News

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.

More pictures coming soon!

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 CU 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 CU 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 CU 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 CU Boulder's graduate student experience.

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CU Boulder Gen Chem Teaching Labs Driving Sustainability Efforts

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

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

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Graduate Student Phil Pham Selected for Prestigious Polymer Research Award

Adeline Greene — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 17:08:05 +0000

Graduate Student Phil Pham Selected for Prestigious Polymer Research Award Adeline Greene Thu, 12/18/2025 - 10:08

Hoang Phuc (Phil) Pham, a graduate student in Oana Luca's group, was selected to the Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research Symposium, which recognizes outstanding graduate students in polymer science and engineering. Selection to this symposium is a distinct honor in the polymer community.

As part of the award, Phil will present his work on electrochemical plastics recycling at ACS Atlanta in Spring 2026.

Hoang Phuc (Phil) Pham, a graduate student in Oana Luca's group, was selected to the Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research Symposium. This award recognizes outstanding graduate students in polymer science and engineering. Phil will present his work on electrochemical plastics recycling at ACS Atlanta in Spring 2026.

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Winter Gathering Brings Chemistry Faculty and Staff Together

Jay Bolan — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:02:50 +0000

Winter Gathering Brings Chemistry Faculty and Staff Together Jay Bolan Fri, 12/05/2025 - 09:02

Jay Bolan , MA

The Department of Chemistry held its annual Winter Celebration on December 5th in recognition and appreciation of faculty and staff, marking the close of the semester and the year’s accomplishments. Held at the vibrant Boulder Moxy, the event offered a warm and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for connecting with colleagues across the department.

During the event, Joost de Gouw, the department’s newly appointed chair, offered remarks expressing his gratitude to Wei Zhang for his leadership and stewardship during his term as chair, which concluded this past summer. Professor de Gouw acknowledged that while the department has navigated several challenges, it remains supported by a strong community of faculty and staff who are deeply committed to the department’s mission and ongoing success.

Guests enjoyed light refreshments, lively conversation, and a welcome opportunity to unwind before the end-of-year rush. The celebration highlighted the strong sense of community that continues to shape the department’s success, as familiar faces reconnected and new colleagues were welcomed into the fold. The Department of Chemistry extends its appreciation to all who attended and contributed to a warm and memorable celebration. We look forward to a productive and inspiring year ahead.

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CU Boulder researchers featured among highly cited researchers in 2025

Adeline Greene — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:28:16 +0000

CU Boulder researchers featured among highly cited researchers in 2025 Adeline Greene Thu, 11/20/2025 - 13:28

Clarivate honored chemistry faculty Jose Jimenez and Wei Zhang in their 2025 list of Highly Cited Researchers. This international group is not only based on citation counts, but also a rigorous selection process to determine those most influential in their fields.

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Graduate Students Shine at the 2025 Chemistry Fall Ball

Jay Bolan — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 17:01:36 +0000

Graduate Students Shine at the 2025 Chemistry Fall Ball Jay Bolan Mon, 11/10/2025 - 10:01

The Department of Chemistry celebrated its graduate students in style at the 3rd annual Fall Ball, held on Saturday, November 8, at the Boulder Marriott, bringing students together from across research areas and cohort years for a night of celebration, connection, and community.

The Fall Ball has established itself as the signature event of the year, offering a time to unwind, reconnect, and celebrate the many contributions graduate students make to research, teaching, and the broader departmental community.

The event serves as a heartfelt expression of the department’s appreciation for the hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts of its graduate students, whose commitment drives the department’s success throughout the year.

“Our department could not function without the tremendous efforts of our graduate students, and this event is one way that we can demonstrate our appreciation for all that they do,” said Jay Bolan, Graduate Program Manager.

This year’s celebration featured exciting new additions, including a dedicated dance floor and music provided by DJ Dakota of Mountain Sound, which kept the energy high and the dance floor full well into the evening.

Now in its third year, the Fall Ball has continued to grow in both attendance and enthusiasm, solidifying its place as the highlight of the academic year. The event’s continued success is made possible through the support of the Department of Chemistry and the generosity of the CU Boulder Graduate School, whose partnership helps make this memorable tradition possible.

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