events
ACS HIST "Citation for Chemical Breakthrough" Award
Northwestern Chemistry was awarded the American Chemical Society’s HIST “Citation for Chemical Breakthrough” Award for Robert Letsinger and V. Mahadevan’s 1966 work on DNA synthesis. Their contributions played a crucial role in the development of DNA synthesis, which has resulted in breakthroughs in medical treatments and biotechnology.
At the event, Margaret Schott gave a perspective on the award’s significance and presented the plaque to Managing Director Rich Dodd. Will Dichtel, the Robert L. Letsinger Professor of Chemistry spoke about his groundbreaking PFAS research, highlighting the importance of continued innovation in the chemical sciences. The celebration brought together Letsinger’s children and former group members to honor his contributions.
Marple-Schweitzer Memorial Award in Chemistry
Nobel Laureate Dave MacMillan (Princeton University) joined the Department on 1 March to receive the 2023 Marple-Schweitzer Memorial Award in Chemistry. Hosted by Northwestern PLU the event was an exciting opportunity for chemistry students to learn about MacMillan’s latest research and gain inspiration from his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. The Marple-Schweitzer Memorial Award in Chemistry was established in 1946 by Northwestern PLU in honor of Paul T. Marple and Kenneth J. Schweitzer. Guest lecturers are invited to speak on timely and creative aspects of chemical research in the hopes of attracting more undergraduates to chemistry.