Dear Friend of Chemistry,
It’s been an eventful start to the new academic year on campus! We recently hosted our annual colloquium on the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, a newer tradition we have quite a bit of fun with. This year was especially meaningful, as UW’s own Professor of Biochemistry David Baker was recognized with half the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work in computational protein design. We were honored to have David join us at the colloquium, sharing his insights alongside… Read more
The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced in July that the University of Washington’s Molecular Engineering and Materials Center (MEM·C) and Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand (IMOD), in collaboration with partner institutions, have been selected for four Partnerships for Research and… Read more
Imagine a material that can be stretched and pulled out of shape that not only returns to its original shape but also grows stiffer and stronger each time. University of Washington researchers have developed a new “strain learning” metamaterial. Inspired by how nature strengthens materials—like how bones repair themselves or how spider silk becomes stronger when stressed—this innovation could significantly impact industries that rely on durable, adaptable materials, especially medicine. Their… Read more
Flaps perform essential jobs. From pumping hearts to revving engines, flaps help fluid flow in one direction. Without them, keeping liquids going in the right direction is challenging to do.
Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered a new way to help liquid flow in only one direction — but without flaps. In a paper published Sept. 24 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they report that a flexible pipe — with an interior helical… Read more
The National First-Generation College Celebration is on November 8, and we’re celebrating our first-generation community!
Read graduate student Adrian Guerrero’s story as Featured on UW College of Arts & Sciences News.
The National First-Generation College Celebration is on November 8, and we’re celebrating our first-generation community!
Read Professor John Macklin’s story as Featured on UW College of Arts & Sciences News.
The National First-Generation College Celebration is on November 8, and we’re celebrating our first-generation community!
Read graduate student Jacob Russell’s story as Featured on UW College of Arts & Sciences News.
by Victoria Pang ‘25
In the small town of Milton, Washington, Eileen Son went to a high school with limited STEM opportunities. She spent time volunteering for various causes throughout her high school career and found her love for helping people. Originally intending to become an architect, she soon realized that pursuing architecture did not fulfill her definition of helping others. So, she pivoted to the field of medicine, believing it would be the way she could help people.… Read more
By Victoria Pang ‘25
From Pullman, WA, Makenna lived near Washington State University, which allowed her to take different college-level courses during her high school years. Though actively involved in theater, she found the sciences intriguing, and elected to take biology classes at WSU to explore her interests. While she found her biology classes fascinating, it was also during this time that she discovered her interest in chemistry, realizing she was good at it, despite many… Read more
The Washington Research Foundation Fellowship supports undergraduates who have completed at least three quarters of research and are pursuing advanced, creative projects that go beyond an introductory level. The fellowship provides $8,000 for research, plus additional funding for presenting at a professional conference. It is awarded to highly motivated students across various fields conducting bioscience and related research under the mentorship of UW faculty. We are incredibly proud of our… Read more
The Levinson Emerging Scholars Program supports promising UW students pursuing creative and advanced research projects in biosciences and related fields. Six chemistry and biochemistry students have received the 2024-2025 Levinson Emerging Scholar Award.
Lia Barrow is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with a minor in data science. She joined Assistant Professor Lauren Rajakovich's group in autumn 2022 to follow her passion for the gut microbiome. Her project explores… Read more
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