Musfeldt Group Received $1.6 Million NSF-DMREF Award for Advanced Materials Research

September 8, 2016 by chemweb

Janice Musfeldt, Ziegler Professor of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in collaboration with David Vanderbilt, Sang-Wook Cheong, Kristjan Haule, and Valery Kiryukhin from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, recently won a $1.6 million Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF) Award from National Science Foundation for their project titled “Collaborative Research: Emergent functionalities in 3d/5d multinary chalcogenides and oxides.”

The winning project will consist of “a concerted theoretical and experimental exploration of materials in which 3d and 5d transition-metal sites coexist in multicomponent chalcogenide and oxide crystals and films.” As stated in their proposal.

“The research results from this award show promise for identifying new materials with improved properties such as stronger or more tunable magnets, materials whose electrical conduction can be switched in novel ways, and materials to serve in future generations of optical devices.” Vanderbilt said.

The program will also bring broader impacts to advance science education by organizing summer or winter schools for interested students and providing mentorship. Their first effort was the Quantum Materials Synthesis (QMS) Symposium that was held on August 30 and September 1 in 7 World Trade Center, New York. The development of new workshops on spin-orbit coupling in quantum materials as well as an international network for quantum materials research is part of the outreach of this collaborative project.

Graduate student Michael Yokosuk in Musfeldt’s group presented his recent research on magnetoelectric coupling at the QMS Symposium. His research paper was also accepted at Physical Review Letters. “Working with the DMREF team has really opened my eyes up to the world of materials science and physics.” Yokosuk said. “Working with this high-class team has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my science career. Their understanding of the subject matter really drives me to learn and become more independent as a researcher, while keeping close contact with collaborators.”

This is the second time that Musfeldt and her team have received this award. The first one titled “Collaborative Research: Enhanced functionalities in 5d transition-metal compounds from large spin-orbit coupling“ also in the amount of $1.6 million was awarded in 2012.

“It was very productive.” Musfeldt commented on their 2012 project, “one metric of science impact is publications. This collaboration produced a total of 24 papers in four years, with 11 in Physical Review Letters and two in Nature Communications.”

“Our collaborations with the Musfeldt group have been extraordinarily useful.” Vanderbilt added. “One aspect that has been especially rewarding is our series of working meetings, held three or four times per year, where we get together for two concentrated days of informaltalks to share our research visions and results.  As a result of this NSF-DMREF collaboration, I find that I, as a theorist, am working more closely with experimentalists than at any previous time in my career.”

“The new award supports work in a different but related direction – this time with greater focus on novel phases in multinary materials.” Musfeldt said. “Now that the program has been renewed by NSF, I hope to involve another student or two.”

As a participant in the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI), the National Science Foundation awards a limited number of grants to researchers for Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF). Initial DMREF awards in 2012 total $12 million were earmarked for 22 grants in support of 14 DMREF efforts. In 2014, NSF has issued a solicitation for up to $22 million in awards under DMREF program. And in 2016, the total funding has grown to $36 million.

Picture above: DMREF team enjoys dinner at their favorite Greek restaurant. From left: David H Vanderbilt, Sang-Wook Cheong, Valery Kiryukhin, Jak Chakhalian, Janice Musfeldt, and Kristjan Haule.

Picture on the right: 2016 QMS Participants

A Synthesis of Science and Art

August 18, 2016 by chemweb

Preeti Chandrachud, a fifth-year graduate student had her third paper published in the journal Organometallics in June 2016. The editorial board selected this article as a top manuscript and designated it for a cover selection. Since she is an amateur painter, Chandrachud also got the opportunity to design the cover art for the issue.

“I think it shows a great combination of science and art,” says Rachel Rui, director of recruiting, communication, and development in the Department of Chemistry.

Chandrachud’s research group investigates new methods for homogeneous aziridination catalysis. Homogenous catalysis involves preparing catalysts that dissolve in solutions to accelerate a chemical reaction, in this case aziridination. Aziridination is the process of forming a triangular ring with one nitrogen and two carbon atoms.

“Aziridines are important because of their presence in many biologically significant compounds, some of which have anti-tumor and antibacterial properties,” says Chandrachud. “More importantly, aziridines are intermediates for making complicated pharmaceuticals. One example is in the synthesis of Tamiflu.”

Despite their importance, aziridines are difficult to synthesize. In the paper, Chandrachud and her research group describe a general method for preparing a wide variety of aziridines using a novel catalyst. This method is of particular significance because it is environmentally-friendly. The only waste product is nitrogen gas. The group also prepared bicyclic aziridines, which are very important structures for biologically-relevant molecules.

