2022 News

On December 13, 2022 

The American Chemical Society (ACS) announced on Dec. 8, 2022, that Professor Theresa Reineke has been appointed as the next editor-in-chief for the ACS Bioconjugate Chemistry journal! Theresa will assume her role on Jan. 1, 2023. Read the ACS new release here.

On December 13, 2022

(Left to Right) Elizabeth (Liz) Lopez, Chemistry; Rose Liyanagunawardana, Chemistry; and Geethaanjali (Geetha) Mohan, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. Rose and Liz have joined the Biopolymer Subgroup and Geetha has joined the Sustainability/Synthesis Subgroup.

On December 13, 2022

Not just in 2021-2022 but also in 2020-2021, Nathan has received an Honorable Mention for the Department of Chemistry’s Outstanding Teaching Assistant (TA) Award! In 2020-2021, he received the special honor as a TA for CHEM 1066 General Chemistry. In 2021-2022, he was again selected for the special recognition as a TA for CHEM 4601 Green Chemistry. Congratulations to Nathan!

On December 13, 2022 

Congratulations to Nick for winning the 2021-2022 Robert L. Ferm Outstanding Teaching Assistant (TA) Award! Nick was chosen for this award in September 2022 based on his excellence in teaching Life Science the previous academic year.

On December 13, 2022

Fourth-year graduate students Mayuri Porwal, Erin Maines, and Mckenna Hanson attended the Fall 2022 ACS Meeting in Chicago, IL, August 21–25, 2022, and gave oral and poster presentations on their research.

In addition to her oral presentation titled "Synthesis and characterization of stereoregular functionalized polysaccharides from biomass-derived Levoglucosan," Mayuri also gave a poster presentation at the ACS Sci-Mix, which is a large inter-divisional poster event occurring at each ACS meeting. According to the ACS, “Presentation in Sci-Mix should be considered a distinction for the presenters as they represent the best of what the division has to offer in terms of the science and presentation.” "I really enjoyed presenting my work at ACS,” said Mayuri. “By participating in a national level conference like ACS I had an opportunity to directly interact with researchers working on similar topics all over the world. It was also a great networking opportunity to build connections with peers and scientists across the globe."

Erin enthusiastically describes her opportunity to attend and present her research at the ACS meeting. “Attending the ACS national meeting was a great chance to share my work, meet people working in a similar field, and get to learn more about other great research going on around the world!” The title of her oral presentation was "Mechanical recycling of thermosets from 3D printing waste."

"Understanding the effects of cationic type and architecture on antisense oligonucleotide delivery" was the title of Mckenna’s oral presentation. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to present at ACS in Chicago,” said Mckenna. “It was extremely beneficial to be there in person and meet so many people in the scientific community who research similar topics (or very different ones!)." Mckenna was also selected to receive a Graduate Student Travel Award from the ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering. The award provided funding for her travel expenses to attend the fall meeting.

On December 13, 2022

Mayuri conducts research for the University of Minnesota National Science Foundation-funded Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP). The focus of her research is levoglucosan-based polymeric materials. Levoglucosan is a bicyclic acetal that can be obtained in ~80% yield by fast pyrolysis of cellulosic biomass with a projected price point of $1.33 to $3.0/kg, which is competitive with many petroleum-derived monomers.

To facilitate her research on exploring catalysts for levoglucosan polymerization as well as the synthesis of high molecular weight and stereoregular levoglucosan homo and copolymers, Mayuri applied for and was awarded a 2022 CSP-funded Researcher in Residency at Cornell University. During her June 2–12, 2022, residency, Mayuri and Dr. Anne LaPointe and Prof. Geoff Coates of Cornell University utilized the high-throughput screening robot equipment at Cornell to screen a variety of catalysts, initiators, and comonomers for a levoglucosan-based monomer. “The high-throughput screening studies facilitated rapid identification of hit catalysts, initiators, and comonomers for a levoglucosan-based substrate in a very short timeframe,” said Mayuri. “The research project was beneficial in minimizing the time needed for screening studies as well as establishing a collaboration with Cornell University.” Based on the findings from her researcher in residency, Mayuri is currently conducting follow-up studies with Cornell.  

On August 26, 2022 

A primary goal of Punarbasu’s research is to synthesize and characterize a family of polymers rationally designed to efficiently deliver nucleic acid payloads into mammalian cells. To hone his research knowledge and tool kit, Punarbasu participated in a Confocal Microscopy Workshop July 6-8, 2022. The workshop was hosted by the University of Minnesota, University Imaging Centers (UIC). Confocal microscopy is an advanced imaging technique that provides 3D structures of biological samples, such as cells and tissues, which can be studied in great detail.

