On the cover: A blue crystal of cupric sulfate pentahydrate, CuSO4.5H2O, shines at the center of a single-crystal X-ray diffractometer in the Paul Bender Chemistry Instrument Center, ready to be analyzed. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction, a gold standard of analytical techniques, provides a wealth of chemical information about crystal structure and composition from specimens typically measuring 5-100 microns in diameter. Credit: Ilia Guzei
Stories from our alumni magazine
2024 Badger Chemist Masthead
Professor Sam Gellman Department Chair Kimberly M. Hazen Badger Chemist Editor Prior Turnmeyer Writer/Photographer Ilia Guzei Writer/Photographer Aaron Conklin Writer The Ten Thousand Things Graphic Design Rosemary Wonnell Reviewer Ashley Petersen Reviewer Char Horsfall …
From the Chair’s Office
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m adjusting to my new role as department chair. I have been a UW-Madison faculty member for over 37 years, and my new position within the department has given …
Chemistry of Community
A photographic round-up of happenings over the last year.
By the Numbers
More than 70 people attended the 2024 Juneteenth Celebration organized by the UW–Madison chapter of NOBCChE 430 peer-reviewed articles by our faculty and affiliates in 2023-24 2000 square feet of space in our newly created …
Research: A tool for rethinking undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory curriculum
by Sam Gellman A recent manuscript from collaborators in the UW–Madison Department of Chemistry represents a very significant contribution to the undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory curriculum. A reviewer characterized this as “one of the highest …
Research: A new approach to building 3-D molecules for better drugs
by Dan Weix and Zhidao Huang A recent report in the journal Science from researchers in the UW-Madison Department of Chemistry represents a significant advance in making the types of molecules needed in drug development. …
Research: Wisconsin Center for Origins Research (WiCOR) launches, Widicus Weaver named director
by Aaron R. Conklin WiCOR, the brainchild of Eric Wilcots, the Dean of the College of Letters & Science and the Mary C. Jacoby Professor of Astronomy, was designed to connect researchers from multiple science-focused …
Lab Notes
Cavagnero Group Silvia Cavagnero is the recipient of the 2025 Emily M. Gray Award from the Biophysical Society. This honor recognizes Silvia for her development of undergraduate and graduate courses at the interface between chemistry …
The Paul J. Bender Chemistry Instrumentation Center: Advanced instruction and education to support discoveries
By Ilia Guzei and Kimberly M. Hazen In the 1920s, the Department of Chemistry at UW–Madison was already recognized as a center for chemical instrumentation, which attracted outstanding scientists such as The Svedberg, the famous …
Recognition: Awards & Achievements (listing)
Faculty Tim Bertram 2024 Vilas Mid-Career Investigator Award 2024 American Geophysical Union, Ascent Award 2024 Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Helen Blackwell 2024 Alexander M. Cruickshank Lecturer at the Gordon Research Conference on Chemistry …
Awards: Department of Chemistry earns regional MAGS recognition for DEI efforts
by Kimberly M. Hazen The Bridge to the Doctorate Fellowship Program (Bridge Program) and initiatives to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have earned the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Department of Chemistry the 2024 Award for …
New Faces, New Changes
New Staff Gabi Carosio, Instrumentation Scientist Peter Jaeger, Chemistry Outreach Manager Aaron Kluck, Financial Specialist Bryan Wakefield, Director of Undergraduate Chemistry Research (not pictured) Dylan Walsh, Scientist (not pictured) Changes Amanda Buchberger Jones, Associate Laboratory …
New Faculty: Assistant Professor Julian Cooper
Ph.D. in Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) B.S. in Chemistry from Rice University Julian Cooper joined the Department of Chemistry this past summer as an assistant professor to research and unlock new modes …
Chemistry Learning Center: Sparking student success
By Prior Turnmeyer-Clark The Chemistry Learning Center (CLC) is far more than a tutoring hub—it’s a space where dedicated educators transform student struggles into triumphs. At the core of this center is a team passionately …
The Newest Badger Chemists: Baccalaureate
Congratulations to our recent graduates.
The Newest Badger Chemists: Masters of Science
Congratulations to our recent graduates.
The Newest Badger Chemists: Ph.D.
Congratulations to our recent graduates.
Donor Spotlight: William J. & Shirley A. Maeck Family Foundation
William J. & Shirley A. Maeck Family Foundation donation provides valuable experience for undergraduate students.
A scientific voice for clean energy policy
Alumnus Steve Feldgus takes an unconventional career path with the Department of the Interior.
In Memoriam
1940s Jacob John Menn, 101, d. August 23, 2024. His studies at UW–Madison were interrupted when he returned to the family farm to work during World War II. He resumed his studies after the war …
Be featured on our new alumni wall.
The Department of Chemistry has many great stories to tell. As an alum, you are part of these stories and a reason for our success! Our new Featured Alumni Wall is located on the first-floor …
Your gift is a catalyst
Here’s how your gift to the Department of Chemistry has made a difference. Compiled by Emily Kitslaar “I credit this recognition to the invaluable support from sponsors like you, which enables the UW-Madison Department of …
Connection is the Catalyst
Join us for these events: March 23, 2025 | Alumni & Friends Reception at ACS San Diego, CA May 9, 2025 | Department of Chemistry Graduation Celebration & Reception August 17, 2025 | Alumni & …