
More efficient way of converting ethanol leads to better alternative fuel
A research team led by chemistry professor William Jones has developed a series of reactions that results in the selective conversion of ethanol to butanol, without producing unwanted byproducts.

Chemist Michael Neidig awarded Sloan Fellowship
Michael Neidig, an assistant professor of chemistry, has been recognized as a “rising star” by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Neidig is one of 126 U.S. and Canadian researchers selected as recipients of Sloan Research Fellowships for 2015.

Three Rochester scientists receive prestigious NSF CAREER awards
The National Science Foundation has granted its most prestigious award in support of junior faculty, the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program, to three University researchers: Antonio Badolato, Danielle Benoit, and Michael Neidig.

Daniel Weix to receive a Novartis Early Career Award
Novartis, a multi-national pharmaceutical company based in Switzerland, honors two scientists each year who are “within 10 years of having established an independent academic research career in the areas of organic or bioorganic chemistry in the broadest sense.” The Novartis Early Career Award comes with a $150,000 grant over three years to continue the recipient’s research.

Esther Conwell, pioneering professor of chemistry, dies at 92
Esther M. Conwell, research professor of chemistry, pioneer in the field of semiconductor research, and recipient of the National Medal of Science, died in a motor vehicle accident Sunday at the age of 92.

American Physical Society Honors Chemist
Todd Krauss is being recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of nanoscience, especially the photophysics of nanoscale semiconductors.

Chemistry Professor Recognized
The New York Section of the American Chemical Society has named Eisenberg the winner of its 2013 William H. Nichols Medal Award.

‘Holy Grail’ of Hydrogen Fuel
Work by a group of graduate students and chemistry professors is advancing what is sometimes considered the “holy grail” of energy science: lowering the cost while increasing the output of sunlight-powered hydrogen-production systems. The solution: nanocrystals and nickel catalysts.