Bethany Aden Received 2016 Eastman Chemical Company Fellowship

May 17, 2016 by chemweb

Bethany Aden, a fourth year polymer chemistry graduate student in Kilbey’s group, was selected as one of the four winners of this year’s Eastman Chemical Company Fellowship, a fellowship established in 2011 to assist students in their research and help Eastman identify top performers in their early stages of graduate careers.

Aden will receive a total stipend of $5,500, which she will use to advance her dissertation project. “The Eastman Chemical fellowship allows me to achieve my research goals by giving me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of material science and thin film behaviors.” Aden said. “I can now dedicate time and effort toward developing another materials thin film project that will be included as my final project for my dissertation work.”

Dr. Pete Chapman, Eastman principal chemist, has been involved in the selection process for 5 years. “…this is the first time that an applicant from UTK has received the highest ranking!  As a UTK alum this made me very proud.” Chapman commented. “Aspects of Bethany’s graduate career that impressed the committee included her research, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service. Bethany demonstrated to the committee that she understands the big picture and that was important.”

While feeling honored being selected for the fellowship, Aden was equally grateful for her mentor and colleagues. “It feels great to work hard and someone from outside of the University recognizes the work you are doing. I am so thankful for my boss, Dr. Kilbey, and the support he gives me as well as the support from my research group, past and present members.” Aden said.

Growing up in McKenzie, Tennessee, Aden earned her B.S. in Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Tennessee, Martin. While attending UT Martin, she conducted research with Mr. Mike Stockdale as part of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Forensic Lab. Now Aden’s research is focused on the chemical transformation of reactively-modified interfacial thin films. She also serves as the financial director and actively involved with the Commission for Women’s STEM Committee.

Xinyi Lu: a Polymer Chemist in the Making

May 16, 2016 by chemweb

Xinyi Lu, a chemistry graduate student at The University of Tennessee Knoxville, recently received the Graduate Fellowship Award at the East Tennessee Section of the American Chemical Society 2016 Awards Banquet. Lu is also one of the winners at 2015 Board of Visitors Poster Competition and gave a seminar talk titled “Improving Carbon Nanotube Fibers through Crosslinking” on April 21, 2016 as part of the Department’s 501 seminar series.

Lu entered the chemistry graduate program at UT in fall 2012 and subsequently joined the Mays group to pursue a Ph.D. degree in polymer chemistry. In the past four years, Lu has grown from a student focusing on exam performances to a mature and independent researcher who’s confident to convey her research findings to a big audience. “I am proud of myself for being able to give a talk at the seminar in front of the entire department. I have always been shy and timid, and I definitely could not imagine this a few years ago.” Lu said.

Growing up in Dalian, China, Lu obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Polymer Science and Engineering from Dalian University of Technology in 2012. After joining the Mays’ group at UT, Lu was trained in the group’s traditions of glass-blowing techniques for high-vacuum anionic polymerization. Her research is focused on functionalization of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes using polymers for applications which included high-strength carbon fibers and polymer photovoltaics. She is also the current student operator of MALDI-ToF and ESI mass spectrometers in the Department.

On average, it takes 4 to 6 years for a student with a bachelor’s degree to obtain a Ph.D. in chemistry. Planning on graduating this summer, Lu defintely falls on the short end of the spectrum. “I was lucky that the project proceeded smoothly and I was offered much help from my advisors and coworkers.” Lu said. “If there was something that one could control, I would say it is the choice to focus on the area of the dissertation, but it is more of a personal choice whether to stay focused in one area and finish early, or take their time and to explore various topics through their Ph.D. course.”

Lu has thus far published seven papers including one first-authored paper submitted for Carbon. Lu attributed her academic achievements to her mentor Mays, and other colleagues in the Mays’ group. “I feel humbled because it is fortunate for me to work in Dr. Mays’ group, and I would not have received the award without Dr. Mays’ solid support.” Lu commented. “The group provided us the opportunity to meet and learn from top polymer chemists, and extensive help from our research professor Dr. Kang. I also would like to attribute this honor to Dr. Kunlun Hong and Dr. Weiyu Wang, both former Ph.D. graduates from our group, who altruistically helped less experienced students in many aspects.”

