, University of Department of Energy, which bring together Joshua Borycz, and Post-Doctoral Washington, University of California-Davis, experts from throughout the country to accel- Associates Nora Planas and Samat Clemson University, Argonne National erate discoveries related to solving important Tussupbayev constructed some models Laboratory, Northwest National Laboratory, energy issues. of these materials and determined and Dow Chemical Company. their structures and proton topology by The Inorganometallic Catalyst Design Before becoming director of the ICDC, means of quantum chemical calcu- Center is a DOE Energy Frontier Research Gagliardi was leading the Nanoporous lations. (J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 5, 2014 pp Center (EFRC), focusing on the discovery of 3716–3723 DOI: 10.1021/jz501899j). continued on page 8

www.chem.umn.edu 7 Collaboratives key continued from page 7

“Together, the array of major research centers involving Department of Chemistry faculty and students is enabling major, highly imp ortant scientific problems of broad scope to be address ed.” —William Tolman

Possible renewed funding is currently pend- ing from the NSF. NSF MRSECs are structured to support in- terdisciplinary and multidisciplinary materials research that addresses complex and important Timothy Lodge, a Regents Professor in both the Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical science and engineering problems, which Engineering & Materials Science, is director of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. could not be addressed under traditional fund- ing of individual research projects.

Materials Genome Center, which is now The Center for the Study of Charge Transfer The university’s MRSEC has distinct re- being led by Professor Ilja Siepmann. This and Charge Transport in Photoactivated search foci, clustered in what are called center is developing and using high-end com- Systems is funded through the DOE’s Interdisciplinary Research Groups. Each putational tools to characterize and predict the Scientific Discovery through Advanced involves a number of faculty researchers from performance of millions of advanced materials Computing (SciDAC) initiative. Researchers five different CSE departments, includ- at the nano scale. These new materials have are developing methods and algorithms, ing Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and many potential applications related to energy, and improving software tools needed for Materials Science, Electrical and Computer including the capture of greenhouse gases such the reliable modeling of charge transfer and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, as carbon dioxide, and the storage of hydro- charge transport in photoactivated systems. and Physics. Recent IRGs have focused on gen. In addition, the group aims to improve Such processes are fundamental for solar engineering multiblock polymers, organic op- catalysis and advanced chemical separations energy capture, solar energy conversion, and toelectronic interfaces, magnetic heterostruc- used in environmental research as well as photoactivated catalysis, both industrial and tures, and nanoparticle-based materials. those used in petroleum and biofuels processes biological. Cramer is the center’s director, and The university’s MRSEC also helps researchers to make them more efficient and environ- co-investigators include Gagliardi (the found- through its seed program, providing grants ment-friendly. ing director), Siepmann and Truhlar. Research of $50,000 for new and innovative research partners include the Pacific Northwest The NMGC includes researchers from six projects. It is not unusual for seed-funded re- National Laboratory and the Lawrence other institutions including the University search to ultimately blossom into major Berkeley National Laboratory. of California, Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley research initiatives. For example, two of National Laboratory, Washington State MRSEC’s new IRGs originated with seed University, Rice University, Georgia Tech, and Materials Research Science funding. Northwestern University. Co-investigators and Engineering Center “Our researchers are engaged in cutting-edge from the University of Minnesota include The Materials Research Science and materials science research,” said Lodge. Cramer, Gagliardi and Truhlar from the Engineering Center, one of the university’s They are aided by the strong collaborations Department of Chemistry, and Michael oldest and largest multi-disciplinary research in the departments, among the different Tsapatsis from the Department of Chemical centers, is an exemplar for collaborative disciplines that their research represents, Engineering & Materials Science. centers. It was originally funded in 1998, and by the shared facilities that are available with grants renewed in 2002 and 2008. at the University of Minnesota such as the

8 CHEM news December 2014 “Together, the array of major research focus for Energy and U is engaging students centers involving Department of Chemistry from underrepresented groups in the sciences. faculty and students is enabling major, MRSEC researchers offer a variety of highly important scientific problems of weeklong summer camps for high school broad scope to be addressed,” said Tolman. “Together, the array of major research centers involving students, including a possible new Materials “The extraordinarily high level of research Department of Chemistry faculty and students is funding supports the efforts of a myriad stu- enabling major, highly imp ortant scientific problems of dents and post-doctoral broad scope to be address ed.” associates who push the research forward and gain —William Tolman fundamental knowledge necessary to address soci- ety’s most critical needs.”

Minnesota Supercomputing Institute, the Education/ CSE Characterization Facility, and the Outreach Minnesota Nano Center. The majority In addition to research, of MRSEC’s researchers are also engaged many of the centers with the university’s Industrial Partnership are heavily engaged in for Research in Interfacial and Materials Professor Marc Hillmyer, director of the Center for Sustainable Polymers, outreach and education Engineering (IPrime), which fosters relation- demonstrates the durability of a next-generation polymer made from initiatives focused on train- ships with industrial scientists. More than 40 sugar-derived building blocks. ing the next generation of industrial partners are involved with IPrime. scientists, which includes strong outreach to K-12 schools, and creating Week for Native American students. Many Other collaboratives opportunities for undergraduate and graduate of the researchers also provide undergraduate research experiences for promising students In addition to his participation in the students to participate in research. from a national network of four-year colleges, DOE-funded center, Professor Truhlar is For example, each of the CSP’s senior investi- minority-serving institutions, tribal colleges, co-principal investigator in two large grants, gators will have the opportunity to mentor an and research universities. the specific aims of which are to under- undergraduate student in a 10-week summer stand and design heat shields for hypersonic research program that helps teach excited Recently, the National Institutes of Health vehicles. These grants include a $1.5 mil- younger researchers about opportunities in renewed the Chemical Biology Interface lion Multidisciplinary University Research science and engineering. Training Grant (CBITG) for the next five Initiative Grant, and a $1.7 million Air Force years, which provides $1.2 million to fund Office of Scientific Research grant. One of those CSP senior investigators, graduate students working at the interface of Professor Jane Wissinger, brings extensive chemistry and biology. Overseen by Professor While not based at the University of experience working on diverse aspects of green Mark Distefano, this grant will support five to Minnesota, Professor Christy Haynes, an chemistry. In addition to coursework develop- six students per year over the next five years. expert in nanotechnology, is involved in the ment and integration of new green laboratory The students take courses in chemistry and multi-disciplinary Center for Sustainable practices, she has developed experiments for biology, attend a seminar series devoted to the Nanotechnology (CSN), which was creat- undergraduate students focused on creating chemistry-biology interface, are provided with ed with a $1.75 million NSF Centers for new polymers from biobased feedstocks. She funds to attend outside scientific meetings and Chemical Innovation grant. Researchers shares her expertise with university professors career-related activities, and are responsible are investigating how nanoparticles interact and K-12 educators across the country. for organizing and running a symposium in- with living ecological systems. In addition volving speakers from academia and industry. to the University of Minnesota, the CSN Both the CSP and MRSEC are major The training grant involves faculty from the brings together the expertise of researchers supporters of the university’s Energy and U departments of Chemistry, Biochemistry, from five different institutions, including the program, which brings more than 10,000 Molecular Biology and Biophysics, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, University elementary-aged students to the University of Medicinal Chemistry. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Northwestern Minnesota campus every year to teach them University, University of Illinois, and the about energy and to show them that science Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. is fun and something that they, too, can do. A www.chem.umn.edu 9 National Historic Chemical Landmark celebration draws hundreds More than 400 people attended the National Historic Chemical Landmark dedication ceremony and research symposium, Sept. 12-13, 2014, honoring the legacy of Professor Izaak M. Kolthoff.

