Jan
8
2025
Special Seminar: Yang Yang, UCSB
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Evanston
Chemistry Special Seminar Hosted by Rick Silverman For more information, please contact pamela-beck@northwestern.edu
Recent News
How ‘Conan the Bacterium’ withstands extreme radiation
A groundbreaking study from Brian Hoffman's lab uncovers the antioxidant that enables Deinococcus radiodurans to survive radiation doses 28,000 times higher than lethal levels for humans. This discovery paves the way for developing synthetic antioxidants tailored to human needs, with potential applications in protecting astronauts from cosmic radiation, enhancing preparedness for radiation emergencies, and advancing radiation-inactivated vaccine production.
Shaking sensor continuously monitors inflammation
Researchers in Shana Kelley’s lab have developed an innovative implantable device that monitors real-time fluctuations in protein levels within the body. Drawing inspiration from how fruit shakes free from tree branches, the device uses DNA strands to bind, release, and recapture proteins. This unique approach allows continuous sampling of proteins, providing valuable insights into changes in inflammatory markers over time.
Stability of perovskite solar cells tripled with protective coating
Northwestern researchers have created a protective coating that dramatically enhances the durability of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for practical use beyond the lab. Co-led by Mercouri Kanatzidis and Ted Sargent, the study tackles one of the biggest challenges to the widespread adoption of perovskite solar cells: achieving stability under real-world conditions.
Announcements & Events
Congratulations
Chad Mirkin recipient of the 2025 Willard Gibbs Award
Recent Honors
Congratulations Ananya Basu of the Zhang Lab on receiving the WCC Pfizer Emergent Leader Award
Upcoming Events
Jan
14
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter Vinayak Dravid
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Evanston
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminars
Jan
21
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter Chad Mirkin
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Evanston
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminars
Community Spotlight
The faculty, students, alumni, and staff who comprise our department are dedicated to outstanding research and scholarship.
Fall Newsletter
As the new chair of our department, I am honored by the trust that my colleagues, the Dean, and the Provost have placed in me. Stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am eager to build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors. Our department holds immense potential, and I am excited to embark on this journey with all of you.
This academic year promises to be one of growth, collaboration, and innovation. Our department is poised to make significant strides in research, teaching, and community engagement. This newsletter features exciting research findings from our colleagues' groups, highlighting the cutting-edge work that continues to elevate our department's reputation. These achievements are a testament to the dedication and creativity of our faculty, students, postdocs, visitors, and staff, inspiring us all to push the boundaries of knowledge.
Thank you for your dedication to our department. I look forward to working together to achieve great things this year and beyond.
Our Research
Research at the Department of Chemistry is innovative, collaborative and interdisciplinary by nature.
Cutting Edge Science
Watch our videos to learn more about the Chemistry at Northwestern.
Learn more about interdisciplinary training in the Department
Learn more about student leadership in the Department