Dr. Michael Best selected as Quest Scholar of the Week

June 4, 2010 by newframe

Michael Best, an assistant professor of organic chemistry, recently received a CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation. The award includes a 5-year, $580,000 grant to support his laboratory research on the molecular mechanisms by which proteins bind to lipids presented on the surfaces of cellular membranes. Such events control many biological processes and are aberrant in numerous disease states, including cancer. Better understanding of these interactions and the defects associated with them is important to determining the underlying causes of diseases.

Best’s research involves synthesizing derivatives corresponding to important lipids and applying them as probes so the details of cell surface protein binding events can be characterized at the molecular level. The CAREER Award is the NSF’s most prestigious award for young faculty members early in their careers.

View original article.

Dr. George Schweitzer publishes book “The Aqueous Chemistry of the Elements”

June 2, 2010 by newframe

Elements

Co-Author: George K. Schweitzer
Co-Author info: Professor of Chemistry
Publication Date: January 2010
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Synopsis: Most fields of science, applied science, engineering, and technology deal with solutions in water. This volume is a comprehensive treatment of the aqueous solution chemistry of all the elements. The information on each element is centered around an E-pH diagram which is a novel aid to understanding. The contents are especially pertinent to agriculture, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biology, biomedical science and engineering, chemical engineering, geochemistry, inorganic chemistry, environmental science and engineering, food science, materials science, mining engineering, metallurgy, nuclear science and engineering, nutrition, plant science, safety, and toxicology.

Dr. Hazari on Star 102.1 FM radio for Forensic Chemistry Camp

June 2, 2010 by newframe

Al Hazari, a chemist and science educator, also director of UT Chemistry Labs will accept interview with Frank Murphy on Star 102.1 FM Radio from 6:30 to 7 this Sunday morning, June 6th to talk about 2010 Forensic Chemistry Camp.

Sponsored by UT, the Forensic Chem Camp will provide campers the opportunity to work in small groups with UT chemistry graduate students, and become investigators by exploring scientific and chemical principles and techniques used to detect criminal acts. Campers will examine physical, synthetic blood, and trace evidence; organize and record data; think critically; conduct simple tests; and combine the data to solve a crime.

Hazari will serve as the instructor of the camp, which is open to kids from Grade 6 to Grade 8. Parents are invited to attend the lab wrap-up during the final 30 minutes each day. This five-day camp will be held from Monday June 14th till Friday, June 18th at UT Dabney/Buehler Hall, Room 300. The registration fee is $99. For more information, please go to the website or contact Dr. Hazari.