A public ceremony celebrating the landmark designation and Smith Hall centennial, which included the unveiling of a plaque in Kolthoff’s honor, was conducted, Friday, Sept. 12, on the steps of Smith Hall, Kolthoff’s long-time academic home. The dedication ceremony featured remarks by representa- tives from the University of Minnesota and the American Chemical Society. Speakers included Professor William Tolman, chair of the Department of Chemistry; Steven Crouch, dean of the College of Science & Engineering (CSE); Karen Hanson, provost and senior vice president for the University’s Office of Academic Affairs; Clyde Allen, a member of the University’s Board of Regents; Rebecca Guza, chair of the Minnesota Local Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS); Susan Celebrating the legacy of Izaak M. Kolthoff at the National Historic Chemical Landmark dedication ceremony King, senior vice president of the ACS Journals and research symposium were, from left, Susan king, senior vice president of the American Chemical Society, Publishing Group; and Marinda Li Wu, imme- Journals Publishing Group; Professor Peter Carr from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota diate past president of the ACS. who shared reflections on his personal friendship with Izaak Maurits Kolthoff; Professor Judith Klinman from the University of California, Berkeley; Professor Laura Kiessling from the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Professor A research symposium on Kolthoff’s scientific Richard Zare from Stanford University; Marinda Li Wu, Ph.D., immediate past president of the American legacy was held on Saturday, Sept. 13. The Chemical Society; Professor Harry Gray from the California Institute of Technology; Professor Allen Bard from symposium featured some of the most the University of Texas at Austin; Steven Crouch, dean of the College of Science & Engineering; Karen Hanson, renowned scientists in their field who are living provost and senior vice president for the University’s Office of Academic Affairs; Professor William Tolman,chair of the UMN Department of Chemistry; Clyde Allen, regent from the University’s Board of Regents; and Rebecca out Kolthoff’s commitments to education Guza, chair of the Minnesota Local Section of the American Chemical Society. and research at their universities and in their work. Some can trace their scientific lineage back to Professor Kolthoff. Speakers includ- Institute of Technology, Laura Kiessling from well as learn about two of its research centers ed Allen Bard from the University of Texas the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Judith (the Center for Sustainable Polymers and the at Austen, Harry Gray from the California Klinman from the University of California, Chemical Theory Center), and the LeClaire- Berkeley, and Richard Zare from Stanford Dow Instrumentation Facility. University. In addition, UMN Chemistry The University of Minnesota College of Professor Peter Carr shared his story of friend- Science and Engineering, the University’s ship with Kolthoff. The American Department of Chemistry, and the Minnesota Chemical Society A reception and tours followed the dedication Section of the American Chemical Society prepared a plaque ceremony and Saturday’s research sympo- sponsored these events. outlining Izaak Maurits sium. The tours focused on the Department Kolthoff’s contribu- The American Chemical Society established of Chemistry’s research excellence, its cut- tions to modern ana- the National Historic Chemical Landmark pro- lytical chemistry and ting-edge technology and equipment, and gram in 1992 to recognize important achieve- the honoring of his its education of more than 18,000 students ments in the history of the chemical sciences. legacy as a National annually. The tours were opportunities to Historic Chemical This is only the second landmark designation visit the department’s teaching, laser, chemical Landmark. in the five-state region. In 2007, 3M was recog- biology, and organic synthetic laboratories as nized for the invention of Scotch tape.

10 CHEM news December 2014 Symposium speaker Professor Harry Gray (second, from left) caught up with former student Professor Kent Mann (left), and California Institute of Technology alumni Assistant Professors Ian Tonks and Connie Lu. (Photo by Eileen Harvala)

Hundreds of Department of Chemistry alumni, friends, students, faculty, and university officials and colleagues attended the dedication ceremony for the American Chemical Society’s National Historic Chemical Landmark dedication.

Department of Chemistry Professor Peter Carr shared his special reflections of his friend Izaak M. Kolthoff in a presentation titled, Pete and Piet.

Photos by Richard Anderson Photography

Madolyn Youse Babcock A special visitor to the dedication ceremony by serving on the Board of Trustees and symposium was Madolyn Youse Babcock, at her alma mater Stephens College one of Professor Izaak Kolthoff’s graduate in Columbia, MO. Throughout her life, students and close personal friend. While Madolyn has supported and inspired looking at the historical display prepared for women to pursue careers in the scienc- the National Historic Chemical Landmark es through scholarships and mentoring. Pictured, from left, are Madolyn’s daughter, celebration, Madolyn discovered that a Two of her daughters currently work for Anne Babcock Hollowed, Madolyn Youse Babcock, scrapbook was open to some pictures of her the National Marine Fisheries Service in Madolyn’s grandson Edmund Babcock, and and Kolthoff and their special times togeth- the fields of fisheries and environmental Madolyn’s son James Babcock. er at the University. Madolyn, who will be 90 policy. So far, 4 of her 13 grandchildren years old in December, earned her master’s are pursuing careers in the sciences, degree in analytical chemistry in 1952 under and the artist in the family is following a career in Chicago, wrote, “I am so proud to have Kolthoff’s tutelage. After graduation, Madolyn in scientific illustration. Upon hearing of the grandmother as my role model in every aspect worked as a chemist for General Mills until the events surrounding the Kolthoff celebration, of my life, not just in science, but in family, faith, arrival of the first of her six children in 1954. one of her granddaughters, a second-year and fun!” She remained involved in academic pursuits medical student at Rush Medical School

