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Dr. Taeghwan Hyeon’s work on nanoparticles yields breakthrough applications
 As director of the Center for Nanoparticle Research in the Institute for Basic Science at Seoul National University in South Korea, Dr. Taeghwan Hyeon (PhD, ’96, Suslick) leads efforts to develop uniformly sized nanoparticles. Measuring 1 to 100 nanometers in diameter, nanoparticles offer...
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Anna DeBernardo receives NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
Chemistry Ph.D. student Anna DeBernardo has had an interest in chemistry since high school and planned, at least, to minor in chemistry in college. But her interest in coding led her to computational chemistry and ultimately, she discovered a strong connection with theoretical chemistry. "...
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SCS, Chemistry recognize faculty, graduate students for teaching excellence
The School of Chemical Sciences (SCS) and the Department of Chemistry have recognized a group of faculty members and graduate students for their commitment to excellence in the classroom in the 2024-25 academic year.Two chemistry faculty members and four graduate students in chemistry received the...
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Michael Strauss brings passion for scientific research, teaching, and mentoring to Illinois chemistry
 For Michael Strauss, this summer marks an exciting time in his career as a new assistant professor of chemistry at Illinois for many reasons, but especially because he is eager to launch his research group and blend...
Shounak Nath and Liviu Mirica stand together in front equipment in a chemistry lab
Solving the mystery of an ancient enzyme could lead to new carbon capture strategies
 Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have discovered important new clues in the mystery of how an ancient enzyme can turn atmospheric carbon into biomolecules, a natural process that could be helpful in developing new methods for converting greenhouse gases like carbon...

Research Areas in Chemistry

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Analytical Chemistry
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Chemical Biology
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Inorganic Chemistry
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Materials Chemistry
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Organic Chemistry
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Physical Chemistry

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Nelson Jordan Leonard (1916 – 2006)

Spotlight: Leonard, Nelson Jordan (1916-2006)

Nelson J. Leonard, one of the most important chemists of the twentieth century, was not only a master in the application of organic synthesis to the solution of important problems in chemistry, biochemistry, and plant physiology, but very highly regarded as a professional colleague. Leonard was born on September 1, 1916, grew up in Bronxville, New York, and attended Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, before moving to Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. The beginning of World War II in September 1939 forced Leonard's return to the United States. Chemistry was not the only part...