By participating in the workshop, Punarbasu gained valuable skills and knowledge that will enable him to further research how the polymers he has synthesized interact with cell membranes and where the polymers localize inside cells. In turn, he can then investigate how these activities correlate with the efficiency of polymers to deliver genetic material into cells. “Overall, the training received in the workshop has enabled me to perform confocal microscopy experiments on my own to gain better insight into polymer-mediated gene delivery processes,” said Punarbasu.

From attending the workshop, Punarbasu learned in detail about various aspects of confocal microscopy including sample preparation, image acquisition, and data analysis. The workshop also introduced him to the advanced experiments that can be performed in the instruments present at the UIC, which has the reputation of being a Nikon Center of Excellence. 

On August 25, 2022

For his excellent performance as a teaching assistant for MATS 4400, Senior Design Project, the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) has chosen Christian for a spring semester 2022 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award.  

On August 25, 2022

On June 30, 2022, Rishad successfully defended his thesis, "Effective pDNA and CRISPR RNP Delivery Promoted by Design of Cationic Bottlebrush and Combinatorial Polymer Synthesis." Congratulations to Dr. Dalal!

On August 24, 2022

Congratulations to Monica for being selected to participate in the 2022 Future Faculty Workshop “Diverse Leaders for the Future.” The workshop was held at the University of Delaware on June 21–23, 2022, and was sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

The workshop provided mentorship to senior graduate students and postdoctoral researchers aspiring to become independent academic researchers in the broad areas of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, and Polymer Science, with a focus on soft materials and biomaterials. Eminent professors and workshop alums covered topics such as the faculty application process, interviewing, proposal writing, networking, choosing research directions, research management, well-being, and publication/presentation skills. The workshop included numerous discussions, breakout sessions, and active-learning scenarios. A mentee/mentor ratio of ~3:1 was maintained to encourage personalized mentoring.

"The Future Faculty Workshop was an amazing opportunity to learn, in detail, all that goes into the faculty job application process as well as what life will look like as an assistant professor,” said Monica. “I was able to connect with mentors and peers that, prior to this workshop, I had only met virtually, and build relationships with so many people. I look forward to watching their career's progress and staying in contact with them at future conferences."

Monica was awarded her Ph.D. in Chemistry in September of 2021. In November, she joined the Anseth Research Group at the University of Colorado–Boulder. As a chemical and biological engineering postdoctoral researcher for the Anseth Group, she is conducting research on bottlebrush polymer hydrogels.

On August 8, 2022

Congratulations to Emily for being selected to attend the 2022 American Chemical Society (ACS) Summer School on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Energy! During the week-long event, which was held July 15–22, 2022, at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars explored scientific solutions to global sustainability challenges, including sustainable energy. Its curriculum included presentations by green chemistry and sustainable energy experts, poster sessions, collaborative projects, and discussions on the roles of science and technology in solving global sustainability challenges. From the pool of applicants, about 60 students are selected each year to participate in the summer school. All eligible travel and program costs are covered by the ACS, ACS Petroleum Research Fund, and the ACS Green Chemistry Institute.

On August 8, 2022

On June 6–8, 2022, Emily attended the American Chemical Society (ACS) Green Chemistry Institute’s Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference held in Reston, VA. The conference theme was “Thinking in Systems: Designing for Sustainable Use.” The event is the premier conference for scientists, students and leaders seeking innovative and more sustainable ways to do chemistry and chemical engineering.

Emily describes her experience as follows: “Being at the GC&E Conference was a wonderful experience. I got the chance to learn about green chemistry in many different industries, talk about systems thinking and how it can impact our own research, and meet people who are all just as passionate about sustainability as I am. I appreciated the opportunity to present my research and hear feedback from outside sources. A key takeaway from many of the presentations is that green chemistry should be how all chemistry is performed — not as an addition or specialty but a reality of the field.”

August 8, 2022

Emily Prebihalo, Punarbasu Roy, and Christopher LaSalle presented their research at the 3rd-year Graduate Student Research Symposium on June 9, 2022. For her presentation titled “Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization of a Sustainably-Derived Thionolactone” Emily was one of eight students selected as a winner of the research symposium. As an award recipient, Emily received a travel award funded by the Chemistry Student Travel Fund and the Paul G. and Gerda Ann Gassman Chemistry Graduate Student Fund. Additionally, five graduate students, including Punarbasu Roy, were awarded Honorable Mentions.

Student presentations were 20 minutes in length with an additional 5 minutes reserved for discussion. Symposium judges took into consideration if the student effectively communicated their research; displayed strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; highlighted the contribution of others if working on a team program; and highlighted important safety aspects of their work. The Department of Chemistry news release is available here.