www.chem.umn.edu 11 student SUPPORT

We are grateful to the generosity of these donors who are supporting talented and deserving chemistry students through scholarships, fellowships, and awards. Fellowships Newman & Lillian Bortnick Fellowship— Wayland E. Noland Fellowship in Organic National Science Foundation Research Chad Hoyer Chemistry—Mohammadreza Nasiri Fellowship—Rebecca Carlson (fellowship), and Samuel Egger, Emily Keller, and Marie Vanderlaan Robert C. Brasted Memorial Fellowship— Kenneth E. & Marion S. Owens Endowed (honorable mentions) Nathan Klein Fellowship in Chemistry—Evgenii Fetisov Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship— Robert & Jill DeMaster Fellowship—Yi Zhang Phillips 66 Excellence in Graduate Studies Mohammad Mohsen Mahmoodi Fellowship—Ryan Cammarota Monsanto Franz Excellence in Graduate Heisig/Gleysteen Chemistry Summer Research Studies Fellowship—Jacob Brutman Dr. Venkateswarlu Pothapragada and Program Fellowships—Katharine Anton, Xiang Family Graduate Fellowship—Shaohong Li Graham N. Gleysteen Fellowship in Chemistry— Ao, Stephanie Breunig, Maya Cutkosky, Erin Laura Clouston Torske Klubben Fellowship—Ian Gunsolus Duffy, Moriana Haj, Matthew Henley, Kadir Lester C. & Joan M. Krogh Endowed Fellowship Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships (2014-15)— Hussein, Jacob Kautzky, Mitchell Lancaster, Fund II—Samuel Egger and Jinbo Hu Christopher Huber, Katherine Hurley, William Joseph Manulik, Samantha Meyer, Abbie Mozzetti, Isley III, Maral Mousavi, Mayank Puri, Pragya Molly Newbold, Vignesh Palani, Matthew Styles, Wayland E. Noland Fellowship in Chemistry Verma, and Tao Wang Anthony Tabet, Matthew Turcotte, Elena Werst, —Yi Zhang Tedd Wiessner, Ming Yu, Haini Zhang, and Katherine Ziebarth Scholarships Peteris Auzins Memorial Scholarship— ACS/Hach Foundation Chemistry Teacher Kenneth E. & Marion S. Owens Scholarship— Clay Batton Scholarship—Daniel Ries Justine Chu Thomas DuBruil Memorial Award— Sally Herz Memorial Scholarship—Emily Walsh M. Cannon Sneed Scholarship—Sammy Shaker Jacob Kautzky and Thang Phan David A. and Merece H. Johnson Scholarship— Jane B. Spence Scholarship—Eric Kalkman Lloyd W. Goerke Scholarship—Vignesh Palani Moriana Haj, Curtis Peterson, Matthew Styles, and Vignesh Palani and Katherine Ziebarth Dr. Paul F. and Patricia Guehler Chemistry George T. Walker Scholarship—Xiang Ao, Scholarship—Stephanie Breunig and Joseph Betty A. Lewis Scholarship—Tenley Brown and Nicholas Johnson, and Zhenshu Wang Manulik Megan Magee

Individual Awards Beaker and Bunsen Third Year Graduate Excellence in Science Award from the L’Oreal USA For Women in Science Student Research Symposium honors— Minnesota Academy of Science— Fellowship—Jennifer “Jenny” Laaser, Ph.D. Rebecca Mackenzie, Jennifer Strehlau, Sammy Shaker J. Lewis Maynard Memorial Prize in Sarah Wegwerth, and Xiaojie Wu Robert L. Ferm Outstanding Graduate Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Award— Robert C. Brasted Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award—Grant Frost, Sammy Shaker Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Victoria Szlag, and Megan Weisenberger Wayland E. Noland Award for Academic Award—Jeanette Tensfeldt Goldwater Scholarship Program Excellence in—Quang Luu Nguyen Department of Chemistry Award for Honorable Mention—Moriana Haj President’s Student Leadership & Service Doctoral Thesis Excellence—Alireza International Genetically Engineered Award and Sue W. Hancock SEEDS of Shokri, Ph.D. Machine Best Environment Project Change Award—Kadir Hussein Eastern Analytical Symposium Award— Valeriu Bortnov, Niko LeMieux, 2014 Reaxys PhD Prize—Dawen Niu, Ph.D. Graduate Student Research Award— and Srijay Rajan (part of a 24-member Seyedeh Mousavi team from the University of Minnesota) 4.0 Grade Point Averages—Siyao He and Junyi Wang

12 CHEM news December 2014 student RESEARCHERS

Graduate students are at the forefront of important chemical research

Research advances in the Department of Chemistry are led by outstanding graduate students, including Ian Gunsolus, a fourth-year graduate student working with Professor Christy Haynes, and Maral Mousavi, a fourth-year graduate student working with Professor Philippe Buhlmann.

Ian Gunsolus transformations in the envi- ronment. In collaboration with Professor Philippe Buhlmann’s research group, he has concur- rently studied silver nanoparticle stability, dissolution, and toxicity to a bacterial cell model under aquatic environmental conditions. Bacteria are used throughout his research to understand the poten- tial consequences of engineered

nanomaterial release into natural Bacteria serve as model organisms for Ian Gunsolus environments, given their ubiq- investigating the implications of nanopar- uitous and fundamental role in ticle release into the environment. In natural ecosystems. In collabora- some of these studies, the primary goal is Ian graduated with a bachelor’s degree tion with other researchers within the to understand the interactions between in chemistry and mathematics from St. Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, bacterial cell membranes and nanopar- Olaf College. While at the University an National Science Foundation-funded ticles (e.g., where nanoparticles bind of Minnesota, he has earned a number Center for Chemical Innovation, Ian to the membrane). Researchers have of scholarships and fellowships, includ- studies the fundamental mechanisms characterized nanoparticle interactions ing the Robert L. Ferm Outstanding of interaction between bacterial cell with live bacterial cells (lower right) and Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, membranes and engineered nanoma- simulated bacterial cell membranes (up- a National Institutes of Health terials, with the goal of informing the per left) in parallel, effectively zooming-in Biotechnology Training Grant, and the design of sustainable nanomaterials. In on nanoparticle-bacteria interactions Minneapolis Torske Klubben Graduate this context, he has also characterized while retaining biological relevance. This Student Fellowship (twice). the toxicity of emergent, industrially approach has yielded new insights into relevant classes of nanomaterials, such as He is broadly interested in analytical the mechanism of this interaction. those used in next-generation lithi- chemistry and in applying chemical um-ion batteries. principles to address environmental problems. His current research encom- For the future, Ian would like to pursue passes engineered nanomaterial interac- a career in an industrial research setting. tions with biological systems, and their continued on page 14

