Stefanie Bragg Received SEAC Student Travel Award

February 8, 2012 by chemweb

Stefanie Bragg, a graduate student from Professor Xue Group received Society for Electroanalytical Chemistry (SEAC) Student Travel Award to present her research at 2012 International Pittsburg Conference in Orlando, Florida on March 11th.

Bragg will deliver two oral presentations on “Highly Sensitive Detection of Aqueous Cr(VI) Using Flower-Like Surface Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles” and “Electrochemical Detection of Chromium Based on a Novel Sol-Gel/Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Material.”

SEAC Graduate Student Travel Award was established to help “promising graduate students to offset the cost of travel to the Pittsburgh Conference to deliver an oral presentation in a Conference symposium.”

Born and raised in Glasgow, Kentucky, Bragg graduated from Barren County High School in 2003.  She moved on to Western Kentucky University, where she received a full academic scholarship and completed a B.S. in Chemistry (ACS Certified) and Biology in 2007. In that time she researched with Dr. Les Pesterfield and Dr. Donald Slocum and participated in the NSF-REU program at the University of Cincinnati in 2006.

At University of Tennessee, Bragg has worked with Professor Zi-Ling (Ben) Xue on novel approaches to electroanalysis of metals, and sample pretreatment of biological and environmental samples.  She currently serves as the President of the Association of Chemistry Graduate Students (ACGS).

In 2011, Bragg co-authored a paper with Xue. “Optimization of dry ashing of whole blood samples for trace metal analysis” was published on American Journal of Analytical Chemistry. There are two other articles still in press.

Jim Green Passed Away

January 23, 2012 by chemweb

(better known as Jim) was born on July 7, 1954 in Pueblo, CO.  He was born to Forrest and Sue Green.  He is survived by his sister Jane.  Jim attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he received a B.S. in Life Sciences and a B.S. in Chemistry.  He later received a Masters in Biochemistry.  In 1985 he moved to Knoxville, TN where he began his Graduate Career at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville under the direction of George W. Kabalka.  After the completion of his Ph.D., Jim stayed with UT where he became an Instructor.  While Jim was creative researcher, it was no secret that teaching was his calling.  He is most well known throughout the university for his service as an instructor.  Jim stayed with U.T. until the summer of 2010, at which time he became a Professor of Chemistry at Lincoln Memorial University, in Harrogate Tennessee.  Though his days there were short, he made no less of an impact on the student population at LMU than he had here at UT.  After a short battle with pancreatic cancer, Jim passed away on December 23, 2011.  A memorial fund has been created in his honor at Lincoln Memorial University.  If you have questions about donation procedures please contact Kelly Hall.

Written by: Kelly Hall, Graduate Student, Professor Kabalka Group

Graduate Student Shares Perspective on Plutonium Futures

January 18, 2012 by chemweb

Second year graduate student John Auxier from Professor Schweitzer’s group participated in the 2010 Plutonium Futures Science Conference and shared his perspective on plutonium futures on Actinide Research Quarterly (ARQ).

Auxier was invited to the conference at Keystone, Colorado as a session chair and as a volunteer helping set up posters, process registration, and many other tasks that ensure the success of the conference.

Auxier also attended many of the conference invited talks and was inspired by the vast range of topics. How political environmental and science affect each other particularly broadened his mind.

After receiving his B.S. in Chemistry and Math from Adams State College in 2007, Auxier interned at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the Actinide Analytical Chemistry Group. He joined Professor Schweitzer’s research group in 2010 and is now working towards his doctorate in inorganic chemistry.

Follow the link to view the full article (p. 8~9) Auxier wrote for ARQ that shared his unique perspective on plutonium futures.

Professor Mays Named PMSE Fellow

January 18, 2012 by chemweb

Jimmy Mays, Professor of Polymer Chemistry, was named a PMSE Fellow by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Division of Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering.

The PMSE Fellows Program was established since 2000 to honor a small percentage of PMSE members who have made significant contributions to the science and engineering of polymeric materials.

Mays is internationally recognized as a leader in synthesis of polymers and copolymers having tailored architectures. He is presently involved in synthesis of tailored polymers for such diverse applications as new and improved rubbers, low cost fuel cell membranes, and improved polymer-based batteries.

Mays received his B.S. degree in polymer science from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Ph.D. degree in polymer science at the University of Akron. He then worked in industry for five years with Hercules, Inc., prior to joining the chemistry faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Mays moved to Tennessee in 2002 to accept a joint appointment at the University and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

October last year, Mays was  honored with the 2011 Outstanding Alumni Award for leadership in polymer research and development at the University of Akron.

The twelfth class of PMSE Fellows will be inducted at the San Diego ACS National Meeting during the PMSE/Poly Awards Reception on Wednesday night, March 28, 2012.

