News from Chemistry

Student-Faculty Research Published in Langmuir

2012-01-30T15:06:31Z

A.J. Zucchero (C’04), Jamie Robinson (C’10) and Prof. Robert Bachman have published a paper entitled “General Approach to Low-Molecular-Weight Metallogellators via Coordination-Induced Gelation of an L-Glutamate-Based Lipid” in Langmuir (2012, 28, 27-30). The paper reports the Bachman group’s initial foray into a new area of research. The focus of the work was the synthesis of a new class of molecules capable of both binding metal atoms and forming gels, a class of materials consisting of a liquid immobilized by a small amount of a gelling agent (Jello is a well-known example). The materials reported by Bachman and his students may find use in separation of metal ions from solution or catalysis.

Chemistry professor awarded two fellowships to support sabbatical research in Germany

2011-08-26T22:25:16Z

Professor Robert Bachman has received two fellowships totaling approximately $16,000 in support of his sabbatical research visit to the Max Planck Institute (MPI) for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany. The first award, a three-month fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, is a renewal of the fellowship Bachman first held as a postdoctoral researcher in 1994. The second award is a two-month grant from the German Academic Exchange Service available to faculty researchers making extended visits to Germany. Both awards were given on the basis of a competitive research proposal and Bachman’s reputation as a scholar.

Sewanee chemists win major NSF grant

2011-07-21T21:37:24Z

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant of $259,900 to the University of the South for the acquisition of a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system, a project under the direction of Rongson Pongdee, Deon Miles, John Shibata, and Rob Bachman, all members of Sewanee’s Chemistry Department.

Five majors and one minor graduate at 2011 Commencement

2011-07-21T15:24:17Z

Three chemistry majors, one biochemistry major, one environmental chemistry major, and one student with a chemistry minor graduated Sunday, May 16 in the University's Commencement ceremonies. Biochemistry major Blake Caldwell graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 2011.

Sixth Annual “An Evening of Chemical Magic” Show delights community members

2011-05-17T19:33:06Z

The Sewanee Student Affiliates, under the direction of Jennifer Bachman, co-sponsor and Chemistry Lab Coordinator, put on the Sixth Annual "An Evening of Chemical Magic" demonstration show to a packed house in Blackman Auditorium April 21. New and old favorite demos delighted the crowd of students, community children, and their families. Some of the demonstrations included the Luminol Spiral, Burning Water, Flame Tornado, What Happens to Water When It Boils?, Gummy Bear's Demise, and much-beloved Liquid Nitrogen and Methane Bubbles.

Chemistry Department celebrates career of Dr. John Lawson Bordley, Jr.

2011-04-06T16:11:08Z

In order to mark Dr. Bordley's 41st year of teaching and his retirement at the end of the 2010-11 academic year, the Chemistry Department executed a series of events spanning from Thursday, March 31 - Saturday, April 2, 2011. Alumni from all of the four decades he has taught returned to celebrate, catch up, and even give seminars on their lives since Sewanee.

Chemistry Club organizes group trip to go “Behind the Scenes” with the TN Aquarium pengu

2011-02-16T15:52:49Z

The Sewanee Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society (Sewanee SAACS for short) organized a group trip to see the Penguin Habitat at the Tennessee Aquarium on February 5. This special behind-the-scenes look at penguin life was sponsored by the Chemistry Department and Sewanee SAACS.

Creative students write organic chemistry songs for extra credit

2011-01-05T19:44:34Z

Ron Pongdee, who teaches organic chemistry, has given his students an interesting extra credit assignment: write a (semi-)instructional song about an aspect of organic chemistry. If you are brave enough, download the songs below and see what you can learn!

Chemistry Club organizes group trip to see Harry Potter 7

2010-11-30T16:47:16Z

The Sewanee Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, or SAACS for short, organized a trip to the Tullahoma movie theater to see Harry Potter 7. Students wore their Sewanee gowns and found hats and wands to make their outfits complete.

Spencer Hall earns LEED Silver Status

2010-11-17T16:16:15Z

Spencer Hall, which opened in 2008, is Sewanee’s first LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building, receiving the official certification at the Silver level this month from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Chemistry Club presents programs at area schools for National Chemistry Week

2010-11-03T20:29:28Z

Sewanee Student Affiliates of American Chemical Society (SAACS), a.k.a. the Chemistry Club, wowed students at Sewanee Elementary School over the last few weeks with hands-on activities focused on this year's National Chemistry Week theme, "Behind the Scenes with Chemistry." Sewanee students helped the children make movie snow, smashed movie glass, and provided color-changing paper and ancient ink and quills for the students to explore.

Chemistry Department Awards announced at Convocation

2010-10-21T19:22:45Z

During the Oct. 12 Convocation, honorary degrees were presented, more than 200 new members were inducted into the Order of Gownsmen, and academic honors and awards were announced. There are three awards the Chemistry Department presents: The Dr. I. Croom Beatty III and Susan Deverough Beatty Prize, The Chemical Rubber Company Handbook Award, and The Louis George Hoff Memorial Scholarship.

Dynamic professor inspires students to choose biosciences for their careers

2010-10-06T16:50:44Z

Dr. Steve Casper from the Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in Claremont, CA, had dinner with pre-health-profession-interested students in McClurg Dining Hall on Monday, October 4. He is a professor at the masters' in bioscience MBS program at KGI. Dr. Casper studies the commercialization of science and careers in the sciences with a focus on the biotech industry.

Department hosts annual fall picnic

2010-09-29T19:47:35Z

The fall department picnic was a huge success! Over 45 people came to enjoy a German-style sausage grillfest. All students taking a chemistry course, majoring in chemistry, minoring in chemistry, or doing work-study in chemistry were invited.

Sewanee Chemists Spend Their Summers in Cool Places!

2010-10-13T21:09:45Z

If our majors are any indication, no one is bored during summer vacation! Chem and biochem majors talk about their experiences in- and outside of the labs this summer.