May
20
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter Christian Mala...
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, Evanston
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminars
Recent News
Ali Shilatifard Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
Ali Shilatifard, the Robert Francis Furchgott Professor and chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Shilatifard’s research focuses on the causes of childhood leukemia through chromosomal translocations. His laboratory has also discovered novel mechanisms underlying transcription elongation, the process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.
Scientists spot water molecules flipping before they split, and it could help them produce cheaper hydrogen fuel
The Han's Lab and collaborators at UC Santa Barbara have developed the first synthetic tau protein fragment that behaves like a prion. This “mini prion” misfolds, forms fibrils, and transmits its abnormal shape to normal tau proteins—shedding light on neurodegenerative disease processes.
Systemically injectable therapy could prevent heart failure after a heart attack
Nathan Gianneschi and researchers from UC San Diego have developed a new, potent injectable therapy that can protect the heart from damage after a heart attack. The therapeutic approach comprises specially designed polymers that act like proteins. These protein-like polymers (PLPs) “grab” onto regulatory proteins, which blunt the body’s natural healing process, in heart tissue. With those proteins out of the way, the healing proteins are free to do their job — preventing stress and inflammation.
Announcements & Events
Faculty Honors
Omar Farha awarded the 2025 ACS Award in Inorganic Nanoscience
Faculty Honors
Julia Kalow receives the 2025 ACS Macro Letters / Biomacromolecules / MacromoleculesYoung Investigator Award
Upcoming Events
May
21
2025
Excellence in Graduate Research: 2023 Award Winner Kaitlin Landry...
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Evanston
Excellence in Graduate Research: 2023 Award Winner Kaitlin Landry (Mirkin), U of Chicago Contact Kelly Levander - kelly.levander@gmail....
May
27
2025
Department of Chemistry Faculty Seminar, Presenter Xiaoyu Zhang
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.
Winter Newsletter
It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Sir Fraser Stoddart, a giant in the world of chemistry and a cherished member of our Northwestern community. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Beyond his scientific brilliance, Fraser was an unwavering mentor, a generous colleague, and a steadfast friend. He had a rare gift for engaging with people from all walks of life and at every stage of their careers, always listening with patience and sincerity. I am profoundly grateful for the time he spent talking with me, regardless of the subject.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate a life dedicated to discovery, mentorship, and the betterment of humankind. While this newsletter highlights many of the department’s accomplishments from the fall, it also reflects on Sir Fraser Stoddart’s lasting impact—his scientific contributions, his mentorship, and the profound influence he had on our community. Let us carry forward his passion for science, his generosity of spirit, and his relentless curiosity.
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