As a mentor, Jimmy Mays, professor of chemistry and ORNL Distinguished Scientist, described Lu as an “truly outstanding scholar and person.”

Lu received $1,500 from the ETS-ACS Graduate Fellowship award that she plans to put towards travel to the Materials Rsearch Society 2016 fall meeting in Boston. Close to graduation, Lu has bigger plans for her future. “I tentatively plan to work in industry on research and development after graduation. Application of polymer nanocomposites in industry has attracted wide attention recently, and I believe this area will continue to prosper in the near future.” Lu said.

Chemistry Students, Alumni and Faculty Recognized at 2016 ETS-ACS Awards Banquet

May 6, 2016 by chemweb

Several students, alumni and faculty members in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville were recognized at the 2016 East Tennessee Section of the American Chemical Society (ETS-ACS) Awards Banquet on May 5 hosted at Calhoun’s on the River Restaurant. George Kabalka, Professor of Chemistry, was invited to give a talk titled, “Boron: Basic Science to Modern Medicine (A Personal Journey).”

During this year’s Awards Banquet, Xinyi Lu, Chemistry graduate student, received the Graduate Fellowship Award, Madeline Stark, Chemistry undergraduate student, received the Undergraduate Senior Award, and Department of Chemistry alumni, Rachel Glazener, was recognized as ETS-ACS Past-Chair and Elissa LaPointe was named the ETS-ACS High School Teacher of the Year. Several Emeritus Professors of the Department were also recognized for being members of ACS for 50 and 60 years. Click to view a complete list of awardees.

ETS-ACS covers 13 counties in East Tennessee and has approximately 600 members. The local section participates in the National Chemistry Week, the Chemists Celebrate Earth Day, the Chemistry Olympiad, and the ACS – Tennessee Government Affairs programs. The section’s annual S.C. Lind Lecture Series brings in outstanding scientists and world-renowned researchers.

Department of Chemistry Hosted UT/VT Polymer Workshop

May 4, 2016 by chemweb

The Department of Chemistry at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville hosted a UT/VT Polymer Workshop on April 18^th and 19^th. The workshop was attended by more than 70 faculty, students and researchers from UT, Virginia Tech, Oak Ridge National Lab and other institutions in the surrounding area.

“The goal of the workshop is to develop collaborations, enhance interactions, and provide the foundation for future joint research ventures, with a particular emphasis on developing large collaborative teams that can compete for large center type grants,” said Dr. Mark Dadmun, professor of chemistry at UT and Chair of the workshop organizing committee.

During the two-day workshop, faculty and students presented 20 talks and 41 posters focused on three areas in polymer chemistry – interfaces in nanocomposites, blends adhesives, and films; additive manufacturing; and transport in polymer membranes. “I was very happy with the workshop, and thought that it was a resounding success,” said Dadmun. “The participation, enthusiasm, and interactions during the talks and posters were exactly what I had hoped for.  I think that the format of the workshop engaged both students and faculty. I am certain that the UT and VT polymer program will continue these workshops in the future, and we may even bring in other polymer programs from the Southeast to broaden the interactions among the polymer community in this part of the country. I also believe that real scientific collaborations between the two universities will quickly emerge from these interactions.”

Dr. Tim Long, professor of chemistry at VT, was excited about this “renewed partnership” between the two polymer programs. “…our teaming will provide real scientific leadership in our region and across the nation. Great ideas emerged in our discussions, and I think this workshop will catalyze exciting new proposals in macromolecular science and engineering.” Long said.

The workshop, sponsored by the Office of Research at UT and the Macromolecules Innovation Institute at VT, attracted not only polymer chemists, but also researchers from various engineering departments to learn more about current research trends in polymer chemistry. “I got to know more about this type of research and it is the first time I presented a poster.” Nadim Hmeidat, a Graduate Research Assistant in the Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering Department at UT commented. “We are dealing more with the mechanical and rheological properties of polymers,” Hmeidat added. “But I personally enjoyed the talks and am excited about the possible opportunities for collaborations in the future.”

