LSU Department of Chemistry

The chemical industry develops chemicals that address critical food supply, health, and materials challenges. It's also one of the largest energy consumers in the U.S., especially in Louisiana, which ranks third overall and first per capita in energy consumption due to its energy-intensive chemical, petroleum, and natural gas industries.

Through innovative techniques and industry collaboration, Assistant Professor Matthew Chambers from the LSU Department of Chemistry is investigating methods for the petrochemical industry to produce commodities more energy-efficiently, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

Learn more: https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/news/2024/august/energy.php

LSU Research LSU College of Science

Riding the Waves of Discovery! 🌊
This summer, several students had the incredible opportunity to conduct research in the laboratory of an faculty member. They presented their findings at the LSU Discover - Undergraduate Research Program's 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Forum (SURF). Join us in celebrating these bright minds and their mentors! Surf's up for chemistry!

Thermoelectric generating devices offer a promising alternative to traditional energy sources, providing a greener way to generate electricity without emissions or pollution. However, semiconducting materials for thermoelectric generators must possess compounds with a perfect balance of properties.

Prof. Sviatoslav Baranets' research group, in collaboration with LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Dept. of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, discovered a novel n-type semiconducting material with the potential for thermoelectric applications. Learn more⬇️

Quaternary Zintl Phases Ba2InSnP3 and Ba2InSnAs3 with Complex Structures and n-Type Semiconducting Behavior Presented are the crystal structures and the transport properties of the novel quaternary pnictides with the general formula Ba3InSnPn3 (Pn = P, As). Large single crystals of the phosphide, arsenide, and the P/As solid solution can be readily synthesized by using reactions with molten Sn as a choice...

Congratulations to Dr. Zakiya Wilson-Kennedy, Associate Dean for Academic Innovation & Engagement for the LSU College of Science and Ron and Dr. Mary Neal Distinguished Associate Professor of Chemistry Education, on being named a 2024 American Chemical Society Fellow. Dr. Wilson-Kennedy has contributed two decades of scholarly leadership in chemistry and STEM education research, making groundbreaking advancements in promoting access and opportunities for all students and shaping the future of science education.

Learn more > https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/news/2024/august/acs-fellow.php

Congratulations to alum Dr. Tammy Dugas for being named one of four SEC Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) Fellows for !

Dr. Tammy Dugas, associate dean for research and graduate education and professor in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, has been named one of four SEC Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) Fellows for LSU. The SEC ALDP aims to identify, prepare, and advance academic leaders within SEC institutions and beyond. Congratulations, Dr. Dugas!

A warm welcome to Beau Legnon! ☀️
Beau is a student at the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge working on a summer research project in Prof. Sviatoslav Baranets' lab through the ESTAAR program. He studies crystal structures of metal halides alongside graduate student Thimira Kandabadage. Join us in cheering for Beau as he embarks on his exciting research journey! 🔬🧪

and LSU Cain Department of Chemical Engineering alum Barry Hugghins followed an unconventional path. He started a family and built a successful business before returning to school. His story exemplifies how dedication and vision can lead to remarkable achievements at any age and in any order, ultimately fulfilling his dream of becoming an LSU alumnus.

Learn more > https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/news/2024/july/hugghins.php

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 1️⃣ 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝘀! 🎉
Prof. Noémie Elgrishi's article, "A Practical Beginner’s Guide to Cyclic Voltammetry," co-authored with Prof. Jillian Dempsey from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and published in the ACS Journal of Chemical Education, has surpassed 1,023,000 downloads! The highly viewed and cited publication explains the difference between IUPAC and U.S. conventions for cyclic voltammetry and provides an introduction and training modules to assist readers in data acquisition and interpretation. This achievement highlights the article's significant impact on the field, emphasizing its value as an essential resource for researchers and students.

