News

Welcome Professor Robb to the Department of Chemistry!

Stefanie Schy — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 15:57:22 +0000

Welcome Professor Robb to the Department of Chemistry! Stefanie Schy Mon, 07/20/2026 - 09:57

Professor Maxwell Robb joins the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Department of Chemistry.

We are pleased to welcome Professor Maxwell Robb to the faculty.

A Colorado native, Robb returns to his home state after serving on the faculty at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).

Robb earned his bachelor's degree from the Colorado School of Mines before completing his PhD at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He later conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign before joining the Caltech faculty.

His accomplishments have been recognized with numerous honors, including an NSF CAREER Award, Sloan Research Fellowship, Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award, Beckman Young Investigator Award and the National Fresenius Award.

Professor Maxwell Robb joins the �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Department of Chemistry.

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Chapman, Browne and Muter Awarded AI Discovery Grant for Air Quality Research

Stefanie Schy — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:34:14 +0000

Chapman, Browne and Muter Awarded AI Discovery Grant for Air Quality Research Stefanie Schy Tue, 07/14/2026 - 14:34

Associate Professor Ellie Browne, Chemistry PhD student Max Muter, and ATOC Assistant Professor Will Chapman have been awarded a 2026 AI Discovery & Capacity Building Grant from the �鶹��Ѱ��Research & Innovation Office (RIO). Their project will develop a new machine learning approach to predict emerging air contaminants of concern.

Read more about the award and the AI Discovery & Capacity Building Grant recipients on the �鶹��Ѱ��Research & Innovation Office website.

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Professor Wei Zhang Departs Chemistry Department for Great Bay University

Stefanie Schy — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:02:19 +0000

Professor Wei Zhang Departs Chemistry Department for Great Bay University Stefanie Schy Thu, 07/09/2026 - 13:02

Professor Wei Zhang has departed the Department of Chemistry to begin a new position at Great Bay University (GBU).

Professor Zhang was a faculty member in our department for 19 years and served as Department Chair from 2022 through 2025. His research made important contributions to the fields of organic and materials chemistry, and he was a valued colleague, mentor, and leader. We are grateful for his many years of service to the department and wish him every success in this next chapter of his career.

Professor Wei Zhang Departs �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Chemistry Department for Great Bay University

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Erin Jacoski Receives Best Student Presentation Award at International Conference

Stefanie Schy — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:35:24 +0000

Erin Jacoski Receives Best Student Presentation Award at International Conference Stefanie Schy Thu, 07/09/2026 - 12:35

Graduate student Erin Jacoski, a member of Professor Steven George's research group, received the Best Student ALE Presentation Award at the 2026 ALD/ALE Conference, an international meeting focused on atomic layer deposition (ALD) and atomic layer etching (ALE).

Hosted by the American Vacuum Society (AVS), the annual ALD/ALE Conference brings together researchers from academia, industry, and national laboratories to share the latest advances in thin-film deposition and etching technologies. This year's conference, held in Tampa, Florida, attracted approximately 800 attendees from around the world.

Jacoski was recognized for delivering the conference's top student presentation in the field of atomic layer etching, highlighting the quality and impact of her research.

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TA Appreciation Party Brings Students Together

Adeline Greene — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:18:11 +0000

TA Appreciation Party Brings Students Together Adeline Greene Tue, 05/05/2026 - 12:18

The Department of Chemistry came together on May 4 to celebrate the teaching assistants who support undergraduate labs and courses. A total of 69 attendees - including 51 graduate student TAs, 4 undergraduate TAs, as well as staff and faculty - assembled in the Idea Forge Commons.

With allergy-friendly catering from Illegal Pete’s, refreshments, and a variety of board games, the TA Appreciation Party offered a relaxed space for conversation and connection. The gathering also highlighted the vital role TAs play in creating meaningful learning experiences for undergraduate students, recognizing specific TAs for their extraordinary contributions.

The Department of Chemistry extends its appreciation to all who attended, especially the lab directors Molly Larsen, Susan Hendrickson, Jacqueline Richardson, and Christopher Marelli, who made this event possible.

The Department of Chemistry came together on May 4 to celebrate the teaching assistants who support undergraduate labs and courses. The gathering highlighted the vital role TAs play in creating meaningful learning experiences for undergraduate students, recognizing specific TAs for their extraordinary contributions.

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Celebrating the Class of 2026

Adeline Greene — Mon, 04 May 2026 16:30:53 +0000

Celebrating the Class of 2026 Adeline Greene Mon, 05/04/2026 - 10:30

On May 2, faculty, staff, students, and family members gathered to celebrate 72 Department of Chemistry graduates from Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. The cohort included 40 undergraduate students, 25 Ph.D. recipients, and 7 master’s graduates.

The ceremony highlighted the dedication, curiosity, and resilience that define the department’s students. Led by Dr. Jacquie Richardson, director of the organic teaching laboratories, the students reflected on shared experiences: from the infamous carbon monoxide lab to the surprising results of final projects.

A highlight of the ceremony was the hooding of graduate students, during which advisors placed ceremonial hoods over their students’ shoulders and formally welcomed them into the chemical community. As part of this tradition, attendees also learned about each student’s research, accomplishments, and future plans.