Chemistry Students, Faculty and Staff Recognized at 2016 Honors Day

May 3, 2016 by chemweb

Department of Chemistry held 2016 Honors Day on Thursday, April 28^th .  More than 50 students, faculty and staff were recognized for their academic achievements and outstanding services. Dr. Diane Schmidt, alumna and a member of the Department’s Board of Visitors was invited to speak about her career as a chemist for more than 30 years in Procter & Gamble, where she helped develop some well-known products such as Head and Shoulders shampoo. Schmidt also shared her invaluable experience being the 2015 president of the American Chemical Society, the largest scientific society in the world.

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS

CRC Press General Chemistry Award	John H. Hymel
C. W. Keenan Outstanding General Chemistry Student Award	Alexandra C. Brito
Halbert and Anne Carmichael Scholarship	Lauren A. Finney
Dr. Lucy E. Scroggie Scholarship	Carolyn E. Barnes
C. A. Buehler Chemistry Scholarship	Peymon C. Baghernejad
East Tennessee Section, ACS, Award	Madeline S. Stark
Hach Foundation Scholarships	Brittany A. Ramsey, Grace C. Wilson
Melaven-Rhenium Scholarship	Madeline S. Stark
Honors Chemistry Recognition	Rachael E. Barker, Carolyn E. Barnes, Isidora R. Beach, Wesley N. Cox, Katherine L., Krouse, Robert P. Ledbetter, Emily J. Liske, Ingram A. Northern, Ajay J. Patel

GRADUATE AWARDS

Outstanding Teaching Awards	Harkiran K. Dhah, Sara B. Isbill
Keenan Teaching Awards	Randi L. Beil
Second Year Candidacy Award	Kendall D. Hughey, Samantha J. Rinehart
Judson Hall Robertson Fellowship in Analytical Chemistry	Brianna R. Watson
Graduate Fellowship for Achievement in Inorganic Chemistry	Shelby E. Stavretis
Jerome Eastham Fellowship in Organic Chemistry	Lauren A. Brown
Eugene John Barber Fellowship in Physical Chemistry	Michael O. Yokosuk
Burchfield Burridge Warner Fellowship in Polymer Chemistry	Brian F. Morgan
East Tennessee Section, ACS, Graduate Fellow	Xinyi Lu
Gleb Mamantov Graduate Chemistry Scholar	Samuel M. Rosolina

STUDENT RECOGNITIONS

Chancellor’s 2016 Extraordinary Professional Promise Award	Samuel M. Rosolina
Chancellor’s 2016 Top Collegiate Scholar Award	Morgan A. Higgins, Madeline S. Stark
Chancellor’s 2016 Extraordinary Academic Achievement	Allison S. Poget
Graduate Student Poster Presentation Award and Societal Impact Award at UTK’s Women in STEM Research Symposium	Laura D. Casto
1st Place Oral Presentation Undergraduate at UTK’s Women in STEM Research Symposium	Lauren Finney
1st Place Oral Presentation Graduate at UTK’s Women in STEM Research Symposium	Ashleigh Barnes
2nd Place Oral Presentation at UTK’s Women in STEM Research Symposium	Lena Elenchin
2016 American Chemical Society Summer School on Green Chemistry & Sustainable Energy	Roberto A. Federico Perez
Joint Institute for Advanced Materials Fellowship	Daniele Paradiso
Eastman Chemical Company Summer Fellowship	Bethany M. Aden
Winners of the Board of Visitor’s Poster Competition	Lena Elenchin, Xinyi Lu

STAFF AWARDS

Outstanding Service Award	Eddie F. Bishop III, Deedee D. Wilder
Carol Moulton ACGS Service Award	Neal A. Fischer
James F. Green ACGS Service Award	Linda C. Sherman

FACULTY AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

New Faculty	Christopher A. Baker, Bhavya Sharma
Retiring Faculty	George W. Kabalka
Elected At-large Senator of the Phi Beta Kappa Society	Jeffrey D. Kovac
Mortar Board Society Invited Speaker	George K. Schweitzer
Fellow of the American Chemical Society	Mark Dadmun
Francon Williams Endowed Faculty Award in Chemistry	Brian K. Long
Gleb Mamantov Professorship in Chemistry	David M. Jenkins
Ziegler Professor Announcement	S. Mike Kilbey II
In Memoriam	George Pedro “Pete” Smith