Chemistry Department News
BYU physical chemistry student Joshua Washburn receives outstanding poster award
Posted: May 03, 2023
Joshua Washburn, BYU student of Dr. James Patterson, recently received the outstanding poster award at the Spring 2023 American Chemical Society Physical Chemistry Poster Session. The competition, held in-person in Indianapolis, Indiana, featured research posters summarizing student work from around the United States.
Washburn’s poster, featured in a picture below, describes his research, entitled “Characterization of tensile deformation in steel with non-linear optics.” He was among the eight students who received an award of achievement ...
Honoring Robert Bunsen on National Bunsen Burner Day
Posted: Apr 01, 2023
As the chemical community celebrated Bunsen Burner Day this weekend, we at BYU thought it would be fun to go over Robert Bunsen and some of his contributions to the world of science. Click the link below to watch an informational video and learn more:
Izatt-Christensen Lecture 2023 Review
Posted: Mar 29, 2023
On February 16, 2023, students from various mathematical and scientific disciplines gathered in classrooms on Brigham Young University’s campus to learn from Dr. Juan J. de Pablo, Liew Family professor for the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago and this year’s Izatt-Christensen Award recipient and lecturer. De Pablo instructed two seminar sessions intended for technical use by students and, later, for public interest and explanation, highlighting two of his most recent ...
Artem Marchenko, M.S., on Teaching, Learning, and Healing - The Savior's Way
Posted: Mar 15, 2023
Artem Marchenko has always loved science. He can recall his sixth grade chemistry class- the first he ever took - and his passion for mathematics, physics, and chemistry as a child growing up in Ukraine. Now a return missionary and BYU PhD student, Marchenko is acquiring as much knowledge as he can to help him achieve his goal of creating life-saving, cancer-combative drugs - a journey that he says, has taught him much about Christ-like ...
Pi Day, Pie Day
Posted: Mar 14, 2023
Happy Pi Day, Cougars! In honor of all things pi and pie, we’ve rounded up some educational (and delicious) videos, facts, and recipes for you to check out.
Pi Bonds
First of all, we all know what ℼ is. But, what are some unique ways this Greek letter applies to chemistry? Watch the video below for a quick explanation about pi orbitals and bonds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsuT4katVA4
Huckel’s Rule
Pi is also used in many chemically-important mathematical ...
Healing Water, Healing Earth, Healing Self: A Discussion with Master's Student Emmanuel Agbata
Posted: Mar 08, 2023
Emmanuel Agbata, B.S., is a current master’s student at Brigham Young University studying inorganic chemistry. With an undergraduate degree from the University of Benin in Nigeria, Agbata is passionate about making the world a cleaner, better place; and, with his current research and plans to graduate this year, he’s on the path to doing just that.
However, Agbata wasn’t always interested in chemistry. Originally planning on pursuing a medical degree in Nigeria, Agbata explains that ...
BYU Ph.D. student Callum Flowerday on analytical chemistry and the power of applied learning
Posted: Feb 15, 2023
Callum Flowerday, a first year analytical chemistry PhD student and mentor at Brigham Young University, is a model example of one who thrives off of acquiring knowledge. Were you to walk into his TA office in the BYU Ezra Taft Benson Building, you would be greeted by a massive whiteboard brimming with questions, queries, and concurrent research projects. It’s his love for learning, combined with humility and a desire to provide the world with cutting-edge ...
Love as a Catalyst
Posted: Feb 14, 2023
Valentine’s Day, fluffy and pink and - to some - nauseating, is upon us in all its chocolatey, flowery, sugar-coated glory. A time to celebrate the many emotions of the heart and gaze adoringly at romance, Valentine’s Day is not often associated with the practicality and logistics of science. However, taking a closer look at the chemical mechanisms that enable us to feel attachment and romance can help us better appreciate and celebrate love in ...