The department also announced several undergraduate awards from the American Chemical Society and the American Institute of Chemists, and recognized four seniors who earned Latin honors.

As graduates crossed the stage, they joined a broader community of chemists prepared to contribute to research, industry, education, and beyond.

Photo Credit: Kira Vos / Kira Vos Photography

On May 2, the Department of Chemistry celebrated 72 graduates from Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, including 40 undergraduates, 25 Ph.D. recipients, and 7 master’s students. The Commencement Ceremony recognized students’ achievements through speeches, awards, and the degree conferral.

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Inside the New General Chemistry Lab Spaces

Adeline Greene — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:45:54 +0000

Inside the New General Chemistry Lab Spaces Adeline Greene Fri, 05/01/2026 - 12:45

On Friday, May 1st, the Chemistry Department unveiled a new suite of general chemistry labs.

Designed with both functionality and flexibility in mind, the updated spaces blend advanced technology with intentional design. Touch-controlled fume hoods, dimmable lighting, and wheelchair-accessible tables create a space that is both adaptable and inclusive, while collaborative workstations support active learning. Nearby, three adjacent help rooms can be configured as separate spaces or combined into a larger instructional area.

Beyond the labs, wide walkways and ample bench seating offer a practical space for students to gear up before stepping into the lab.

On May 1st, the Department of Chemistry unveiled a new suite of general chemistry labs designed to support flexible, student-centered learning. Featuring modern technology, accessible workstations, and adaptable help rooms, the spaces encourage collaboration and inclusivity.

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Chemistry Department and General Chemisty Teaching Labs Honored with 2026 Green Labs Awards

Adeline Greene — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:18:56 +0000

Chemistry Department and General Chemisty Teaching Labs Honored with 2026 Green Labs Awards Adeline Greene Fri, 04/17/2026 - 10:18

During the 33rd Annual Campus Sustainability Summit on April 15, 2026, the �鶹��Ѱ��Green Labs Program recognized four campus organizations with Green Labs Awards, including the Department of Chemistry and the General Chemistry Teaching Labs.

The 2026 award recipients are:

Department of Chemistry - Green Chemistry Commitment, Departmental Achievement
LASP Sustainability Group - Partnership for Lab Sustainability
General Chemistry Teaching Labs - Sustainability Actions, Laboratory Achievement
Department of Geological Sciences - Shared Resources, Departmental Achievement

Since 2015, the Green Labs Awards recognize individuals, teams, and departments across campus that demonstrate leadership in reducing the environmental footprint of laboratory research. Recipients are honored for initiatives that improve sustainability in laboratory spaces—such as reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing waste, and promoting environmentally responsible research practices.

Award Ceremony Photos

Department of Chemistry Award

General Chemistry Teaching Labs Award

2026 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Green Labs Awards Committee

Laurel Robbins, Graduate Student in Biochemistry and IQ Biology, Green Labs Team Lead
Alice Epperly, Undergraduate and Green Labs student assistant
Joan Jenkins, Environmental Health & Safety Specialist
Amrita George, Green Labs Team Lead – Chemical Sharing Initiative
Kathryn Ramirez-Aguilar, Environmental Center Assistant Director - Green Labs Program

During the 33rd Annual Campus Sustainability Summit on April 15, 2026, the �鶹��Ѱ��Green Labs Awards Program recognized the Department of Chemistry with a Green Labs Award. The award highlights the department’s significant contributions to campus sustainability over the past year.

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Professor Eleanor Browne Named as a 2026 Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor

Adeline Greene — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:50:21 +0000

Professor Eleanor Browne Named as a 2026 Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Adeline Greene Mon, 03/30/2026 - 11:50

Twenty-two faculty were recognized have been recognized with this year’s Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Award. These faculty, including the Chemistry Department's Eleanor Browne, were recognized for outstanding contributions in improving �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder's graduate student experience.

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�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Gen Chem Teaching Labs Driving Sustainability Efforts

Adeline Greene — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:46:42 +0000

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Gen Chem Teaching Labs Driving Sustainability Efforts Adeline Greene Mon, 01/05/2026 - 11:46

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News

Welcome Professor Robb to the Department of Chemistry!

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Chapman, Browne and Muter Awarded AI Discovery Grant for Air Quality Research

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Professor Wei Zhang Departs Chemistry Department for Great Bay University

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Erin Jacoski Receives Best Student Presentation Award at International Conference

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TA Appreciation Party Brings Students Together

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Celebrating the Class of 2026

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Inside the New General Chemistry Lab Spaces

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Chemistry Department and General Chemisty Teaching Labs Honored with 2026 Green Labs Awards

Award Ceremony Photos

2026 �鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Green Labs Awards Committee

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Professor Eleanor Browne Named as a 2026 Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor

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�鶹��Ѱ�����Boulder Gen Chem Teaching Labs Driving Sustainability Efforts

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2026 �鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Green Labs Awards Committee

�鶹��Ѱ��Boulder Gen Chem Teaching Labs Driving Sustainability Efforts