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Cornell University

     

Portrait of Dr. Tristan Lambert

A Message from the Chair

As 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

 

 

Student Spotlight

		Alexandra Easley

Postdoc spotlight: Alexandra Easley

Alexandra Easley is a postdoc in the department of chemistry and chemical biology; her research focuses on new approaches to carbon dioxide capture.

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		Five people standing in a line under a tree

Five postdocs honored with achievement awards

The Postdoc Achievement Awards recognize individuals who have made contributions to community and show commitment to promoting inclusion at Cornell and in society.

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		Tree in bloom at sunrise

Three doctoral students selected for Department of Energy program

Virginia McGhee, doctoral candidate in chemistry and chemical biology; and Liana Shpani, doctoral candidate in physics, are two of three Cornell doctoral students selected for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science Graduate Student Research (DOE SCGSR) Program’s 2023 Solicitation 2 Cycle.

Read more

 

Research and Department news 

Cornell, partners to make upstate NY a regional engine for better batteries

A touch of gold has extra reach in degrading micropollutants

‘Two-for-one’ fission aims to improve solar cell efficiency

Electrified charcoal ‘sponge’ can soak up CO2 directly from the air

 

In Memoriam

Dr. Jerrold Meinwald honored in memorial lecture

Dr. Jerrold Meinwald honored in memorial lecture

Cornell chemistry professor (emeritus), Dr. Jerrold Meinwald, was recently honored in a memorial lecture.

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Faculty Awards and Recognition

Fors receives ACS Young Investigator Award 

Abruña receives Global Energy Prize

 

Alumni & More:

Vaccine pioneer to give Racker Lecture Oct. 3

Cornell Chem Young Alumni Spotlight - Jazmin Aguilar-Romero (Class of 2018)

Cornell Chem Young Alumni Spotlight - Jon Meinhardt (Class of 2022)

CTI's Thank a Professor program connects alum, professor 40 years later

 

New Faculty Announcements/Profiles

		Yao Yang

New Faculty: Yao Yang

Yao Yang, Chemistry and Chemical Biology

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		Dean Peter Loewen posing behind the A.D. White statue on the Arts Quad

New A&S dean relishes ‘life in a university’

Peter John Loewen says he's excited to support faculty in their research, meet students and showcase the value of a liberal arts education.

Read more

 

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS! 

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Many of you have generously contributed to the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, helping us sustain our various programs and activities. Your donations directly support our students, lectures, workshops, and numerous initiatives aligned with our mission.

We are incredibly grateful to those who have supported us in the past. Your contributions have:

  • Renovated the lecture hall you may remember as Baker 200, now the Meshri Family Auditorium.
  • Funded undergraduate summer research opportunities.
  • Enabled us to host inspiring speakers for our seminars.

These initiatives make a significant impact on our students and enhance their educational experience. As we continue to build on this foundation of excellence, we rely on the generosity of alumni and friends. Gifts of all sizes make a powerful difference. Here are a few ways your support can help:

  • $20: One Cornell Chemistry t-shirt for a new major.
  • $100: Costs for an undergraduate to create a research poster.
  • $250: A mentoring luncheon connecting students with faculty.
  • $500: A polarimeter for undergraduate teaching.
  • $750: Sponsorship for the Undergraduate Chemistry Research Colloquium.
  • $1,000: A graduate student’s trip to a conference.
  • $2,000: New balances for freshman labs.
  • $3,000: Inviting an innovative speaker to campus.
  • $4,500: Summer research funding for an undergraduate.
  • $5,000: A UV-VIS spectrometer for undergraduate teaching.

Additionally, more generous gifts could support:

  • An endowed seminar series.
  • A named graduate research position.
  • Recruitment of top-notch faculty.

Your support is vital for providing current students with the enriching educational experiences you had during your time here.

To contribute to the Department of Chemistry, please visit our giving page

If you are interested in making a more substantial gift, please contact Michael Lenetsky, Sr. Director of Administration (msl37@cornell.edu or 607-254-0564) in the Chair’s Office for more information. 

Thank you for considering a gift that will make a lasting impact!

The College of Arts & Sciences

     

122 Baker Laboratory
Ithaca, NY 14853
United States

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