On July 12, 2022

Alumni Derek Saxon’s 2019 JACS paper, "Architectural Control of Isosorbide-Based Polyethers via Ring-Opening Polymerization," was highlighted in the March 2022 JACS virtual issue on Sustainable Polymers. Among the 17 papers selected for the issue, Derek’s paper is listed first!

 On June 6, 2022

Congratulations to Prof. Theresa Reineke and her new appointment as an Associate Editor for the journal Chemical Science! Chemical Science is a diamond open access journal and published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Theresa’s area of research expertise will include biomaterials, polymers for drug delivery, sensing and imaging, and sustainable polymers. Read the RSC Chemical Science blog here and the Department of Chemistry News story here.

On June 6, 2022

In addition to being awarded a 2022 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, Nick has also been awarded a 2022 Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship! After reviewing his options, Nick chose the NSF Fellowship.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions. The fellowship provides a three-year annual stipend as well as a cost of education allowance that is paid to the University of Minnesota. Read the Department of Chemistry News story here.

The Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowships are awarded in a national competition administered by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine on behalf of the Ford Foundation. The awards are made to individuals who, in the judgment of the review panels, have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level in the U.S., show promise of future achievement as scholars and teachers, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. For the 2022 competition year, the program awarded approximately 75 predoctoral fellowships. The fellowships provide three years of support for individuals engaged in graduate study leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Science (Sc.D.) degree.

On June 6, 2022

Congratulations to Mckenna for being awarded a 2022-2023 University of Minnesota Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship (DDF)! The DDF gives the University's most accomplished Ph.D. candidates an opportunity to devote full-time effort to an outstanding research project by providing time to finalize and write a dissertation during the fellowship year. The award includes a stipend for the academic year, tuition for up to 14 thesis credits each semester, and subsidized health insurance through the Graduate Assistant Health Plan

On June 6, 2022

Congratulations to the following Reineke graduate students for passing their Ph.D. Preliminary Written and Oral Exams! Nicholas Kreofsky (lower right) and Nathan Rackstraw (upper left), Department of Chemistry, and Kaylee Barr (upper right) and Michael Leyden (lower left), Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

On April 14, 2022

JACS Au published alumni Ramya Kumar's first-author paper, “Combinatorial Polycation Synthesis and Causal Machine Learning Reveal Divergent Polymer Design Rules for Effective pDNA and Ribonucleoprotein Delivery,” in February of 2022. In March of 2022, JACS Au highlighted Ramya's paper in its virtual Issue on Emerging Chemistry and Machine Learning.

JACS Au's introduction to its virtual issue on Emerging Chemistry and Machine Learning is provided below.

“Machine learning has become an essential tool, allowing chemists and engineers to predict or gain a deeper understanding of chemical processes. This leads to more rapid discoveries and provides access to scientific possibilities only previously imagined. The articles showcased in JACS Au's new Virtual Issue shine a fascinating light on the exciting work being undertaken in the field of emerging chemistry and machine learning. And offer an intriguing insight into the current and future direction of the chemical sciences.”

Ramya is currently an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Previously, she was a postdoctoral associate in the Reineke Research Group.

On April 12, 2022

Mayuri Porwal's first-author paper, "Stereoregular functionalized polysaccharides via cationic ring-opening polymerization of biomass-derived levoglucosan," has been selected by Chemical Science for its ChemSci Pick of the Week Collection. Chemical Science utilizes its Pick of the Week platform to select and promote its favorite articles. The journal also shares the articles with the wider chemical community through its social media accounts.

Mayuri's research was a collaboration between the Reineke Group, the Ellison Group, and the Cramer Group. It demonstrates the utility of levoglucosan as a renewably-derived scaffold, enabling facile access to tailored polysaccharides that could be important in many applications ranging from sustainable materials to biologically active polymers. For a direct link to the article, click here.

On March 12, 2022

Craig successfully defended his thesis, “Quinine Copolymer Reporters for Enhanced Gene Editing and Raman Imaging,” on January 12, 2022. Congratulations to Dr. Van Bruggen!

On February 11, 2022

Rishad has been selected to present his research at the 2022 "Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research" Symposium. Of the 47 papers submitted for an oral or poster session, Rishad’s paper was selected for the oral session. Rishad will present his research on developing novel polymeric vectors for the cellular delivery of biological payloads. The symposium is sponsored by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Polymer Chemistry and will be held during the 2022 ACS national meeting in San Diego, CA., March 20 – 24, 2022.   

On February 2, 2022

(Left to Right) Alicia Huggett, Chemistry; Eli Broman, Chemistry; Sidharth Panda, Chemistry; and Tyler Weinstein, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.