Welcome New Faculty Members
The Department of Chemistry is pleased to welcome to new faculty members in the 2024-2025 academic year. Their arrival brings us up to 26 faculty members. Their addition will expand our expertise and research capacity, providing even more opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge research.
Joseph Clark – Assistant Professor
Joseph Clark was born and raised in Rochester, NY. He attended St. John Fisher University, graduating with a B.S. in chemistry in 2008. In pursuit of his interest in organic chemistry method development and catalysis, he completed a Ph.D. in the research group of Professor Steven T. Diver at the University at Buffalo in 2014. He joined Professor M. Christina White’s group in September of 2014 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While in the White group he received a NIH NRSA Ruth Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship. Joseph joined the chemistry faculty at Marquette University in August of 2018 as an assistant professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2024. Beginning August 2024, Joseph accepted a faculty position in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and moved his group there. Joseph is a recipient of several major grants and awards such as the NIH ESI MIRA, NSF CAREER award, ACS PRF, and Thieme Chemistry Journals Award.
Ziying (Nancy) Lie – Assistant Professor
Dr. Ziying (Nancy) Lei is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, where she leads research on atmospheric particles to advance our understanding of their significant impacts on climate change and air pollution. Her research focuses on the intricate properties of these particles, such as their size variability from 1 nm to 100 µm, varying acidity, diverse morphology, and complex chemical composition. These attributes are crucial as they continuously evolve through heterogeneous and multiphase chemistry, influencing both environmental health and climate systems.
Dr. Lei brings a commitment to excellence in research and education. She has contributed significantly to the academic community through publications in prestigious journals and conference presentations. Lei’s scholarship, recognized with several awards for her research achievements, is marked by a dedication to excellence and a passion for advancing the frontiers of her field.
As an educator, Dr. Lei is devoted to integrating real-world scientific challenges into the curriculum, fostering a learning environment that nurtures critical thinking and hands-on learning. She is committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars and professionals, using engaging teaching methods to inspire her students and providing mentorship that supports their academic and professional growth. Lei’s teaching philosophy emphasizes the development of skills necessary for success in a rapidly changing world, preparing students to understand and solve environmental challenges.