www.chem.umn.edu 13 student RESEARCHERS

Graduate students continued from page 13

Seyedeh “Maral” Mousavi Maral works with electro-an- alytical sensors, specifically fluorous-phase, ion-selective electrodes (ISE), and is expanding the application of these sensors to environmental and biological samples. In collaboration with Professor Christy Haynes’ group, she utilized the Ag+ selective fluorous-phase ISEs to look at the challenging environmental issue of the toxicity of silver nanoparti- Seyedeh “Maral” Mousavi cles. She was able to quantify the This figure shows a typical experimental extent and kinetics of Ag+ release set up and electrode calibration for Ag+ from silver nanoparticles and also detection with fluorous-phase Ag+ ion- Maral Mousavi earned her bachelor’s de- fully characterized Ag+ speciation in selective electrodes. gree from Sharif University of Technology, complex biological and environmental one of the top universities in Tehran, samples. Her work showed several ad- Iran. She then came to the University of vantages of detection with fluorous-phase electrolytes and ionic liquids to improve Minnesota in January 2011 to pursue Ag+ ISEs over the conventional methods their electrochemical stability, increasing graduate studies and joined the research used for studying silver nanoparticle the energy density of electrochemical group of Professor Philippe Buhlmann. toxicity. To make detection with fluo- supercapacitors. She has received several prestigious awards rous-phase ISEs more applicable, Maral is Maral enjoys how collaborative research and fellowships, including the 2014-15 determined to reduce the sample volume can result in creative solutions for real life Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship for out- needed for detection with these sensors. problems, and the opportunities available standing research, the 2013-2014 Graham For this purpose, she has been working in the Department of Chemistry to work N. Gleysteen Fellowship for Academic on the design and synthesis of highly on exciting and challenging problems Excellence in Chemistry, the 2014 Eastern fluorophilic electrolytes that can be added in collaboration with Professor Haynes, Analytical Symposium Graduate Student to the fluorous membrane to reduce the Professor Andreas Stein, and Professor Research Award for outstanding research membrane resistivity and allow fabrication Marc Hillmyer’s research groups. In the fu- achievements in the field of analytical of fluorous-phase micro-ISEs. In addition ture, Maral wants to continue research in chemistry, and the Graduate Student to fluorous-phase ISEs, she also investigat- an industrial setting. Her goal and dream Travel Award from the Society for Electro- ed applications of nanoporous polymeric is to pursue scientific research and service Analytical Chemistry to present research materials for the development of miniatur- that contributes to promoting health, edu- at the 2014 Pittsburgh Conference of ized and more robust reference electrodes, cation, and peace across the world. Analytical Chemistry. and worked on tuning the structure of

14 CHEM news December 2014 Undergraduate research Laaser receives helps hone skills and passions L’Oreal USA For Women in Science of budding scientists Fellowship Interest in science + passion for helping others = a possible future Department of Chemistry researcher as a chemist or doctor for Mohamed Ahmed. He is a senior Jennifer “Jenny” undergraduate student who has been conducting research Laaser, Ph.D., is one of only five recipients since June 2013, under the tutelage of Professor Mark Distefano nationwide of the and Graduate Student Jeffrey Vervacke. 2014 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Following the civil war in his Fellowship, which rec- home country of Somalia, ognizes U.S.-based Jennifer Lasser, Ph.D. Mohamed and his family female researchers (photo courtesy of L’Oreal USA) immigrated to the United and for their outstand- States and Minnesota in 2010. ing contributions in Mohamed said that his family was science, technology, engineering and math fortunate to live in the northern (STEM) fields. Recipients receive $60,000 each part of Somalia—a stable and safe for their post-doctoral research. place to live with good educa- Laaser, who completed her doctorate in tion and health care. Mohamed physical chemistry last year, is conducting finished his high school education research that will have an impact on future at the Ubah Medical Academy, a efforts to design gene therapies. Her adviser is charter high school in Hopkins, Regents Professor Timothy Lodge. She is spe- Mohamed Ahmed MN. After graduating from high cifically investigating how positively charged school, Mohamed took classes “I have always liked science,” said Mohamed. particles interact with negatively charged at the Minneapolis Community and Technical Pursuing chemistry where I can really see, touch polymers like DNA. Laaser is also active in the College (MCTC) before transferring to the and realize the difference our research makes University of Minnesota’s Women in Science University of Minnesota in the spring of 2013. really interests me.” and Engineering (WISE) group where she helps lead “Cool Chemistry,” an outreach By June 2013, Mohamed was engaged in Mohamed’s undergraduate research project in- event that brings local middle school girls research, working in Distefano’s organic synthesis volves the synthesis of phosphonophosphate an- to campus for chemistry activities and laboratory through the University’s Multicultural alogs of farnesyl pyrophosphates (FPP) to study demonstrations. Summer Research Opportunity Program. He has the posttranslational modification, protein pre- also received support for his studies and research nylation. For this project, Mohamed learned and L’Oréal’s U.S. fellowship program included from the Community Health Initiative, the preformed an array of small molecule synthesis a new requirement this year focused on NorthStar Stem Alliance, and the Undergraduate techniques requiring purification of complex ensuring that the fellows have a commit- Research Opportunities Program. In Distefano’s reaction mixtures. Having successfully completed ment to serving as role models for younger laboratory, Mohamed is engaged in a broad his synthesis, Mohamed’s compound is currently generations. The 2014 fellowship candidates range of research, conducting synthesis work for being used in in vitro studies by collaborators at were evaluated based on intellectual merit, graduate students. the Medical School of Wisconsin. research potential, scientific excellence and their commitment to supporting women and continued on page 19 girls in science. Applications were reviewed by experienced scientists in the candidates’ respective fields through a partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

www.chem.umn.edu 15 FACULTY & STAFF news Recognizing long-time employees critical to department activities Long-time employees Christine “Chris” Lundby and Bruce Moe in the Department of Chemistry have encountered many interesting people over the years, experienced some strange and unusual events, adapted to change, and made and said goodbye to some good friends.

Chris, assistant to the Department of She chuckles over some of the memorable Forty years of service come with many high- Chemistry chair, has 40 years of service phone calls from people seeking chemistry lights and enjoyments, and interactions with with the University of Minnesota, all but six solutions to such problems as dissolving twigs special people. “Working with Paul Gassman months in the Department of Chemistry. that a child put in a gas tank, or fixing bad was like keeping up with a whirlwind,” she Bruce, information technology manager, has dye jobs that resulted in orange hair. One of said. “The year that he was president of worked for the University of Minnesota and her favorite memories is being able to pet a the American Chemical Society (ACS) was in the Department of Chemistry for 33 years. baby lion that a veterinarian student brought beyond busy. Before he took office as ACS for a visit. “Who gets to do that?” she said. president, a celebration was held in his honor, which was attended by Governor Rudy Chris has worked with a number of ad- Chris Lundby Perpich who declared it Paul Gassman Day. I ministrators, starting accompanied Doc and his wife Gerda to two with Department Vice national meetings. There’s nothing like staying Chair Archie Wilson, in the penthouses of the Back Bay Westin in Department Administrator Boston and the Washington Hilton. I learned Stanley Bonnema, Director a lot from him. Being in such close proximity of Operations Chuck with his research group was great, and the Tomlinson, and now Chair friendships with his group members have William Tolman. Throughout stood the test of time.” the years, she has also worked with many professors, includ- “With her years of experience comes influ- ing Jan Almlöf, Christopher ence,” said Tomlinson. “Many of the ded- Douglas, John Ellis, Craig icated, helpful staff in our department can Forsyth, Gary Gray, Paul point to the example Chris has set for others. Gassman, Wayne Gladfelter, I turned to her for help 21 years ago, and still John Ellis, Kent Mann, do today.” George O’Doherty, and Ilja Chris has lots of memories and seen many Siepmann. changes. “It has been a great Chris Lundby She moved to the front office ride,” she said. again in 2009, working closely Throughout the years, Chris’ roles have fallen with Tolman, and handling loosely under the category of “office support,” the complicated visa processes for international Bruce Moe but, in reality, have encompassed a variety of post-doctoral associates and visitors, industrial Bruce Moe started working for front-line support. She started out working recruiting for graduate students and post-doctor- the Department of Chemistry in in the front office with her time spent among ate researchers, and faculty honors and awards. 1981 as a senior electronics tech- graduate recruiting, research stockroom, “Chris is an incredibly savvy and dependable nician, was promoted to electro electronics shop, building maintenance, coworker,” said Tolman. “She’s a central per- mechanical systems specialist in management of keys, sorting mail and, of son in the department because of her extensive 1985, and to electronics shop course, answering the phone. Gone are the knowledge of how the University works and manager in 1992. His title was days of typewriters, phones that wouldn’t her refreshing ‘can-do’ attitude.” This can-do later changed to information allow you to re-dial, first-generation computers attitude and commitment to customer service technology manager. His respon- and software programs, and hand-drawn has resulted in Chris receiving three outstand- sibilities include supervising three research graphics. ing service awards. employees, including Mike Casey,