Professor Williams Recognized for 50 Years of Service

January 6, 2012 by chemweb

Not a lot of people can say that they have worked for half a century, let alone for one employer – the University of Tennessee. Professor Ffrancon Williams (in picture left) was proudly being recognized for his 50 years of service to the University during the Service Awards Luncheon with UT President Joe DiPietro (in picture right) and UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011.

Williams joined the Department in 1961 as an Assistant Professor. His tenure at the University and continuous funding from the Department of Energy for almost 40 years have allowed Williams the chance to do what he loves most – research. He has also been active in teaching, however, and was the recipient of  the Student Associates of the American Chemical Society (SAACS) Outstanding Chemistry Professor Award in both 2009 and 2010.

Williams has been engaged in research on various aspects of radiation chemistry and intermediate species in chemical reactions for over 60 years. One of his most-proud-of research projects was conducted in the 1970s. He was the first one to demonstrate quantum-mechanical tunneling and “all-or-nothing” deuterium isotope effects in hydrogen-transfer reactions at low temperatures. Williams has generated more than 200 journal articles, among which many are cited for more than 100 times. (comprehensive list of publications)

During his 50 years at UT, Williams has directed 18 Ph.D. dissertations and 7 M.S. theses. He has received numerous awards and honors, including being a National Science Foundation Visiting Scientist, which allowed him to conduct research in Kyoto University, Japan; and a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellow, a fellowship that nowadays seems “almost impossible to get” with 4,000 applications each year for some 200 awards. He has also chaird the Gordon Research Conferences on Radiation Chemistry (1971) and Radical Ions (1984).

UT Service Awards are given to those who have been part of the UT family for 25 years or more to honor their continued contributions and loyalty to the University of Tennessee. View a list of Fall 2011 honorees.

Christiane Barnes Appointed Director of General Chemistry

January 6, 2012 by chemweb

Christiane Barnes, Lecturer of Chemistry, is appointed as the Director of General Chemistry effective January 1, 2012. Dr. Jeff Kovac stepped down as Director after 12 and one-half years of service.

As the new Director, Barnes will take over the responsibilities such as planning and conducting Graduate Teaching Associates (GTA) training, assigning GTA to courses, revising and updating the general chemistry program policies and procedures, managing the selection of annual general chemistry awards, and overseeing many other aspects related to teaching and the overall quality of the general chemistry program.

Having taught general chemistry for almost 20 years, Barnes is no stranger to the program. However, the new tasks still present some challenges for her. “I want to put my feelers out to faculty and see how they want to make the general chemistry program better than what it is now.” Barnes said.

Born in Germany, Barnes came to the University of Tennessee in 1986 and obtained her Master’s Degree in Chemistry in 1988. She went back to Germany and received her Ph.D. degree in 1991 from the University of Bonn. Barnes was then hired back as a post-doc working in Dr. Baker‘s lab in 1992, and served as an Editorial Assistant for the journal, Carbohydrate Research during 2000-2011. She started her teaching career in the Department in 1993.

“In the past few year, she (Christiane Barnes) reinvigorated the Educational Advancement Program section of general chemistry, making it a popular and successful option for at risk students.” Dr. Charles Feigerle, Head of the Chemistry Department, is confident that Barnes will “bring the same energy and enthusiasm for chemical education to the position of Director of General Chemistry.”

Kovac, who just stepped down, is Director of Science Olympiad, Director of the Governor’s School for Math and Sciences, and Director of the College Scholars program. He also recently published a book Roald Hoffmann on the Philosophy, Art, and Science of Chemistry.

Irene Abia Appointed Associate to YCC

January 3, 2012 by chemweb

Just graduated with a Ph.D. in Chemistry last December, Irene Abia’s education in the Chemistry Department at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is truly fruitful. After winning ACS Young Chemistry Award last July, Abia has been recently appointed as an associate to the Committee on Younger Chemists (YCC).

YCC is a committee at the highest level of governance in ACS. It helps formulate policy that impacts, in particular, younger members of the society. Professor David Baker, Abia’s metor, is very proud of her. “Such an important appointment is a testament to Irene’s qualities shown by participation and leadership at ACS and related meetings.” Baker said.

Abia was born in Buea, Cameroon. After graduating from Bilingual Grammar School Buea in 1997, she attended the University of Buea and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry. In 2003, she enrolled in the Medical University of Southern Africa, South Africa where she obtained an Honors Bachelor degree in Chemistry. From 2003 to 2006, she went on to study at the University of Pretoria, South Africa where she conducted research with Professor Kobus Eloff earning a Master’s degree in Medicinal Chemistry. In the fall of 2006, she moved to the United States and joined the research group of Professor David C. Baker at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she was conducting research in the synthesis of carbohydrates.

After graduation, Abia did not waste her time at all. She’s expected to join the Chemistry Department at the University of Mississippi this month as Teaching Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

Prior to this award, Abia also received CIBA Young Scientist Award and featured in 2010 Fall department newsletter and YCC Leadership Development Award.

