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October 2025
Tuesday, Oct. 21 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Ming Lee Tang, University of Utah
Ming Lee Tang, University of Utah

Special Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Ming Lee Tang, University of Utah

4630 TBBC
4th floor Thatcher
In-Person Seminar

Photogenerated triplet excitons for photon upconversion and spin-polarization in QD-molecular nanostructures
by Ming Lee Tang, University of Utah

Abstract: Semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots (QDs), offer direct optical access to photogenerated triplet excited states for photon upconversion and spin-correlated radical pairs (SCRPs). This is important for energy conversion or quantum information science. QDs are excellent triplet photosensitizers because their synthetically tunable absorption profile usually comes with a large extinction coefficient, accessible with steady-state light sources at moderate temperatures. In this talk, I will describe how our initial foray into using QDs as light absorbers for photon upconversion via triplet-triplet annihilation, has lead us to explore different classes of materials for QIS applications. In particular, our work designing conjugated organic ligands to enhance triplet energy transfer from chalcogenide QDs for the most efficient conversion of near-infrared photons to visible light, has motivated research into silicon QDs. Compared to chalcogenide nanocrystals, silicon is non-toxic and earth-abundant. Silicon’s low spin-orbit coupling can potentially support spin-polarization in organics. Using Si QDs synthesized with a scalable non-thermal plasma, using pulsed EPR spectroscopy, we can generate, study and manipulate the spins in these hybrid Si:QD-acene nanostructures to photogenerate SCRPs. These highly tailorable inorganic-organic hybrid systems offer versatility, stability and expanded access to spin-active excitons compared to traditional all-organic donor-acceptor systems.

Host: Tom Richmond

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Thursday, Oct. 23 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Erik Alexanian, UNC Chapel Hill
Erik Alexanian, UNC Chapel Hill

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Erik Alexanian, UNC Chapel Hill

TBBC 4630 (4th floor Thatcher)

Amides & Amidyl Radicals: Unlocking Novel Reaction Platforms for Synthesis
by Erik Alexanian, UNC Chapel Hill

Abstract: Transformations of common molecular building blocks can broadly impact chemical synthesis in contexts ranging from the discovery of medicinally relevant small molecules to industrial-scale chemical production. This lecture will describe our efforts in harnessing new modes of reactivity in radical chemistry and organometallic catalysis to streamline the synthesis of diverse small molecules. First, our efforts applying the unique reactivity of amidyl radicals for the derivatization of several classes of organic substrates will be presented. In addition, our work involving the catalytic hydrocarbonylations of unsaturated substrates using earth-abundant metals will be discussed.

Host: Qilei Zhu

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Monday, Oct. 27 | 4pmThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Tom Linz, Wayne State University
Tom Linz, Wayne State University

Analytical Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Tom Linz, Wayne State University

High-Sensitivity Microfluidics to Characterize Biological Heterogeneity
by Tom Linz, Wayne State University

Abstract: Microfluidic analyses offer numerous benefits compared to traditional bioanalytical techniques. These miniaturized systems afford faster analysis times, require less sample volume, and can integrate sample preparation and analysis into a single platform. Our laboratory has harnessed these benefits to develop high sensitivity gel electrophoresis and digital PCR methods to measure diverse biological analytes including proteins, nucleic acids, and cells. Our electrophoresis project utilizes thermally responsive polymers as a gel matrix. Temperature is adjusted to tune analytical performance and achieve preconcentration and separation of biomolecules and cells. Our digital PCR project integrates detection of proteins and nucleic acids. Target analytes are measured from individual nanoscopic biocomplexes with single-molecule sensitivity. The innovative analytical strategies developed in our laboratory enhance measurement capabilities to facilitate biological research.

Host: Long Luo

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Tuesday, Oct. 28 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Barry Thompson, USC
Barry Thompson, USC

Materials Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Barry Thompson, USC

TBBC 4630 (4th floor Thatcher)

Approaches to Mechanically Robust and Sustainable Polymers for Organic Solar Cells
by Barry Thompson, USC

Abstract: Conjugated polymers have been the cornerstone of organic electronics, with applications in such diverse areas as photovoltaics, field effect transistors, batteries, and bioelectronics. However, a number of challenges are still apparent, including, scalability, sustainability, and applicability under a broad range of real-world conditions. Our efforts have focused on novel, simplified polymer architectures, scalable synthetic methods and applications in solar cells and batteries. In this talk, a primary focus will be on the design of novel semiconducting polymers for intrinsically stretchable solar cells (IS-PSCs). We have designed novel side-chain functionalized conjugated polymers bearing hydrogen-bonding groups, such as thymine. Such units capable of inducing strong intermolecular hydrogen-bonding leading to polymer assembly and highly efficient and mechanically robust PSCs. Importantly, such polymers have enabled IS-PSCs showing an unprecedented combination of PCE (13.7%) and ultrahigh mechanical durability (maintaining 80% of initial PCE after 43% strain). The talk will also address sustainable methods for the synthesis of conjugated polymers including the C-H activation-based method of Direct Arylation Polymerization (DArP). Additionally, efforts toward the development of novel non-conjugated electroactive polymers will be introduced where we focus on elucidating structure-function relationships and synthetic pathways for this promising materials class.