🔗 https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jchemed.7b00361

Christian's summer is beaming with scientific discovery! ☀️🔬

senior and MARC scholar Christian Foti is conducting summer research in Prof. Lydia Wilson's lab at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Utilizing a cutting-edge Ionizing Quantum Imaging Detector (iQID), Christian is mapping alpha particle decay and investigating the activity-to-dose calculation for Pluvicto, a radiopharmaceutical drug. The research aims to enable the Wilson lab to target cancer cells more precisely, improving patient outcomes.

Summer is glowing with innovation! 🌟To better understand fluid flows created by frontal polymerization in thin layer coatings, the Pojman research team is collaborating with Professor Patrick Bunton from UNG - University of North Georgia. graduate student Alexandra Aucoin polymerizes thin layer monomer solutions containing green and orange Copsheric fluorescent microspheres, collecting images and videos of the fronts.

🌎 World’s Finest

LSU is ranked in the Top 2% of universities in the WORLD according to the Center for World University Rankings: https://cwur.org/2024/louisiana-state-university---baton-rouge.php

We Build Teams That Win |

The Vicente and Smith research groups had an incredible experience attending and presenting at the International Conference on Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines (ICPP-13) in Niagara Falls & Buffalo, New York! They showcased their research on the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of 𝘉𝘖𝘋𝘐𝘗𝘠 𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 for potential applications in bioimaging and photodynamic therapy.

Summer temperatures aren't the only thing heating up - research from Prof. Matthew Chambers' laboratory is igniting sustainable innovation! The group's recent publication has been recognized in the themed collections for "2024 Emerging Investigators" and "Chemical Communications HOT Articles 2024."

In their continuing work exploring the photochemical reactivity of metal oxos, the Chambers Group reported one of the first examples of a transition metal oxo complex that can directly mediate C–H bond activation photocatalytically. Leveraging a molybdenum VI dioxo platform, they demonstrated that hydrocarbon activation readily occurs in the presence of sacrificial oxidants and exposure to light. While the production of H₂O during the reaction limits photocatalyst stability, these studies provide key insights into developing sustainable methods using light for hydrocarbon conversion.

Learn more > https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2024/cc/d4cc01789g

Congratulations to graduate student Ernest Nachaki for successfully defending his doctoral dissertation. Ernest worked under the guidance of Prof. Daniel Kuroda.

In pursuit of new chromophores with tunable optical properties, the Vicente & Smith research group recently reported the synthesis of new BODIPY dye analogues. The dyes exhibit dual absorption bands and offer an easy modification strategy via nucleophilic substitution reactions and palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. Learn more ⬇️

Synthesis and Regioselective Functionalization of Tetrafluorobenzo-[α]-Fused BOPYPY Dyes The synthesis of a new bis-BF2 tetrafluorobenzo-[α]-fused BOPYPY dye from 4,5,6,7-tetrafluoroisoindole and 2-hydrazinopyrazine is reported. The regioselectivity of nucleophilic substitution reactions at the periphery of the tetrafluorinated BOPYPY and its α-bromo derivative were investigated using...

It’s a summer filled with exciting research and new collaborations!

Xuanhe Li, a mechanical engineering graduate student from the Cohen research group at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is visiting the Pojman research lab and working with graduate student Dominic Adrewie.

Xuanhe is learning about the thiol-acrylate gel system designed by the Pojman team and assisting in the development of a computer simulation to model the front behavior of the system.

The Baranets research group discovered three novel barium arsenides, Ba3As4, Ba5As4, and Ba16As11, now published in Crystals. The study expands the compositional space of semiconducting Zintl arsenides, revealing new insights into their structural and electronic properties, with potential applications in thermoelectric technology. The project was led by 2nd-year graduate student Spencer Watts with contributions from recent chemistry graduate Lindsey Wingate. Learn more ⬇️

Completing the Ba–As Compositional Space: Synthesis and Characterization of Three New Binary Zintl Arsenides, Ba3As4, Ba5As4, and Ba16As11 Three novel binary barium arsenides, Ba3As4, Ba5As4, and Ba16As11, were synthesized and their crystal and electronic structures were investigated. Structural data collected via the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method indicate that the anionic substructures of all three novel compounds are compos...

