Spring 2026
University of Tennessee
Chemistry Newsletter
Spring 2026
Investing in the Future of Chemistry
UT Breaks Ground on New Chemistry Building
The eight-story facility will create new opportunities for high-impact research and preparing the future workforce.
An Obligation to Change Lives
On the rise at the corner of 16th Street and Cumberland Avenue, the Charles and Julie Wharton Chemistry Building honors the Whartons’ legacy and generous gift.
Researchers Leading the Way
Baccile Awarded $1.8 Million for Metabolism Research
A National Institutes of Health grant will support Assistant Professor Joshua Baccile’s pioneering work on precursors to five-carbon metabolism in the human body, which could impact several areas of health.
Dadmun Group Explores the Future of Plastic Recycling
Professor Mark Dadmun’s lab is investigating how polymers may be broken into large groupings of molecules for more efficient repolymerization.
Clark Receives NSF Early Career Award
Assistant Professor Joseph Clark is investigating how to use tritium in clinical metabolism studies required for pharmaceutical research.
Welcome New Faculty
Graduate Student Spotlights
Near-Field Spectroscopy Sheds Light on Domain Walls
Doctoral student Ashley Sargent-Glover is the lead author on cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research into structures crucial for the development of microelectronics.
Russell Finds the Right Chemistry at UT
Jerred Russell’s adaptability and Volunteer Spirit motivated him through multiple challenges to earn his chemistry PhD.
Faculty Spotlights
Dai Among Most Highly Cited Researchers for 10 Years
One of the world’s most cited scientists, Professor Sheng Dai’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of functional materials for energy-related applications.
Vogiatzis Presents in Switzerland
Associate Professor Konstantinos Vogiatzis led an international workshop in computational catalysis and machine learning.
Lei Studying Atmospheric Aerosol Particles
Assistant Professor Nancy Lei’s research links molecular-level chemistry with large-scale environmental challenges.
Celebrating the Legacy
Schweitzer Named World Record Holder
With more than 76 years teaching chemistry at UT, Professor George K. Schweitzer officially has been recognized as having the world’s longest career as a professor.
Hazari Celebrates 35 Years of the Magic of Chemistry
Retired Lab Director Al Hazari continues making science entertaining during National Chemistry Week and at other events.
Support the Department of Chemistry
Donations from our alumni and friends ensure we continue to be a university on the rise. Please support the research and student experiences in the Department of Chemistry.