Host: Connor Bischak

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November 2025
Monday, Nov. 3 | 4pm
Ruibin Liang, Texas Tech University
Ruibin Liang, Texas Tech University

Physical Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Ruibin Liang, Texas Tech University

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-Person Seminar

Unraveling the functional mechanisms and design principles of photoactive biomolecular systems through multiscale simulations by Ruibin Liang, Texas Tech University 

Abstract: Photochemical reactions change electronic states during chemical transformations. A fundamental understanding of how they interact with proteins is essential for advances in biological and biomedical sciences. However, two central and fundamental questions remain elusive: (1) how does the protein environment modulate the pathway, dynamics, and quantum yields of the non-adiabatic reactions of the chromophores? (2) how do the non-adiabatic reactions induce structural changes in the protein? Molecular simulation is indispensable to answering these questions because it can resolve the energetics and kinetics of chemical reactions at atomic-level detail, which is often beyond the limit of current experimental techniques. However, the multiscale nature of these processes poses significant challenges for traditional computational methods. In this talk, I will discuss our recent efforts to overcome these computational challenges, focusing on the multiscale simulation of light-induced reactions in protein environments such as photoinduced electron transfer in cryptochrome and photoisomerization of molecular photoswitches in enzymes, microtubules, and G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). We developed a multiscale simulation framework that integrates new methods in docking, molecular dynamics, conical intersection seam exploration, first principles non-adiabatic dynamics, and free energy simulations. Notably, multireference electronic structure calculations were performed on-the-fly during the non-adiabatic dynamics simulation in a QM/MM setting, and global exploration of conical intersection seam space was achieved through the development of the Crystal method. The combination of these state-of-the-art simulation techniques enables comprehensive characterization of the photochemical reactivity of photoactive biological systems. Our simulations elucidate how the ligand-protein interactions and chemical modifications on the ligand are tightly coupled with the pathway, kinetics, and quantum yields of photochemical reactions. These novel insights are critical for improving the design of photoactive biomolecular systems in optogenetics and photopharmacology.Host: Jessica Swanson

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Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 10amEyring Chemistry Building - Henry (HEB)
ChemSAC and Curie Club Coffee Chat
ChemSAC and Curie Club Coffee Chat

curie club 11.4

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Thursday, Nov. 6 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Wei Liu, University of Cincinnati
Wei Liu, University of Cincinnati

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Wei Liu, University of Cincinnati

TBBC 4630 (4th floor Thatcher)

Title: TBA
by Wei Liu, University of Cincinnati

Abstract: TBA

Host: Qilei Zhu and Luo Long

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Monday, Nov. 10 | 4pmThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Jennifer Shumaker-Parry, University of Utah
Jennifer Shumaker-Parry, University of Utah

Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Jennifer Shumaker-Parry, University of Utah

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-person seminar

Title: TBA
by Jennifer Shumake-Parry

Abstract: TBA

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Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Daeyeon Lee, UPenn
Daeyeon Lee, UPenn

Materials Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Daeyeon Lee, University of Pennsylvania

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In person seminar

Title: TBA
by Daeyeon Lee, University of Pennsylvania

Abstract: TBA

Host: Luisa Whittaker-Brooks

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Thursday, Nov. 13 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Matt Sigman, University of Utah
Matt Sigman, University of Utah

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Matt Sigman, University of Utah

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-person seminar

Developing Data Science Tools for Synthetic Chemistsby Matt Sigman, University of Utah

Host: Cindy Burrows

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Monday, Nov. 17 | 4pmThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Michael Wasielewski, Northwestern University
Michael Wasielewski, Northwestern University

Physical Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Michael Wasielewski, Northwestern University

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-Person Seminar

Title: TBA
by Michael Wasielewski, Northwestern University

Abstract: TBA

Host: Connor Bischak

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Thursday, Nov. 20 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Libai Huang, Purdue University
Libai Huang, Purdue University

Materials Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Libai Huang, Purdue University 

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-Person Seminar

Title: TBA
by Libai Huang, Purdue University

Abstract: TBA

Host: Luisa Whittaker-Brooks

 

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December 2025
Monday, Dec. 1 | 4pmThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Tucker Carrington, Queen's University
Tucker Carrington, Queen's University

Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Tucker Carrington, Queen's University 

Exceptionally accurate ro-vibrational energy levels and tunnelling splittings of water dimer
by Tucker Carrington, Queen's University 