The paper is based on the group’s second generation catalyst. Organometallics is a renowned journal in synthetic chemistry. Chandrachud and her group are especially proud because the editor accepted the paper without any changes, featured it on the cover, and allowed Chandrachud to create the artwork.

“We were very pleased with this decision,” says Chandrachud, whose advisor, David Jenkins, associate professor of chemistry, gave her creative freedom to design the cover art.

The cover design was a collaborate process. Chandrachud drew some rough sketches and while discussing them, Jenkins suggested a winery motif.

“As a wine connoisseur, I loved the idea,” says Chandrachud. “Although I am an amateur painter, Dr. Jenkins trusted me to paint the cover myself.”

After a couple rough paintings, the duo decided on the final design, which appears on the cover of the issue.

“The process was exciting and fun for me because I got to make my own painting for the cover article, which is not a common for many scientific journals. Most covers simply show diagrams or data figures. The editorial staff at Organometallics loved the contrast and original art,” says Chandrachud, who would like to thank UT and NSF for funding the project. “I feel really privileged for the opportunity to finish off my Ph.D. this way.”

Cover art description: Catalytic R₂C=CR₂ + NR aziridination has improved markedly over the last decade, but some of its first vintages were in the early 1980s. The first R₂C=CR₂ + NR aziridination reactions focused on hypervalent iodine reagents as the nitrene (NR) source and conjugated alkenes, such as styrene. Improvements in the early 2000s included the first enantioselective versions of the reaction as well as the first examples with aliphatic alkenes. In the last decade, aryl azides have been employed with both conjugated (2008) and aliphatic alkenes (2011) for more atom-economical aziridinations that do not require protecting groups on the nitrogen. This article showcases the first fully aliphatic R₂C=CR₂ + NR aziridination with aliphatic alkenes and alkyl azides.

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By: AMANDA WOMAC*, PREETI CHANDRACHUD**
*College of Arts and Sciences
** Department of Chemistry

Schweitzer Group News Update

August 9, 2016 by chemweb

1. Melissa Nicole Bailey and Kaitlyn Angela McDonald, graduate students in Schweitzer Group, received diplomas for completion of the requirements in the Program for the Radiochemistry Graduate Certificate. They are only the second and third students awarded such diplomas.
2. George K. Schweitzer and his research group have received a three-year renewal of their grant from Siemens for research on ceramic gamma-ray and X-ray detectors.

Chemistry Business Manager Sharon Marshall Retired after 28 Years of Service

August 9, 2016 by chemweb

Sharon Marshall, business manager for the Department of Chemistry has retired on July 31, 2016, after 28 years of service to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Marshall is a Knoxville local, growing up in Fountain City with her parents and two older sisters. She graduated from Central High School in 1976 and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from UT  in 1980. After working in Kingsport, Tennessee for a year and half as the youth and children’s choir director and director of activities in a church, Marshall returned to Knoxville. She subsequently worked part time as an adult, youth and choir director and youth director at churches and held part-time jobs in the retail industry. Marshall’s first job at UT was in the library business office in 1985. In 1989, Marshall steered her career back to local music education. But two years after her son was born, in 1992, Marshall decided to return to the University and accepted a job in the chemistry department to assist faculty with managing their awards. She stayed with the department since then. During Marshall’s time in the department, she held five different positions which all involved working with proposals and awards. Marshall was appointed the department business manager in 2005. The following interview was conducted on July 26, 2016, just before Marshall retired.

Interviewer: When did you come to work for UT? And what was your first job?

Marshall: My first position at UT was in the Library Business Office.  I started in August 1985 and left UT in August 1989 to pursue another career outside of UT.

Interviewer: When did you join the chemistry department and what was your first day like?

Marshall: I returned to UT in the Chemistry Department in May 1992.  I don’t remember a whole lot about the first except that several people smoked inside the Business Office/storeroom and I hated smoking.  I remember being overwhelmed the first day partly because the building was in the process of being remodeled floor by floor and they were removing all the asbestos.  You never knew from day to day what to expect.  If a stairwell just stopped all of sudden because the steps were missing or if walls had been removed or knew ones built where none had been before.

Interviewer: What changes have you noticed in the department since your arrival?