16 CHEM news December 2014 end user support, Dan MacEwan, academic “Bruce’s insights and wide skill set have been technologist, and Eric Schulz, systems/database invaluable for the running of the department,” design/administrator and webmaster. said Tolman. “He has always provided superb leadership and calm advice as we continually One of Bruce’s important responsibilities has try to keep up with technological advances in been to design and make changes to the software communications, computations, and instru- used to track internal sales in the department. mentation.” In addition, he repairs, designs and builds electronic instruments that are used through- Bruce enjoys working in the Department of out the department. He consults with faculty, Chemistry: “I have always had an interest in staff and students about their computer and science,” he said. “I like to know how things Chris Lundby and Bruce Moe electronic issues and how to resolve them. He work. The work I do here changes every day, helps with the direct purchasing of computers, so I am never working on the same problem projectors and printers, and instruments used He also had to fix many chart recorders, as very long. This variety has made my job very in chemistry courses. In addition, he serves and restringing the pen mechanism was a common enjoyable. Working with people from all over provides much-needed leadership and advice problem. Now only a few of these devices are the world and sharing experiences has also been to the department’s Web Committee. Because still in use. “I do not miss working on those a real treat.” of his commitment to service, Bruce is also an devices,” said Bruce. outstanding customer service award recipient. “The breadth of Bruce’s skills and responsibil- ities over his career is impressive, and I value his honest advice on ever-changing technology After 41+ years, Ted Tolaas, matters,” said Tomlinson. “I also enjoy watching stockroom services director, retires him work with university electricians, plumbers and telecommunications staff because there isn’t For years, his routine encompassed an early- an inch of our buildings that he doesn’t know.” morning rise at 4:30 a.m., followed by an hour plus drive to the University of Minnesota, an hour Technology is constantly changing and evolving. workout at the university’s Recreation Center, and When Bruce started working for the department then off to a full day of work for the Department in 1981, there were only a few computers (VAX of Chemistry. This left little time for anything else at 11/780 and 2 Cromemco machines). He built the end of the day. several Heath Kit H89 machines over the next couple of years, replacing typewriters with word But at the end of May 2014, Theodore “Ted” Tolaas retired, saying goodbye to more than 41 processors. Today, there are more than 900 Ted Tolaas computers in the chemistry department. years of service to the Department of Chemistry, most of those spent as stockroom services director. Ted actually started with the Department of Chemistry in April 1970, working in the teaching laboratory stock room for about a year and a half, before leaving to finish his bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science and a brief stint working as a junior scientist. He returned in 1973 and, shortly thereafter, became the supervisor of what became a melded research and teaching laboratory stockroom. For close to 39 years, Ted worked with Stanley “Stan” Bonnema, the department’s Director of Operations who retired in 2009. “Ted was a good supervisor to his employees, encouraging them to be their best and to do their best,” said Bonnema. “He was a very dependable employee, even though he lived 60 miles away in Wisconsin. Even in the worst winter weather, Ted managed to be at work on time.” Ted’s main responsibility was attaining all of the equipment and chemicals necessary for the department’s research and teaching laboratories, which encompassed preparing bids, working and developing relationships with vendors, and securing the best prices possible. He developed a purchasing system unmatched at the university. The system was built on high-volume bulk pur- chasing, which yielded some of the most competitive pricing at the university. For Ted, it was 41 years of toil and trouble, challenges and changes, good times and deep friend- ships, and the ups and downs of the job itself; but, he looked forward to all that awaited him in a

Bruce Moe busy retirement.

www.chem.umn.edu 17 FACULTY & STAFF news Five chemistry professors promoted Five Department of Chemistry professors were promoted in 2013, including David Blank, Michael Bowser and Christy Haynes from associate professors to professors, and Christopher Douglas and Valerie Pierre from assistant professors to associate professors with tenure.

David Blank Christy Haynes Valerie Pierre David Blank Christy Haynes Valerie Pierre joined the joined the joined the Department Department of Department of Chemistry Chemistry in of Chemistry in 2000 as 2005 and was in 2007. She an assistant promoted to earned her professor and associate pro- doctorate at was promoted fessor in 2010. the University to associate pro- She earned her of California, fessor in 2006. doctorate in Berkeley, and He came to the chemistry from was a post-doc- David Blank Christy Haynes Valerie Pierre university after Northwestern toral scholar at earning his doc- University, and the California torate in chemistry and conducting post-doc- was a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Institute of Technology, working with toral research under Professor Graham North Carolina at Chapel Hill, working with Professor Jacqueline Barton. Her group works Fleming at the University of California at Professor R. Mark Wightman. Her research at the intersection of synthetic and analytical Berkeley. His research group investigates a group focuses on applications of analytical chemistry, using organic and inorganic chem- variety of dynamic events in condensed media. chemistry in the fields of immunology and istry, material science and chemical biology to toxicology, with much expertise in the area of design, develop and promulgate new probes Michael Bowser single cell analysis. for cell biology and for medicine. Michael Bowser joined Christopher Douglas the Department Christopher of Chemistry Douglas in 2000 as joined the an assistant Department professor and of Chemistry was promoted in 2007. He to associate earned his professor in doctorate in 2006. He came chemistry at Michael Bowser to the universi- the University ty after earning of California, Christopher Douglas his doctorate at the University of British Irvine, and Columbia, and conducting post-doctoral was a National research at the University of Florida, working Institutes of Health post-doctoral fellow at the with Professor Robert Kennedy. His research California Institute of Technology, working is focused on bioanalytical chemistry, includ- with Professor Robert Grubbs. Research in ing identifying areas of science limited by his group focuses on the development of new technological development. synthetic methods and on finding solutions to a variety of synthesis problems.

