The Virginia Tech Department of Chemistry has a rich history, a strong international reputation, and a bright future. Our curricula provide the educational foundation for all Virginia Tech science and engineering students. Our undergraduate and graduate degree programs prepare society's future scientists. Our alumni are gainfully employed in the industrial, government, and academic sectors.
Hemp Develops Cancer Drug Delivery Vehicle
(Jan 28, 2013) Sean Hemp, a graduate student in the
Long Group, has been recognized for his contributions to new therapies that target genetic diseases and cancer. Hemp creates polymers to deliver nucleic acids, molecules that carry genetic information within DNA and RNA. Effective uptake of nucleic acids facilitates the delivery of genetic code that may correct malfunctioning DNA or eliminate mutating cells, such as cancer. (
More info here.)
Long Named Associate Dean in COS
(Jan 25, 2013) Prof. Gary L. Long has been named the Associate Dean for Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Science. Long will be developing a sustainable process for selecting and awarding scholarships, leading interdisciplinary curricular development, and formulating assessment policies for recruiting and placement programs. He will also guide the development of forthcoming undergraduate degree programs in systems biology, neuroscience, and computational science. (
more on Long)
Susanne Dana Honored for High School Teaching
(December 7, 2012) Susanne M. Dana (Chem BS, 1991; MS, 1993) received the Southeast Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching from the ACS at the recent SERMACS meeting in Raleigh (NC). Dana, who has been a chemistry teacher at Blacksburg High School since 2000, earned the award for the quality of her instruction, her ability to inspire students both inside and outside the classroom, and her leadership in chemistry instruction. Congratulations, Susanne!
CHEM Welcomes John Matson
(Oct. 4, 2012) The Chemistry Department is delighted to announce that Dr. John B. Matson joined the faculty in Fall 2012 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Matson earned his B.S. degree from Washington University in St. Louis. Afterward, he earned his Ph.D. from Cal Tech, where he worked with Nobel laureate Prof. Bob Grubbs in the area of catalysis and polymer synthesis. Dr Matson joins the department after completing a postdoc at Northwestern University, working with Prof. Sam Stupp. Prof. Matson’s expertise includes peptide self-assembly, drug release, and ring opening metathesis polymerizations (ROMP). His plans for independent research at Virginia Tech will include topics such as: Stimuli-responsive peptide dentrimers, synthetic extracellular matrices with embedded cryptic sites, and degradable polyesters and polyamides synthesized by living ring opening metathesis polymerizations. (
more on Dr. Matson)
Elements Newsletter Fall 2012
The Fall 2012 Edition of "Elements" is available here.
Highlands in Chemistry Seminars
Spring 2013 Schedule
Fridays, 2:30 PM, 140 Hahn North
February 1
John Gronert
Virginia Commonwealth Univ.
February 8
Tehshik Yoon
University of Wisconsin
The complete Spring 2013 Highlands in Chemistry seminar schedule is available here.
Employment Opportunities
A tenure-track position in the area of Organic Chemistry at the Assistant Professor level (with a focus on drug discovery) is available. Click here for details.
Two tenure-track positions in interdisciplinary science/science education are available as part of the College of Science's Integrated Science initiative. Click here for details.
A tenure track position in the interdisciplinary field of nanoscience is available through the College of Science. Candidates with research interests in physical polymer chemistry are encouraged to apply. Click here for details.
Two Instructor positions available to teach in General Chemistry and Analytical/Physical Chemistry. Click here for details.
Informational Video
Click here to see our new video featuring students, professors, and facilities in the Chemistry Department.
