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.
Carlier Named "Scholar of the Week"
(June 11, 2013) Prof. Paul Carlier has been named "Scholar of the Week" by The Office of the Vice President for Research for using synthetic organic chemistry to advance technology for medicine and public health. Carlier, who is associated with VT's Center for Drug Discovery and the Fralin Life Science Institute, has been developing new species-selective inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which will be toxic to malaria-transmitting mosquitoes but safe for use on insecticide-treated nets in malaria-prone regions. (
more)
Merola Named Wine Awardee
(May 29, 2013)
Prof. Joseph Merola has received the 2013 Wine Award from the Virginia Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence. Only three of the prestigious $2000 awards are given annually at Tech. Dr. Merola was cited for his longstanding reputation for student engagement, scholastic rigor, and classroom innovation. His enduring track record of consistently superior course evaluations from students testify to his teaching and mentoring skills. Prof. Merola is also active with the university’s Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program.
(more)
Congratulations to CHEM "Favorite Faculty!"
(May 15, 2013) The following seven Chemistry faculty member were honored with "Favorite Faculty" status by on-campus students "for their hard work, contributions to academia, and dedication to student learning and success:" Jeannine Eddleton, Jennifer Rowe, Shamindri Arachchige, Asem Abdulahad, Daniel Crawford, Patricia Amateis, and Maggie Bump. The Department of Housing and Residence Life coordinates the annual process, which culminated with a reception in their honor (and other VT favorites) earlier this spring.
Morris Honored with COS Diversity Award
(April 26, 2013) Prof. Amanda Morris has received the
College of Science (COS) Diversity Award for 2012-2013 for her contributions to diversity within the COS and at other levels in the university. The selection committee applauded her efforts to recruit diverse graduate students and faculty, for being an active and supportive mentor to underrepresented students and faculty in COS and elsewhere in the university, and for tireless efforts on behalf of the LGBT Office/Caucus and the wider LGBT community. (
more on Morris).
McGrath Receives G. Charles Overberger Award
(April 3, 2013) Prof. James E. McGrath received the
Charles G. Overberger International Prize for Excellence in Polymer Science and Engineering. This is a biennial award that “recognizes and encourages accomplishments of unusual merit in the field of basic or applied polymer science.” Prof. McGrath will present his award address at a symposium organized in his honor at the Fall 2013 ACS Meeting in Indianapolis. (
more on McGrath ...)