18 CHEM news December 2014 in MEMORIUM

Professor Emeritus Warren L. Reynolds Professor Emeritus Warren L. Reynolds, 93, in the mechanisms of electron transfer. He died on Monday, Nov. 3, 2014. He began his contributed substantially to the understanding teaching career at the University of Minnesota of ligand substitution reactions on octahedral in 1954, working for two years as an instructor complexes. He was author or co-author of

before becoming an assistant professor in 1956. more than 100 research publications, and Professor Emeritus Warren served as professor of inorganic chemis- was an adviser to a number of undergradu- Warren L. Reynolds try, committed to teaching and research for 37 ates, graduate researchers, and post-doctoral years, until his retirement in 1991. fellows. He wrote a book with the late-Professor and graduate levels, and he regularly taught Warren was born on Nov. 29, 1920, in Gull Lake, Emeritus Rufus Lumry on electron transfer reac- introductory courses in general and analyti- Saskatchewan. He contributed more than four tions, Mechanisms of Electron Transfer, which cal chemistry. The quality of his teaching was years to his country by serving in the Royal was published in 1966. It included information recognized in 1984, when he was chosen to Canadian Air Force. He earned his bachelor’s on electron-transfer reactions, metal ion-sol- be one of the developers of what was then and master’s degrees from the University of vent bond energies, electron-transfer reactions the Institute of Technology’s honors chemistry British Columbia in 1949 and 1950, respective- in homogeneous solutions, energy surfaces, program for top freshmen. ly. He earned his doctorate at the University non-adiabatic electron transfer, adiabatic After his retirement, he continued his research, of Minnesota in 1955, under the tutelage of electron transfer, heterogeneous electron-trans- and kept busy with family, travel, bridge and Professor Izaak M. Kolthoff. fer reactions, and nuclear tunneling. gardening, and filled his available time with Warren’s research was in many areas of transi- He was known as an excellent teacher of research into the solvation of alkali ions. tion metal chemistry with a particular interest inorganic chemistry at both the undergraduate

student RESEARCHERS continued

Mohamed Ahmed continued from page 15

“Mohamed is a great undergraduate researcher, Mohamed is not the only one from his family said Vervacke. “He is organized in his prepa- interested in chemistry and medicine. His broth- ration, and shows a refined skill in both lab er Abdimalik graduated last May, and conducted awareness and execution. Above all, Mohamed research under the tutelage of Edgar Arriaga. is respectful; always doing what he can to help Professor Distefano has long served as an adviser better the lab even if sacrificing his own free Mohamed Ahmed is pictured with his faculty to student researchers from diverse backgrounds. time is required.” adviser Professor Mark Distefano, and his mentor “The State of Minnesota is home to a diverse Graduate Student Jeffrey Vervacke. After graduating from the University this spring, population originating from a range of cultures,” Mohamed plans to take a year off to perhaps work he said. “As part of our mission to promote one of the great joys of being a faculty member in industry before returning to graduate school education and create new knowledge, members at Minnesota.” with a focus on chemistry or on medical school. of the Chemistry Department are committed to engaging a diverse group of students in research In addition to his studies and research, Mohamed “I like working in a lab, but I also like interact- activities. An inclusive environment is key for also has a strong commitment to helping others. ing with people while serving my community, maintaining the scientifically literate populace He tutors MCTC students in chemistry and which is why I may pursue the medical field,” required for our technologically advanced math, and tutoring young students in math and said Mohamed. “There are so many people in society. Working with students from different science at the Franklyn library on Saturdays. the African community in need, and they need backgrounds and watching them develop into someone who can speak directly to them in their “When you receive help, you have to give it productive scientists and achieve their dreams is native language.” back,” he said.

www.chem.umn.edu 19 FACULTY & STAFF honors & awards

Christopher Douglas been a professor in the Department of Chemistry chosen for excellence in instruction; involve- since 2009, was chosen based on the level of ment in students’ research, scholarship, and Associate Professor Christopher Douglas distinction and prestige that her scholarly work professional development; development of was honored with the College of Science & brings to the university; the merit of her achieve- instructional programs; and advising and men- Engineering’s George Taylor Career Development ments and the potential for greater attainment in toring of students. Hillmyer is now a member Award. This award honors professors seeking the field; the dimension of her national or inter- of the Academy of Distinguished Teachers and tenure for their exceptional contributions to national reputation, including leadership efforts holds the title Distinguished University Teaching teaching. Faculty members are considered for in interdisciplinary or collaborative initiatives; Professor. this award at the time they are being evaluated the extent to which her work and reputation are for the granting of permanent tenure and pro- identified with the University of Minnesota; the motion to the rank of associate professor. Thomas Hoye quality of her teaching and advising; and her Professor Thomas Hoye received the 2014 Joseph Franek contributions to the wider community. Minnesota Award from the Minnesota Section of the American Chemical Society (MN-ACS). Lecture Demonstration Director Joseph Christy Haynes The Minnesota Award was established in “Joe” Franek received the President’s Award Professor Christy Haynes was honored with 1958 to honor section members who have for Outstanding Service. This prestigious award the 2014 College of Science & Engineering’s made outstanding contributions to chemi- honors current and retired employees who have George W. Taylor Award for Distinguished cal research or in service to the profession. gone well beyond their regular duties and who Research. This award honors younger faculty Recently, members of Hoye’s research group have demonstrated unusual commitment to the members, within 15 years of earning their demonstrated that benzynes can generally university community. Franek is important to doctorates, who have shown outstanding and practically be formed merely by heat- the department’s teaching and outreach mis- research ability. Haynes joined the University ing appropriate triyne precursors, which has sions. He works with professors to design and of Minnesota in 2005, and she has built a been termed the hexadehydro-Diels–Alder create safe and exciting live demonstrations that research program that addresses questions at the (HDDA) reaction. Hoye has co-authored more illustrate fundamental and advanced chemical interface of immunology, toxicology, materials than 190 scientific papers, and is co-inven- principles and that make chemistry accessible science, and chemistry. tor of 11 patent applications. Since joining to students. He is a key Energy and U team the chemistry faculty in 1976, he has led a member, creating and managing demon- Haynes is also on the Analytical Scientist’s highly productive and well-funded research strations for the shows, which bring 10,000 2014 Top 40 Under 40 list of researchers. The program. Hoye is also an outstanding teacher elementary-aged school students to campus list represents the most influential analytical and mentor, and holds both of the University every year. scientists under the age of 40 who “prove what of Minnesota’s two highest teaching awards— can be achieved with determination, passion, the Award for Outstanding Contributions to Laura Gagliardi and inspiration.” Gustavus Adolphus College Post-Baccalaureate, Graduate, and Professional Associate Professor Dwight Stoll, a former stu- Professor Laura Gagliardi received the Education, and the Morse-Alumni Award for dent of Professor Peter Carr, is also on the list. University of Minnesota’s 2014 Distinguished Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. McKnight University Professorship. This profes- Marc Hillmyer sorship recognizes and rewards the university’s Aaron Massari most outstanding mid-career faculty mem- Professor Marc Hillmyer received a 2014 award Associate Professor Aaron Massari received bers. Recipients are honored with the title, for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and the 2014 George W. Taylor/College of Science & Distinguished McKnight University Professor, Professional Education. This award recognizes Engineering Alumni Award for Distinguished which they hold for as long as they remain at contributions to postbaccalaureate, graduate, Teaching, which recognizes outstanding contri- the University of Minnesota. Gagliardi, who has and professional education. Recipients are

