A Message from the ChairAs we approach the conclusion of the Fall 2024 semester and wind down the calendar year, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the many successes and achievements within our department. It’s a time to celebrate our vibrant community—students, faculty, and alumni—who continue to inspire and innovate. In this edition of C&CB News, we highlight the remarkable research conducted by our faculty. Several articles delve into their groundbreaking work, showcasing the impact of their contributions on both academia and the broader community. I’d also like to recognize our postdoctoral researchers, who are vital to our learning environment and contribute significantly to our research endeavors. This year has seen some exceptional accolades awarded to our faculty. Professor Brett Fors received the prestigious ACS Young Investigator Award, acknowledging his innovative work in the field of polymer chemistry. Professor Hector (Tito) Abruña was honored with the Global Energy Prize for his significant contributions to energy research. Additionally, Professor Peng Chen was awarded the ISE-Elsevier Prize for Electrochemistry, in recognition of his influence in the discipline. We also remember the late Emeritus Professor Jerrold Meinwald, who was honored with a Memorial Lecture delivered by Walter S. Leal on July 15, 2024 at the 39th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Chemical Ecology in Prague. The lecture can be viewed here. Our alumni, both seasoned and recent graduates, continue to excel in their careers, further demonstrating the strength of our department’s educational foundation. We are continually amazed by their accomplishments, and I encourage you to read the stories featured in this newsletter that celebrate their journeys. On July 1st, we welcomed Assistant Professor Yao Yang to our faculty. His research in electrochemistry is poised to make significant contributions to our understanding of energy solutions and further enhance our department's reputation in this critical field. Lastly, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the new Dean of the College, Peter John Loewen, as he joins us here at Cornell and in Ithaca. We look forward to collaborating with him to advance our mission and enhance the impact of our work. As always, I hope you enjoy this newsletter and find inspiration in the successes highlighted within. Your continued support and engagement are invaluable to our department’s growth and achievements. Warm regards, Tristan Lambert Chair, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
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