Marshall: The first thing is the Business Office/Chemstores was all shelves full of all kinds of things with only the front two rooms used as office space.  After I became the business manager and with 100% support from Dr. Craig Barnes we decided to expand the proposal/grant support for the faculty which involved hiring a second grants and contracts coordinator and another person to handle all of the extra paperwork due to IRIS.  This allowed the business office to work one on one with each faculty member on each of their proposals and maintain their accounts through the entire life of the award. Second, there are a lot of faculty here now that are so young that I could be their mother! Third, with the great knowledge of Dr. Fred Grimm we designed and implemented the Chemistry Purchasing System.  It has been a wonderful tool that has benefited everyone in the department. I will be forever grateful for Fred and his hard work on the project.

Interviewer: What are your most cherished memories here?

Marshall: My most cherished memories are working with Darrell Lay and Bobby Lay. They have become like the brothers I never had.  They made this a fun place and we still got our work done in spite of the laughter!

Interviewer: What will you miss most when you retire?

Marshall: The people who have respected my work and what I have accomplished while I was here. I have made a tremendous amount of friends all over the campus during the past 28 years. Many are very close and dear to my heart. They taught me a great deal about how the university works and how so many aspects effect all of the accounts, whether they are grants or state funds.

Interviewer: What’s your plan after retirement?

Marshall: Well, since UT retirement doesn’t pay enough to live on, I will be seeking a second job. I will be looking for something that doesn’t involve as much responsibility has I have had as the business manager. And I plan on enjoying myself as much as possible. I would like to travel occasionally in the United States.

Professor Kovac Invited to Speak at Swiss Universities

August 9, 2016 by chemweb

Jeff Kovac, professor of chemistry, was invited by the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT) to speak in SCNAT Ethics Lecture Tour, a series of lectures that will take place in the chemistry departments of Swiss Universities that will cover the broad topic of ethics in science endeavor. Kovac was invited to be the first speaker on their inaugural Lectureship.

The lecture tour is organized by Platform Chemistry of SCNAT and is scheduled to take place in fall 2016 in Swiss Institutions. “Our goal is to expose all chemists to this issue, whether they are undergraduate or graduate students, post-doctoral fellows or faculties.” Christophe Copéret, professor of chemistry at ETH Zürich, and President of the Platform Chemistry of the Swiss Academy of Sciences, said. Kovac will visit six universities and academic institutions in Switzerland at the end of October and beginning of November.

Kovac came to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1976. He has a bachelor’s degree from Reed College, a doctorate from Yale University, and two years of postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Some of his recent work is focused on chemistry education and chemistry ethics. Kovac’s talk titled “Ethics of chemical weapon research“ during 2015 American Chemical Society National Conference in Denver, CO, was highlighted in C&EN. He was also elected one of 13 senators in 2015 to Phi Beta Kappa Society, one of the nation’s oldest academic honor society. Kovac directed the Governor’s Schools from 1994 to 2012 and headed up the Science Olympiad from 2008 to 2012. His contributions to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematic) education was recognized by the College of Arts and Sciences back in 2013. Kovac also received Excellence in Academic Outreach Award during 2011 Chancellor Honors Banquet.

SCNAT Ethics Lecture (02.11.2016, ETH Zurich)

Professor Musfeldt Co-Chaired Gordon Research Conference

June 13, 2016 by chemweb

Ziegler Professor of Chemistry Janice Musfeldt at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, co-chaired Gordon Research Conference of Two Dimensional Electronics Beyond Graphene held in Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA from June 5 to 10.

The conference was held to address “the fundamental properties and potential uses of ultrathin layered systems with a fundamental band gap including transition metal dichalcogenides, group V systems including phosphorene, and related isoelectronic structures.” More than 140 researchers in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Device Engineering attended the conference.

“It is the best conference (by a large margin) I’ve attended this year — lots of exciting new results, discussion and networking. Hopefully we’ll have another one in 2 years!” said Jeanie Lau, professor of physics and astronomy at University of California Riverside.

“This was the kick-off meeting for a conference in a very new and exciting field, ” said Musfeldt. “With 140 participants across academics, national labs, and industry and from all over the world, I’d say that we more than met our initial goals.” Musfeldt was especially impressed by the poster sessions during this year’s conference and described them as “incredibly well attended and active.”

The conference was co-chaired by David Tomanek, professor of physics and astronomy from Michigan State University and vice-chaired by James Hone, professor of mechanical engineering from Columbia University and Phillip Kim, professor of physics from Harvard University.

Besides this year’s conference, Musfeldt also chaired the first Gordon Research Conference of Multiferroics and Magnetoelectrics in 2014. “(What’s motivating me is) to bring the whole community together to stimulate activities this growing field.” Musfeldt said.

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.”