Mark Distefano Professor Mark Distefano was named a 2014 earned top university teaching honors. He training grant that focuses on the chemis- American Chemical Society (ACS) Fellow. also has an exemplary service record both try-biology interface. Distefano’s research Fellows are honored for their outstanding within and outside the ACS. He is currently is at the interface of chemistry and biology, contributions and service to chemistry, sci- regional editor for Bio-organic Chemistry focusing on understanding how proteins ence, the profession, and the ACS. Distefano and a member of the Advisory Board for accelerate chemical reactions and how has been a professor in the Department of Organic Chemistry Insights. At the University proteins recognize other molecules with high Chemistry since 1992. He teaches chemi- of Minnesota, he is the principal investigator specificity, which is useful for drug design cal biology and organic chemistry, and has of a National Institutes of Health-funded and biotechnology applications.

20 CHEM news December 2014 butions to undergraduate and/or graduate teach- half of one percent of the entire membership of ing. Since joining the faculty in the Department the society. It represents Siepmann’s recognition of Chemistry in 2006, Massari has established by his peers of his outstanding contributions to Joint Safety Team a reputation for innovative and enthusiastic physics. Fellowship is a distinct honor signifying The Joint Safety Team—the inno- teaching. He has taught more than 1,600 under- recognition by one’s professional peers. The cita- vative safety program developed by graduate students and more than 110 graduate tion honoring Siepmann reads, “For the devel- the Department of Chemistry and students, served as a mentor to aspiring teachers, opment of efficient Monte Carlo algorithms and Department of Chemical Engineering and contributed to educational literature. He is a accurate force fields and for applications to pre- and Materials Science—received the member of the Energy and U outreach program dictive modeling of complex chemical systems.” inaugural Council of Chemical Research and directs the chemistry track of the University Siepmann is a Merck Professor of Chemistry, Safety Award. This award is present- of Minnesota Southwest Regional Outreach vice chair of the Department of Chemistry, and ed to academic departments that are Center’s University on the Prairie program. director of the Nanoporous Materials Genome engaged in chemical research and that Center. He has been a professor with the have demonstrated significant progress Lee Penn Department of Chemistry since 1994. in creating a culture of safety. The Associate Professor Lee Penn received a Breaking Joint Safety Team, which is composed the Silence Award from the University of Andreas Stein & Donald of laboratory safety officers from each Minnesota’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Truhlar research group in the departments, has and Ally Programs Office. Penn was honored Professor Andreas Stein and Regents Professor created and implemented a number of for her groundbreaking work in coordinating Donald Truhlar and are included on Thomson successful initiatives, including: professional development opportunities for the Reuters’ list of the “best and brightest scientific ❚❚Regular safety visits by JST teams Department of Chemistry, which includes serving minds of our time.” Truhlar and Stein were two to all laboratories to provide input as chair of the department’s Diversity Committee, of 3,200 individuals who published the greatest and advice on safety issues; and engaging faculty, graduate students, and number of highly cited papers between 2002 ❚❚Safety Moments, which are short staff members in Ally training; her advocacy for and 2012. all-gender restroom spaces; her presence, involve- presentations on safety topics that ment, and passion for social justice; her advocacy Ian Tonks are given prior to every depart- on behalf of students; and her continuous efforts mental seminar and most research to raise awareness about issues of discrimination. Assistant Professor Ian Tonks received a group meetings; $110,000 grant from the American Chemical ❚❚Safety posters throughout all Will Pomerantz Society Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Program. This program aims to pro- three buildings housing the two Assistant Professor William “Will” Pomerantz mote the careers of young faculty by supporting departments; received a prestigious CAREER grant from the fundamental, high scientific caliber research in ❚❚Safety notes in every electronic National Science Foundation (NSF). His grant is the petroleum field. Tonks’ group will be using newsletter (posted weekly) in the called the Chemistry of Life Process Program grant the award to explore the fundamental chemistry Department of Chemistry; and is from the NSF Chemistry Division. The behind a new type of copolymerization reaction ❚❚Safety video contest; Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) between carbon dioxide and ethylene to make Program is one of the NSF’s most presti- biodegradable polyesters. Developing such a ❚❚Cleanup weeks to eliminate poten- gious awards in support of junior faculty who polymerization would represent a significant tially hazardous waste and clutter; exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through advance toward making new, inexpensive and outstanding research, excellent education and ❚❚Website with extensive resources; biodegradable alternatives to traditional petro- and the integration of education and research within chemically derived plastics like polyethylene, the context of the mission of their organizations. while also providing a new use for greenhouse ❚❚Incentive program with awards to Pomerantz’ grant will aid in the development emissions. Tonks joined the Department of specific laboratories for best safety of fluorine nuclear magnetic resonance spec- Chemistry in July 2013. practices. troscopy methods for detecting, quantifying, and defining novel modes of interactions at Jane Wissinger transcription factor-protein interfaces, including honoring individual faculty members, the award epigenetic regulatory proteins. Associate Professor Jane Wissinger received the 2014 Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota contributes to the improvement of undergrad- uate education at the university by publicizing J. Ilja Siepmann Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education. This the honorees’ work to serve as resources for Professor J. Ilja Siepmann was named a Fellow of honor is awarded to exceptional candidates nom- the whole faculty. She is now a member of the the American Physical Society (APS). Election to inated by colleges in their quest to identify excel- Academy of Distinguished teachers, and holds APS Fellowship is limited to no more than one lence in undergraduate education. In addition to the title Distinguished University Professor.

www.chem.umn.edu 21 2014 Donors

The Department of Chemistry thanks the many generous alumni, faculty, corporations, foundations, and friends listed below for their donations and commitments to support the Department of Chemistry, our faculty and students. We are so grateful for your support.

