Department News
Professor Wei Zhang Departs CU Boulder Chemistry Department for Great Bay University
Graduate student Erin Jacoski, a member of Professor Steven George's research group, received the Best Student ALE Presentation Award at the 2026 ALD/ALE Conference, an international meeting focused on atomic layer deposition (ALD) and atomic layer
The Department of Chemistry came together on May 4 to celebrate the teaching assistants who support undergraduate labs and courses. The gathering highlighted the vital role TAs play in creating meaningful learning experiences for undergraduate students, recognizing specific TAs for their extraordinary contributions.
On May 2, the Department of Chemistry celebrated 72 graduates from Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, including 40 undergraduates, 25 Ph.D. recipients, and 7 master’s students. The Commencement Ceremony recognized students’ achievements through speeches, awards, and the degree conferral.
On May 1st, the Department of Chemistry unveiled a new suite of general chemistry labs designed to support flexible, student-centered learning. Featuring modern technology, accessible workstations, and adaptable help rooms, the spaces encourage collaboration and inclusivity.
During the 33rd Annual Campus Sustainability Summit on April 15, 2026, the CU Green Labs Awards Program recognized the Department of Chemistry with a Green Labs Award. The award highlights the department’s significant contributions to campus sustainability over the past year.
Twenty-two faculty were recognized have been recognized with this year’s Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Award. These faculty, including the Chemistry Department's Eleanor Browne, were recognized for outstanding contributions in improving CU Boulder's graduate student experience.
The Spring semester at CU Boulder began with an unexpected surprise: snow on the very first day of classes. As temperatures dropped and flakes filled the air, chemistry graduate students rose to the occasion, quite literally wrapped in school spirit
Hoang Phuc (Phil) Pham, a graduate student in Oana Luca's group, was selected to the Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research Symposium. This award recognizes outstanding graduate students in polymer science and engineering. Phil will present his work on electrochemical plastics recycling at ACS Atlanta in Spring 2026.