It’s a summer of science! ☀️🧪 Meet Julia Carroll, a chemistry senior, MARC scholar, and the 2024-2025 LSU SAACS President!

This summer, Julia is diving into exciting research in the lab of Professor David Spivak under the guidance of graduate student mentor Harry Spencer. Julia's project focuses on the design and synthesis of mechanophores.

Join us in cheering Julia on, and stay tuned as we highlight students beating the summer heat with cool chemistry.

Meet Jeffrey Budd, our new Coordinator of Shipping & Receiving! 👋 Originally from Brusly, LA, Jeffrey joins us from the LA Department of Environmental Quality, where he worked on emissions permits. He's an LSU alum in Communication Studies and is overjoyed to be back on campus! In his free time, Jeffrey loves following sports, playing in a recreational softball league, and perfecting his spaghetti-making skills. Join us in giving Jeffrey a warm LSU welcome! 💜💛

In a recent publication in the 𝘑𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘰𝘭𝘺𝘮𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦, the Pojman research team explores an innovative method for initiating free-radical thermal frontal polymerization of acrylates using charge transfer complexes. The method offers a promising approach to prevent the generation of bubbles caused by small-molecule volatilization, thus reducing porosity and improving material performance.

Learn more 🔗 https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20240335

With great sadness, we share the news of Professor Emeritus Neil Kestner's passing. During his career at LSU, Professor Kestner emerged as a leading figure in theoretical physical chemistry and served as both department chair and president of the LSU Faculty Senate. He also pioneered integrating computer technology into research and teaching chemistry, serving a pivotal role in the MERLOT project.

Learn more about Professor Kestner's contributions to research and education that will continue to impact countless students and scholars > https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/news/2024/june/neil_kestner.php

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Sviatoslav Baranets for receiving a 2024 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). The award recognizes Prof. Baranets' research on the structural and electronic properties of Zinc Pnictides under high-pressure conditions. Insights gained from the project have the potential to advance the development of next-generation electronic devices and energy technologies.

Learn more 🔗 https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/news/2024/june/powe-award_baranets.php

LSU Research LSU College of Science

Congratulations to graduate student Lucinda Boyd for successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Lucinda worked under the guidance of Prof. Fatima Rivas.

🌟 We're Hiring! 🌟

Join the LSU Department of Chemistry as an Instructor! We seek a passionate educator to teach undergraduate chemistry lectures and/or laboratory courses, including General Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry, and provide vital support to our department.

Apply Today 🔗 https://lsu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/LSU/job/0113-AR-Choppin-Hall---Chemistry/Instructor_R00092561

Congratulations to graduate student Ashley Walker for successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Ashley worked under the guidance of Professor Jayne Garno.

Congratulations to alum Dr. Benson Edagwa, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska Medical Center - UNMC, on receiving the Innovation, Development, and Engagement Award (IDEA). The award recognizes UNMC faculty members who have extended their academic expertise beyond the boundaries of the university in ways that have enriched the broader community.

University of Nebraska names top faculty award recipients UNMC's Benson Edagwa, PhD, and Jonathan Vennerstrom, PhD, are among the recipients of NU's highest faculty awards.

Congratulations to graduate student Tiffany Duong for successfully defending her doctoral dissertation. Tiffany worked under the guidance of Professor Justin Ragains.

Congratulations to Nicole Reid, our Organic Chemistry Stockroom Coordinator, for receiving the 2024 Technician of the Year Award from the ACS Baton Rouge Local Section! 🎉 The award recognizes Nicole’s service to the department by supporting the organic chemistry teaching laboratories and fostering a safe and conducive learning environment. Thank you, Nicole, for all you do! 👏

Learn more > https://www.lsu.edu/science/chemistry/news/2024/may/reid_acs-award.php

Congratulations to Prof. Noémie Elgrishi for receiving a 2024 Alumni Association Rising Faculty Research Award. The award highlights Prof. Elgrishi's remarkable contributions to electrochemical research and her impact on the field through her published work.