Individual Donors Timothy W. Abraham Lloyd W. Goerke Hannah R. Leverentz Neeraj Rai Steven J. Albrechtsen Lori A. Grace Bertha A. Lewis Estate Thomas B. Reddy Carl J. Almer Gregory S. Gross Wu-Shyong Li Joan L. Robinson David K. Ashpole Paul & Patricia Guehler - Fidelity Kyle J. Lindstrom Paul A. Rudd George Barany Fund Richard R Lockwood Jr. Catherine E. Ryan Jonathan L. Bass William H. Gumprecht Robert G. Lockwood Joseph D. Scanlon Robert D. Berg Aalo K. Gupta Gerold Luss Jason E. Schaff Kyle J. Bottorff David A. Halsrud Zhiliu Ma David A. Schnepper James E. Brady Philip D. Hammen Brian T. Mader John L. Schultz Andy Bruskiewicz Charles F. Hammer Andrew S. Magee Richard M. Scribner Manjula R. Canagaratna Ronald L. Hanson Yun Mao Scott Searles Jr. Daniel Y.M. Chang William R. Hasek Beth C. March William J. Shugard Yu Sen Chen Christy L. Haynes Curtis A. Marcott Steven R. Skorich Chiu-Ying W. Chien Ann Marie Hettinger Bruce M. Mattson Mark A. Steine Clayton G. Christensen Milton L. Hoefle Aaron E. May Robert E. Stevens Berkeley W. Cue Jr. Peter A. Howell Mark P. Mehn Joseph A. Suriano Saliya A. De Silva Jeffrey L. Hylden George J. Meisters Donald R. Theissen Donald S. Debelak Paul K. Isbester John G. Meyer Marcus W. Thomsen Rodney D. Dekruif Charles F. Jackels Jr. Craig B. Murchison Steven J. Tinker Richard J. Dirlam Melody E. Jewell Amanda Nienow William B. Tolman Karen D. Donnelly Eugene C. Johnsen James F. O’Brien Loc X. Van Christopher J. Douglas David Johnson Karl C. Ochs II Richard E. Volkmann Charlotte R. Drenckhahn Jacob H. Jordahl Yutaka Okinaka James J. Wade John H. Dygos Theresa M. Kelly Oliver A. Ossanna Jr. Terence C. Wagenknecht Alison A. Eckhoff Nathan E. Knutson Dean A. Ostlie Mary J. Wahlstrom James M. Elvecrog John G. Koland Elizabeth A. Ottinger Bo Wang Jean R. Engelmann Kenneth E. Kosel Marion S. Owens Nathan Wells Thomas J. Evensen Joan M. Krogh Rudolph Pariser Peter J. Wepplo Christopher C. Felix David L. Kropacek George W. Parshall Alice A. White Abigail L. Fisher Eugene J. Kuhajek Barbara J. Peterson Theodore Wilczek Jr. Steven R. Flom Ivan A. Kurnianta James A. Phillips Stephen T. Wild Frederic R. Furuya Gary W.Y. Kwong William C. Pomerantz Gereon Yee Anthony C. Gilby Gregg M. Larson R. James Puhl Jibin Zheng George R. Glaros Richard J. Legare Joshua P. Radke

Corporate Donors

3M Foundation Inc Cargill Inc Pfizer Foundation For more information on Abbott Fund Chevron Corporation Procter & Gamble Co giving or alumni involvement Air Products Foundation Community Shares of Minnesota Schlumberger Co opportunities, please visit our Ashland Inc C R Bard Foundation Inc Truist web page at www.chem. BASF Corporation Ecolab Foundation Waters Corp umn.edu, or contact Kathy Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Henkel Corp Xcel Energy Foundation Peters-Martell at kpeters@ Inc The Merck Co Foundation umn.edu or 612-626-8282 in the College of Science & This list includes gifts made year-to-date in calendar year 2014 (Jan. 1, through Oct. 24, 2014). Engineering Dean’s Office. Gifts received after Oct. 24, will be included in subsequent donor lists.

22 CHEM news December 2014 Susanna & Tim Lodge endow Gifts from alumni fellowship to honor their fathers and friends The University of Minnesota is announcing the invaluable to the creation of the Richard D. Amelar and Arthur Department of S. Lodge Fellowship for Outstanding Collaborative Chemistry Research in Materials. With By Kathy Peters-Martell this fellowship, Susanna I am overwhelmed when I look at the and Timothy “Tim” Lodge donor list for calendar year 2014, and hope to encourage and the generosity of our alumni and friends. recognize exceptional These gifts are invaluable to the depart- graduate students in the Richard D. Amelar, father of Arthur S. Lodge, father of ment as they support faculty, research, Department of Chemistry Susanna Lodge Timothy Lodge the academic program and, of course, our and the Department of students. Chemical Engineering & Materials Science who have demonstrated a strong collaborative spirit and initiative to improve the academic community. The undergraduate student body contin- ues to grow in size (1,050 in the College In achieving their own personal and professional success, the Lodges drew inspiration from of Science & Engineering (CSE) fresh- their fathers, both accomplished scientists of high intellectual and moral standards. Tim is man class this fall) and in capability (our currently a Regents Professor in the departments of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering & CSE freshmen have the highest average Materials Science. Susanna completed her doctorate in chemistry at the University in 1990. ACT scores on campus). The number of Arthur Lodge, Tim’s father, was born in England in 1922, and earned his bachelor’s and doc- students taking chemistry classes is more torate degrees from Oxford University in mathematics and physics, respectively. He joined the than 13,000 per year. That means that faculty of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology in 1961 and, seven the financial support we receive from our years later, emigrated to the United Sates. There, he became a professor at the University of alums, faculty, staff and friends is making Wisconsin, Madison, where he taught for 23 years. As a world-renowned expert in the field of a huge difference. rheology, the study of the flow and deformation of matter, he received many accolades and, Your gifts are helping the department at- in 1992, was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. He died on June 24, 2005. tract and retain our world-renowned facul- “In his career,” said Tim, “I’m sure he was proudest of two things: his students and his col- ty members, supporting research that has leagues, with whom he built up the University of Wisconsin’s Rheology Research Center.” global impacts, enhancing our academic Susanna’s father, Dr. Amelar, now retired, was a professor of clinical urology at the New York program, and ensuring that deserving and University (NYU) School of Medicine and a pioneer in the field of male infertility. Born in 1927 in talented students receive scholarships and New York City, he entered medical school at NYU at age 19 and graduated in 1950. fellowships to allow them to pursue their educational dreams. “My father always wanted to be a doctor and the best doctor he could be,” said Susanna. “His patients’ needs were paramount. He was an extremely able and compassionate physi- Thank you. cian, with a broad and deep understanding of medicine.” If you have questions or need assistance in His many publications include Male Infertility, a book he co-authored that has been widely cit- making a gift to the department, please con- ed in the field. In 1969, he was invited to Geneva, Switzerland, to serve as a consultant to the tact Kathy Peters-Martell, external relations World Health Organization on public health aspects of sub-fertility and sterility. The following office for the Department of Chemistry, at year, he was awarded grants to establish the first free vasectomy clinic in the United States. [email protected], or 612-626-8282. He later served on scientific and advisory committees for the National Institutes of Health and was director of the American Fertility Society. Dr. Amelar received the 50 Year Faculty Service Award from the NYU School of Medicine in 2006. continued on back cover

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Lodge Fellowship continued from page 23

In addition to honoring their father’s lega- cies, the Lodges’ award celebrates both community and technical skill. “Growing up, I remember my father always helping people and doing more than what was asked of him,” said Susanna. “So often, people focused on the greater good are under appreciated.” For Tim, creating this award is a way to honor the powerfully understated role his father played in molding his life and career. “He never complained about having to work,” said Tim. “He did not dispense advice, but he did dispense example. I felt this most of all when it came to my own career choice. He never pushed on us the joys of academic science, but he demon- strated daily that he had a job he loved.”