Professor Xue Appointed Associate Editor of Science China Chemistry

December 21, 2011 by chemweb

Ben Xue, Professor of Chemistry was appointed Associate Editor of Science China Chemistry last year and recently edited the December issue on the International Year of Chemistry (IYC).

The December issue includes 29 papers from Australia, Brazil, Britain, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Israel, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, and the USA. It also features an interview of Professor Robert Grubbs and and a Comments by Professor Ada Yonath, two Nobel Laureates.

Dr. David Jenkins, Assistant Professor in Chemistry Department helped draft questions for the interview of Grubbs.

Another issue Xue helped organize is the November issue for the 80th birthday of Professor Ron Breslow of Columbia University. Xue wrote the prefaces for both issues.

Science China Chemistry is an academic journal co-sponsored by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and published by Science China Press. The journal publishes high-quality, original results in both basic and applied research.

Professor Kovac Publishes New Book

December 21, 2011 by chemweb

Jeff Kovac, Professor of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and Michael Weisberg, Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania published a new book on science history, Roald Hoffmann on the Philosophy, Art, and Science of Chemistry.

They gathered together chemist Roald Hoffmann’s most significant contributions to the field of philosophy and included in the book some unpublished lectures to increase the value of the collection.

Professor Kovac’s honors and awards include election to Phi Beta Kappa, the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship and election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.  Kovac is the author of over 100 publications including four books.

Abstract from Book

Nobel laureate Roald Hoffmann’s contributions to chemistry are well known. Less well known is that over a career that spans nearly fifty years, Hoffmann has thought and written extensively about a wide variety of other topics, such as chemistry’s relationship to philosophy, literature, and the arts, including the role of symbolism and writing in science, the nature of chemical reasoning, and the relationship between art and craft and science.

In Roald Hoffmann on the Philosophy, Art, and Science of Chemistry, Jeffrey Kovac and Michael Weisberg bring together twenty-eight of Hoffmann’s most important essays. Gathered here are Hoffmann’s most philosophically significant and interesting pieces, many of which are not easily found in print. In essays such as “Why Buy That Theory,” “Nearly Circular Reasoning,” “How Should Chemists Think,” “The Metaphor, Unchained,” “Art in Science,” and “Molecular Beauty,” we find the mature reflections of one of America’s leading scientists. Organized under the general headings of Chemical Reasoning and Explanation, Writing and Communicating, Art and Science, Education, and Ethics, these stimulating works provide invaluable insight into the practice of science. Hoffmann also has a reputation as a superb teacher of chemistry–one with a special talent for communicating complex ideas to novice students–and many of the essays here are of special interest to teachers of science in general, and chemistry in particular.

Insightful, thought-provoking, and filled with good humor, Roald Hoffmann on the Philosophy, Art, and Science of Chemistry will fascinate anyone interested in modern science or who enjoys engaging with an exceptional mind.

Darrell Lay Retires After 46 Years of Service

December 13, 2011 by chemweb

A retirement party was hosted for Darrell Lay today in Buehler Hall 511 to honor his 46 years of service to the Department of Chemistry.

With food, flowers, gifts, laughters, tears, speeches, holiday spirit, and even a “money tree”, chemistry faculty, staff, and students joined each other to celebrate the coming holiday and Darrel Lay’s retirement.

“Darrel is an exemplary parachute packer.” Dr. George Schweitzer paused a little, then compared faculty members to parachuters. “All faculty members should remember, we could not do research just by ourselves. We depend on our graduate students and staff.” Dr. George Kabalka patted Darrell on his shoulder and said, “I probably could not have gotten that grant if it were not for him.”

Darrell joined the Department as a Storekeeper on Dec. 6, 1965. At the time, he was responsible to order supplies and dispensed items to labs, faculty, and graduate students, but on a much smaller scale than now. As the Department transformed over the years, Darrell’s job also went through the same process. Darrell joked that he had worked everywhere inside the Department except that he had never had to lecture.

In the past 46 years, Darrell has worked hard to earn everyone’s trust, love, and respect. “Darrell is the most honest person I have ever met.” Dr. William Bull, former Associate Department Head said while returning a key he has kept for years to Darrell. And that act stimulated a room of laughters.

Darrell now lives with his wife Mary Ruth, who just retired from from Oak Ridge National Lab as a Senior Staff Administrator with the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility after 39 years of service. They plan to “do a little travel” in Tennessee first and hope to have “a trip out West” in the near future. While taking care of his blueberries, apple trees, and fig trees are also part of the plan, Darrell said he would come back to visit the Department from time to time. “No one spends half of century working somewhere just because of the job,” Darrell said. “I stayed because of people here. I love all the faculty members, students, and staff I work with.”

Special thanks goes to staff members in the Business Office and Main Office who organized the party and came up with many brilliant ideas.

View Retirement Party Pictures