Abstract: We have used (contracted) basis functions that incorporate coupling between inter-molecular coordinates and coupling between intra-molecular coordinates and an iterative eigensolver to compute many energy levels of water dimer (a 12-D problem). The water monomers are completely flexible. We solve the full problem in a basis of products of intramolecular and inter-molecular functions. Intra-molecular coordinates specify the shape of the monomers and intermolecular coordinates specify the relative orientation of the two monomers and distance between them. We are able, for the first time, to compute many monomer-excited states water dimer. To solve the intra-molecular and inter-molecular problems we use the Lanczos algorithm, exploiting the product structure of the primitive basis. We calculate the potential matrix for the full problem without storing the potential on a full-dimensional grid. This is done by storing an intermediate matrix, called the F matrix and parallelizing the calculation. We use a new super accurate potential energy surface computed by S. Yang and D. Zhang, who fit a two-body interaction term with a large number of high-level ab initio points. Agreement with experimental spectra is extremely good. For (H2O)2 the best experiments probe the intermolecular levels and the root means square error (RMSE) with respect to experimental levels is 0.29 cm−1 ; for (D2O)2 the best experiments probe the intra-molecular levels and the RMSE with respect to 22 of 24 intra-molecular (D2O)2 levels is 0.17 cm−1 . The accuracy of our calculation makes it possible to re-assign several experimental bands.

Host: Ryan Steele

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Thursday, Dec. 4 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Shannon Stahl, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Shannon Stahl, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Shannon Stahl, University of Wisconsin-Madison

TBBC 4630 (4th floor Thatcher)

Title: TBA
by Shannon Stahl, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Abstract: TBA

Host: Chem SAC 

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Monday, Dec. 8 | 4pmThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Ann Wuttig, University of Chicago
Ann Wuttig, University of Chicago

Analytical Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Ann Wuttig, University of Chicago

In-person seminar
4630 TBBC
4th floor Thatcher

Electrocatalytic Synthesis with Interfacial Control
by Ann Wuttig, University of Chicago

Abstract: Chemical synthesis driven by electricity offers a scalable, decentralized, and energy-efficient route to furnish value-added products – from fuels to complex molecules. Maximizing reaction efficiency and durability requires immobilized catalytic active sites on electrodes, resulting in dispersed and non-uniform sites. This heterogeneity challenges iterative optimization of reactivity through traditional catalyst modifications, which rely on uniform, singular active sites. This lecture will focus on our research developing synthetic tools and concepts to predictively control interfacial structures at heterogeneous and reusable electrodes at the molecular level. Surface-sensitive techniques and mechanisms will be highlighted throughout the talk. Applications of our interfacial designs in enabling selective chemical syntheses and durable energy conversion systems will be discussed.

Bio: Anna Wuttig is a Neubauer Family Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department at the University of Chicago. She joined the faculty in July 2021. She holds a A.B. in Chemistry from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from MIT. She was an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at UC Berkeley. Her research group develops electricity-driven chemical reactions to synthesize products across the chemical value chain by drawing on physical and synthetic inorganic and organic tools to advance the underlying science gating chemical reactivity at electrified interfaces.

Host: Long Luo/Qilei Zhu

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Thursday, Dec. 11 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
David Nagib, Ohio State University
David Nagib, Ohio State University

Organic Seminar at the University of Utah
with David Nagib, Ohio State University 

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-person seminar

Title: TBA
by David Nagib, Ohio State University

Abstract: TBA

Host: Zhu

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Tuesday, Dec. 16 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Robert Baker, Ohio State University
Robert Baker, Ohio State University

Physical Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Robert Baker, Ohio State University

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In person seminar

Title: TBA
by Robert Baker, Ohio State University

Abstract: TBA

Host: Luisa Whittaker-Brooks

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January 2026
Thursday, Jan. 22 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Andrew McNally, Colorado State University
Andrew McNally, Colorado State University

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Andrew McNally, Colorado State University

In-person seminar
4630 TBBC 
4th floor Thatcher

Title: TBA
with Andrew McNally, Colorado State University 

Abstract: TBA

Host: Qilei Zhu

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Thursday, Jan. 29 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Guangbin Dong, University of Chicago
Guangbin Dong, University of Chicago

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Guangbin Dong, University of Chicago

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher 
In-person seminar

Title: TBA
by Guangbin Dong, University of Chicago

Abstract: TBA

Host: Qilei Zhu

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February 2026
Thursday, Feb. 12 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Jun Ohata, North Carolina State University
Jun Ohata, North Carolina State University

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Jun Ohata, North Carolina State University

4630 TBBC
4th floor Thatcher
In-Person Seminar

Title: TBA
by Jun Ohata, North Carolina State University

Abstract: TBA

Host: Andrew Roberts

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Thursday, Feb. 19 | 10:45amThatcher Chemistry Building (TBBC)
Monica McCallum, U Penn
Monica McCallum, U Penn

Organic Chemistry Seminar at the University of Utah
with Monica McCallum, U Penn

TBBC 4630
4th floor Thatcher
In-Person Seminar

Title: TBA
by Monica McCallum, U Penn

Abstract: TBA

Host: Andrew Roberts

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